Brian Try this Ian Port Macquarie http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-corpus-WH2.html http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-corpus-WH2.html

Hi Can any good Lister provide me with some Web-sites for the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. Many thanks Brian

The "Zealandia" was a Huddart Parker passenger/cargo liner of 6600 tons, built 1910, and known as "Z", see: http://www.merchant-navy-ships.com/index.php?id=44,0,0,1,0,0 http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/navy/zealandia.htm Yours, John Wilson > My uncle, Walter Ross ("Ross") Downie was killed when the hospital ship > Centaur was sunk in 1943. However, I have just been sent an old news article > about the Centaur by a relative, which has a note on it that reads "Walter > Ross Downie was also a member of the ships crew "The Zealandia" which was > sunk by Japanese bombers at Darwin on 19 February 1942". >

>Hi Ross > >In 1941 the Zealandia was a troopship (HMAT Zealandia). She conveyed many >Australians to Singapore departing Fremantle on 30 May 1941. She may have >been part of the convoy from the East Coast which travelled to Fremantle >escorted by HMAS Sydney, then onto Singapore. SYDNEY was based in Fremantle from September 1941. From there she twice escorted ZEALANDIA with troops for Singapore. On the second occasion she handed the transport over to a British cruiser at the Sunda Straits and then set out for Fremantle. She was sunk en route by KORMORAN. Ric Pelvin

Those with an interest in the Womens Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) of WW2 might find http://www.diggerhistory3.info/waaaf/ of some value. Cheers, Ted Harris

Jan Thanks for the news that the Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans will soon be on the Internet. Both the 1996 and 1997 versions of the Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans had both print and electronic versions. The electronic version was an MS Access database and being a long time MS Access user my 1997 version works fine. I would expect the new version will have some additional names. The 1996 and 1997 versions had the following details. * Full name * Service * Service no * Date of birth * Corps/Branch/Category/Mustering * Unit * Permanent/national service New information in the forthcoming Internet version. * Place of birth * Rank * Date of death and place of commemoration of war dead * Honours and gallantry awards * Next of kin Anthony Staunton

Hi Ross In 1941 the Zealandia was a troopship (HMAT Zealandia). She conveyed many Australians to Singapore departing Fremantle on 30 May 1941. She may have been part of the convoy from the East Coast which travelled to Fremantle escorted by HMAS Sydney, then onto Singapore. She did take onboard Western Australians at Fremantle including those of the 2/6th Field Park Coy RAE. I have a photo of her and can send a copy if you are interested. Regards Allan

Anthony thank you very much for this imformation - greatly appreciated. I'll start with the Sydney Veterans Affairs office as you suggested and work my way from there. I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again Ross Downie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anthony Staunton" <anthony.staunton@pcug.org.au> To: <AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2006 11:34 AM Subject: RE: [AUS-MIL] The Zealandia - Sunk Darwin February 1942 > Ross > > Your uncle was a civilian merchant mariner. He is listed at > http://www.cwgc.org/ > <snip>

Hi everyone I saw a notice re the Vietnam War Nominal Roll in the SMH yesterday. DVA is developing a comprehensive nominal roll for the Vietnam War. In 1997 DVA put out a print version of the Vietnam War nominal roll and this will be available on the Internet in August 2006. A more comprehensive roll will be completed in August 2007. It will include the following data collected from the service dossiers of the Australian armed forces who landed in Vietnam or entered Vietnamese waters between 23 May 1962 and 29 Apr 1975 * Full name * Service * Service no * Date of birth * Place of birth * Corps/Branch/Category/Mustering * Rank * Unit * Next of kin * Date of death and place of commemoration of war dead * Honours and gallantry awards * Permanent/national service If you wish to be excluded from the publication of the nominal roll you will need to send your request in writing to: The Manager Nominal Rolls Section Dept of Veterans' Affairs PO Box 21 Woden ACT 2606 With your full name, service, service no and date of birth. Requests made on behalf of a veteran should be accompanied by documentary proof of authority to act for the veteran eg enduring power of attorney and an explanation as to why the power of attorney has been exercised. Members who have already requested to be excluded from the limited roll will continue to be excluded. Veterans, or their families, who want their name and details to be published on the nominal roll do not need to contact the dept. For further information contact DVA on 1300 780 133 or email nominal.rolls@dva.gov.au Best wishes Jan

