HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

Year 2012 passed by so swiftly and also witnessed the passing of many gunners, both officers and other ranks. Namely, we lost Lt. Col Jamaludin, Lt Col Zainal Din, Maj Dally,Maj. Nasarudin,Maj. Robert Lai and PW1 Mat Zain, PW1 Rashid, MG Hassan, Sjn Adenan (of the pioneer 89 people) PW2 AISIG Jaafar, among others. What this means is that fate to meet the creator is inevitable.That is simply the ultimate truth. This journey of life is short and can be memorable, if we want it to be so. 

The gunners club, with the sole effort of its secretary managed to secure 15 PJM medals for retired gunners from JHEV. Well done ! Maj. Ganeson (Retd). 

We also saw the celebration of 50 years for 1 ARTY and 25 years for 21 ARTY. I suppose that next in line would be 2 ARTY's celebration. Apart from the School, I served 3 ARTY, 2ARTY, 4ARTY and 3 Div Arty. All my postings in the units were very educational, challenging and of course full of camaraderie esp. among officers. Gunner officers stood tall in courses, in performance and as staff officers in ERE appointments. Ask any Commander of his gunner officer , and he shall only have few sad words. We were the best, with zest, I must say, without being branded a braggart. Then there were also the "champions", who will be remembered for many other reasons too. I have the deepest respect for all my senior officers who carried themselves well. Deeply hidden in my memory should be Musty, Brinder, Tan Say Loke, Hussein Kamal, Hermon, Aris Salim, Allen Lai,Syed Hussain, Halim Hariri,Chong Kok Heng and the others (there are so many more). I must admit that I was also supported by good junior officers and superb other ranks, especially the senior NCOs. A few days ago Nordin Salleh was promoted to Brig Gen and this heralds the new generation gunners with old beliefs and norms in senior appointments. Well done! Gen. Nordin. The gunner officers of my seniority and slightly more senior ones are slowly approaching the "TWILIGHT ZONE" ( To quote DATO' JAAFAR's description a few days ago). 

The Gees Club was launched in 2012 with the tremendous effort of Lt. Col Zulmajdi (Comdt Arty School). Well done Zul! You shall be remembered for a long time to come as the catalyst to unite IGs/MGs/TIGs/AIGs of the Malaysian Artillery. I was amazed and also embarrassed that I did not realise that IGs have existed for 50 years in our Artillery. To add to the embarrassment it was Lt. Gen. Dato'Jaafar (the first IG) who pointed it out.

  All in all it was a momentous year in 2012. May 2013 bring the gunners more glory, as it has always been. I take this opportunity to invite "Twilight Zone Gunners" to step forward to guide, contribute and develop the platform for retired gunners. It is no point admiring the gunners in other countries who have credible retired associations when we can our selves be one- if we will it. Ayuh, Jom and other catch phrases should not be depended on, it's simply - ONCE A GUNNER, ALWAYS A GUNNER. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUNNERS......HAVE A BLAST!

TO ALL GUNNERS

Iron Dome: Missile defense system a game changer, Israelis say

By Michael Martinez, CNN

November 18, 2012 -- Updated 0306 GMT (1106 HKT)

An Iron Dome system in Ashdod, Israel, launches to intercept a rocket fired from Gaza on Saturday.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Israel's missile system targets rockets fired from Gaza
• In 2011, Israeli military said Iron Dome had 70% success rate, IHS Jane's says
• The system is highly mobile and can be set up in hours
• The United States has allocated a total of $275 million for Iron Dome

(CNN) -- Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system is figuring prominently in the unfolding aerial conflictwith Hamas' military wing in Gaza.

Iron Dome is being credited with protecting Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities by blocking some of the rockets fired from Gaza.

Over the past three days, 737 rockets from Gaza were fired upon Israel: 492 landed, but 245 were intercepted by the system, Israel Defense Forces said Saturday.

What is it?

The name Iron Dome evokes an image of a protective bubble over a city. In practice, Iron Dome is a defense against short-range rockets and mortar shells: the system targets incoming rockets and fires an interceptor missile to destroy them midair.

 Photos: Violence flares between Palestinians, Israelis

Each battery has a firing-control radar to identify targets and a portable missile launcher. The system is easily transportable, with just a few hours needed to relocate and set up.

The missile is highly maneuverable. It is three meters, or almost 10 feet, long; has a diameter of about six inches; and weighs 90 kilograms, or 198 pounds, according to the security analysis group IHS Jane's.

The warhead is believed to carry 11 kilograms, or 24 pounds, of high explosives, IHS Jane's said. Its range is from 4 kilometers to 70 kilometers -- or 2.5 miles to 43 miles.

