Second World War Radar National Advisory Group to the Australian War Memorial

Newsletter No. 1

"A DAY WE HOPE WE WILL NEVER FORGET"

22ND MARCH 1999

Unveiling and Dedication of a Second World War Memorial Plaque in the Grounds of the Australian War Memorial. Canberra

Through "Wings" magazine of the RAAF Association. "Radar Returns" and various bulletins from State Radar organisations, by now you will most likely be aware of the formation of the Radar National Advisory Group (NAG) to assist the Australian War memorial (AWM) in two projects which should be of great interest to the Second World War RAAF and WRAAF Radar Veterans.

These are:

The placing of a Memorial Plaque to all Second World War RAAF and WRAAF Radar Veterans in the Western Courtyard currently being constructed adjacent to the main AWM building entrance and the conservation and restoration of the one remaining (LW/AW) Radar and its installation in the Bradbury Aircraft Hall at the AWM.

The Bradbury Aircraft Hall (depicting the Air War in the Pacific and Korea) is presently being reconstructed and is not expected to be open until late 1999/ early 2000.

NAG. comprises representatives from each state.

The Convenor is Walter Fielder-Gill (NSW) Telephone (02) 9417 8065

Deputy Convenor Alex Culvenor (VIC) Telephone (03) 5476 2288

Secretary Ted Dellit (NSW) Telephone (02) 9971 6945

The names and telephone numbers of your State Representatives (in addition to the above) are:

The purpose of this Newsletter is to bring you up to date with activities concerning the Plaque. It will be unvieled and dedicated in a short ceremony in the morning of Monday 22 March 1999.

While a Reunion such as at Bendigo in 1992 and Nelson Bay in 1995 is not envisaged, NAG is organising a full day of activities which will start with the unveiling and dedication Ceremony. This is expected to take 30 - 40 minutes. Immediatley afterwards there will be the opportunity to inspect the Western Courtyard, the redeveloped Second World War Gallery and possibly the work done on the Bradbury Aircraft Hall.

After lunch a visit will be made to the AWM Treloar Technology Centre at Mitchell (a Northern Suburb of Canberra) to view the LW/AW Radar where refurbishing should be close to completion by 22nd March 1999 if current plans hold. Finally, in the evening, a Dinner will most likely be held in one of the galleries of the AWM.

NAG is now seeking the earliest possible registration of interest by those veterans planning to attend

"A Day We Hope We Will Never Forget"

This is necessary so that arrangements can be made with the AWM, RAAF, bus operatives etc for the proposed activities for the day. If you are thinking of attending would you kindly complete the attached slip and return it with a cheque or money order for $10 made payable to:   "Radar Air Defence Branch no 2 Account" before 31st July 1998. This amount will cover the cost of future Newsletters, which will only be sent to those who have registered. Any surplus from the amounts subscribed will help defray the costs of the activities on 22nd March 1999.

In March weather in Canberra should be quite pleasant and as you are aware there is plenty to see of interest so why not think of organising a group to visit that city for a few days around March 22nd 1999.

I would be delighted if you could join with your Second World War Comrades on this very important day:

but remember it is most important that we receive your earliest possible expression of interest by returning the slip attached asap and no later than 31st July 1998 PLEASE

Kindest Regards

Walter Fielder-Gill
Convenor National Advisory Group (NAG)