4TH FIELD REGIMENT (SVN) ASSOCIATION AKA 4TH FIELD REGT OLD BOYS Patron: David Anderson. President: Peter Bruce, OAM Treasurer: Gabby Hayes. NEWSLETTER No 67 Winter (June) 2026 All correspondence to Peter Bruce, 33 Cathie Circuit, Lake Cathie NSW 2445 or pjbruce88@outlook.com Mobile is 0419 349 317 G’day Old Boys Several Old Boys got together for Anzac Day at Laurieton this year. Some had been here before and had enjoyed their experience. One newcomer was Pete Smith from Melbourne. For the past decade or so, his RSL Victoria duties have kept him in Melbourne, but this year he has thrown off the shackles and joined us here in Laurieton. Others included Ray Barber, from the West accompanied by his daughter Julie and Grandson Braydon; Ian and Margaret Schulz; Bob and Chris Brumm, Kevin Murphy, and Peter Dobbs. All visitors managed to get accommodation at the same motel in North Haven – Haven Waters Motel – and were all well looked after. We all attended the Dawn Service in Laurieton with a brief shower making things a little uncomfortable. At the Dawn Service: Chris and Bob Brumm, Pete Bruce, Ray Barber and Ray’s grandson Braydon. Those who could, joined members of the Laurieton RSL sub-Branch for the march from the Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) to Laurie Park where the main service was held. Fortunately, the weather gods were kind to us, and we got through the service with just a slight sprinkle.
We used some of our Old Boys funds ($99.00) to pay for a wreath. The Laurieton RSL sub-Branch made special mention of the Old Boys and welcomed them to the area. Bob Brumm laid our wreath during the main Service on behalf of all our Old Boys. Missing from this photo are Bob Brumm and Ian Schulz. Remainder L to R are Pete Bruce, Kevin Murphy, Pete Smith, Ray Barber, Syd Farrow and Peter Dobbs. We all went to lunch at the LUSC and Pete Smith made a presentation to the Laurieton RSL sub-Branch of a framed print depicting the Battle of Long Tan. Peter Dobbs had donated the print to the Old Boys and was a fitting thank you to the sub-Branch for looking after us. Pictured are Pete Smith and sub-Branch President Buster Beatty, OAM.
The Long Tan print, donated by Peter Dobbs, and presented to the sub-Branch from our Old Boys. The following day (Sunday) the visitors explored some of the highlights of our area in the morning. The group then gathered at our place for an evening BBQ. Peter Dobbs had to drive back to Brisbane on the Sunday, so we missed him. We spent the afternoon looking at various photos and videos from our time in SVN. More about those photos later. Pete Smith, Pete Bruce, Bob Brumm, Ian Schulz, Ray Barber, and Kevin Murpy at my BBQ shed. Watching the videos and photos. Pete Bruce, Ray Barber, Bob Brumm, Pete Smith, Chris Brumm, Kevin Murphy, and Belinda Bruce and sitting trying to look interested is Ray’s Grandson Braydon. A great catch up with good friends. I hope we can all get together again soon. Photos and videos. Lance Grimstone has done a great job with some old 8mm film taken by Brian Swift in SVN. Lance has converted it to digital, and his aim is to incorporate some of that footage into a video which he is putting together from photos of his, plus photos from Mick Long and Dick Bush. We have tried to put a name to the faces in the photos but there are some we can’t ID. Andrew Murray also sent me some photos to include as did Bob Brumm. Eventually we hope to have the finished product available to all Old Boys with a copy to the Cutler Research Centre and a copy to the 4th Regiment Historical Collection in Townsville. On perhaps a separate video, we hope to put together a collection of individuals while in SVN and another from the various reunions we have held. More details on that project next newsletter but one idea is to put all the videos/photos on a USB stick and
have them available at a reasonable price -perhaps $15.00 - that would cover costs and maybe make a dollar for our funds. If any Old Boy has a photo of themselves in SVN and would like to send me a copy, we could incorporate it in the finished product. Most would know that the 106 Battery (first tour) guys have produced two wonderful books as lasting memories of their time in Vietnam. 108 Battery have done the same with their book. Both contain great photos and stories and are both a credit to their authors. 