What the violence means

What are the origins of Iron Dome?

Israel began developing the ground-based system in 2007.

After a series of test flights in 2008 and 2009, the first deployment of a battery occurred in southern Israel in 2011, according to IHS Jane's and the IDF. The Israel Air Force reported an interception success rate of 70% in 2011, IHS Jane's said.

Israel credits "breakthrough technology" and the system's radar. Iron Dome confronts multiple threats simultaneously, in all weather conditions, the Israeli military said.

"The radar detects a rocket launch and passes information regarding its path to the control center, which calculates the predicted point of impact," the IDF said. "If this location justifies an interception, a missile is fired to intercept the rocket. The payload of the interceptor missile explodes near the rocket, in a place that is not expected to cause injuries."

Each Iron Dome battery costs $50 million, IHS Jane's said. A missile costs at least $62,000, Israeli officials said.

iReport: Photos from inside the protests in Israel

Is the United States involved in Iron Dome?

Yes.

The initial development was solely by Israel's defense technology company Rafael, but the system has since been heavily sponsored by the United States.

In May 2010, the U.S. House approved a plan to allocate $205 million for Iron Dome. In July, President Barack Obama announced $70 million in U.S. funding.

"This is a program that has been critical in terms of providing security and safety for Israeli families," Obama said of the system. "It is a program that has been tested and has prevented missile strikes inside of Israel."

Beginning of ground attack?

How important is Iron Dome?

Israel has deployed five Iron Dome batteries, but in March, a defense ministry official told CNN that Israel would need up to 13 batteries to cover all its borders. Israel plans to deploy a total of nine batteries by 2013, Israeli media reported.

The system is considered a game changer, Israeli officials said earlier this year.

"Eliminating the ability to hit strategic targets may lead Hamas to rethink the efficiency of acquiring the rockets it has used in the past," former Israeli ambassador to the United States Dore Gold said in March.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that same month: "The Iron Dome system has proven itself very well and we will, of course, see to its expansion in the months and years ahead."

Other countries have expressed interest buying the system, including the United States, South Korea and several NATO countries in Europe with military forces in Afghanistan, the Jerusalem Post reported in March.

Pictorial Update - Colonel Bob Zain

Colonel Bob Zain (rtd)

I met Colonel Zain some years ago. Managed to find a photo of him taken in 2007. Hearty and strong as ever.

Allen Lai

Pictorial Update - Colonel Bakar Salleh

Colonel Bakar Salleh (rtd)

Met Colonel Bakar Salleh for the first time in years at the RAFOC dinner on 3 November 2012. He is fit, stout and never showed his age. What a wonderful meeting. He has the look of a successful elderly statesman  /businessman or Penghulu. Let his recent photo show his good health and contagious smile.

Allen Lai

Attitude

Attitude is one of the most important traits in soldiering. This episode sums it up


Soldier: Sir, We are surrounded by all sides by enemies.

Major: Excellent! WE can attack in any direction.


Take care

Allen Lai

Robert Lai Kok Nong

Robert Lai

Robert Lai joined 2 ARTY in 1967. He was commissioned from the FMC SSC10th Intake. Robert had served in 1ART, 2ARTY and 3 ARTY and also served in 2 DIV and other staff appointments. He had taken optional retirement as a Major after serving almost 20 years.

We all remember Robert as a no nonsense officer, strict and very professional. He was a keen game hunter, golfer and had participated passionately in many other outdoor activities. He was a very likeable officer and easy to get along with once the ice was broken.

We became fast friends and neighbours in Kem Terendak in the 1980s. He had settled down in Kluang after leaving service. Most will remember that Robert lived an active outdoor life, hunting in the Jamaluang Johore forests , fishing and diving trips in Pulau Tioman.

Robert Lai passed away unexpectedly on 20 October 2012 leaving behind his wife Len, three married daughters and 10 grandchildren.

May you Rest in Peace, Robert. We will miss you and your contagious smiles and laughter.

Allen Lai

Barney Sidambaram and Albert Manaseh

Went through some old photos of mine. These two photos caught my attention.

Barney in 1970

Albert and I on a course in Manly Australia

Barney has now settled down in KL and Albert now resides in Perth, Western Australia.

Will continue to post pictures of Gunners as I get hold of them. Old photos are more meaningful. If anybody has them, I'll help them to post the photo in Sheldrake.

