Support on hand for those in Middle East

The Melbourne Legacy Wives Association wishes to send a message of support to all those personnel who are currently on active service in the Middle East, and also to their families at home.
We have great pride in them and commend them for their efforts in the war against terrorism.
Our membership consists of women who have experienced the effects of conflict on families.
We would be happy to be a support for those whose loved ones are overseas and who might like to communicate with someone who has been through a similar experience.
I appreciate that most of the personnel involved come from bases well to the north of Melbourne, and I assume that emotional support for their families is available at such bases.
It may be, however, that there are families in Melbourne who cannot take advantage of those services. It is here that we might be able to assist.
An initial contact can be made through Miss Margret Pongers at Legacy House, Melbourne on 03-9663 3564 (BH) who will arrange a call back.

Pam Grierson
President, Melbourne Legacy Wives Association.

Divers' uniforms plunge to new depths

I find it really frustrating to see CN (Vol. 45, No.1, page 3) allowing clearance divers to bastardise our uniforms.
There is a certain level of professionalism expected in the RAN and it's sad too see that the divers do not comply to any laws governing uniforms.
I for 1 am sick and tired of seeing divers walking around Defence establishments wearing whatever uniform in whatever way they want.
If they are in the Navy then surely they should dress accordingly.
Yes, I know that they are permitted to wear DCPU's (only in an operational unit though), but please....if it's good enough for the rest of the Navy to comply with the rules and regulations...........
Thank you for your time and patience.

PO Andrew Hayward,
HMAS Waterhen.

Memorial one of the best

I have just received my December issue of Navy News and would like to say BRAVO ZULU to the Rotary Club of Geraldton, and the architects of the memorial to the loss of HMAS Sydney.
This would be one, if not the best looking memorial I have been honoured to see ( only in print), but will make sure I see it next year when in Western Australia for HMAS Hobart's reunion.

Bill Warncke ex CPO
Cairns, Queensland.

More on rank insignia

Re your article 'Is the Able Seaman able?' in Navy News, November 12, 2001:
Some further information on rank insignia etc can be obtained from 'Manual of Seamanship 1937-Volume One (1941 reprint).
It includes the now discontinued shoulder insignia.
You may notice the 'half ring' was at that time Warrant Officer rank insignia.
The section on the lower deck, although interesting, is quite large.

Bill Bowley
CPONPC (RANR)

Associated gratitude

On behalf of the members of the Allied Chinese Ships Association, I express our gratitude for the interest Navy News has taken in our affairs.
In particular we appreciate the fact that you help with our reunion advertisements - which produce some remarkable results - and, the historical article 'From Acheron to Anzac' (p25 NN October 29, 2001) which included reference to our ships.
Good to know that we are not forgotten. Thanks for your support.

Merv Wildy,
National secretary, Allied Chinese Ships Association.

Powers of observation put to the test

In the last couple of issues of Navy News, I have noticed what appear to be mistakes. But are they mistakes or are they purposely meant to test our powers of observation?
The first abnormality to which I refer is in the November 26, 2001 issue on page 18, a photograph of the White Ensign flying on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Federal Star and Southern Cross on that ensign appear to be coloured red.
I do not know of any official Australian flags that have red stars in the fly.
The second apparent mistake appears on page three of the December 10, 2001 edition.
This shows a photo and caption of Mrs Susan Littleton and SMNCD Ryan Shephard cutting the commissioning cake of CDT4.
However, the photo shows Ryan wearing the rank badge of an Able Seaman.
Navy News is an excellent publication and I look forward to the arrival of the next issue (with or without the observation test).

LSSN Peter Sawyer,
Email address supplied.

Re observation one: The photo in question appeared in the Reserve News section and looks to have a slight problem with the colour registration. I can assure you there have been no changes to the White Ensign.
Re observation two: You have spotted a proper error (and well spotted too, as his rank insignia was very small in the photo). To that, we can only say "oops" and attempt to blame the supplied caption information on someone else.
No more observation tests, we hope! - Ed.