Ross Your uncle was a civilian merchant mariner. He is listed at http://www.cwgc.org/ The records of Australian merchant mariners are held at the Canberra office of NAA at http://www.naa.gov.au/ on microfilm in series A8877. As well as some personal information, the name of ships and dates of service are recorded. I have used these records and there is a detailed listing of all ships served on. As well as a listing by individual there is a second series that list ships. So as well as asking for the record of your uncle I would also ask for the records of both the Zealandia and Centaur. The only problem with the records is that they are handwritten and sometimes require patience to decipher. I believe Veterans' Affairs has a copy of these records, Give the Sydney Office a ring and see if they can help you. I would ask for the Freedom of Information officer. His name does not seem to appear on the World War 2 Nominal Roll at http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/ contact nominal.rolls@dva.gov.au and give them the details. NAA also states that other information can be sought from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which can be contacted as follows: Australian Maritime Safety Authority GPO Box 2181 Canberra ACT 2601 Tel: (02) 6279 5000 Fax: (02) 6279 5866 If you contact the Australian Maritime Safety Authority I would be most interested in their response. I was under the impression they had created the microfiche which they gave to NAA and DVA and have no additional information. Anthony Staunton see www.mhsa.org.au -----Original Message----- From: ross [mailto:rwdownie@optusnet.com.au] Sent: Saturday, 27 May 2006 10:51 AM To: AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-MIL] The Zealandia - Sunk Darwin February 1942 Hello Listers I was wondering if there is someone who can help me or point me in the right direction. My uncle, Walter Ross ("Ross") Downie was killed when the hospital ship Centaur was sunk in 1943. However, I have just been sent an old news article about the Centaur by a relative, which has a note on it that reads "Walter Ross Downie was also a member of the ships crew "The Zealandia" which was sunk by Japanese bombers at Darwin on 19 February 1942". I am not sure whether this is meant to mean he was on The Zealandia when it was sunk, or simply served on it some time prior. Would there be crew lists for The Zealandia which I could search. And how could I find out what other ships my uncle served on in WW2 ???? Any help greatly appreciated. Ross Downie Sydney ==== AUS-MILITARY Mailing List ==== Anzac Research http://anzacresearch.tripod.com/index.htm

Hello Listers I was wondering if there is someone who can help me or point me in the right direction. My uncle, Walter Ross ("Ross") Downie was killed when the hospital ship Centaur was sunk in 1943. However, I have just been sent an old news article about the Centaur by a relative, which has a note on it that reads "Walter Ross Downie was also a member of the ships crew "The Zealandia" which was sunk by Japanese bombers at Darwin on 19 February 1942". I am not sure whether this is meant to mean he was on The Zealandia when it was sunk, or simply served on it some time prior. Would there be crew lists for The Zealandia which I could search. And how could I find out what other ships my uncle served on in WW2 ???? Any help greatly appreciated. Ross Downie Sydney

Liz, In WWW1 Norfolk Islanders enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and the British Army. They are all listed on the Honours Board at the RSA. I have a list of all those in the NZEF. The ones in the Australian force can be found at both the Australian War Museum site, and the National Archives of Australia site- search for Norfolk Island 1910-1920. The ones in Britain may be at NAA, or will be in the Medal cards lists at the PRO site. For WW2 it is probably the same, but I don't have any information for WW2 NZ The odd person could be in some other army. Christine Liava'a Pacific Islands Interests, NZ Society of Genealogists -----Original Message----- From: Liz McCoy [mailto:no9@norfolk.net.nf] Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 12:55 PM To: AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Records Hi there Listers, I am new to this list, I work for the Kingston Arthur's Vale Historical Area Management Board on Norfolk Island, Running the Norfolk Island Cemetery tours, and a historical home No 9. Quality Row originally the home of the Royal Engineers, it is now our KAVHA Restoration Heritage, Research and Interpretation Centre. During WW1 and WW2 Norfolk Island had the highest head of enlistment per ratio than any other commonwealth country. The Norfolk Islanders signed up with the local Militia, were then posted with other allied forces. Can someone please tell me were to look to find records of when and where, they were posted to. Thanks Liz - ------------------------------------------------ This E-mail has been scanned for virus content by Trend IMSS at Norfolk Telecom. All effort is made to remove all known virus content from messages however the ISP takes no responsibility for virus infections on personal computers, no matter what the source. ______________________________ -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.7.1/348 - Release Date: 5/25/2006

