Calling ex CDs
My name is John Zantvoort and live in Adelaide, I served as a Clearance Diver during the 70s, doing some time in HMAS Derwent, Parramatta, Snipe and Penguin.
I have heard on the grapevine that a group of 'ex' Clearance Divers has formed an association and get together for major events eg ANZAC Day etc.
Is there any way you could direct me to this group as I would love to catch up with them and perhaps get some latest news on the CD branch.
John Zantvoort
jayzed@iprimus.com.au


Many thanks
On behalf of my wife Penny and myself, I would like to publicly thank members of the Naval Health Branch and Ship's Company of HMAS Cairns, who took the time to say farewell to our dear friend PO Pascal Suresh De Silva. He passed away on July 1 2002 in Cairns and a Naval funeral was held in Sydney on July 15. May his soul now Rest in Peace. We love you Pascal.
Harry Sullivan
LCDR RANR
QLD


Flags and masts
Please let J Douglas (of Sandringham Vic, Letters July 8) know that Navy News reported the Ceremony of Half Masting Flags correctly. A flag is Halfmasted by Hoisting the flag "Close Up" and "Lowering" the flag to the half mast position. I am sure that the correct tradition was continued.
NB Willoughby
Lismore NSW


Saving Vengeance
We would like to update you in a follow up when you published information about the campaign to save the former aircraft carrier HMAS Vengeance in February 2002.
This week we formally submittted a bid to the Brazilian Navy and they are discssuing whether we have won the bid to purchase her and turn her into a museum. If we lose there is the possibility that she will go to the scrap merchants.
A full update can be found on our email at:
vengeancecampaign@fleetairarmarchive.net
Graham Falkner-Drucker
Save the Vengeance Appeal
[Graham included a number of full web addresses which I have omitted for brevity - Ed]


Cadets and careers
As a previous member of the Navy, I was initially interested to read of the excellent Youth Program initiative in the article. As I read further, I was additionally delighted to note the achievements of SMNMT McCloy, both for his excellent academic result, and also for a number of more personal reasons. You see, I was also a Naval Reserve Cadet at TS Hawkesbury (1975-77), and later an Adult Recruit in Moran Division in 1979. I served in the Communications Branch from 1980 to 1985 (HMA Ships Melbourne, Tobruk, Watson and Moreton) before leaving to study for a career in nursing. I have since had a very rewarding career in the Army, including with the Parachute Battalion Group, the Army Aviation Centre, Oakey and two tours of East Timor. My current posting has me talking with Navy colleagues on a very frequent basis, and my best friend to this day is an old Naval Reserve Cadet mate. I have known of many members of the Navy, Army and Airforce Cadets who have come to serve with distinction in the full-time and part-time services. I therefore hope that the Youth Program (and Cadet Schemes) continues, and that SMN McCloy has a successful and rewarding career for many years to come as I have had.
Kerry Clifford
Major
SO2 Health Development
LHQ


More thanks
I have recently read the article written by Mark on ANZAC day in HMAS Newcastle. I write to say how much I enjoyed it and the feelings he communicated to me and no doubt many other old salts. As a member of the ANA and the Corvettes Assn there is often access to Navy News and any publications are eagerly read and further distributed to other shipmates who do not have the same opportunity as we in Brisbane do.
I further congratulate those shipmates in operations worldwide.
Graham Gardiner
Northgate QLD