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Lancers' Despatch Bi Annual Journal of the Royal New South Wales Lancers Association ABN 50 361 228 724 and The New South Wales Lancers Memorial Museum Incorporated ABN 94 630 140 881 No 47 - August 2024 |
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Photos by Lancer Association members, text by the editor unless historical, submitted to the editor without attribution or otherwise noted. Thanks very much to all contributors.
Mouse over for illustration captions.
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It is with great melancholy that I report that the passing of our last WW11 Lancer Bert Castelari. This is a significant event in our Regiments history and is felt by all who remember him.
John Howells has included Bert's history in this issue of the Dispatch which includes a photo of Bert, along with John Palmer and myself. It was taken when we went to Hobart many years ago to attend Dave Craven's funeral. He was an interesting and entertaining chap who will be greatly missed. David Craven for those who did not know him was a Matilda Troop leader in WWII and Secretary of the Lancers' Association from 1946 until 2009.
On a positive note, I am pleased to report that the Memorial Wall next to the Museum has continued to progress and that it will be a suitable replacement for the Bruce Sayer's original mural and an important display of the Regiment's battle honours. Thanks to Steve Lesley and Mick McGraw for coming up with the idea and managing the project. I must thank the serving members of the Regiment who have given up their time to paint the wall and help establish this important display.
To John Howells a special thanks for this great issue of the Dispatch. Thanks also to the CO for his report and his continued support for the Museum and the Association.
Len Koles
As always
TENAX IN FIDE
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Expect the following:
• DRA Conference Saturday 24 August 2024 at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park South, Sydney. MORE DETAILS
• Battle for Australia Commemoration, Wednesday 11:00 4 September 2024, Martin Place, Sydney, details can be found
• RAACA NSW Cambrai Dinner Saturday 2 November 2024 Royal Automobile Club, Sydney. More details to follw.
• Regimental Reunion 11:00 - 14:00 Sunday 3 November 2024 at Lancer Barracks, Parramatta. It is also currently intended that the Memorial Wall will be consecrated on this date.
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Commanding Officer's Message
Introduction
Deployments, community engagement and quality training have all made up a busy start to 2024. In reflecting upon the breadth of the year's achievements so far, I'm reminded of the observation by MAJGEN Glenny, AO RFD ED that today's Regiment, "like the tip of an iceberg, may be the only part you see, but underneath supporting, there is a great deal more". The Lancers are fortunate to have such a rich legacy to draw strength from and today's men and women are privileged custodians.
With the phased introduction of new platforms, trade models and tasks as part of Security and Response Task Units in the 2nd (Australian) Division we've embraced our unique identity as a point of pride in uncertain times. I've summarised below some of the highlights from an impressive year so far.
Deployments
The Regiment has continued to support ongoing operations this year with a number of our personnel deploying on OP RELEX as part of the Transit Security Element. Further abroad, our Quartermaster NCO, CPL Wellby deployed to New Zealand's Waiuoru Military Training Area as part of the EX TASMAN RESERVE contingent from the 5th Brigade. This exercise was the largest activity of its kind in over twenty years and something the Regiment looks forward to further involvement with in the coming years.
Community Engagement
The Regiment's community engagement has been a real highlight of the year so far. You may have seen us on parade in the Sydney CBD as part of the ANZAC Day March or at one of the local catafalque parties that we supported. We were fortunate to have over one hundred members marching with the unit - one of the strongest turn outs in years. ANZAC Day was quickly followed by a public concert put on by the Lancer Band at the Barracks. Set against the historic Linden House, we welcomed many friends, veterans and members of the public for a fabulous afternoon of music on the lawn.
One of the more significant occasions was the opportunity to visit Mr Bert Castellari in February. Accompanied by both the Honorary Colonel, Brigadier P Bridie AM, ADC and the Regiment's youngest Soldier TPR M Ledvinka I had the privilege to wish the centenarian a happy birthday (celebrated in December 2023). Bert served as the CO's Loader / Operator during the Battle of Balikpapan and returned to journalism after the war. He enjoyed a successful career in various newspapers and as a media adviser in the Hawke Government. Sadly Bert passed in early June - the Regiment's condolences are extended to Bert's family and friends.
In June, the Regiment paused to reflect on Bert and his mates at Balikpapan during our annual Dining-In Night. We were privileged to host so many friends and guests of the Regiment at the Balikpapan Dinner. For a number it was their first opportunity to visit Lancer Barracks and see the Regiment's past and present. To me, it was a poignant reminder of our role as volunteer soldiers, drawn from across the community and the enduring parallels to the generations that have gone before us.
