WHAT IS THE KRMNPA?

The Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award is sponsored by Amateur Radio Victoria.

The aim of the award is to encourage and recognise portable operation in Victoria’s 45 National Parks. (ARV 2024)

The award is open to park activators, hunters, and short-wave listeners.

Each Victorian National Park is worth one point.  The basic award is issued when VK3 stations achieve 15 points, while other VK’s reach 10 points.  DX stations require 5 points.  The next certificate available is issued when 25 points are attained (25 Victorian National Parks activated or worked).  Upon reaching 45 points (activated or worked all 45 Victorian National Parks), the Activated All/Worked All National Parks award certificate is issued.  

A merit plaque is also offered to recognise those who have activated all National Parks or Worked All National Parks

A Grand Slam plaque is available to those who have both activated and worked all 45 National Parks.

HISTORY OF THE KRMNPA.

The KRMNPA can trace its roots back to around 1967 when it was known as the Victorian National Parks Award.  It was issued by the then Victorian Division of the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) as a way of promoting mobile and portable operation.  At that time there were only 20 National Parks declared. (ARV 2024) (Parkwatch 1987)

The first Victorian National Parks Award was issued in 1968 to Harold Hepburn VK3AFQ.  The certificate featured a map of Victoria and listed the 20 Victorian National Parks, many of which have since had name changes.  By March 1971 a total of 15 certificates had been issued. (Parkwatch 1987)

By 1986 several Victorian National Parks had undertaken name changes and the total number of parks had increased to 31. As a result, a new certificate based on a colour photograph of Cape Nelson was developed and replaced the original design. (Parkwatch 1987)

The driving force behind the award was Keith Roget VK3YQ/YJ8KR/VR4AV/H44AV (silent key).  In the mid-1980s, Roget’s widow Jean agreed that it was fitting that the award be renamed in his memory the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award. Roger Baker VK3BKR was made custodian of the award.

In September 2008, the KRMNPA was further revamped, covering Victoria’s 40 National Parks. Chris Chapman VK3QB was the manager. In 2009, Tony Hambling VK3VTH took on the position of Award Manager. (ARV 2024)

ABOUT KEITH VIDMORE ROGET.

Keith Vidmore Roget was born on the 16th day of June 1916 in Kerang, Victoria. His parents were Henry Charles Hunter Roget and Flora Mary James. (Ancestry.com.au) (ARV 2024)

Roget had a younger brother, Raymond George Roget who was born in November 1918 at Kerang, and a sister Enid who was born in November 1921 at New Norfolk. Their father was a Minister of Religion. (Ancestry.com.au)

On the 3rd day of January 1941, at the No. 1 Recruiting Centre RAAF Melbourne, Roget enlisted for service with the Royal Australian Air Force. He was 24 years old and his trade or calling was recorded as a Clerk. His next of kin was recorded as his father Henry. Roget was recorded being 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 163 lbs, with a medium complexion, brown eyes, and dark medium hair. (NAA 2024) (Nom Roll 2024)

Above:- Keith Vidmore Roget. Image c/o recordsearch.naa.gov.au

On the 27th day of March 1941, Roget embarked at Melbourne for overseas service. On the 25th day of April 1941, he disembarked at South Africa. By October 1941 Roget had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. On the 15th day of November 1941, Roget embarked aboard H.M.T. ‘Mauretania’. He disembarked at Egypt on the 26th day of November 1941. (NAA 2024)

In June 1942 Roget’s brother Raymond who was also with the Royal Australian Air Force, was killed in action in France. His aircraft was shot down by Flugabwehrkanone or Flak, the German anti-aircraft defense cannons off Belle Ille during a mine laying sorte to the Lorient area. He is buried at Lorient (Kerentrech) Communal Cemetery, France. (Ancestry.com.au)

At 12.10 p.m. on the 6th day of November 1943, four Beaufighters of 603 Squadron and four of 47 Squadron took off from their base. Keith Roget was a navigator on board one of those Beaufighters whose pilot was Keith Hopkins. Roget’s Beaufighter was shot down during an attack on a U-boat in the Agean Sea near Paros Island. The aircraft ditched. (NAA 2024) (RAF Forum 2012) (The Sun 1943)

Above:- Bristol Beaufighters. c/o Australian War Memorial.

