Corps Memorandum Nr 12

1. The Lionel Matthews Merit Award was established on 1 January 1966 for presentation to other ranks of the Corps for achievement on School of Signals' courses, in honour of Captain Lionel Matthews GC, MC.

Background

2. After pre-war service in the RANVR and Militia CAPT Lionel Colin Matthews joined 8th Division Signals at Bathurst in 1940 where he raised E Section of that unit. He served with great distinction in the AIF during the Malayan Campaign throughout 1941 and until the fall of Singapore in February 1942.

3. He was awarded the Military Cross for his courage and determination to maintain cable communications under attack at Gemas and in operations on Singapore Island.

4. CAPT Matthews was held as a prisoner of war at Sandakan, Borneo between August 1942 and March 1944. During this period in captivity and at great peril to himself at all times, he personally directed an underground intelligence and escape organisation; arranged for the delivery of medical supplies, food and money for fellow prisoners; was instrumental in arranging a radio link to the outside world and the provision of a cache of weapons for future use by a resistance and insurrection movement. His great gallantry whilst in the gravest danger; his leadership, conduct and optimism were an inspiration to his fellow prisoners and members of the resistance organisation. After arrest by the secret police, he refused to divulge names or to implicate others despite brutal torture, beatings and starvation. He was executed by the Japanese on 2 March 1944. His brave and courageous conduct at all times upheld the highest tradition of an Australian Officer.

5. In 1947 he was posthumously awarded the George Cross, which was the highest decoration
awarded to a member of the Australian Signal Corps during World War II.

6. His memory is perpetuated by the Lionel Matthews Merit Award, the display of his decorations and medals in the foyer of the School of Signals, a portrait which was unveiled on the fiftieth anniversary of his death and is on display in the foyer of the School of Signals, and by the naming of Matthews Close, Gowrie, ACT.

7. The Lionel Matthews Merit Award came into being as a result of a decision taken by the Corps Committee at the 1965 meeting. Prior to that date a Lionel Matthews Scholarship valued at $100 was awarded annually to children of serving and ex-members of the Corps. With the increasing number of more valuable scholarships becoming available, the Corps Committee reviewed the situation and decided that the aim would be better satisfied by introducing the Lionel Matthews Merit Award.

8. The award takes the form of a medallion depicting the Corps Badge on the obverse side and Inscribed with the words 'LIONEL MATTHEWS MERIT AWARD'. The reverse side shows a laurel wreath and space for the presentation inscription. The presentation inscription will show the serial -number and abbreviated title of the course, student's regimental number and name. The date, recipient's rank and name shall be placed on an Honour Board, donated by 8th Divisional Signals Association, on display in the foyer of the School of Signals.

9. The award shall only be made to an outstanding student on courses conducted at the School of Signals.

10. Factors taken into account when making the awards are to include:

a. examination results,

b. practical work,

c. conduct, and

d. the general contribution by the student to the course as a whole.

11. The number of medallions awarded in any one year, January to December, will be governed by an expenditure limit of $100.

12. The Award is to be administered as follows:

a. The Commanding Officer, School of Signals, or an officer delegated by him is to select the recipients of the award. The award is to be restricted to other rank members only.

b. The award will be financed by RA Sigs General Purpose Fund as follows:

(1) The School of Signals is to maintain a stock of award medallions. The medallions are accountable. Replenishment of stock is to be requested by the School as required from the Corps Shop.

(2) Claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the School of Signals such as engraving, etc, are to be submitted to the Corps Committee Treasurer by 31 Jan and 31 Jul each year.

(3) A consolidated list of recipients of the award is to be included with the claim.

c. Names of recipients are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army on the normal Course Report forwarded by the School of Signals at the conclusion of courses.

ANNEX B TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE J.I. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL AWARD

Aim

1. The award was established on 1 January 1982 for presentation to officers of the Corps to:

a. commemorate the memory and dedicated service of the late Major General J.1. Williamson, AO, OBE; and

b. provide an incentive and a recognition of the merits of the best all-round student (both ARA and GRES) attending each Regimental Officer Advanced Course conducted at the School of Signals.