Training
This year, Regimental training has focused on our new role in Security and Response Task Units as part of the 2nd (AS) Divisions task to defend Australia. On an individual level we've ensured we are prepared for close combat through our LANCER MARKSMAN and LANCER IMPACT activities. As part of these weekends soldiers practiced their combat marksmanship skills as well as the application of high explosive and machine gun fire. We've also supported the introduction of the Regiment's new G Wagon Surveillance and Reconnaissance Vehicles (SRV) through a range of instructor and driver training. The SRV is an exciting new capability - with an extended range and impressive off-road mobility, it will be used in complement with the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle-Light as the Regiment continues our transition to a mounted Light Cavalry organisation.
We've also been working hard to develop our collective skills. The transition back to being a light cavalry organisation has put a greater emphasis on vehicle craft and mounted tasks - something that the we've enjoyed getting after. Highlights so far have included a training weekend at the Beecroft Weapons Test Range in Jarvis Bay as well as a troop deployment to Bathurst on EX ARRAS SPRINT.
Looking Forward
The remainder of the year sees the Regiment continuing to focus on preparing our people to defend Australia. Our collective training will continue to increase in complexity and we will begin to form and train the team that will deploy as a Light Cavalry Squadron on EX TALISMAN SABRE 2025. Individually we will commence internal driver, instructor and crew commander training as additional PMV-Ls arrive. In terms of mounted protection, communication and firepower this will be a major leap in capability and together with EX TALISMAN SABRE will mark a significant milestone for the Regiment and our return to mounted cavalry operations.
In closing I wish to thank the men and women of the Regiment for their continued efforts - I am glad to assure you they are doing the unit legacy proud. I also want to thank the association, your continued support has been an inspiration this year, particularly in regard to our ceremonial events. If you wish to keep current on the Regiment's activities, I encourage you to follow the unit on Facebook.
As always, we remain
Tenax in Fide - Steadfast in Faith.
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The past six months has seen some great occasions.
Church Parade
In commemoration of the Regiment's 139th Birthday the a contingent of the unit led by the Commanding Officer. supported by some members of the Regimental Association marched from Lancer Barracks to St John's Cathedral, Parramatta for a church service conducted by the Regimental Chaplain. The Association member who stumbled at the Cathedral gate was not injured.
Annual General Meeting
The CO Colonel Shadbolt and the Adjutant Captain Hicks were at the Association's Annual General Meeting on 27 March. We got to crawl over the Regiment's latest mounts, the PMV-L Hawkeye and the G-Wagen. A great experience.
Anzac Day
In 2024 the Association marched with the other RAAC Associations in Sydney while the Regiment, in uniform led the Army just behind HQ Field Force command and HQ 5 Bde. Both contingents had bands in front and behind with different timings making staying in step difficult. Our own band marched behind the Regiment in uniform. The Regiment's lances were the only weapons on parade.
For the video, below, the band, contingents and music have been sorted out. The band leads the band and Regiment marching to "the Cavalier", Regimental Trott March, the other RAAC Associations to "Radetzky" the RAAC Quick March and the Association to "El Abnico" the Regimental Quick March. If you were there you should be able to pick yourself out.
At the conclusion of the March there was a convivial gathering at the Civic Hotel.
60 Years of the M113
On Sunday 26 May 2024 we had a great turn out of Association members to mark 60 years of M113 service in the Australian Army.
Tony Beechey's Ashes
On 14 July 2024, Tony's family and friends, many who served with him gathered to witness his ashes scattered in the Parade Ground.
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2024 has continued to be a good year for visits to the Museum. 1 Jan - 30 Jun saw 1,063 through the gate, yes 60 were from the Regiment and thus free and 250 from the King's School at $1 per head (when a school visits, the Museum accepts any donation offered); however, the rest were full paying, and it has been this infusion of funds that has kept us afloat. Visitors have included the Lord Mayor of Parramatta and his staff.
We have struggled a bit with both of our tanks. The Centurion, "The Beast" needs some work on the engine to get it working again after 5 years of inactivity while the clutch was replaced. Our Matilda "ACE" has had a problem with the gearbox, mostly repaired with the help of Matthew McMahon at Oberon, just one more part specially made and has just arrived needs to be installed for it to roll again. Be there for the August 2024 Tank Day.
The Ferret scout cars and the 106 Rover have been the backbone of our Tank Day displays on the last Sunday of each month. These days are the visitor drawcard. Our 60 years of M113 service in Australia commemoration on 26 May was a success.