It was initially believed that Roget and Hopkins had become casualties of the war and they were recorded as missing. A telegram, followed by a letter was forwarded to Roget’s next of kin, his father at Prahan, Victoria. (NAA 2024)

Part of the letter read:

“I desire to convey to you the sincere sympathy of this Department in the anxiety you are suffering…”

Above:- Casualty letter forwarded to Roget’s father. Image c/o National Archives Australia.

However, both Roget and Hopkins survived and they were picked up by a British submarine after spending several hours in a rubber dinghy. Hopkins was recorded as ‘slightly wounded right lower arm.’ (RAF Forum 2012) (The Sun 1943)

Above:- Article from The Sun, Melbourne, Sat 18 Dec 1943. Image c/o Trove.

In June 1944 Roget was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer. (NAA 2024)

He joined No. 87 squadron the 14th day of September 1944. Roget completed fifteen photographic operational flights totalling 100 operational hours whilst serving with the Squadron. He acted as navigator to Squadron Leader Bonython on five operational flights to Java, including the longest one ever undertaken by the Squadron. (NAA 2024)

His Commanding Officer recorded that Roget had “carried out the duties of Intelligence Officer for a period of 8 months in this Squadron in a most capable and efficient manner.” (NAA 2024)

Above:- Roget’s aircrew record. Image c/o National Archives Australia.

In May 1945, Roget was on board a de Havilland DH. 98 Mosquito Mk III which force landed at RAAF Tindall due to a broken engine bearer. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries.

Above:- de Havilland Mosquito. Image c/o http://www.aviationphotocompany.com

In 1945 Roget married Dorothy Jean Dalgety. They had 2 children, Judy and David. During his life, Roget was an accountant. (Ancestry.com.au)

On the 13th day of December 1945, Roget was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. (NAA 2024)

Roget was discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force on the 10th day of April 1946. (Nom Roll 2024)

Roget was mentioned in Despatches in 1946. This describes a member of the armed forces whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which their gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy is described. (AR 1980) (AWM 2024) (NAA 2024) (Wikipedia 2024)

Above:- Item from the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, Thu 28 Feb 1946. Image c/o Trove.

The Mention in Despatches states:

“Flying Officer ROGET’s keenness and devotion to duty have, at all times, proved an inspiration to the younger navigators.”

Above:- Mention in Despatches for Roget. Image c/o National Archives of Australia

Roget was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star and Clasp, Italy Star, Pacific Star. Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal 1939-45, and the Returned from Active Service Badge. (NAA 2024)

Roget was first licenced in the early 1950s. In 1960 Roget became Treasurer of the Victorian Division of the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA). He held that position for a number of years. He also held the Office of the President of the Division and was also Secretary. Roget was also the Federal Treasurer of the WIA. (AR 1980)

Roget was an enthusiastic supporter of National Parks and regularly used his amateur radio equipment during radio field days and WICEN exercises. (Parkwatch 1987)

In 1979 Roget was accorded Honorary Life Membership of the WIA. (AR 1980)

Roget died on the 13th day of February 1980 in Port Vila, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). He had been living there for about 16 months as manager of Normans Overseas Ltd and had operated as YJ8KR. His business also took him to the Solomon Islands where he operated as VR4AV/H44AV (AR 1980) (Ancestry.com.au)

In his obituary in AR magazine, VK3ADW wrote:

“Keith worked in such an unassuming manner that much of his effort went without notice by the general membership. However, if it was not for Keith’s contribution, many of the successes of the Institute would not have been so easily gained.” (AR 1980)

GROUPS.IO SITE

KRMNPA has a Groups.io site which can be found at……..https://groups.io/g/krmnpa

MY KRMNPA PROGRESS.

In March 2012 I was issued with the basic award, having worked 10 Victorian National Parks (endorsed as having worked 12 parks).  In November 2013 I was issued with the 25 parks worked certificate (endorsed as having worked 33 parks).

In November 2014 I was issued with the Worked All National Parks certificate and also the merit plaque, for having worked all 45 Victorian National Parks.

