Chart showing the sequence for wearing ribbons of Australian Decorations & Medals.australia - decorations & medals., defence forces

M1 Steel helmet used onboard HMAS Kanimbla. These M1Steel helmets were first issued in 1941 to the United States Armed Forces. They were adopted after the Korean War by the Australian Defence Force. In the 1990s they were replaced by the Kevlar based Personnel Armour System-Ground Troop (PASGT) type helmet. However, as evidenced by this helmet, some M1 Steel helmets were not replaced in-service by the PASGT helmet and survived into the early 21st Century. Interestingly, the Nato Stock Number (NSN) printed on the inside of the helmet liner indicates that this helmet was made for a Bulgarian contract, as evidenced by the NSN National code of 50 in the second group of numbers in the stock number. HMAS Kanimbla (LPA-51) was built for the United States Navy as USS Saginaw and was launched on 7 February 1970. Kanimbla was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in August 1994. Kanimbla was heavily involved in Operation Slipper conducting a variety of tasks such as patrol, mine recovery. During Operation Slipper, Kanimbla also conducted 27 compliant boardings and 23 non-compliant boardings in the Persian Gulf in 2001-2.Standard issue United States M1 pattern steel helmet, olive drab in colour with liner. On the inside of the liner '8415-50-753-5792' is printed in ink. The chin strap is made of webbing and has its metal claps attached for doing it it.8415-50-753-5792helmet, vietnam, protective helmet

This is the first volume of The Australian Centenary History of Defence series. The Australian Army is the oldest of the three armed services, and is one of the oldest continuous national organisations in the country. It has fought in many of the twentieth century's major and minor conflicts, but has never engaged in battle on Australian soil. This book is a history of the Australian Army as an institution. It is not a history of the Army's battles, nor is it a study of the Australian soldier or general - it is the history of the Australian Army with its shortcomings and failures paid due attention, its triumphs and successes duly noted. australia - armed forces - history, australia. royal australian air force -- history

A report into the Australian Defence Force in the 21st Century.australian defence force - personnel management, australia - armed forces - military life

The decorative elements of this carpet/rug symbolises Australia's commitment to Operation Catalyst - a post-invasion operation dedicated to the stabilization, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq CATALYST began on the 20th of March 2003 and defined the role of the Australian Defence Force in assisting multinational forces in the stabilization and security of Iraq. It also involved ADF support in the implementation of the country’s recovery programs. The 31st of July 2009 marked the end of Operation CATALYSTTeal green, grey and gold carpet with two small flags of Australia and Iraq at top, cross swords above a circle above a kangaroo and a camel. Carpet attached to timber at either endOperation Catalyst 2006 IRAQ 2006operation catalyst, iraq, 2006

Personal documents and letters belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952Parchment of Appointed to rank 2nd Lieutenant on 9/11/1915 by King George V - Document dated 26/6/1917 Parchment of Appointment as a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire by King George V dated 3/6/1919 Two parchments issued by the Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia Appointed Lieutenant of the Military Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from 1/1/1920 by Henry William, Baron Forster Appointed Lieutenant of the Reserve Military Forces of the Commonwealth from 13/4/1940 by Alexander Gore Arkwright, Baron GowrieFour large parchment documents Two Australian Military Forces certificates and one form Five original letters One copy of letter written in French Seven copies of typed letters AIF Military PassCream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script and stamped George R I dated 26/6/1917 and 3/6/1919 Cream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script issued by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 17/3/1924 and 21/4/1941 AMF Recommendation for Promotion V 84119 Lieut Cruise - form incomplete AMF Certificate of Release from War Service No 11943 - V84199 Lieut Cruise AMF Certificate of Service of an Officer No 33461 -V84119 Lieut Cruise Typed letter dated 13/10/1919 from Commonwealth of Australia Dept of Defence to Lieut Cruise referring to London Gazette extract - Member of the British Empire - Military Division Typed letter embossed with seal dated 9/6/1919 signed W Birdwood Handwritten in blue ink with "Denman Chambers" imprint top right corner letter of reference signed B V Stacy formerly Lieut. Col., Commanding 1st Bn AIF Typed letter with AIF letterhead dated 1/6/1927 Typed letter with The Gallipoli Legion of Anzacs letterhead dated 24/1/1950 Typed copy of letter of gratitude in French dated 18/6/1918 from Military Attache General Pierre de Laguiche - stamped with Statue of Liberty AIF Military Pass dated 25/6/1919 issued to Lieut Cruiselt. a j cruise mbe, ww1

