RAA LIAISON LETTER- 2025 – 2026 EDITION CANNONBALL SUPPLEMENT 137 Hortle’s concept was agreed by the RCC (MAJGEN Craig Furini) and current RMG (WO1 Tony Charles). The construction has now commenced by a former infantry officer Major Peter Hatherley (Retd), who is a bespoke cabinet maker of high quality handmade furniture. The banner box was originally made to transport the Kings Banner and used until 1971 when it was replaced with the Queens Banner 1871 – 1971. The type of wood and materials used in the box lends itself to the theory the box was not constructed at the time of the Kings banner presentation but sometime later. Further the box has undergone extensive modification and repair since it was first constructed to protect the Kings Banner when being transported. As the old box was dismantled to salvage the wood it became apparent the box had been constructed and then some years later been modified. To the craftsmen eye two distinct timbers have been used that were popular in different eras of cabinet making. The original box was made of Queensland Cedar using classic joinery featuring handmade dove tail joins, while the modification of the box was undertaken using Meranti (Pacific Maple). The heavy brass hardware, nonmass produced nails along with use of “hyde” glue are all from the Kings Banner era. Subsequently stainless steel / chrome latches were added when the box was modified. Whilst dismantling of the box it revealed that the box had been repaired in 1968 due to the individual carrying out the work leaving their “message” on the internal side of the box: ‘Fred Metizner Sydney Workshop Company carried out repairs in August 1968’. Once completed later this year the boxes will be mounted either side of the Banner of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which is housed in the Regimental Officers Mess when not being paraded by the Royal Regiment. There will be a short story placed nearby outlining the journey of the banner box to sword boxes. Editor Note: The images here are from the banner box being dismantled and early cabinet work. There is much work to come including the exposed “labelled / tagged” external wood to be sealed to present a more finished patina along with staining of timber, the fitting of glass and hinges etc. On behalf of the Regiment the Regimental Committee extends their appreciation to Major Peter Hatherley (Retd) who is undertaking this commission “pro bono”.
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