CONTACT BLOG SPOT Archives - Page 4 of 74

Royal Australian Air Force personnel from Australia's Federation Guard and 100 Squadron carry the caskets of Warrant Officer Russell Grigg and Warrant Officer Clement Wiggins in Port Moresby, PNG. Story by Squadron Leader Karyn Markwell. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Aiesha Katz-White.

World War II aviators laid to rest after eight decades

06/06/202517/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 931 Views 0 Comments Historical Unrecovered War Casualties – Air Force (HUWC-AF), No. 100 Squadron, PNG, WWII

The remains of two aviators from 100 Squadron Beaufort A9-186 were laid to rest in a moving committal service on

Private Arianna Yunkaporta and Private Irwin Yunkaporta, of 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, attend a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Photos by Corporal Jarrod Moreels.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget

Emotional trip south for Indigenous soldiers

06/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 859 Views 0 Comments 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment, Army Reserve, AWM, WWII

Canberra did not put on its best to welcome Arianna and Irwin Yunkaporta – the two Army Reserve soldiers from

Letters to the Editor

CONTACT paper issues 1-40 for sale

06/06/202511/07/2025 Andrew Thompson 386 Views 0 Comments

I have for sale, CONTACT magazines issues 1 to 40, in excellent condition. They were bought new and stored in

An Australian M1A2 SEP v3 main battle tank at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

Letters to the Editor

Are Tanks Obsolete?

05/06/2025 Bruce Cameron 872 Views 0 Comments

A video is circulating, the proposition of which is that the tank is dead. Drones and anti-tank missiles, coupled with

Aviators from 2 and 29 Squadrons form both an honour guard and bearer party for the late Flight Lieutenant Brian Winspear in Mornington, Tasmania. Story by Flying Officer Matthew Dawson. Photos by Corporal Brett Sherriff.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF honours WWII veteran, community stalwart

04/06/202514/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 843 Views 0 Comments No. 2 Squadron, No. 29 Squadron

Flight Lieutenant (retd) Brian Winspear, who died aged 104, has been remembered for his distinguished wartime service, post-war contributions to

Veterans of 1 Commando Company surround a newly unveiled plinth commemorating the officers commanding of the unit. Story by Corporal Michael Rogers.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News

Permanent commando memorial unveiled

04/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 959 Views 0 Comments 1st Commando Company, Chief of Army

A permanent memorial to the leaders of 1 Commando Company has been dedicated at the site of the unit’s original

Australian Army soldiers form a Bearer Party outside St George's Cathedral in Perth to carry Arthur Leggett's casket inside for his State Funeral. From left, WO1 Ian Hallt, WO1 Brad Foster and WO1 Bruce Williams. Story by Captain Alasdair Dolan. Photos by Corporal Nakia Chapman.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget

State Funeral honours veteran of WWII

30/05/202531/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1620 Views 1 Comment 11th/28th Battalion, 13th Brigade, Chief of Army, WWII

The City of Perth stood still on the morning of Saturday May 10, to honour a fallen hero who, while

Deputy Surgeon General ADF and Head of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Brigadier Isaac Seidl, presents Sir ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s granddaughter, Diana, with a set of miniature medals. Story by Michael Hoare.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Family of war-time hero receives replica medals

30/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 907 Views 0 Comments Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, WWII

A new set of Sir Ernest Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s war medals has been presented to his family after burglars stole

Extensions are planned for the Royal Australian Artillery National Memorial to honour contemporary campaigns. Story by Corporal Luke Bellman.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News

Extension for gunners’ national memorial

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1860 Views 1 Comment Royal Australian Artillery

Plans are under way to extend the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) National Memorial to recognise the service and sacrifice of

May 18 marks five years since the commissioning of HMAS Sydney V – Able Seaman Harley Orpin has a particular strong affinity to the ship, with an elaborate tattoo of it on his arm. Story by Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Five years at sea for HMAS Sydney V

21/05/202525/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1337 Views 0 Comments HMAS Sydney

May 18 marked five years since HMAS Sydney V was formally brought into service – the first Australian ship since

Medical staff from 3rd Health Battalion treat a simulated casualty during rehearsals as part of Exercise Balikatan in Palawan, Philippines. Story by Lieutenant Emily Tinker. Photos by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News Overseas

Army mobile surgery unit agile on Ex Balikatan

21/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1377 Views 0 Comments 3rd Health Battalion, Exercise Balikatan, Philippines, Role 2 Basic (R2B)

An Australian Army medical team performed critical surgery under general anaesthesia overseas thanks to a new capability provided by the

Members of the public have a close look at an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank at the Gallipoli Barracks Open Day 2023. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

Letters to the Editor Thought provoking

Defence Open Day’s Purpose

19/05/2025 Greg Jarosch 1635 Views 0 Comments

Dear Contact Editor. Open days such as at Simpson Barracks are always thought provokers for some visitors, civilians, but it

An M1A2 Abrams tank arrives at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville on 14 November 2024. Photo by Corporal Guy Sadler.

Letters to the Editor Veterans

What Will the Chief of Army’s Reply be?

17/05/202517/05/2025 Bruce Cameron 2351 Views 2 Comments

The following is the letter I sent to Lieutenant General Simon Stuart on 10 May 2025: “Dear General, I have

Wing Commander Robyne Green with Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sir Angus Houston, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and Air Marshal (retd) Leo Davies. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photos by Flight Sergeant Rodney Welch.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Federation Star crowns remarkable RAAF career

16/05/202531/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1641 Views 0 Comments Federation Star

Wing Commander Robyne Green has been awarded a Federation Star in recognition of her extraordinary 40 years of service to

Trainees from the Joint Medic course participate in a theory lesson at the ADF School of Health on Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, in Victoria. Story by Captain Krysten Clifton. Photo by Corporal Johnny Huang.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

School of Health embraces triservice challenge

16/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1402 Views 0 Comments ADF School of Health

Of the five training establishments under Army Logistic Training Centre, none have embraced the Joint environment more than the ADF

Australian Defence Force members march with service personnel from other Commonwealth nations during the London parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Story by Captain Edward Pym. Photos from UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News Overseas Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

ADF commemorates VE Day in London

09/05/202510/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1938 Views 1 Comment VE Day, WWII

More than 1000 service personnel, including members of the Australian Defence Force marched through London to commemorate the 80th anniversary

ADF People Health and Wellbeing History Lest We Forget

Anzac Day Kokoda trek raises $18,000

09/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1306 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Australian Space Command, Bravery Trust, Kokoda Trail

Squadron Leader Adon Lumley has returned from one of Australia’s most iconic military pilgrimage sites after completing the legendary Kokoda

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, present a donation to Brighter Lives at Townsville University Hospital, Queensland. Photos by Lance Corporal Caitlyn Davill.

Australian Army Health and Wellbeing News

3rd Battalion gives foundation a push along

09/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1603 Views 0 Comments 3RAR, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade

A donation of $1000 will keep the wheels turning on the Brighter Lives buggy and brighten the lives of locals

Letters to the Editor

A Lesson in Artificial Intelligence

09/05/202509/05/2025 Bruce Cameron 868 Views 0 Comments

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity

Australian Army soldiers from the 1st Armoured Regiment conduct manoeuvre training on an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank in Puslatpur, Indonesia during Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023. Photo by Corporal Dustin Anderson.

Letters to the Editor Veterans

“Publicly criticising an official Army position amounts to insubordination”

09/05/202509/05/2025 Bruce Cameron 1824 Views 0 Comments

1st Armoured Regiment has been stripped of its tanks, reduced to one third of its strength and made a ‘new