Junior Recruit Memorial Project

Newsletter

11 December 2007

Project Background

The concept for the creation of a memorial to the Junior Recruit Training Scheme came about through discussion amongst a few ex Junior Recruits who thought it was a good idea and decided to circulate the message to measure the support. To put it mildly the level of support has been tremendous with a constant flow of email containing many suggestions and a willingness to be involved. Thank you one and all for your support so far.

The training concept at Leeuwin was established historically from the training conducted by the RAN for boy seamen on the hulk “Tingira” located in Sydney in the early 1900’s. This was re established as Junior Recruit Training Establishment HMAS Leeuwin in 1960. Training at the site was for boys aged between 15 ½ years and 16 ½ years for a period of 12 months. Graduates of this training model went on to serve in the RAN in the various categories available to sailors at that time. Some of the participants in the JRTE Scheme are still serving and many achieved senior promotions as high as Rear Admiral.

The many graduates of the scheme also went on to serve with honour in the various theatres of conflict that have occurred since the 1960’s. You will appreciate that the arrangements that the training scheme, as it operated under at the time, meant that these young boys were posted to operational ships on completion of their junior training. These ships subsequently served in areas of conflict such as the Indonesian Confrontation Operations and the Vietnam War. They continue to serve in operational areas of Iraq, Solomon Islands and East Timor. This has presented a somewhat unique circumstance in that some of these boys were serving on active service whilst still aged 16.

The memorial proposed for the Leeuwin site would give permanent recognition for those who found the beginnings of their service life at that establishment.

Where are we at?

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs has for many years provided funding for memorials through their “Saluting Their Service Grant Scheme”. These funds can be provided to construct suitable memorials and amounts of up to $4,000 can be approved by DVA. At this stage of the project an application has not yet been prepared as we are required to put in place a number of administrative matters before proceeding.

Steering Committee

The establishment of a committee is an integral part of this project. Without it we cannot meet DVA guidelines nor can we be identified as representative of the Ex Junior Recruit Community.

To set this up we are asking for volunteers to come forward and nominate either themselves or others who can contribute to the project. For the most part I see this as nothing more than providing appropriate input into the decision making processes and providing advice on such matters as design, location, materials and other issues associated with this work. It would be complimentary if committee members were also able to be representative of one of the various ex service bodies such as the Naval Association of Australia or an Ex Junior Recruit Reunion Group.

Given that the memorial will be located in Fremantle it will be important that we have a couple of Committee members from there. This will serve a number of purposes such as having someone on the spot to liaise with representatives of Leeuwin Barracks and local masons who may be engaged to construct the memorial in due time. It also provides a local point of contact for media and those seeking to provide services or contributions to the work.

The committee does not need to be large, no more than 6 people will suffice and we will manage it for the most part from here in Tasmania through the various media available to us such as email, telephone etc.

If you are willing to step forward I would be pleased to hear from your as soon as possible. I have a number of people who have put themselves forward to be involved so far and include Rear Admiral Brian Adams AO (ret) who was the first Junior Recruit to reach the rank of Rear Admiral, Ron Giveen who is 1963 boy who is still serving (he should ask for parole), Warwick Luttrell a 1964 entrant who is also the local President of the Vietnam Veteran’s Association and myself Ken Dobbie, a 1963 entrant. We need three or four more particularly from WA.

Australian War Memorial

I have written to Major General Gower at the Australian War Memorial to seek out his advice on this project. We need to ensure that we follow all of the protocols in this work and ensure that when it is all put forward to DVA that our processes are all squared up.

As with all matters involving construction, what it looks like and what it is made of are important factors. I have asked the AWM to provide advice in this regard through the support of an artist skilled in this area. I am often reminded of the sculpture that used to exist in central Melbourne than earned the name “yellow peril” because it was ugly and not representative of its purpose. It was eventually removed. With that in mind we need to ensure that what we do does in fact stay as a memorial and is pleasing to the eye and representative of our purpose.

The “Design”

We need input into the design. Contributions in this regard do not need to be complex or professionally drawn (we can fix that with the assistance of an artist). However any design needs to be representative of what it is all about i.e. the Junior Recruit Training Scheme. It also needs to be within appropriate cost parameters. The cost of producing bronze sculptures is quite high and perhaps out of our league. We will need a dedication plate and something to mount it on as a minimum. Attachments such as anchors, Leeuwin Crests and reference to Tingira have also been suggested. Let us know what you think.

As a starting point Rear Admiral Adams has suggested that the memorial plate be worded in this way:

The purpose of this memorial is to commemorate

The service of boys who entered the Royal Australian Navy

Through the Junior Recruit Training Scheme at

HMAS Leeuwin

1960-1984

The words have been very carefully chosen and I believe represent the type of thing we are looking for. Your feedback on this and also further design issues will be welcomed.

How Much is it Going to Cost?

This will depend very much on the design and materials. When it comes to bronze work the $4,000 from DVA will not go too far. There is also an expectation on us as applicants to raise some funds towards the overall cost. This can come from any number of sources and donations are welcome however we will need to consider a number of other processes such as donations from Local Government in Fremantle, the State Government in WA, Naval Associations and perhaps even the RAN itself.

Acquitting the funds will be done within DVA Guidelines for this purpose. When application has been made and we begin to receive money I will set up a Memorial Fund banking arrangement that will be based on a two signature deposit and withdrawal system (committee members to sign). At the end of the project DVA will require proper acquittal of all funds.

One option I propose to pursue is to approach the RAN Central Canteens Fund who I understand has supported projects such as this in the past. Any recommendations on funding will be gratefully received.

I have written to a monumental mason in Perth to obtain some advice on what we might expect as a cost for this. I have only asked for a ballpark figure at this time as we do not yet have a firm design. When we determine that we can progress the money issue.

Letters of Support

I have had responses from a number of ex JR’s who are representatives of some of the Naval Associations and Reunion Groups. So that we can demonstrate to those who will fund this that we have wide support from the community, letters of support would be very welcome. These should be a “hard copy” with appropriate letterhead etc.

Ongoing Matters

I will continue to communicate to all concerned through email as this is the most convenient and cost effective. The “Newsletter” will be the main vehicle through which I will distribute general information. Where I need to target specific individuals or groups I may do that by snail mail if it involves documentation or return signatures.

On behalf of my wife Lorraine and I may we wish you all a very “Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year” and I will be in further contact as the need to report progress occurs.

Ken Dobbie

75 Lovett St

Devonport Tas. 7310

Email: ken.dobbie@bigpond.com