Personal documents and letters belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952Parchment of Appointed to rank 2nd Lieutenant on 9/11/1915 by King George V - Document dated 26/6/1917 Parchment of Appointment as a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire by King George V dated 3/6/1919 Two parchments issued by the Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia Appointed Lieutenant of the Military Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from 1/1/1920 by Henry William, Baron Forster Appointed Lieutenant of the Reserve Military Forces of the Commonwealth from 13/4/1940 by Alexander Gore Arkwright, Baron GowrieFour large parchment documents Two Australian Military Forces certificates and one form Five original letters One copy of letter written in French Seven copies of typed letters AIF Military PassCream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script and stamped George R I dated 26/6/1917 and 3/6/1919 Cream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script issued by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 17/3/1924 and 21/4/1941 AMF Recommendation for Promotion V 84119 Lieut Cruise - form incomplete AMF Certificate of Release from War Service No 11943 - V84199 Lieut Cruise AMF Certificate of Service of an Officer No 33461 -V84119 Lieut Cruise Typed letter dated 13/10/1919 from Commonwealth of Australia Dept of Defence to Lieut Cruise referring to London Gazette extract - Member of the British Empire - Military Division Typed letter embossed with seal dated 9/6/1919 signed W Birdwood Handwritten in blue ink with "Denman Chambers" imprint top right corner letter of reference signed B V Stacy formerly Lieut. Col., Commanding 1st Bn AIF Typed letter with AIF letterhead dated 1/6/1927 Typed letter with The Gallipoli Legion of Anzacs letterhead dated 24/1/1950 Typed copy of letter of gratitude in French dated 18/6/1918 from Military Attache General Pierre de Laguiche - stamped with Statue of Liberty AIF Military Pass dated 25/6/1919 issued to Lieut Cruiselt. a j cruise mbe, ww1

Australian First World War recruitment poster. This poster was part of the First World War Australian Government Recruiting Kit. Recruitment posters were prolific in Australia throughout the First World War. Australia relied solely on voluntary recruits to serve in the AIF. Compulsory military service, or conscription, for eligible men was in force in Australia from 1911, however, these forces were for home defence and could not be used to serve in a war overseas. Following the initial rush of men to recruit in 1914, enrolments dropped, leaving federal and state governments to devise sophisticated campaigns to boost numbers.Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) was a painter, draughtsman, illustrator, cartoonist, printmaker, writer and sculptor. He joined the Sydney 'Bulletin' magazine as a staff artist, 1901-09, 1910-23 and 1932-58. During the First World War he produced jingoistic cartoons and pro-conscription posters. The is one of the series of six posters by Lindsay constituting the last nation-wide Australian recruiting campaign. A soldier sounds his bugle for assistance on the front line while civilians listen in the background.recruitment poster, norman lindsay, ww1

Caricature image of war hero and Australia's most decorated servicewoman Nancy Wake Australian born Nancy Wake AC, GM, was the most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War. She was nicknamed the 'White Mouse' for her ability to consistently evade and outmanoeuvre the Gestapo as a secret agent for British forces.Brown timber frame containing caricature of female in uniform wearing a beretMedals and Decorations: France: U.S.A War Hero - Australia's most decorated woman Great Britain - George Medal/1939-45 Star Legion de Honneur Freedom Medal France & Germany Star Croix de Guerre Defence Medal/Victory Medal Medal de Resistancenancy wake, ww2, white mouse, australian servicewoman

The United Protestant Church at Woomera was built at a cost of 10,000 pounds. It was opened on 14 October 1956 by the Governor General Sir Robert George. The church was dedicated by Chaplain General A. Brooke and Principal Air Chaplain R.C. Russell. B & W photograph of defence forces officers standing in front of the United Protestant Church at Woomera, South Australia during the opening ceremony held on October 14 1956.united protestant church, woomera, governor general sir robert george, chaplain general a. brooke, principal air chaplain r.c. russell

