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B.C.O.F. |  |
BRITISH COMMONWEALTH
OCCUPATION FORCES
NATIONAL COUNCIL
Inc. A.C.T
Representing the Australian Armed Forces who served in Japan 1945 to 1952
A Brief History of Australia's Participation in the Occupation of Japan 1945-1952
Aim & Objectives -Re-unions and Commemorative activities
- Health inquiries - Pensions - Medals awarded - Regalia
Updated: 16th May 2006
| Aim:- | To represent B.C.O.F. at the national level and maintain a
presence among
other national ex service associations To assist with Health and Pensions Endeavor to maintain and broaden the compensation due to B.C.O.F. veterans To present submissions to the Federal government on behalf of all B.C.O.F. veterans To encourage Re-unions and Commemorative activities |
Re-unions and Commemorative activities:-
| ACT:- | The Australian Component of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, (B.C.O.F in Japan from 12 February 1946 to 28 April 1952 has, at last been remembered. A permanent Memorial has been erected in the Sculpture Gardens established in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial, which is situated in the National Capital, Canberra. The official Unveiling and Dedication took place on Saturday 12 December 1998 attended by B.C.O.F. Veterans, their families and friends from throughout Australia. Senior representatives of Government, Defence Service Personnel and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Long after we are gone, WE WILL BE REMEMBERED. A Celebratory Dinner attended by some 500 veterans and friends was held at the Canberra Exhibition Centre, ACT., in the evening to conclude this most historic day. BCOF MEMORIAL FUND Funds for this project have been granted from the "Their Service - Our Heritage" Program. To ensure, that the final result is a fitting memorial to those who served, additional funds are being raised to provide enhancements. Funds are required to meet the final commitment. Donations may be sent made payable to: Report on the Conference of the Executive Members of
the B.C.O.F. National Council with Present: Representing the B.C.O.F. National Council: Representing Repatriation Commission: Our purpose for seeking a conference with the Repatriation Commission was to present submissions concerning three principle areas relating to the situation of B.C.O.F. veterans, viz:
(a) Health survey General Stevens pointed out, that while he accepted that there was empirical evidence to justify such a survey, there was no acceptable means of determining, under the existing Army Records system, an accurate and complete list of ex B.C.O.F. members. We submitted that a sufficiently large sample could be obtained from current disability pension records to give a strong indication to justify such a search. The officers promised to pursue further inquiries to a satisfactory resolution. (b) Gold Card anomalies While we clearly understand the current qualifications for Gold Card, accepted the budgetary problems associated with expansion of those qualifications, there remains some serious anomalies. The principal one being allocation restricted to certain active service provisions.. We submitted that life long disabilities due to other injuries and diseases acquired during service should be given more consideration as there were many areas of service both in WWII and subsequent campaigns which deprived the participants of quality of life standards other than direct enemy action. (c) Use of Disability Pension in Income Assessment against, Aged and other Pensions: This was probably the most contentious anomaly in the current system requiring urgent assessment. That the original purpose of disability pension, was clearly given as a partial compensation for permanent loss of quality of life due to military service, to include disability pension in the same category as wages, investment and similar class income was a complete denial of that purpose and a serious injustice to the recipients. The Department Officers expressed the strongest sympathy to this anomaly and promised further action and recommendations concerning them. In summary, while we came away without any firm undertakings, I feel we all had a strong sense of support and agreement from General Stevens and his officers to, at least, pursue our submissions and a further promise of more meetings in the process Laurie Rosenblum AOM . Vice Chairman |
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| NSW:- | The unveiling of the Greta Army Camp Commemorative
Information Shelter was held on 1 November 1997. It was an impressive turnout with many
B.C.O.F. veterans in attendance, most of whom had trained there 50 odd years ago making it
a very nostalgic occasion. The unveiling was carried out by NSW RSL State President Mr.
'Rusty` Priest AM and Mrs. Val. Randall OAM Chair of the Greta Tidy Town Committee and the
Sub Branch Honorary Secretary Mr. Priest gave a stirring address, giving due credit to the town and its people for their efforts during and after the war, the 'Their Service Our Heritage` program for the generous donation towards the cost. He also spoke of the soldiers who trained there and their efforts until the camp was no longer required. He also thanked those, whose efforts brought it to fruition When driving through Greta stop for a few moments and read the history of this small town, which has been so much a part of our heritage. N.S.W Newsletter - July 2000 (657 KB) |
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| WA.:- | B.C.O.F. Association WA will place a Remembrance Plaque in
Kings Park Perth on the afternoon of 15 August 1998.The Minister of Veteran Affairs The.