Background

2. Major General John Irvine Williamson, AO, OBE graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1946. After service in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, Japan, he returned to Australia in 1948 to complete his studies for a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Queensland. In 1950 he was promoted Captain and was attached to the Australian Observer Unit, Malaya in 1952. On his return he served as an instructor at the School of Signals prior to attending the Royal Military College of Science in the United Kingdom in 1955. He was promoted Major in 1956, Lieutenant Colonel in 1962, and Colonel in 1969 when he was appointed Director of Signals in Army Headquarters. During this period he graduated from the Australian Staff College and held a number of command and staff appointments including service on the staff of the Australian Military Attache, in Washington DC. In 1972 he was promoted Brigadier and appointed Commander, Puckapunyal Area. This was followed by attendance at the National Defence College in Canada and senior staff appointments in Army Headquarters, Canberra.

3. In 1975 he was promoted to Major General in which rank he held appointments as Chief of
Operations, Deputy Chief of the General Staff and General Officer Commanding Field Force
Command. He was made an officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1972 and an
Officer of the Order of Australia in 1979. He died at his home at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, on 5th
July, 1980.

4. General Williamson was destined to serve the nation in positions of great responsibility. A well known and greatly respected member of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals he was a man of dedication, loyalty, determination and drive. He was a man as big in spirit as he was tall in stature. His was a very distinguished career in the profession of arms. He rendered outstanding service that reflected great credit upon himself, his Corps and the Australian Army.

5. The award takes the form of a 'Mercury' statuette inscribed with 'J.1. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL AWARD'. The inscription also shows the serial number and abbreviated title of the course, student's regimental number, rank and name. The date, recipient's rank and name shall be placed on an Honour Board, which was donated by Royal Signals, on display in the foyer of the School of Signals.

6. The award is intended for presentation to the most outstanding student of each Regimental Officer Advanced Course (ROAC) conducted at the School of Signals. When GRES students participate in this course, two awards may be made; one for ARA and one for GRES.

7. Factors taken into account when choosing the recipients of the award are to include:

a. knowledge and understanding of communications technology, tactics and principles.

b. ability to perceive, analyse and resolve problems; in particular communications related problems;

c. planning and management of communication resources to meet operational requirements;

d. oral and written skills;

e. professionalism; and

f. practical application of skill and knowledge.

8. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by him, will select the recipients of the award or decide that no student warrants the award.

9. The awards and inscriptions will be financed from funds allocated by the Corps Committee for
this purpose.

10. The School of Signals is to maintain and account for a small stock of statuettes. Replenishment
of stock is to be arranged by the School of Signals.

11. Claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the School of Signals, such as engraving and
the inscription of the names on the Board are to be submitted to the Director of Signals - Army.

12. Prior to the awards being presented, names of recipients are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army.

ANNEX C TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE A.D. MOLLOY AWARD

Aim

1. The award was established on 15 August 1983 for presentation to officers of the Corps to:

a. commemorate the memory and dedicated service of the late Brigadier A.D. Molloy; and

b. provide an incentive and recognise the merits of the officer achieving the best results on each Telecommunications System Management (Military Module) course. With the replacement of the Telecommunications Systems Management Course by the Regimental Operations Course (ROC) the A D Molloy Award is now presented to the outstanding trainee on the ROC (Technical) module.

Background

2. Brigadier Archie David Molloy graduated as a LT Aust Staff Corps in 1930. He served as a young officer on the Indian North West Frontier during 1934-35. In October 1939 at the rank of Captain he was employed as a Signals Staff Officer with the Directorate of Mechanisation that was raised as part of the Army Headquarters Ordnance Branch. There was no provision for a Signals Directorate therefore many of those responsibilities rested with Captain Molloy and other Signals officers.

3. In 1941 Operation "Crusader" was launched by the British Eighth Army in an attempt to relieve the beleaguered defenders of Tobruk and to drive the enemy from Cyrenaica. This operation utilised Army Air Support Control for the first time and saw the deployment of 2/1 st Australian Air Support Control under command of the then Major A.D. Molloy.

4. During the course of the Operation MAJ Molloy was captured by General Ravenstien's 21 Panzer Division. He was held captive for 12 days and was interrogated by both Ravenstein and Rommel. 1Es eventual escape was aided by another Signals Officer CAPT A.P. Fleming and a group of New Zealanders. They were reunited with the Eighth Army at the Libya/Egypt border. Soon after saw an enemy withdrawal.

