RAA Liaison Letter 2025/2026 Edition 10 In my view it is time the Army had a serious look at the contribution these people make and with regard those individuals who directly support the HOR, how to support them. For those in senior appointments managing volunteers ‘might feel like herding cats’ at times but our voluntary organisations and people are an asset to the preservation of and promotion of our history and heritage, especially if used wisely. British System Whilst I do not profess to understand how it works, the RA and I assume all the British Army have a system whereby retired officers and warrant officers are given paid employment and to fill non-operational appointments in their equivalent of HOR. To me this is a ‘win win’. Defence Estate I read with more than a passing interest the recent announcement of the sell off of surplus Defence estate assets. I can understand whilst not agreeing with the decision, the disposal of a few establishments and areas made some sense, however there are other locations which leave me questioning the motivation behind why they have been selected. I recently watched an interview on Sky News with Brigadier Ian Langford (Retd) on the sale of the Defence assets. He summed up the situation succinctly when he observed “Defence did not lack heritage but rather memory”. It never ceases to amaze me especially when I hear and read about how much Defence and especially the Army values its heritage and history. The casing point is the sale of Victoria Barracks in Sydney and Melbourne and to a lesser extent Brisbane. The Victoria Barracks in Sydney is the home of the Australian Army and in my view this decision is tantamount to showing total disregard for the Army’s heritage. Equally so is the sale of Point Cook the home of the RAAF. The airfield was sold off years ago. A frustrating aspect of this decision is the rationale for it is based on reinvesting the profit back into capability. There seems to be a total lack of appreciation that ‘total’ capability is not just equipment and munitions, but it is the whole capability that delivers a lethal winning warfighting capability which includes culture, history and heritage. RAA Regimental Gunners Fund The RAA Regimental Gunners Fund was the brainchild of MAJGEN John Whitelaw. Its purpose was to do “good things” for the Royal Regiment, that could not be funded out of public monies. The fund was established about the time I was doing my ROBC course in 1980. Unfortunately I did not fully grasp the importance of supporting the fund at the time. During my early career the only contribution I made to support the fund was through my mess bill as part of a consolidated officer’s mess annual contribution based on rank. I first became fully aware of the goals and importance of the fund as a junior major serving in HQADF when I was offered the opportunity to become a life subscriber. The informal ‘marketing’ slogan was if you became a life subscriber you would never be formally asked to make an annual subscription in the future. I accepted the offer and like many other Gunners since I have paid at least another life subscription, some individuals more. At the beginning of a young officer or soldier’s career I do not believe the realisation of how special it is to be part of the Gunner family is appreciated. As you journey through your career and life you will grow to appreciate what it means to be a ‘Gunner’ in its true sense. Once you do the sense of pride will be with you for the rest of your life, remember the adage ‘Once a Gunner Always a Gunner’. Recent examples of my point are Major Paul ‘Blackie’ Winter (Retd) and Major Damien Patterson (Retd) who have both made substantial donations to the RAANM expansion project. You can find more about their donations and the project and how you can donate at www.raanm2027.com. A significant Gunners Fund initiative in recent years has been the establishment of the Urquhart Trophy (RMC graduating class artillery prize), Ewen and Mattner Awards (best SERCAT 7 JNCO and Gunner) and the Citizen Gunner of the Year (SERCAT 5). Along with the honour and prestige of the Ewen and Mattner awards the recipients also receive a substantial overseas prize for their personal and professional development. The force behind the establishment of these trophies and awards was the current Representative Colonel Commandant, Major General Craig Furini during his tenure as the HOR.
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