A photo of three members of the RAAF in uniform standing in front of two sheds and a Nissen hutA black and white photograph of three airforce men standing side by side standing in front of two sheds and a nissen hut. The men are members of the Royal Australian Air Force. Two are identified as John Forbes on left, and Arthur Newman Byron.written on back in pencil: top LH corner: "John Forbes on left" down RH side: "Arthur Newman Byron 4683"defence force, armed forces, forbes, john, newman, arthur, byron, arthur newman, nissen huts, royal australian air force, raaf, clothing and dress, uniforms, george evans collection

A photo of two members of the RAAF. John Forbes is on the left and Colin J Newell on the rightA sepia photo of two members of the Royal Australian Air Force identified as John Forbes on the left and Colin J Newell on the right.on back written in pencil: Colin J. Newell & John Forbesroyal australian air force, armed forces, defence force, raaf, clothing and dress, uniforms, newell, colin j., forbes, john, george evans collection

Badges such as this one were issued to soldiers by the Department of Defence to indicate they had returned from active service. It showed they had helped the war effort by serving their country. Sometimes returned soldiers were wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform so wearing the badge helped avoid this. A number was often stamped on the reverse and a certificate was provided as authentication. Issued 1914 - 1919WW1 The Great War, issued to soldiers who had returned from active duty so as not to confuse the general public that the person whilst not in uniform or displaying medals had in fact served their country on active duty. Two crowned gilt bronze badges with two lugs on back. The obverse has the rising sun behind a crown AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; A.I.F; around the bottom, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE. The reverse has been stamped with number and has the maker's name, AMOR / SYDNEY and Stokes and Sons MELBThe obverse has the rising sun behind a crown AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; A.I.F; around the bottom, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE. ww1 the great war, aif return from active service badge

Belonged to the late grandmother of Sandy Robinson, Wife of Tony Robinson, MP, Member for Mitcham.Certificate of Exemption - to certify that Edward Pearce of 28 Deakin Street, Hampton, Vic, is medically unfit for service in the Citizens Forces under Defence Act 1903-1939.Australian Military Forcesdocuments, certificates, military history, army

Refer also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/52nd_Battalion_(Australia)Rectangular framed Certificate. Salute to the Gippsland Regiment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Shield in top half of certificate-: Defending Australia with rising sun badge then In commemoration of: No 52 surrounded by wreath with inscription on bottom Always Ready Gippsland Regiment 52nd Infantry Battalion (The Gippsland Regiment) "Always Ready" 1921-1930 1936-1942 Circle with white top half and light blue bottom half. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the Shield-: History of the 52nd Battalion. Tracing the ancestry going back to the "Gippsland Battalion of the Victorian Rangers, the Militia (CMF) 52nd Battalion was raised from the 2nd Bn/5th Australian Infantry Regiment (HQ Dandenong) as part of an overhaul of Australia's defences in 1920-21 that saw the reintroduction of compulsory military service. To afford it a proud identity ,the new battalion was assigned the same number as the 52nd/1st AIF which had performed with distinction in France ( Somme, Pozieres, Bullicort, Messine and Ypes to name just some). In addition the new battalion also inherited the Kings and Regimental Colours which, as part of the 52nd Bn/1st AIF's lineage including battle honours earned by 2nd Bn, Tasmanian Infantry Regiment in the Boer War, 1899-1902, and the same circular colour patch, horizontally bisected with white over blue halves. Later the 52nd officially received its regional title, "The Gippsland Regiment" and its motto "Always Ready". Digger prevailing during WW2 it was nicknamed "The Gippsland Bushrangers". The 52nd formed part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Militia (CMF) Division. With the reversion to voluntary citizen forces in1930,declining numbers forced an amalgamation with the 37th Bn to become 37th/52nd Bn. Then in mid 1936, an expansion and modernisation of the CMF, including the conversation of the Light Horse to motorised, allowed both battalions to separate and for the 52nd to expand into East Gippsland. In 1938, 52nd Bn was granted linkage with the "Queens Own Cameron Highlanders" and permission to use its Regimental March- "March of the Cameron Men'. When Japan entered the war in December 1941,the Australian Military Forces were fully mobilized, (part time to full time) for the defence of homeland Australia. While training at various locations in central Victoria, the militia became for many, a stepping stone into the AIF and other services, as well as a training unit for new conscripts. As part of our national defence preparations, in mid 1942 the 52 Bn relocated to Queensland as part of the 3rd Division, replacing the AIF 7th Div on the so called "Brisbane Line". However as the threat of invasion lifted, a restructure of army units saw the disbandment of the 10th Brigade and hence the 52nd in September 1942 and the revival of the 37th/52nd Battalion. The 52nds colours were returned to Melbourne, eventually being placed in the Shrine of Remembrance for safe keeping. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At bottom of the certificate- We thank the Berwick and Dandenong volunteers for their dedication and self sacrifice during the period 1921- 1942 in defence of our nation. (Signed) D W Shields President Dandenong RSL Sub Branch L Lucas President Berwick RSL Sub Branch Presented by the Dandenong and Berwick RSL Sub Branches November 2009.