Take care

Allen Lai

A GATHERING OF THE GEES

Through the initiative of the current Arty SchoolComdt, Lt Col Zulmajdi, all the IGs, TIGs, AIGs past and present shall gather on Saturday 29th September 2012 at the PDGCC for golf and later a Bar B Que. This is quite a momentous event, as it has not been held like this before. The occasion shall be graced by none other than the first Malaysian IG , Lt Gen Dato'Jaafar (Retired). I certainly look forward to this event as an IG who has seen so much over the years at the School and also the unit. In the old days IGs and AIGs were the norm, later came the introduction of TIGs, led by none other than "James" Jamian. He was a "Guru"of sorts to me since my YO days. I have a great deal of respect for this man for his gunnery knowledge and dedication to the Artillery. It would be great to catch up with people like Omar, Supawi, Poh, Aznan, Samsuri and a host of others. The "Gees"in those days were initially trained at Larkhill on the Salisbury Plains in the UK. Then came generations from Deolali, India, Nowshera, Pakistan. There were also some who were instructors esp.officers who attended the Advance Artillery Course at Fort Sill Oklahoma, USA. No matter where they were trained IGs and AIGs were the backbone of technical gunnery for the regiments through the School. When I was with Project Gemas, my pet desire was to ensure that the School had the best in its new home at Gemas. This has yet to materialise, and I hope that the current Gunners shall carry this beacon of hope and relentlessly pursue the agenda  to make sure that The Malaysian Artillery School is built as intended- AN INSTITUTION OF TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE - to serve the Corps and generate future Gunners with the highest level of competencies. Every Corps Chairman and Director of Artillery should take a personal interest to uphold Gunnery Excellence in Malaysia. For "ONCE A GUNNER, WE ARE, ALWAYS A GUNNER". To all the Gees, please make an effort to be there. We need to catch up on some "TIDLERS".

Pictorial Updates

These updates were taken during RAFOC Hari Raya 2012 on 9 September 2012. All Gunners look fantastic and vibrant in health.

Dato Harbans Singh

Hussaini

Allen Lai

 Mokhtar

Dato Hassan

Sofian

What have I been doing?

What have I been doing?  I have been asked this question time and time again. It is now like a greeting, matter of fact question or worse still a salutation.  I'll let my recent photos answer the question.

I do a lot of this in my neighbourhood

Weekends on this

Monday and Wednesday mornings

Sweat on this

To get this satisfaction

Nothing beats this moment

Chill out with the gang

To celebrate a new year younger

 To keep the mind active and crazy with my Macbook Air

To listen to my Oncologist

To have hope to live another year to be with you.


Take care all
Allen Lai

Pictorial updates

I had attended the lunch for Major(Rtd)  Chin Kai Fong hosted by Lt Gen (Rtd) Aziz Hassan held at the KGPA on Tuesday 28 August 2012.

I took the opportunity to take the pictures of old gunners as it is as now. Most are in good health, and as expected, some a bit on the heavy side. A privilege for the aged. All are in good spirit and we chatted about old times and our ladies their old stories. It was a nice and pleasant get-together and reflected well in our esperit de corps. I'll let the photos below tell on us.

Omar Mohammad

Ho Wah Juan

Samsuddin

 Ganesson

Chin Kai Fong

 Dato Jaafar Mohammad

Timmy Masoud

Adam Hon

Maskan Katan

 Dato Aziz Hasan

Chin Kai Fong

Dato Mokhtar Perman

David Lam

Section of us

David Lam and dato Ramli

 David Lam and Dato Ramli

Take care

Allen Lai

Chin Kai Fong

Major (Rtd) Chin Kai Fong

It has been about 30 plus years since we met. Major (Rtd) Chin Kai Fong and wife came back for a brief visit to Malaysia. Major Chin Kai Fong had migrated to Perth Australia and had made good for himself and his family. Chin, Maskan , Pan and myself had attended our YO course in the School of Artillery UK in 1965.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Aziz Hassan hosted a lunch on Tuesday for about 20 old timers to welcome Major Chin Kai Fong and wife. Thanks to Kol (Rtd) Sam, Rama and Ganeson who had called up most of us present. We had a delightful reunion with our wives.

Mrs Chin with Kak Salmah

Major Chin and his wife are in the best of health and looks younger than their age. His Character and charisma had never altered. It is the same old same old Chin that we know in the sixties. Major Chin was commissioned to 1 Arty then in Sg Besi and had later served in 3 Arty. He was and still is as strong as an ox. He could run the 100 meters under 11 secs, giving competition to Lt Col (rtd, Deseased) Mustapha Saad and Mej Gen (Rtd) Jack Wahid.

Major Chin now resides in Perth with his family. We wish him good health, good luck and come home more often.