Hon. Bruce Scott has been invited to unveil the Plaque. The funding for this event was
helped by the "Their Service Our Heritage" program. Further information can be
obtained from the Secretary Mr. Mick Buckley (08) 9349 6529 or write to: The Secretary 12 Croydon Ave. YOKINE WA 6060 |
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| VIC.:- | B.C.O.F. (Japan) Association Victoria will hold a reunion at Wagga Wagga NSW, 26-29 October 1998. Further information can be obtained from: Secretary Gordon Parker OAM Ph. 03 9870 1135, or write: to: The Secretary, 3 Greenwood Ave, RINGWOOD, VIC. 3134. | ||
| QLD.:- | B.C.O.F. RSL Sub – Branch Secretary Mr Herb Shapcott. (07) 3393 5647
or write to: The Secretary 197 Randall Road WYNNUM WEST QLD. 4178 B.C.O.F.National Association Qld. |
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| SA:- | This Association Unveiled and dedicated a Memorial Plaque in the heart of
Adelaide. funds were allocated from the ‘Their Service Our Heritage` program. The
Minister again approving the funds. More information about the Association etc. can be obtained from: The Secretary: Mr. George Turner (08) 8264 3472 Or write to the secretary 18 Altola Road MODBURY SA 5022 |
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| WA:- | This association Unveiled and dedicated a Memorial Plaque in Kings Park.
On the 15 August 1998, this function was well attended and again was assisted with funds
from the ‘Their Service Our Heritage` and funds from local sources. More information
on local maters, contact: Mr Mick Buckley (08) 9349 6529 or write to; The Secretary: 12 Croydon Avenue YOKINE WA 6060 |
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| NZ.:- | J-Force & B.C.O.F. 10th National Reunion was held at NEW PLYMOUTH 19-21 March 1999.at the TSB Stadium under the shadow of Mount Egmont.This function was attended by, the National Chairman Commander Ken Barnett, together with the Nation Secretary R Bell, The National Treasurer Mr. Herb Shapcott and the Project Officer Mr. Ray Cooper. Who were received with courtesy and enthusiasm. The New Zealand Chief of Army Maj. Gen. Dodson CBE MC was guest of honour and spoke well of NZ’s small but capable forces. Ken Barnett presented J-Force BCOF with a small BCOF plague and in return was made an Honorary Life Member. About twelve Australians with some wives were present making a good representation from Australia. All had a great time.. |
(Further details, e-mail: rbell@terrigal.net.au)
Inquiries on health matters should be addressed in the first instance to your local
welfare officer, or to the Dept. of Veteran Affairs in your State. Many VAN Offices are
also operating throughout the country. If you served in Japan at any time from 1945 to
1952 you are entitled to treatment and maybe a disability pension, if the illness or
injury was caused by your service, with BCOF. .
Further details (www.dva.gov.au / www.dss.gov.au)
B.C.O.F. service alone does not gain entitlement to a service pension as service in
Japan was not classified as 'qualifying service'. However if you have a disability, you
may be entitled to a disability pension. Most veterans are now retired, many would be on
the DSS pension. We, in cooperation with other ex-service organizations, are endeavoring
to have the income offset of the disability pension against the DSS pension.
"Scrapped.".
Further details (www.dva.gov.au / www.dss.gov.au)
If you served in the Occupation of Japan between 1945 and 1952 with a minimum of 30 days service you are entitled to the ASM 1945-75 with "Japan" clasp.
For Navy, Army and Air Force, visit www.itsanhonour.gov.au
Blazer Pockets, Ties, etc. with the BCOF Logo are available from most State Associations. Wall plaques and other memorabilia are also readily available
More information can be obtained from:
The National Secretary
Mr R (Bob) Bell JP (02) 4325 7111 or write to
PO Box 4321 EAST GOSFORD NSW 2250
E-mail: rbell@terrigal.net.au
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