In February 2016 I was issued with the basic award as an activator, having operated portable from 10 Victorian National Parks.  And in January 2018 I was issued with the next level certificate, for having activated a total of 25 Victorian parks.

have activated 35 of the 45 Victorian National Parks. The following parks are needed to be activated for me to receive the Grand Slam:-

• Baw Baw National Park
• Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park
• Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park
• Dandenong Ranges National Park
• French Island National Park
• Kinglake National Park
• Mitchell River National Park
• Mount Buffalo National Park
• Organ Pipes National Park
• Warby Ovens National Park

MY KRMNPA HUNTER CERTIFICATES

MY KRMNPA ACTIVATOR CERTIFICATES.

CERTIFICATES I HAVE CREATED FOR OTHER AMATEURS.

ARTICLE FROM PARKWATCH MAGAZINE.

The following is an article written by Ken VK3AJU that appeared in the Parkwatch magazine in September 1987.

KRMNPA ACTIVATION WEEKEND.

The first KRMNPA activation weekend was held in 2011, and an activation weekend has been held in November each year ever since.  I have taken part in the KRMNPA Weekend for most years since 2013. (ARV 2024)

2024.

9th & 10th October.

Did not take part as an activator.

2023.

15 Activators took part.

Marija VK5MAZ and I activated:-

• Wyperfeld National Park
• Murray Sunset National Park (CANCELLED due to Total Fire Ban)

2022.

Marija VK5MAZ and I did not take part in 2022 as Marija and I were in Tasmania on holiday.

2021.

10th & 11th April.

The 2020 KRMNPA Weekend which was scheduled for November 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19.  It was rescheduled for Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th day of April 2021.

29 VK3 parks were activated.

Marija VK5MAZ and I activated:-

• Murray Sunset National Park
• Hattah Kulkyne National Park

2020.

This event was cancelled due to COVID and rescheduled for April 2021.

2019.

Marija VK5FMAZ and I activated the following parks:-

• Murray Sunset National Park
• Wyperfeld National Park

2018.

Marija VK5FMAZ and I activated the following parks:-

• Wyperfeld National Park
• Murray Sunset National Park

2017.

Marija VK5FMAZ and I activated the following parks:-

• Alfred National Park
• Coopracamba National Park
• Croajingolong National Park
• Lind National Park

2016.

I activated the following parks:-

• Gunbower National Park
• Barmah National Park
• Terrick Terrick National Park.

2015.

I activated the following parks:-

• Port Campbell National Park
• Great Otway National Park.

2014.

I activated the following parks:-

• Lower Glenelg National Park
• Cobbobonee National Park
• Mount Richmond National Park
• Mount Eccles National Park

2013.

This was the first year that I took part as an Activator.

I activated the following parks:-

• Murray Sunset National Park
• Wyperfeld National Park

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/.
2. ‌Awm.gov.au. (2024). Keith Vidmore Roget. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1522210 [Accessed 18 Nov. 2024].
3. ‌ARV site administration (2014). Awards – Amateur Radio Victoria. [online] Amateurradio.com.au. Available at: https://amateurradio.com.au/awards/ [Accessed 18 Nov. 2024].‌
4. Genge (2014). DVA’s Nominal Rolls. [online] Dva.gov.au. Available at: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1061992&c=WW2 [Accessed 18 Nov. 2024].
5. ‌Harro Ranter (2015). Incident de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito T Mk III A52-1010, Saturday 19 May 1945. [online] Flightsafety.org. Available at: https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/180921 [Accessed 18 Nov. 2024].‌
6. RAFCommands Forums. (2012). Beaufighter serial numbers required – RAFCommands Forums. [online] Available at: https://forum.rafcommands.com/forum/general-category/12771-beaufighter-serial-numbers-required#post134272 [Accessed 18 Nov. 2024].
7. ‌Trove. (2014). Melbourne Pilot Saved By Sub. – The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 – 1954; 1956) – 18 Dec 1943. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/279373340/31412664 [Accessed 18 Nov. 2024].‌
8. Victorian National Parks Association, Parkwatch magazine, September 1987
9. Wikipedia. (2022). Mentioned in dispatches. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentioned_in_dispatches.‌