5. Brigadier Molloy was later to succeed Major General Simpson CBE, MC, VD as SO in C in 1946. This appointment was designated Director of Signals in 1947 and was occupied by him until 1952. During his appointment Brigadier Molloy was instrumental in establishing selection criteria for the Special Wireless Group of operators which later saw the establishment of this group's home at Cabarlah and redesignated as 101 Wireless Regiment.

6. In addition to serving the Corps as Director, Brigadier Molloy served in Washington as the
Military Attache 1952 to 1954, Comd 6 MD 1954 to 1955 and as ADC to RM The Queen in 1959. He also held the appointment of Colonel Commandant for RA Sigs in 3 MD during the period 1972 to 1974.

7. The award takes the form of a suitable publication not exceeding the value of $50, and inscribed 'A.D. MOLLOY lffiMORIAL AWARD'. The inscription is to show the serial number and abbreviated title of the course, the students regimental number, rank and name. The year of the award, the recipient's rank and name are to be entered on to an Honour Board, on display in the foyer of the School of Signals.

8. The award is intended for presentation to the most outstanding student of each Regimental Operations Course (Technical Module), (ROC(T)).

9. The factors to be taken into account when choosing the recipients of the award are to include:

a. academic achievement,

b. application to the course, and

c. superior officer qualities to be demonstrated.

10. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by him is to select the recipients of the award or, if appropriate, decide that no student warrants the award.

11. The award and the inscriptions are to be financed from funds allocated by the Corps Committee for this purpose.

12. The Commanding Officer, School of Signals, or an officer delegated by him is to select the award.

13. Claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the School of Signals in purchasing and inscribing the award are to be submitted to the Director of Signals - Army.

14. Prior to the award being presented, the names of recipients are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army.

ANNEX D TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE JOURNAL AWARD

General

1 . The Australian Defence Force Journal Award (ADFJA) was established on 28 June 1993. The award is to be presented to the student of merit on the RA SIGS Regimental Operations Course Military Module (ROC - M).

2. The aim of the ADFJA is to:

a. encourage the pursuit of excellence, and

b. give recognition to the efforts of the student achieving the best standard of operational staff work on the ROC(M).

Form of the Award

3. The ADFJA is in the form of a book prize.

4. The recipient of the ADFJA will be presented with a suitably inscribed copy of a book donated by the Australian Defence Force Journal.

5. The factors taken into account when selecting a recipient for the ADFJA are:

a. examination and assignment results,

b. a demonstrated ability to plan and manage divisional tactical communications systems,

c. the ability to translate an outline plan for a communications system into succinct and comprehensive signals operation order, and

d. the degree to which the student was able to contribute to the smooth and effective running of the 'in-course' operations group.

6. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, will decide upon the recipient of the ADFJA award
based on the above criteria.

7. The School of Signals is to arrange for the inscription of the book prize. When the current
supply of book prizes is nearly exhausted, the School of Signals, in conjunction with the ADFJ, shall review the title of the prize (if necessary) and obtain a further quantity of prizes.

8. The Officer Commanding Corps Training Squadron is to act as the custodian of the ADFJA book prizes.

9. Under normal circumstances the Award shall be presented at the completion of each ROC - M by the Chief Instructor, School of Signals.

10. Prior to the award being presented, the Director of Signals - Army is to be notified of the name of the recipient.

ANNEX E TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE SIEMENS LTD AWARD

1 The award was established in 1979 for presentation to Technicians Electronic of the Corps to:

a. acknowledge the close association between Siemens Ltd and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals,

b. encourage the pursuit of excellence, and

C. provide recognition of the Technician Electronic student who achieves the highest grade point average while attending the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Associate Diploma of Engineering (Computer Systems and Electronic) Course.

2. The Siemens Ltd Award is in the form of a $200 cash award and an inscribed copy of the
Siemens Engineering Handbook.

3. In addition, the recipients details are inscribed on a Honour Board which is displayed in
Communications and Information Systems Training Squadron

4. The award is made each year to the individual who has achieved the highest overall result at the completion of the RMIT Associate Diploma in Engineering and who has maintained a proper standard of conduct throughout the course.

5. The Chief Instructor School of Signals, or an officer designated by the Chief Instructor selects the recipient based on course results notified by RMIT and conduct reports. Details concerning the individual are to be advised to Siemens Ltd by 1 March of the year following completion of the course.