For people interested in RAAF, particularly in WW2 can I suggest http://www.diggerhistory3.info/raaf/ It is a reproduction of an official book put out by RAAF for their Golden Anniversary. It has some Australian Flying Corps details (1914-1919) and covers RAAF from 1921 to 1971. It has many, many great insights into the debt we owe the Boys in Blue. Cheers, Ted Harris

We shouldn't get all hung out to dry about a name. Compulsory National Service was for conscripts only. Therefore it was conscription. Conscription is compulsory military training by *any* name. Therefore the words are interchangeable. Cheers, Ted Harris ----- Original Message ----- From: <jnnyb@aol.com> To: <AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 6:37 PM Subject: Re: [AUS-MIL] National Service late 1950s > Thank you everyone who has replied about National Service in the late 1950s. > I must admit that it was my wording to say 'conscription' instead of National Service. > When I go through the process of trying to get some personal records I'll try to take notes and get back to the list about my success (or failure!). > Everyone's help had been very much appreciated as Dad died recently and this was one of those things he said just before he died. > > best wishes, > > Jenny Coates > > Melbourne's Unemployed in the 1890s > http://home.primusonline.com.au/jennyc/Melbourne/ > >

Hi Jenny, I've tried to recall a bit from those times because I'm of your father's vintage. I offer these comments as basis on which other listers can correct and amend as and where they know more. It wasn't known as 'conscription', and if I remember correctly, the word wasn't mentioned. The National Service Act 1951 brought in 'compulsory military training' in all three arms of the forces. As from 17 March 1951 all men had to register at age 19 for that training. The army was relatively short term away in camp, (11 weeks?) followed with obligatory fortnight annually in local CMF unit for two years. Navy and Air Force was longer period (6 months?) of training in a single time block, with, I think, only one annual intake. The navy and air force training was only at a small number of locations (one each? ) whereas army used a number of camps and intakes each year. Overall, the committment in time for a trainee was same for all services but army training was spread over the short initial block and the balance part time over two years. But those who elected or chose to train in navy and air force additionally had to volunteer for overseas service if the need ever arose. For those, their registration and agreement to the extra conditions had to be countersigned by a parent or alternatively witnessed by a JP that the registrant knew what he was doing. And in so volunteering you were tied to that deal for a number of years. Each intake was given a number eg No.-- NSTU (National Service Training Unit). A friend has just told me his was Air Force No.5 NSTU in 1955. From 1 May 1957 measures were put in place to reduce the number of trainees although registration was still compulsory. Navy and air force training was discontinued, the medical standards were tightened (informally?) and a ballot system based on birthdate introduced to select those for training. From 26 November 1959 the scheme was 'suspended'. From 30 June 1960 it was discontinued. Overall the scheme wasn't seen by most in the age group of trainees as particularly onerous. Those with prior training in school cadets thought they had a good introduction. There was a degree of choice available within the system and many were able to defer the actual training camps for a number of reasons. Students for example, and those with family or 'carer' (to use a word in its modern meaning) responsibilities or special work committments were readily granted deferment. Not sure whether apprentices had a special arrangement. People of the parents generation were those that had concerns - didn't want to go through '39-'45 experience again, could see Government extending it etc. etc. On the last point they were right. A re-introduction of the scheme was announced 10 November 1964 and we know where that took us. From July 1965 20 year olds (note the older age) had to register for a ballot for longer full time training period of two years. I haven't tried to get records but think I saw a heading on NAA site. I'd be interested to know if my notes are accurate, and what others' experiences were and if you do find records. John ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Boyd" <mikejboyd@bigpond.com> To: <AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:48 PM Subject: Re: [AUS-MIL] Conscription circa 1958 > Jenny > That was the old CMF progrgam of the 1950's. I think all young men at 21 > years of age where called up. > > You may need to talk to the Army reserve Unit that is nearest to where > yourt father was living in the 1950's. He would have a FILE and we on the > Roll or Pay books for that Unit. > > During the 1950's my late father used to go every Tuesday night on the > Tweed River and it is was aa part of life. When we got older my sister > and Iwould help my mother make the tea for after the parade. > > You may need to write to the Army Records people in Canberra to see if you > can get his file. I would expect that his file is still with the Defence > Department because of the 75 year rule with Archives. > > Mike Boyd > Brisbane > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <jnnyb@aol.com> > To: <AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:45 PM > Subject: [AUS-MIL] Conscription circa 1958 > > >> Hello folks, >> >> Can anyone give me some leads on conscription in the late 1950s? >> My father said he was conscripted as a young man but policies changed >> before he actually signed up. He was born in 1938 so I'm thinking it must >> have been around when he was 20 as my mother was married to him by 1960 >> and knows nothing of this part of his life. >> >> I realise that records may not exist but can anyone enlighten me a little >> further? I've looked at the AWM site and NAA but would like some advice >> on how to narrow the search. >> >> Jenny