107 Battery have a great website with lots of information available on it regarding the Battery. Unfortunately, HQ Battery from both tours have very little in recorded history. Perhaps we should look at fixing that. Appreciate your thoughts and whether there is any interest in a photo stick. From Kevin Murphy. Many thanks for you and Susie’s hospitality over the Anzac weekend. The Laurieton RSL sub-Branch and LUSC must be congratulated for an excellent day; their attitude to us veterans was second to none - $15.00 for breakfast, two course lunch and a 3 hour open bar, plus free drink vouchers (pity I was duty driver and wasn’t imbibing). The North Haven Motel was very good; we had BBQ there catered by Bob & Ian's wives and expertly cooked by Bob. Another BBQ and slide and film night hosted by Peter and Susie on the Sunday rounded out the weekend. How young we all looked back then! There were definitely some film stars back then, some (eg Ian Schulz) seemed to be in many photos. We definitely need more reunions like this. Best wishes to all Old Boys Kevin Murphy From Peter Smith (writing to the President of the Laurieton RSL sub-Branch – Allan (Buster) Beatty, OAM) Dear Allan. I am writing to express my appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to myself and all members of the 4th Field Regiment RAA (South Vietnam) Old Boys on ANZAC Day. Our Association President, Peter Bruce, does an outstanding job of keeping us all together and has hosted our members at Laurieton on several occasions. The reports from those attending are always glowing, and now I can see why that is so. This year was my first time attending at Laurieton, my own ANZAC Day commitments in Victoria have prevented me from attending previously. I have to say that I will be very pleased to attend there again. I have had said to several people since returning to Melbourne that this ANZAC Day was one of the best in many years for me. I particularly want to congratulate you and your Sub-Branch team and the management and staƯ of the Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) for the organisation and conduct of the day from the Dawn Service to the March and Main Service and the luncheon which followed. A wonderful day of remembrance and mateship. Well done. It was very kind of you to mention our group at the luncheon, and I was very pleased to be asked to present your Sub-Branch with the Long Tan framed print. I should add that the gift of the print is from our Association in appreciation of your hospitality. The print was generously made available by the donation by one of our members who was at Laurieton on the day, Mr Peter Dobbs, OAM. Finally Allan, I would be very pleased if you could pass on to the management of the LUSC our thanks for the courtesy, hospitality and generosity shown to us and all veterans on the day. Yours sincerely, Peter Smith, OAM
(Buster read out Pete’s letter to sub-Branch members at our May monthly meeting and it was well received by all.) Allan (Buster) Beatty OAM response. Dear Peter Thank you very much for your kind e-mail and generous words regarding your visit to Laurieton for Anzac Day. The pleasure was all ours, and we genuinely love having Associations such as the 4th Field Regiment RAA (South Vietnam) Old Boys attend and participate in our Anzac Day activities. The camaraderie and shared spirit of remembrance that groups such as yours bring to the day make it all the more meaningful for our members and community. I will certainly pass your comments on to our committee and volunteers. We are fortunate to have a hardworking and dedicated group of members who put in a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes. For a small regional sub-Branch in “downtown Laurieton”, we like to think we punch above our weight when it comes to commemorating Anzac Day and supporting veterans and the local community. Thank you also for the presentation of the framed Long Tan print. Please pass on our sincere appreciation to your Association and to Mr Peter Dobbs, OAM, for his generosity in donating the print. It is a very thoughtful gift which will take pride of place in our Anzac Room and will be greatly appreciated by our members and visitors alike. On a separate note, Peter Bruce has assisted our sub-Branch in various ways over the years and, as you would know, he is a tireless worker who does an outstanding job supporting veterans and keeping your Association connected. We are very fortunate to have his ongoing support and friendship. We are also extremely lucky to enjoy the support of the Laurieton United Services Club, whose management and staff consistently go above and beyond in supporting both the sub-Branch and the veteran community. I will certainly pass on your thanks and appreciation to them. Thank you once again for your very kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back to Laurieton again in the future. Regards Buster. Allan (Buster) Beatty President Laurieton RSL sub-Branch PO Box 70 LAURIETON NSW 2443 From Peter Dobbs Hello Pete, Thanks for a great time it was good to catch up with you and all our old friends of yesteryear. Thanks also for your tireless efforts in organising our time there. Get-togethers like that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Both medical appointments went well all I have to do is to stop getting older! I intend to print a copy of the photograph and keep it safe. Once again, thank you for your efforts. Peter From Andrew Murray Hope you had a good day on Saturday with the other Old Boys. As usual, I carted the banner into town and went up to the form up point in Bent St about 0930hrs and unfurled the banner ready for the march. With the recent passing of Kerry (Boyce) I was a bit reticent as to how Anzac Day would be, but I should not have worried.