We are still attempting to have structures built to provide overhead protection for our valuable historic military vehicle collection.
The Museum has supported the Regiment by supplying a set of photographs and uniforms now on display in the Drill Hall. Thus bringing the Regiment's history to the current members.
The wall is progressing well, all painted and ready for the badge and battle honours. Thanks to the leadership of Steve Lesley and to those members of the Regiment who helped out with the painting, expect to see an update in the next edition.
A great job by those tireless volunteers who gather every Thursday and Sunday to ensure the past is not forgotten.
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Steve Lesley
Rounds complete clear guns and the end of an era of full-bore gunnery comes to a close. The final range day for the Regiments M113A1 MRVS and 76 gunnery.
From the early days of WW2 and the Matilda tank to the post WW2 days and worn-out tanks supplemented with Staghound armoured cars the Regiment continued to hone its gunnery skills.
Then during the 1950s the RAAC and the CMF received what is arguably the finest MBT of its day the Centurian.
Following the reroleing of the Regiment to an Armoured Recon Regiment and the reequipping with the M113 family of vehicles supported by the 106 RCL Gun Buggy.
From 1979-1980 the Regiment received the first of 4 MRVs allowing for the skills and knowledge gained over decades to continue and maintain a very skilled and dedicated Gunnery wing.
The very last two 76mm rounds were sent down range by the OC and SSM A SQN.
Please enjoy the photos of the final range day for the MRVs before their withdrawal from service.
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Hedley James (Jim) Pluis, NX113876, born 18 May 1919, to a Teamster, Farmer, and Engineman from Vychan Station, Eugowra. Jim worked on Vychan Station with his family doing farm works and learning Mechanics from his father. His interest in Motor vehicles and ambition to become a mechanic nearly killed him in 1938 when the bus he, and friends were on travelling to the Bathurst Car Race crashed over a culvert and upside down into a creek. Two broken collar bones, severe shock and many weeks in hospital the result.
Jim stayed about the farm until he joined the War effort. On 19 January 1942 he joined the CMF, number N385495, serving in the 3rd Army Tank Battalion. The Army recognised his background with Machinery, qualifying him as a tank crewman. Exposure to the childhood diseases his fellow soldiers were immune to hit him hard, he spent February and March 1942 in hospital with measles and mumps.
On 27 July 1942, Trooper Pluis was transferred to the 1st Army Tank Battalion (Royal New South Wales Lancers), as a Matilda Tank Driver in C Squadron. He left Australia on 11 September 1943, arriving in Milne Bay, New Guinea, from where C Squadron proceeded to Finschhafen and took part in the Battle for Sattelberg in support of the 26th Australian Infantry Brigade.
He returned to Australia on the "Sea Snipe", arriving in Brisbane on 4 June 1944.
By the time the now 1st Armoured Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers) landed in Borneo on 1 July 1945, Jim had been transferred to the 4th Armoured Regiment he did not see further combat service. Transferred again to the 1st Ordnance Vehicle Park on 26 February 1946, Jim was discharged on 18 June 1946. Soon after he met Zoe McKay, they married at Forbes, 1947.
He went back to working on the farm for a while and then moved to work on the Railway at Parkes. Jim became a qualified Diesel Mechanic and this assisted him to become a Railway Locomotive Driver, a position he retained until retirement in 1988. This position took him from Steam Engines to the most Modern Deisel Electric Engines and from Parkes to Ivanhoe, NSW, out as far as Broken Hill, Dubbo, into Sydney, Newcastle, Dungog, and Taree to Grafton.
Jim died in Taree Hospital on 23 June 1998, aged 79yrs. Sadly missed by his beloved wife Zoe and their two sons and their families. Jim was laid to rest on the 26 June 1998 at The Bight Cemetery, Wingham, NSW.
Jim did not stay in contact with his wartine comrades after the war, based in rural NSW, he did not manage to call in to David Craven's shop in George Street, Sydney.
Adapted using Jim's Service Record from an article published by Jim's family in the Daily Telegraph of 24 June 2024.
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It is now only after all of the Regiment's World War 2 veterans have passed away that I can tell this story.