Digital imagescatholic, prayer book, forces, adf, army, world war two, australia, australian army, defence, armed services

Digital images of the demobiization procedure book owned by George (Gus) Gervasoniforces, adf, army, world war two, australia, australian army, defence, armed services, demobilzation, procedure, george gervasoni, gus gervasoni

Gus Gervasoni served in Australia, and was in Darwin for the bombing.Digital images of a World War Two Australian Military Service Record book which belonged to George (Gus) Gervasoni of Daylesford. Includes two 'mug' shots. forces, adf, army, world war two, australia, australian army, defence, armed services, record of service, george gervasoni, gus gervasoni

Sgt S.T. Wood was an RAAF Fitter/Armourer with overseas service. he served for 4 years and 3 months and was demobilised on 3 December 1945 This is the standard set of medals for a member of the Defence Forces in WWII with service in the islands to our north.Set of five service medals, with miniatures, in wooden cigar box, with leaflet on medal entitlements and Interim Discharge Certificate for 42333 Sgt S. Wood, RAAF. Consists of 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45. Stars are inscribed 42333 S.T.Wood on rear. The medals have the same inscription on the lower outside rim. Box has "S.T.Wood" and some other illegible characters scratched into wood on upper outside surface.

This is a small badge with a crown on top of a blue enamel oval and a blue enamel ribbon with the words "Issued by Dept. of Defence to Women of Australia for Duty Done" AIF is in the centre. It was issued to Rita Richards number 37351.A small blue badge with crown on top issued by the Department of Defence."...To Women of Australia/For duty done..."armed forces, 1940s, world war 2, military medals, george evans collection

literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 was awarded to armed Australian forces and volunteer defence corps for their service during WWII. Created by King Geroge IV, this was the first distinctive Australian medal in the British system of honours and awards.Medallion attached to a navy blue, light blue, red and beige striped ribbon. The medallion depicts an effigy of King George IV of Great Britain and the commonwealth with the words: "GEORGE IV S VI (obscured component) G. BR. OMN. REX ET INDIAE IMP" in relief on one side. The others side depicts the Australian Coat of Arms and the words: "The AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945".medallion, medal, australian service medal, service medal, ww2, world war two

John James Davis (J.J. Davis) was Australia's most decorated NCO in the Vietnam conflict. This plaque commemorates the deeds he performed and medals received.Framed ceremonial medal board for JJ Davis. The piece includes a service photograph of JJ Davis in uniform, a fabric patch with the Australian Coat of Arms, five metal pins and 13 replica medals as listed below. The information plaque states '5411313 WO1 J.J. DAVIS, SB St J, MM, JP - RAAMC - 30 JAN 1963 - 30 JAN 1986. The five metal pins are: 1. Returned Services League Australia 2. Returned Active Service 3. RAAMC 4. Royal Australian Army Medical Corps 5. Knife surrounded by laurel leaves. Replica medals included are: 1. Military Medal 2. Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75, Vietnam 3. Vietnam Medal 4. Defence Force Medal with 1st Clasp 5. National Medal 6. Australian Defence Medal 7. St John 12 Year Long Service Medal with five year clasp 8. Silver Star (Unites States of America) 9. Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star (South Vietnam) 10. The Armed Forces Honour Medal (2nd Class) (South Vietnam) 11. Civil Action Medal (2nd Class) (South Vietnam) 12. Vietnamese Campaign Medal 13. ACT Emergency Service Medal (2003 Bushfires) john jams davis, john james davis, j j davis, vietnam, nco, photographs, portraits, badges, medals