Whilst waiting there a young man wearing medals on his right chest walked up to me and asked if he could march with us today. I asked if he was looking for 4 Fd Regt and he said yes. I then pointed to his medals and asked who they belonged to, and he said Kerry Boyce. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I introduced myself and he knew who I was and a quick welcoming embrace ensured. It was Kerry's Nephew, James. After that my/our day only got better. James marched with us and then joined us at the Coronation Hotel for a refreshment (or 2) and later he met us down at the Paragon Hotel with his family for another beer. After an emotional start it was a great day, and I have invited James to join us each year in the future. From John Wilson in Townsville John attended an Anzac Day service and lunch with 4th Regiment at Lavarack Barracks. He was extremely impressed with the entire day and sent the photos below to us. John with the current CO of 4th Regiment LTCOL Simon Frewen and the wreath John laid at the service, (the one on the right) was made by John’s daughter Kym. We appreciate John’s commitment to keeping the Old Boys in touch with our old Regiment. From Ron Hall Pete. Cripes I saw you got rained out or at least on. Here in Canberra the dawn service was attended by a massive crowd, some say 35,000. Great service, especially the commemorative address. This year it was Flying Officer Kbora Ali. We are safe with women like her in our services. Lest we forget. Regards Ron Ron sent in the following article which I hope will prompt others to do the same. A great story Ron and credit to you. 39753 Gunner R. Hall, Call Sign 24 Having grown up in Gippsland and attended the Yallourn Technical College, my final year of school was October 67. My school mates either joined the State Electricity Commission as apprentices, end up milking cows or growing and picking up potatoes. I decided to join the Army. I cut a Military recruiting advertisement out of the Melbourne Sun newspaper, stuck it in my pocket and hitch hiked to 83a St Kilda Road with every intention of joining
the RAAF, however the first military type I bumped into was an Army recruiting Corporal who said you don’t look like a RAAF boy, you’re Army mate, so my RAAF career ended and the Army career began. I did the aptitude and medicals the same day and was told I was too young and they would contact me after I had turned 17 (December of 67), so hitchhiked back home. In very early January 68 I received a letter telling me to report to 83a St Kilda Road on the 17 of January 68 as I had been selected to join the Army. Now the first thing immediately after being sworn into the service was the haircut, most of us blokes had longish hair and we thought it was cool however the Army implemented it’s hair cut style and we all looked the same! We were loaded onto a bus for 1RTB. As a regular army soldier attending basic recruit training at 1RTB Kapooka in January 68, I was sure it was going to be a push over, WRONG there was a fair bit to learn! My B Company NCO’s at Kapooka were Bombardier George Gardner and Bombardier Ken Nucanen, these 2 NCOs were very forceful, but fair and if someone was struggling a bit with something they would hang around after hours in their own time and assist in whatever we needed to do or understand. Now nearing the end of basic training, we had to write down our 3 choices of Corps we wanted to join. I can’t remember what my first or second choices were, but I know Artillery was my last… yep, you know the Army drill, first choice is last and last choice is first. So off to the School of Artillery and the beginning of my army career in RAA. Having completed the RAA Corps training I was posted to 106 Battery in WACOL where it was like stepping back to the mid 40’s with the hot water being heated by a choofer, dilapidated 1940s lines and a bunch of blokes who had just returned from Vietnam, so the weeks went by and blokes came and went. Pretty much every day was down at the range shooting stuff. Then Staff Sergeant Daniels announced we were moving to Townsville and we were to take the Guns via Rail to Townsville, I was selected to make the journey up with the guns and armed with an F1 sub machine gun, I guess that was what all the range practice was for, then we were to fly back to Brisbane collect out stuff and go back to Townsville. The train trip to Townsville was a cracker in this man’s real army, you know the old Queensland Rail cars had those open 105mm pipes in the toilet and a big sign say do not use