When I was first employed by the Commonwealth Public Service as a fresh faced youngster straight from university, my first boss was a veteran of the WW2 Regiment. There were two who had served in the Lancers in that office, Bruce Harrod, my boss, who had served as the CO, Derek Glasgow's driver, and George Naghten who had been a storeman. I was serving in the University of New South Wales Regiment and the old soldiers told me stories of the pre-war and wartime army. Pre-war when there were so few resources that the sound of a machine-gun was simulated by rattling a stone in an empty boot polish tin. Wartime when soldiers with combat experience told of being confronted by a new officer who, when marching them through bushland ordered halt, then "climb a tree", a skill taught at officer training that did not translate to the real world of soldiering. How Japanese soldiers would swing from trees with a bag of kindling to light a fire on the engine cover of a Matilda.
One story was of particular interest. Bruce Harrod told it.
When the Japanese surrendered in August 1945, there was no more war to fight. The Regiment set-up camp on the cratered "Parramatta Ridge"; a good camp tents were built-up off the ground with solid wooden floors, there was a wireless-set (radio) for every squadron, kitchens and showers got concrete floors. There were sporting fields, and even a picture (movie) theatre.
Demobilisation was a slow process. The excuse given was that shipping was not available, in fact, there was a fear of creating an economic depression by releasing so many onto a job market that would soon be filled. This had happened in the UK at the end of WW1 when the thousands in France with no more war to fight at the end of 1918 were quickly moved across the English Channel only to find there was no work. Australia avoided that problem as the shipping to move our troops the 16,000 km back home took some time to assemble. Our repatriated soldiers had trickled onto the job market, a depression did not take place.
So if you had a job to go to, you were fairly quickly released and sent home. If you did not, you waited. To eke out the wait, in addition to construction (including supervising Japanese POWs working thereon) entertainment and sport, the Regiment organised classes for the soldiers who had forsaken their education to save the nation. Commercial and technical subjects were taught, there was a lot of expertise within the unit's ranks, expertise that had laid dormant for some years.
In amongst this a few soldiers dabbled in politics. Some convinced themselves that the future of our nation was a workers' utopia. The vile aspects of communism had not filtered though to Australians at that time. The Soviet Union along with the United States and Britan had been the manufacturing power houses that ensured the Axis powers were overwhelmed. The soldiers at Balikpapan had grown up during the great depression of the 1930s, a time of general hardship. Then just as the economy was lifting came war. A communist cell was created within the Regiment.
In addition to ruminating about the paradise that could be created in their future homeland, the group was adventurous. They saw the prospect of helping the locals create paradise too. They paid local people to paint expletive slogans about the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina on the oil refinery tanks (the Balikpapan operation had been to remove a Shell oil refinery from the Japanese supply chain). Bruce Harrod said that the locals had no idea what they were doing or why. They just got money for climbing up the tanks and using paint, brushes and graphiti map supplied did the job.
Bruce did not mention any official interference with or punishment for the cell's activities. He did indicate the cell fell apart when the group leaders insisted on communal use of property including personal and stationery items. The idea of a workers' utopia did not match with being dictated to about property.
Bruce gave me two names of those involved, even today 79 years later, it is better they not be mentioned. I have followed both men's future careers through articles in newsletters. No sign of them retaining allegiance to the peoples' flag for long after demobilisation. The cell does not rate a mention in the Regimental History.
The photo is a simulation of what would have appeared on an oil tank as described by Bruce Harrod.
John Howells 2024
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The The Defence Reserves Association 2024 National Conference will be held on Saturday 24 August 2024 at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park South, Sydney.
It will have the theme: The ADF's Reserves in the Strategic Review - Outcomes and Next Steps
The DRA National Conference is for all Defence personnel from all Groups and Services, all-ranks and levels and from interested external organisations that will be addressed by a panel of distinguished speakers including:
• Government and Shadow Ministers
• Senior Officers of the Australian Defence Force
• Leading commentators on Defence matters.
Conference Program:
The Conference provides an excellent opportunity to hear about and discuss the outcomes of the recent ADF's Reserves Strategic Review and to ascertain the next steps in implementing the Review. The Conference Program is being finalised and will be posted separately on the DRA Website and on ForceNet shortly. Currently serving and ex-serving veterans are encouraged to attend the Conference.
Conduct of the Conference:
The Conference will be conducted using a hybrid model involving either attendance in person at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney or by a webinar for those attending virtually. When: Saturday 24 August 2024 from 09:00 to 17:00 AEST. Registration starts from 08:15.
Annual Dinner:
The Conference will be followed by a joint service, all-ranks Formal Dinner from 19:00 in the historic Cellos Grand Dining Room in the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, just a short walk from the Anzac Memorial.
Cost:
• Conference attendance is $50 per person, which includes morning tea and lunch.
• Formal dinner is $90 per person.