Allen Lai

The Battle of Long Tan

Me in front of the War Memorial

I was in Canberra Australia, early April 2012. I took the opportunity to visit the world class War Memorial. The War Memorial was so interesting that I had to spend two whole days browsing the memorials.

I was delighted that a special section in the Memorial was dedicated to the Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam. The presentation was really superb and really moving. I had first discussed the Battle of Long Tan during our artillery courses in the School of Artillery, Manly. The Battle of Long Tan is one of the classic battle studies in the Australian Army. Every officer should take a look at this battle. I recommend every Gunner officer to at least read the book on the battle. Note the artillery support during the battle. You can read the full battle in detail at the websites below.

The fallen soldier

The Battle

The Battle of Long Tan was fought between the Australian Army and Viet Cong forces in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan, about twenty seven kilometres north east of Vung Tau, South Vietnam on 18 August 1966. It is arguably the most famous battle fought by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War.

The action occurred when D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF), encountered the Viet Cong (VC) 275 Regiment and elements of the D445 Local Forces Battalion. D Company was supported by other Australian units, as well as New Zealand and United States personnel.

The battle is often used in Australian officer training as an example of the importance of combining and coordinating infantry, artillery, armour and military aviation.

For 3-1/2 hours on 18th August, 1966, the 108 men of D Company, 6th Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) faced over 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops in a rubber plantation at Long Tan. During this action, they first endured sweltering conditions and then tropical monsoonal rainfall. At the end of the battle, there were 18 Australian soldiers killed and 21 wounded. The North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong lost up to 800 killed and more than 1,000 wounded.

Captain Maurie Stanley had been commanding the 18 guns at Nui Dat, continuously, for over an hour, and he was calling them in close. The 18 guns were firing over 6 round per minute. You do the maths. the artillery falling between 11 Platoon and the enemy was the only thing keeping them alive. And the conditions weren't helping anyone. Lightning struck twice, the first time knocking out telephone communications and rendering the telephone operator unconscious, sending him backwards 6 to 8 feet off his chair. The second time it hit the latrines, blowing them to pieces. At that point you know things have really turned bad!


If Maurie Stanley dropped the artillery any closer it would be on top of them. It didn't matter, They just kept coming through, climbing over their own dead and wounded to get to the Australians.

Four artillery batteries from 1 Field Regiment at Nui Dat were used in the battle

o 6 x M101A1 105mm L1A1 guns of 161 Field Battery, Royal New Zealand Army

o 6 x M101A1 105mm guns of 103 Field Battery, Royal Australian Army

o 6 x M101A1 105mm guns of 105 Field Battery, Royal Australian Army

o 6 x M109 Self Propelled 155mm guns of A Battery, 2/35th Howitzer Battalion, US Arm

Artillery at Nui Dat fired almost non-stop for 5 hours in support of the battle

o Regimental Fire Missions (involving all 18 Australian & NZ artillery guns firing at once and at some stages all six of the US guns as well) had not been fired since the Korean war and will probably never be fired again

o Lightning twice hit the artillery positions

o Two artillery gunners passed out from cordite fumes from the guns as the fumes could not disperse due to the weather

o Artillery fire was eventually being brought in “Danger Close” to within 50 metres of the Australian positions

Total Australian and enemy casualties as a result of the Battle of Long Tan

o Australian

0 18 killed (17 from D Coy, 6RAR and 1 from 3Trp, 1APC Squadron)

0 21 wounded

o NVA and VC1

0 Up to 800 killed (245 bodies counted on the battlefield + bodies found over two weeks after the battle + identification from the VC Commanders diary which was captured by US Army)

0 More than 1,000 wounded (Again identified from captured documents)

0 2 wounded NVA soldiers were captured on the battlefield

0 1 wounded VC soldier was captured on the battlefield

· Total number of forces opposing each other on the battlefield at Long Tan

o Australia & New Zealand

0 105 soldiers from D Coy, 6RAR, Australian Army

0 3 man New Zealand Forward Artillery Observation party, 161 Bty RNZA

Weapons and ammunition

o Approximately 400,000 rounds of ammunition were fired by both sides

o The artillery at Nui Dat fired in excess of 3,500 rounds

o More than 20 rounds of enemy mortar rounds were dropped on or near D Coy units during the battle

o The Australians captured more than –

0 60+ enemy weapons

0 10,500+ rounds of ammunition

0 300+ hand grenades

0 100+ rounds of rockets and mortars

The above extracts were taken from the websites below:

http://www.squidoo.com/Battle-Of-Long-Tan

http://battleoflongtan.reddunefilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Doco-and-Long-Tan-and-Vietnam-Facts-Sheet-Final1.pdf