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President Jason van Straalen opened the meeting at 6.30 pm on 30th May 2022.
WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS:
Barry Nunn AO
Jeremy Wood
APOLOGIES & LOA:
With 12 Apologies and 9 LOA and 3 guests, we had 37 people in attendance tonight.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Q: Fiery agitator and campaigner during the 1880s, Frederick Vosper founded what Perth newspaper?
A: The Sunday Times.
Correctly answered by Kevin Jackson.
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FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
John MacKinnon regarding Bruce Feigert - I have heard that Bruce has had a heart attack and an operation. Bob Davis also confirmed Bruce's condition.
Richard Gorham is a grandfather for the 5th time.
Tony Chien advised of Metso concert on 19th June. (email sent to members).
Richard Ranshaw's mother turned 102 yesterday.
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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: (Richard Ranshaw)
Member's Birthday
Peter Marfleet 76 on 2nd June.
Partner’s Birthday
Margaret Jones 2nd June.
Catherine Cowan (Goreham) 8th June.
Gaye Fiegert 10th June.
Ondina Brash 11th June.
Anniversaries
Graeme and Jane Samson 51 years on 11th June.
Kent Warburton - Footy Tipping Round 4
The round eleven winner is Peter Marfleet with 7 wins and a perfect margin of 0.
There were 18 other tippers with 7 wins. The best of these were:
Megan McCracken
Jason van Straalen
Helen Ilett
Paul Lambrecht
Leaderboard Total Margin
- John Bolto 73 226
- John Hopkins 71 243
- David Warburton 70 219
- Jeff Simper 70 271
CLUB AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
None.
SERGEANT’S SESSION: (Graeme Samson)
- Old Scotch Collegians MacKinnon, Dry and Snell.
- David Ellis for frequenting coffee shops.
- Nigel Johnston for displaying multiple election signs.
- Pek Goh for trying to overcharge the Sgt for dinner.
- Richard Goreham rides an electric bike to tennis.
- President Jason - "all in black".
- John Bolto - nameplate upside down.
- Tony Chien for suggesting an aggressive fine.
- Kevin Jackson trying to influence the Sgt by claiming to be a pensioner.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
David Ellis introduced Maj. Gen. Barry Nunn AO to talk about the Qantas Catalinas at Matilda Bay.
Barry detailed his early days, attending the Uni of NSW to study chemical engineering, then a long career with Shell. His military career commenced in 1952 as a National Serviceman and lasted 40 years.
His first exposure to a Catalina was in 1944 when his father purchased a ten-pound war bond. This came with a free flight from Rose Bay which he gave to his son. Barry said this flight convinced him to join the army.
Many years later he was dining in the Catalina Room at Matilda Bay Restuarant and this triggered further interest.
The aircraft first flew in 1935. By 1940 Australia was under threat and required maritime patrol aircraft. The USA provided 19 aircraft, which were initially sold to Qantas to maintain the USA's "neutrality". Upon arrival in Australia, these aircraft were confiscated by the RAAF.
The fall of Singapore broke the line of communication with the UK. An air route to Ceylon to connect with BOAC was proposed, despite the objections of the Department of Civil Aviation, Qantas acquired 5 Catalinas from the Royal Navy. Excess equipment including armaments, radios, etc was removed to instal extra fuel tanks. Celestial navigation was used, hence the aircraft were named after stars. Qantas crews were accommodated at the Esplanade Hotel, and as this was a very secret operation they did not wear uniforms during their time off. Consequently, they were often branded as cowards for not being "in service".
Besides mail (and microfiche documents) there were three seats for VIP's. When fully loaded the aircraft were 5 tons over their maximum designed weight, Starting from near where the Narrows bridge now crosses the river, the aircraft followed the river to Fremantle and were not airborne until nearly at the Port. They flew up the coast and then turned left at Exmouth. Due to upper-level winds, the outbound flight was usually not above 2,000 feet.
These flights (over 270) operated in total secrecy and radio silence. Flight time was about 32 hours, during which the crews experienced two sunrises, hence the name "Double Sunrise". After 1945 these flights were taken over by converted Lancasters.
As the Catalinas were supplied under Lend-Lease, four were sunk off Rottnest, whilst the fifth was flown to Sydney, where it was later sunk offshore.
There has never been any recognition of these aircrews by the Australian Government.
Barry then answered some very topical and interesting questions from several members.
REMINDER OF COMING EVENTS: (Pres Jason van Straalen)
- 6 June 2022 No meeting Public Holiday.
- 13th June 2022 Henry Sklarz Jungle Law True Crime Tales.
- 20th June 2022 John Murdoch Incoming Presidents Life Talk.
- 27th June 2022 Handover Dinner No Speaker.
THANKS TO:
Thank you to the Staff of the Nedlands Golf Club. Thanks to on-Par Catering for a fine meal.
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WE RECOGNISE OUR VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS:
- Lizzy Bee-supplier of flowers
- Butler Settineri – Hon Club Auditors
- Paragon Consultants -Our Foundation’s Auditors
- Accura Accounting & Advisory Services for providing Xero Accounting software and
Sharesight Portfolio reporting software to the Charitable Trust.
MEETING CLOSE:
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Recognise RI President Shekar Mehta’s Presidential theme for the year "Serve to Change Lives "
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Minutes: John Murdoch
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