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Vistorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued i following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base. Kelvin Robertson enlisted on 6 April 1981 at Cobram where Lieutenant Dan Wyborn was the troop leader at 2 Troop A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles (2TP A SQN 8/13 VMR). He completed the Initial Employment Training Course (IET) and then an M113A1 driver’s course in March 1982. Course Senior Instructor (SI) was Captain (CAPT) John McLean and wing instructor Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Mick Baxter (ex-Driving & Servicing Wing instructor at the School of Armour). He served with 2TP at Cobram as a trooper Driver/Signaller until June 1982 when he was selected for officer training. He served two years as an Officer Cadet in Course 21 at Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) graduating in June 1984. He returned to 8/13 VMR and completed the 1/85 Army Reserve (ARES) Regimental Officers Basic Course (ROBC Reconnaissance), then was posted immediately as 1 TP LDR for the Hay Booligal Annual Field Exercise (AFX). In 1985 he took command of 2TP at Cobram until Nov 1987 when he transferred to C Squadron First Armoured Regiment (CSQN 1AR). This began six months full time duty in which Lieutenant (LT) Robertson completed the regular army 1/88 (ROBC Tank), and then served as CSQN's first and only ARES Leopard Tank TP LDR until the next ARES LT was trained up as 2TP LDR. He later served as the CSQN Liaison Officer (LO) on the First Brigade (1 Bde) exercise ‘Predators Advance’ and as a staff officer on a Second Division (2Div) exercise. In Jan 1991 he studied at the Reserve Command and Staff College (RCSC). Upon completion of Grade 3 he was promoted to CAPT and transferred back to a reconnaissance troop, 3TP VMR SQN 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse (4/19PWLH) at Wangaratta. CAPT Robertson transferred to the Inactive List in 1994, but in 2011 returned to the Active List serving as Operations Captain (OPS CAPT) at Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers (12/16 HRL)and later Second-In-Command (2IC) Tamworth-based Operations Support Squadron (OPSPT SQN), and at 9 day exercises at Singleton range and an exercise at Townville High Range in Protective Mobility Vehicle (PMV) Bushmasters. In 2013 after completing the ARES Grade 3 Staff Officers course in Brisbane he returned home to Jerilderie and served as 2IC A SQN 4/19 PWLH based at Latchford Barracks Bonegilla. He was awarded the Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM) in 2014. Highlights of his career included being Parade Commander for the 75th anniversary Beersheba parade in Canberra on 31 October 1992. The guard, drawn from the VMR SQN 4/19 PWLH represented the 4th Light Horse Regiment, a participant of the Charge. Then twenty years later, 2012, he was invited to speak at the Quirindi Anzac Day ceremony. On this occasion he was serving with 12/16 HRL, so in two ceremonies, 20 years apart, he had represented both the 4th LHR and the 12th LHR, the two lead Regiments that charged Beersheba. CAPT Robertson was placed on the Inactive List again in 2015. Illustrates Reserve training in NT.Colour image of soldier with landscape in background being Captain Kelvin Robertson 3 Troop Leader (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment looking out over the Arafura swamp near the Maningrida to Ramingining road in Arnhem Land during exercise in the Northern Territory, September 1993.tindal, robertson

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued in following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base Major Annett later commanded 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse, and later again 4th Brigade 2nd Division.. Colour photograph of Major M. Annett, Officer Commanding VMR Squadron 4/19Prince of Wales's Light Horse during annual exercise Northern Territory 1994.

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued in following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base. Colour photograph of five soldiers and three vehicles of VMR Squadron,4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse on roadside during annual exercise in Northern Territory 1994.military, vehicles, soldiers, northern territory, training, vmr