when the train is stationary. Every time we stopped at a station we lined up at the toilet and one by one we did number 2’s. Upon leaving we would look back and see the stationmaster waving his hands and swearing at us. We are now settling into the brand-new lines at Lavarack, my room mates in the beginning were Sharky Clayton, Ross Anton and Allan Foley. As the battery grew in number we all had to shuffle around as we took on more and more National Servicemen the life blood of the Army during the Vietnam campaign. We did all that training at High Range and I ended up being an FO Sig, returning to the school to do the Arty Sig course in 69. We trained with 7 RAR in Sydney and who ever was based at Enoggera in 69. I went on and completed JTC with 7 RAR in 69. Travelled to Vietnam by Qantas, David Gilroy was BC, Allen Singh was the BSM, the FOs were Nigel Evans, Denis Byrne and 2 others whose names escape me now! I thought everything was great Ian McNuaghton and I were on the same page and both attached to D Company 5RAR, what could possibly go wrong! On Day 4 after arriving at 1ATF we were told we were joining our company already deployed in the jungle, to my surprise Maca and I were sent in different directions, with Ian being 24A and his Arty Sig was xxxxxx and me being 24 moving out with Nigel our F.O.
I was absolutely positive as I stepped off the Huey and into the open field that I was going to step on a mine. Having set foot on the ground and nothing happening I thought it wasn’t as bad as everyone had made out! WRONG again the 5 RAR guys were already fully acclimatised and a well drilled killing machine. No need to go into any of that, but when 7 RAR arrived it was a debacle I was told I could not use a hammock which I grabbed off one of the NVA that we met and that I had to dig in every time we harboured, that lasted about 3 nights before they learned that all it did was tell the NVA where we were because of the amount of noise those bloody entrenching tools made. Needless to say, we never took them out with us again, only the guys who dug the trench for craping in had them. After 9 months in the field the Boss decided I could have a rest and go back to the BCs party. Those last 3 months gave me a great understanding of how the 7RAR Infantry Command Post and the 106 Battery worked hand in hand. David Gilroy was our BC and Brian Rudduck Sgt was his right-hand man, two of the finest people you could have wished to be around, totally professional and they knew their stuff. The BC’s party consisted of Brian Cunningham, myself, Fred Zeraffa, Peter McDowell and Brian Ruddock in those last months. In my last weeks in Vietnam, I got quite friendly with the RA Sigs Captain Ken Ryan who was charged arranging the fixing of the communications links back to Nui Dat from our fire support base Horseshoe. After figuring out that I had better get a trade that might be useful in civvy street I made the big decision to Corps transfer to RA Sigs and Captain Ryan facilitated it all. The saddest point in my life was arriving home from Vietnam in Sydney and saying goodbye to all my mates, you know the forever ones! Now with all my paperwork in hand I set off to Melbourne to go on leave then join RA Sigs in Watsonia barracks. With Leave done I returned to the School of Signals to undertake Corps training!!! Yep same old same old room inspections in and out to the parade ground and I was struggling to be honest until a corporal in charge of the wing discovered I was a veteran, well life changed instantly, no more parades other than those important ones and there I was with ribbons on with a bunch of recruits, there were lots of puzzled looks come the inspections on parade. My RA Sigs saviour and good friend was Corporal Noel Watson a Technician Electronic. His advice and training set me up for the rest of my life. Had many a Friday night on the grog at his house mixing with all his rock and roll mates. Having completed my technical training and Corps training back to back, I was posted to 5 Signal Regiment located on a hilltop in the Sydney suburb of Dundas. 