Hi there Listers, I am new to this list, I work for the Kingston Arthur's Vale Historical Area Management Board on Norfolk Island, Running the Norfolk Island Cemetery tours, and a historical home No 9. Quality Row originally the home of the Royal Engineers, it is now our KAVHA Restoration Heritage, Research and Interpretation Centre. During WW1 and WW2 Norfolk Island had the highest head of enlistment per ratio than any other commonwealth country. The Norfolk Islanders signed up with the local Militia, were then posted with other allied forces. Can someone please tell me were to look to find records of when and where, they were posted to. Thanks Liz -------------------------------------------------- This E-mail has been scanned for virus content by Trend IMSS at Norfolk Telecom. All effort is made to remove all known virus content from messages however the ISP takes no responsibility for virus infections on personal computers, no matter what the source.

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-conflicts-periods/other/ntl-service.htm will give most of the details. If the link is broken, Copy & Paste the ENTIRE URL into your browser. Cheers, Ted Harris ----- Original Message ----- From: <jnnyb@aol.com> To: <AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:45 PM Subject: Conscription circa 1958 > Hello folks, > > Can anyone give me some leads on conscription in the late 1950s? > My father said he was conscripted as a young man but policies changed before he actually signed up. He was born in 1938 so I'm thinking it must have been around when he was 20 as my mother was married to him by 1960 and knows nothing of this part of his life. > > I realise that records may not exist but can anyone enlighten me a little further? I've looked at the AWM site and NAA but would like some advice on how to narrow the search. > > Jenny > > ______________________________

Thank you everyone who has replied about National Service in the late 1950s. I must admit that it was my wording to say 'conscription' instead of National Service. When I go through the process of trying to get some personal records I'll try to take notes and get back to the list about my success (or failure!). Everyone's help had been very much appreciated as Dad died recently and this was one of those things he said just before he died. best wishes, Jenny Coates Melbourne's Unemployed in the 1890s http://home.primusonline.com.au/jennyc/Melbourne/

Hi Jenny & Anthony I was born March 1937 and got called up. However, I was deemed medically unfit because of my eyes. I did not have glasses; the Navy & Air Force would not accept me but the Army would if I bought spectacles. I was doing night study at the time and decided I could not afford the time interruptions; so, I did not buy the spectacles and they couldn't force me. In some respects, I now regret it. I had previously applied for permanent Air Force and I knew what was going to happen. The deal was six months straight in the Navy or AirForce and completely finished. Otherwise, the Army deal was three months straight and the other three months equivalent was made up of night parades and weekend bivouacs. A younger workmate was called up for Vietnam and could not get out of it because of his studies. He served in the medical corp because of his objections. Will try and remember others that were called up at the same time and ask them. Kind regards Viv Martin ex Bendigo now Mentone ----------------------------------------------------------------------- .

Jenny It was for 18 year olds. There was three months full time training and then part time service for a number of years. If he was born in 1938 he would have done his three months about 1956/1957 and I expect that the scheme was wound up in 1960 before he completed his time. For confirmation get him to apply for his Anniversary of National Service Medal. He may also be eligible for the Australian Defence Medal. Application forms see http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/categories/honours.htm Medals are looked after by Defence not Veterans' Affairs. I concur with the advice of Ric Pelvin about the 30 year rule. Anthony Staunton -----Original Message----- From: jnnyb@aol.com [mailto:jnnyb@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, 24 May 2006 2:45 PM To: AUS-MILITARY-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-MIL] Conscription circa 1958 Hello folks, Can anyone give me some leads on conscription in the late 1950s? My father said he was conscripted as a young man but policies changed before he actually signed up. He was born in 1938 so I'm thinking it must have been around when he was 20 as my mother was married to him by 1960 and knows nothing of this part of his life. I realise that records may not exist but can anyone enlighten me a little further? I've looked at the AWM site and NAA but would like some advice on how to narrow the search. Jenny ==== AUS-MILITARY Mailing List ==== AUS-MILITARY is set so that, by default, replies go to the list. Please check your replies before sending, to make sure that is what you know is happening.