VIII and women, who have achieved amazing things on operations and in peace, built a proud Battery identity and forged friendships that have endured well after ‘end of mission’. These Gunners to this day continue to build on the legacy of those that went before them and enhance the “103” reputation. On a personal level I have a deep affection for 103 Battery, having joined the battery as a newly commissioned Lieutenant Section Commander and then Gun Position Officer in my first artillery appointment. The two highlights of this time were months and months in the field, the Battery’s first deployment to Cultana (a great artillery range) and the Battery’s trip to New Zealand on Exercise Tasman Exchange. A terrific trip filled with gunnery in mountainous terrain, adventure training, recreation and team building. This foundational posting exposed me to some amazing experiences, leaders and mentors that were pivotal in my development as an officer and Gunner, and laid the foundation for my Army and Gunner journey, and was the birth of many enduring friendships. For all of this I am eternally grateful. Subsequent postings as Battery Commander and Commanding Officer of the then 8/12 Medium Regiment kept me connected to my roots. I was privileged to lead the Battery in East Timor and as the Commanding Officer to select members of 103 Battery to deploy to Helmand as part of the first gun line to deploy since Vietnam. As Commanding Officer, I was also proud to see females join the Regiment and Battery in non-RAA roles where they immediately made a great contribution. Since then, it has been wonderful to see females join the RAA and have an even bigger positive impact on the Battery’s story and identity. In the years before the RAA transition to 155mm, the Battery was cursed and blessed by a shortage of 155mm ammunition. While frustrating and at times morale sapping, this austerity drove innovation and made us all understand the importance of making the most from scarce resources to deliver great training.
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