5 Sig Regt was one of the Army message Transmitting and Receiving stations with the Transmitters located at Bringelly and the Receivers located at Wallgrove. The message switches were very advanced computers for the day manufactured by STC (Standard Telephones and Cables), they would store (receive) and forward (transmit) messages based on ACP127 format, everything was paper based, paper tape and teleprinter paper rolls. Most messages were encrypted especially those between local communication centres. I discovered a couple of things while at 5 Sig, there was a different Army out there, one that had lots of women in it, all professionals and great people. My wife was one! Now it is crunch time 6 years are coming up what do I do, there was a small reengagement bonus? I had been working side by side with some of the STC civvies maintaining STRAD (Signal Transmitting Receiving and Distribution) they said we have a new section opening why don’t you go and talk to them. This new section was STC Data Systems and it was all about the emerging computer industry. I had my STC meeting with an ex-Sig Sergeant by the name of Lloyd Claxton who not only said I had the job but wanted me to start straight away on a salary I could not believe. Back to the regiment at Dundas where I announced that I would not be extending with the army.
RA Sigs organised that final meeting with the army before I left for civvy life. Would you believe who did that final interview where they try and talk you out of leaving, it was Allan Singh, the last time I saw him was when he was BSM based at the Dat! From STC in Sydney after about six months I moved with my wife to be back to Canberra with STC and it’s beginning in the computer age in the ACT. STC sold and maintained General Automation 16 bit mini computers in Australia, I spent the next 12 months running around fixing them in Government Departments in the ACT. From STC I was poached to join a US company called Sperry Univac in about 76 where they sold and maintained their own Main Frame computers also installed in government departments. With Sperry I did shift work maintaining the HMAS Harmon Naval Message switch located in the Basement of Building A at Russel offices, this lasted 10 years, from there to Australian Customs maintaining their Sperry Univac Mainframes, all the time these machines were getting increasingly more complex, larger and faster. The company then merged with Burroughs and we took on the name of Unisys. With Unisys I worked at the University of Canberra in the security innovation space, demonstrating all the biometric possibilities to students studying biometrics, Federal and International Governments. After 33 years with Unisys my position with Unisys at the University was made redundant. Right when I thought everything had turned to crap, I was contacted by a Government Department and started work as contractor for nearly three years on a project called AMIS as the project’s technical manager and later the operations manager. This project was probably the most rewarding both professionally and financially in my entire career in the computer industry. My sporting life was spent in the car rally area of motorsport. I started in the early 80s and stopped around 2014. I began driving then went into event organisation to international event organisation to team management running in numerous World Rally Championships events between 2006 and 2013. I am a failed golfer, gambler and fisherman. (Thanks Ron for your story. I find stories like this fascinating and so interesting to hear what individuals did after their Army service, either as a National Servicemen or a regular Soldier.) From Ben Burrow (Ben advised us back in March of the death of Tommy Sawyer. I’d be interested to hear any other views on the incident related by Ben.) Raymond Leslie Sawyer was born October 17, 1945. Our quintessential knockabout Aussie mate known to us veterans of 106 Field Battery RAA 1967/68 as Tommy died on Saturday the 21st of March 2026. Tommy served in South Vietnam from the 1st of May 1967 to the 5th of March 1968. Tom firstly served with 108 Field Battery he then transferred to 106 Battery. Tommy was inseparable from two other 106 Battery Veterans Len Curd, and Ross Gibbins, during travels in Len's trusty Ford Falcon all over Australia to 106 Battery Reunions. Vale to a highly regarded Gunner Tom Sawyer and a true mate to us all veterans of 106 Field Battery RAA 1967/68. While serving with 108 Battery Tom told me that he was on M60 MG guard duty on the night of the 5th of November 1967 on Operation Santa Fe at FSB Lion, when Tom's mate. Gunner Barry Tregear. was mortally wounded following enemy Sapper mine blasts. Tom was acting as MG sentry and was equipped with a Starlight Scope. Tom spotted a number of VC approaching FSB Lion. Tom rang through to the 108 Bty Command post for permission to fire on the enemy. The order came down that they were refused permission to fire because of the close proximity of a Village.
