PO Box 18
Berowra Heights
NSW 2082
02 9456 4007
gws@pacific.net.au
12 March 20100
The Editor
Vetaffairs
PO Box 21
Woden ACT 2606

Dear Ed,

This is a request that the following letter be published in a future issue of Vetaffairs please.

Thankyou,

George Stevens
DVA NKM07257

Honours and Awards to the R.A.N.

In 1986, the late James Atkinson published a book titled Honours and Awards to the Royal Australian Navy. As this was 24 years ago, small group of enthusiasts has decided to spend time bringing this excellent publication up to date. As well, there is a need to expand on the citation wording. For example, take the bland statement that Able Seaman Raymond Reginald Collins, S6112, had been awarded the DSM for gallantry in the face of the enemy in the Forward Areas of New Guinea. In fact, Mick Collins won his award for leading a patrol of native infantry during a successful, if hairy, ambush of Japanese positions near Jacquinot Bay in 1944. The background to the citation needs to be told. Similarly Petty Officer Stoker William Frederick McCarthy Coles was awarded the BEM for 

If you are an award recipient, or if you know one, it would be a great help to the research team to have access to the full citation and all related documentation. We can be contacted at Bravo Zulu, PO Box 139 Salamander Bay NSW 2317.