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

Newsletter No. 2

"A DAY WE HOPE WE WILL NEVER FORGET"

22ND MARCH 1999

Unveiling and Dedication of a Second World War Memorial Plaque

The response to Newsletter No 1 from the Radar National Advisory Group (NAG) has been overwhelming, causing the NAG Executive to re plan the whole event. Ted Dellit, secretary NAG, has received some 210 replies involving close to 400 people, (including spouses, relatives and friends), who have expressed interest and paid the necessary, non refundable, registration fee of $10.00

As a result of a three day visit to Canberra, during which I was ably supported by Alex Culvenor, Deputy Convenor NAG, Ted Dellit and Len Brighton, the programme outlined on the attached 'Application From' has been agreed. (this form shows also the cost of each of the three events) and can be summed up as follows:-

Monday 22nd March 1999

Note: Confirmation of these times, including coach/bus pickup times at nominated Motels, (see below), will be given in Newsletter 3.

Tuesday 23rd March 1999

AWM is desirous of limiting the number of visitors at any one time to 100 max. Transport times will be arranged accordingly.

The following points should be noted

Parking Space for Private Cars is extremley limited at the AWM due to construction works,. The cost of the Event's above therefore includes the cost of transporting each attendee from the two Motels shown below and which have offered accomodation at special rates. Ample parking is available at the Forrest Inn location for attendees in private or other accomodation (details in later newsletter)

Accommodation

The two Motels which have agreed to special rates are:-

The Forrest Inn and Albany Apartments (FLAG)

30 National Circuit Forrest ACT 2603

Phone (02) 62953433 Fax (02) 6295 2119

Reservations only free call 1800 676372

Room only Single $70.00  - Twin share $35.00 per person ie. $70.00

If interested - please inquire re apartments

Embassy Motel (Best Western)
Cnr Hopetoun Circuit and Adelaide Ave. deakin ACT 2600.
Phone (02) 6281 1322 Fax (02) 6281 1843
Reservations only free call 1800 659950
Room only Single $70.00  - Twin share $35.00 per person ie. $70.00
For both motels Please note:-
The allocated rooms will be held until 21st February 1999.
Minimum deposit - $20 or credit card details

The quoted rates will apply to longer stays either side of our event dates 22nd - 23rd march 1999

Cancellations up to 24 hours prior to arrival date with any monies paid being refunded in full.

Mention RADAR/RADAR ASSOCIATION when booking please.

WE SUGGEST BOOKING EARLY.

Event No 1. Many of you will recall our first National Reunion September 1988 in Canberra. It was centred on the Ainslie Football Club and Alex and I were most impresses with the extensive upgrading of this facility over the past 10 years. Club facilities will be available to attendee together with drinks from a cash bar. The cost of this event includes transport and a light lunch at your expense.

Event No 2. Dinner in the Members Dining Room Old Parliament House should prove an outstanding and unique occasion for most of our attendees, a "once in a lifetime experience" Your executive committee strongly recommends your attendance, tables will be in 10's and we will do our best to accomodate your wishes as to choice of friends to be seated with you. The cost is all inclusive including transport, pre dinner and dinner drinks.

Event No 3. by the time we visit the Treloar Annexe, located in the suburb of Mitchell, the AWM staff anticipate that the LW/AW Radar will have been moved from its present storage location into the ground floor workshop. Its conservation programme should be well under way and we will see it in a partly dismantled state, but quite recognisable. In addition there are many aircraft and other Military exhibits on the ground floor which can be viewed from a walk around the mezannine floor. A lift is available for those in need. The cost of this event includes bus/coach travel from Motels indicated above plus a small entry fee to cover the cost of the special opening of this facility for our benefit.

Tours - In and around Canberra  Murrays Australia

Day Tours of Canberra are available from Murrays who have indicated that they are happy to offer a 20% discount to our attendees for any day tour booked with them whilst in Canberra for this occasion.

Full and Half day Tours include the following

Sheep Station
Australia Institute of Sport
Canberra City Tour   
Cockington Green
South Coast   
Discover Sydney

Murrays have suggested that our attendees should ring

Amanda Beltran - Caroline Hughes or Kerry Miles Between 9am and 5pm on (02) 62395092 or Fax (02) 6239 5094. and mention RADAR/RADAR ASSOCIATION. These people will send you brochures, give you costs and take bookings.

The Canberra Explorer Tour is offered at $18.00 per person - full day pass - and should prove well worthwhile, a timetable is appended.

Murrays are also offering a Tour to Tidbinbilla Tracking Station and nature reserve - full day (10.00am - 4.00pm) including lunch and based on minimum of 25 passengers at $40.00 per person. If interested, arrange a group and book.

APPLICATION FORM

Your committee envisages a further one or two newsletters to keep those interested informed, but we do require you to complete and return the attached Application Form by no later than 31st January 1999 with your cheque made in favour of Radar Air defence Branch No 2 Account Please and forward to:-

Ted Dellit - Secretary, National Advisory Group
34 Westmoreland Avenue
Collaroy NSW  2097

Kindly note that the Radar Air Defence Branch will underwrite any loss, but if a surplus results this will form part of what we hope will be a reasonable contribution from all contactable World War II Radar Veterans towards the restoration costs of the LW/AW  Radar at the AWM. A call for tax deductible financial support for this project will be made in the New Year for your consideration.

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Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF PARTICIPATION IN THE CEREMONY

Through the good offices of our Radar Air Defence Branch Patron, Air Commodore (Rtd) Dave Bowden, an approach has been made to the Chief of air Force (CAF), Air Marshal Errol McCormack AO, to unveil the Commemorative Plaque. Dave assures me that the Air Marshal has 'pencilled in' this event and date, together with attendance at our dinner that night at Old Parliament House. I have sent a letter of invitation to the Air Marshal accordingly.

Group Captain Neil Burlinson, Commander RAAF Surveillance and Control Group, Williamtown, NSW and Wing Commander Jon Blacklock, CO No 3 Control and Reporting unit, RAAF Williamtown, have both expressed a strong interest in this Ceremony and, subject to their operational requirements in March 1999, wish to respond to our invitation and arrange for up to 50 serving RAAF to attend and parade at this Service. The minimum we can expect is a Flag Party

I'm sure we would all be delighted, (as we were in Bendigo in 1992), to welcome this interest from Serving RAAF. THe Radar Air Defence Branch know from our Anzac Day experience over many years past, the young men and women of the serving RAAF thoroughly enjoy their association with Second World War RAAF and WRAAF veterans.

With kind regards for now

Walter Fielder-Gill
Convenor NAG Sub Committe - President RAD Branch (NSW DIV INC.)