A review of the tragedy the next morning revealed that a Trooper sitting on a 3 Cav Regt APC equipped with a Starlight scope had spotted a group of enemy soldiers creeping about the area. This was reported to the 1st Australian Task Force Headquarters and 3 Cav was told not to fire due to the close proximity of a Village.1st ATF HQ told 3 Cav to warn 108 Bty. Perhaps Gunner Barry Tregear's death would not have entered the realm of the "Fog Of War" if the FSB had not been poorly sited and that someone in overall command of the movement by convoy to FSB Lion had of appreciated the length of time necessary to properly set up an Artillery gun position and to erect adequate defence. This lesson was obviously not learned after we see what happened at the tragedy that took place at the Battle of Coral. The arrival and setting up of FSB Lion was rushed and 106 Bty had only time to roll out 1 roll out Dunnet barbed wire. 108 Bty did not have any wire out. This obviously led the VC sappers to enter the 108 Bty area and not that of 106 Bty to set up 4 Chinese Chicom style mines the size of 4 gallon drums. 2 Mines were exploded when 108 Bty was firing H & I tasks Sadly Gunner Barry Tregear was to remove from FSB Lion on the 6th of November 1967 for his R & R leave and so had only dug a shallow sleeping pit, Tom Sawyer was luckily in his deeper sleeping pit nearby to Barry. Tom had hung some of his clothing on a line which was shredded by the blasts along with his hoochie. On the 6th of November 2 Recoilless M40 rifles were flown out to FSB Lion equipped with Spintex rounds. At 2050 on the 6th, 15 Enemy mortar rounds were fired at FSB Lion, all landed outside the Lion boundary. Enemy small arms fire was directed from three sides at the FSB and 106 Bty MG gunners expended all their MG ammunition in reply to the enemy fire which flew over the heads of the 106 Gunners by this time fully protected by sandbags and the bunding of their howitzers. A resupply of MG ammunition was called for the next morning. Regards from Ben Burrow. From Shane Oxenham Peter. Thanks for the information re Leo. Lorna and I went to Chuck's funeral on Wednesday, and we were impressed by the crowd in attendance. The eulogy indicated how well-loved Chuck (Berry) was by both Family and the Kingaroy community. There was only one other attendee from 106Bty. Ces Gilles. We managed to have a good catch-up at the RSL after the funeral. Chuck will certainly be missed. Thanks again and best wishes. Shane From Richard Donnelly Hi there Peter. I hope allis well with you and yours. Just to thank you for the March Newsletter which was very informative. Great work! Rick Donnelly 108. Garry Jones caught up with Gary (Blue) O’Hara back in April. By all reports, Blue is “well and happy”. Eric Williams gave me a call back in April as well. He was up on the Gold Coast for a bit of a break and, rightly so, a bit concerned about fuel availability getting back to Melbourne. Eric tells me he passes on our newsletter to his brother David. G’day Dave. We have come across a few photos from your time in SVN. We can share later.
