Furphies
Furphy. n. (Aust. slang) false report or rumour; absurd story.
The term Furphy, meaning suspect information or rumour originated during World War I through the Australian Army’s use of farm water carts manufactured by the Australian firm Furphy. The water cart drivers, in their travels, collected snippets of information that they passed onto soldiers in the camps and billets they visited. In a short time the presence of the water cart in military camps accompanied by information of a dubious nature or rumours, led to the name FURPHY becoming an indelible part of our language.
Furphy - A civilian is the Special Air Service Regiment’s official photographer.
Fact
There is no official photographer on the posted strength of SASR. When necessary, a member of the Regiment or the Australian Defence Force will be appointed to act as an official photographer. Unfortunately, there has been one instance where a civilian who published unauthorised images of SASR training claimed formal affiliation with SASR as an official photographer, grossly misrepresenting their status.
Furphy - SASR soldiers serving in Vietnam were offered extra Rest and Recreation leave for every Viet Cong they killed and had to prove each kill by cutting off the dead enemy’s right ear.
Fact
This did not happen. Conspiracy theorists; ‘professionals’ coveting a Walkley award; military auto biographers seeking to enhance their published stories; and envious commentators frequently malign SASR soldiers by making accusations with little or no information or based on hearsay. The practice and reward insinuated by this furphy would have required complicity at the highest level of command in the 1st Australian Task Force, could not have been kept a secret and would have therefore been widely known.
Furphy - SASR’s unit badge can be trademarked.
Fact
Unfortunately, no. Australian Army emblems are protected by section 83 of the Defence Act 1903 (Cwlth) to ensure that Army is not brought into disrepute through misuse of those emblems, unintentional or otherwise. The Rising Sun badge and all corps emblems are registered trademarks under the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cwlth). Unit badges are not afforded the same protection and can therefore be exploited, usually for commercial gain. Australian SAS branded memorabilia that is genuine, authentic and endorsed is only available from ninesixfourco.com