6. Siemens Ltd makes arrangements for the provision of the handbook and the cheque, for presentation at an appropriate occasion as determined by the Chief instructor School of Signals in consultation with the Company.

7. The School of Signals is to arrange for the perpetual honour board to be inscribed.

8. Prior to the award being presented, the name of the recipient is to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army.

ANNEX F TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD AWARD

1. The Rockwell International Pty Ltd award was established in 1966 for the outstanding Apprentice in his OJT year. As a result of the OJT year being cancelled, the award was re-established in 1994 for presentation to a potential Supervisor Technical Telecommunications on the RMIT Bridging Course to:

a. acknowledge the close association between then Rockwell International Pty Ltd, and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals;

b. provide an incentive for the pursuit of excellence, and

c. recognise the achievements of an individual on the RMIT Bridging Course each calendar year for commitment and effort.

2. The Rockwell International Pty Ltd Award is a $150 cash award and a plaque. The recipient's name is also inscribed on an Honour Board located in Communications and Information Systems Training Squadron within the School of Signals.

3. Factors taken into consideration when selecting recipients of the Award include:

a. overall grade average for RMIT Bridging Course conducted at the School of Signals; and

b. performance in general soldier skills, duties and conduct during the course.

4. Members completing Bridging subjects external to the School of Signals are not eligible for the award.

5. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by the Chief Instructor, selects the recipient of the award. The recipients details are to be advised to Rockwell International Pty Ltd approximately one week prior to the end of the course.

6. Rockwell International Pty Ltd will make arrangements for the provision of the prize, for presentation at an appropriate occasion as determined by the Chief Instructor or his delegate in consultation with the company. The presentation will normally be during the RMIT Mil Mod Pt I in the following year.

7. Prior to the award being presented, the recipient's details are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army. The School of Signals is responsible to arrange for the Honour Board to be inscribed.

ANNEX G TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE AWA AWARD

1 . The award was established on 1 January 1986 for presentation to officers completing the RA Sigs Regimental Officer Basic Course to:

a. acknowledge the close association between Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals,

b. encourage the pursuit of excellence, and

c. recognise the best all-round student (including Overseas Students) attending each Regimental Officer Basic Course at the School of Signals.

2. The AWA Award takes the form of a perpetual trophy on which the rank and name of the recipient and course details are inscribed. Where the recipient is an Overseas Student, the Corps or country of the officer is to be shown. The perpetual trophy is to hang in the foyer of the School of Signals.

3. In addition, each recipient is to receive a personal memento of the Award. This consists of a book prize inscribed with 'AWA AWARD' and the rank and name of the recipient followed by detail,; of the course.

4. Factors taken into consideration when selecting recipients of the Award include..

a. exam results in the academic aspects of the course,

b. demonstrated application of communications and management principles, and

c. the standard of conduct as an officer student on the course.

5 . The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by the Chief Instructor
the recipient based on reports received and results achieved during the course.

6. The School of Signals is to arrange for the purchase of the book prize and is to arrange inscriptions to be completed on the perpetual trophy and personal memento. The receipts are forwarded to Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited for reimbursement.

7. The award is normally presented at the close of each course by a representative of AWA. The course officer is to confirm arrangements for the presentation at least four weeks before the conclusion of each course.

8. Prior to the award being presented, the names of recipient are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army

ANNEX H TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

SIEMENS-PLESSEY ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AWARD

1 . The Siemens-Plessey Electronic Systems Award was established in 1988 as the Plessey Australia Pty Ltd Student of Honour Award for presentation to Technicians Electronic of the Corps to:

a. acknowledge the close association between the then Plessey Australia Pty Ltd, now Siemens-Plessey, and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals;

b. provide an incentive for the pursuit of excellence., and

c. acknowledge outstanding performance in general soldier skills, duties and conduct during the course.

2. The Siemens-Plessey Electronic Systems Award is in the form of a prize, normally a digital multimeter. In addition the recipient's details are inscribed on an honour board which is on display in the Communications and Information Systems Training Squadron of the School of Signals. An award was originally made for each Army Adult Tradesman Technician Electronic Course. Due to the change of course structure and location, it is now made for each Technician Electronic Equipment Course.

3. The recipient of the Award is selected on the following criteria:

a. highest grade average for the course; and

b. performance in general soldier skills, duties and conduct during the course.