Kevin O’Brien spent a couple of days in hospital recently but by all accounts, is fit and well. His book “Long Tan Memories, Myths and Reality” has drawn many comments. If anyone wants a copy, they are available from Kevin. Let me know and I will send you his contact details. From David Anderson. (I had asked if he could ID a New Zealand Officer who worked in Arty Tac for a while). G’day Pete I don’t remember a Kiwi officer in Arty Tac - but that doesn’t necessarily mean that there wasn’t one. Putting names to faces is becoming a problem. Even worse is putting a name to someone in recent times who claims to know you is even worse! Glad you had a good weekend in Laurieton. I had planned to go to Brisbane, but that fell through at the last minute. We had a great Dawn Service in Lennox Head with about 400 turning up. Ann and I are off to South Australia the week after next to visit Lake Eyre which is currently experiencing significant flooding. Not possible by road but we’re booked on an Outback Spirit tour which includes flights from William Creek. Hope you’re both well. Our treasure, Gabby Hayes, advises that our working account now has a balance of $497.54 after paying for the wreath. Our term deposit matures at the end of the year. With our term deposit, we have enough funds to sponsor the Soldier’s Soldier award for a few years yet. From Col Lear (Eric Williams put me in touch with Col.) Hi Peter. Thanks for making contact and great to hear from you after all those years since our time in Vietnam. Yes I would love to be added to the mailing list to get the chance to reconnect with many mates. Carly and I are heading off to India tomorrow (6 April 2026) for a 3 week tour so most probably out of reliable connection but I look forward to hearing from you on my return. Cheers, Colin. Update on New Guns for 4th Regiment - An Article from Defence Connect by Robert Dougherty Thirty AS9s and 15 AS10s are scheduled to enter service with the Australian Army before 2028 and will be primarily operated by 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville. Australia has previously announced the firing of an Australian Defence Force AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer on Australian soil by Australian soldiers for the first time, in December last year. The live-firing was conducted at Puckapunyal, Victoria, with School of Artillery and 4th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery personnel. “The once distant thunder is rapidly approaching … 106 Bty, 4 Regiment, finalising their training on the Australian Army world-class self-propelled howitzers,” 3rd Armoured Brigade Commander Ben McLennan said in a public statement. “Their training is transforming 4 Regiment into Army’s Armoured Artillery Regiment delivering unprecedented lethal fires in support of Army’s 3rd Armoured Brigade and the 1st (Australian) Division.
“Matching the world’s best platforms with the world’s best soldiers. King of the battlefield.” Earlier this year, an Australian-built AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer was shown off to the public during an Australian Army Open Day at Puckapunyal. The military vehicle, manufactured by Hanwha Defence Australia, was presented to the public during the event held in Victoria on Saturday, 14 March. “It was an amazing year for 4 Regiment (in 2025), looking forward to 2026 bringing into service the new AS9 and AS10 Protected Mobile Fires capabilities,” according to a public statement from 4th Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery in March this year. “The regiment is set to integrate the newly acquired Protected Mobile Fires platforms, consisting of the AS9 Huntsman and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, into its fleet. “A formal parade and luncheon ceremony will be held at 3rd Brigade and Townsville to officially introduce these assets (in July), affording former regiment members the chance to examine the vehicles and reconnect with peers.” John Wilson sent me this photo of the first AS9 Huntsman arriving at Lavarack Barracks for 106 Battery. Members of 106 have been down to Puckapunyal conducting ongoing training with the AS9. I have lost contact with Tom Beynon. He was in Townsville for a while, but I think he has moved back to WA. I did not have an email address for him but used to send him a hard copy of our newsletters. If anyone can help, please let me know. No answer on the phone number I have for him. That’s all for this issue. I hope Ron Halls article will prompt others to share their stories. Don’t forget that major changes come into effect on 1 July 2026 with DVA and the establishment of a single Act. If you are considering putting in a claim, I suggest you contact an advocate as to whether to submit it before or after the 1 July change over date. I am happy to chat about such matters if anyone wants to talk it over. Until next issue, best wishes and stay safe. Pete
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