• Conference webinar attendance: No charge for DRA members. If you are please contact your State Branch Secretary for an access code to register for the online Conference at no charge.
• Conference webinar attendance: $30 per person for non-DRA Members. To join the DRA, please visit the DRA website dra.org.au and complete the form under the 'Membership' tab.
Presentations:
Following the Conference, the presentations will be uploaded for all in-person and on-line attendees to access for a limited period.
Registration:
Registrations to attend the Conference and/or the Dinner remain open until cob 17 August 2024. For registering to attend the Conference and/or the Dinner or the webinar, click .
Administration Instruction:
The Administration Instruction for the Conference can be found on .
Additional Information:
Please contact the DRA Secretary, LTCOL Laureen Grimes by using this button .
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Call for Applications for Grants
RAACA NSW announces that the Colonel John Haynes Trust has commenced operations.
John Haynes AM was a great believer in supporting Army personnel and their families, and members of the RAAC community in particular. One of his legacies is the generous provision of funds, the investment returns from which may be distributed to serving or ex-serving members of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, whether Regular, Reserve or National Service members of the Corps, and their issue to two generations, and their step-children, spouses, widows and widowers.
Grants from the Haynes Trust are specifically for EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT and for WELFARE SUPPORT.
• Grants of up to $4000.00 per annum are available for supporting education and development.
• Grants will also will be available to provide welfare support or to undertake projects/activities that provide a welfare value to individuals or groups if funds cannot be obtained from other sources.
The website provides an introduction to the Trust, what the Trust aims to achieve and how to apply for a grant.
Timeline for GENERAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION SUPPORT Applications: The inaugural year of operations will provide funding for the calendar year 2025. Accordingly:
• Applications have been open on-line at the HaynesTrust.org site on 1 July 2024
• Applications close on 31 October 2024
• The outcome of the application process will be announced in November 2024
• Funds will be distributed to successful applicants by 31 December 2024, for use in calendar year 2025
WELFARE SUPPORT REQUIRED URGENTLY TO SUPPORT AN IMMEDIATE NEED may be requested at any time by applying on-line and using the Trust contact details to discuss the matter.
It is inevitable that not every application will be able to be supported as there is a finite sum of funds available for distribution, but the Trustees will do their best to provide support where it is most needed.
You are encouraged to apply for a Colonel John Haynes Trust Grant if you feel that you are in need.
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Thought you might be interested in the Strategic Update Podcasts published by the RUSI of NSW and Australia.
The podcasts have been coming-out monthly from March and distil strategic issues and threats from across the world and from our region. They are the product of the RUSI NSW Strategic Interest Group on Strategy,
The July 2024 edition shown to your right is of particular interest to those of us with a reconnaissance background, it includes during an analysis of the War in Ukraine @4:00 a segment on how the Ukrainians use drones for recon and disrupt the enemy.
You can check-out the podcasts as they appear at:
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BERT CASTELLARI
Lance Corporal Bert Castellari of Curtin ACT aged 100.
It is not with sadness that I let you know the passing of Bert Castellari. Bert lived his life to the fullest, a brain still sharp after 100 years.
Bert was the last survivor of the World War 2 Regiment.
Bert was born on 27 December 1923, in his own words "People often remark on this, so close to the nominal birthday of Jesus Christ. Some even mention the proximity of Chairman Mao, who was born on the 26 December."
Again in Bert's own words: "My father was Italian. My mother was English. We were post Great War migrants. Dad came ahead in 1923 to manage successfully 'The Ambassadors', a restaurant cum ballroom etc which was wiped out by the great depression. The rest of the family followed in 1924. I was six months old."
Bert began his civil career aged 15 in 1938 as a copy boy at the Sun newspaper, Sydney, changing to The Daily Mirror, before joining the army.
During the second world war Bert was the CO's loader/operator, at one point he was sent to Puckapunyal to do a course for driver/mechanics. It was a course for NCOs and above so he became a temporary, acting Lance Corporal (unpaid), and reverted to the rank of Trooper when rejoining the Lancers.
Bert's own words on an incident in New Guinea:
"New Guinea was a constant obstacle course for tanks especially negotiating steep hills. The RHQ tank troop of the 1st Australian Tank Battalion had only two instead of its four establishment Matildas. Crews had to be shuffled and I was moved from wireless operator to driver. Then we had to move up to Bonga. I was driving "Crusader" and four or five of the troop were riding on the back, a couple leaning on the turret, because it was more comfortable. We reached the top of a very steep hill (name forgotten).
I hesitated for a moment and looked down. It was a jeep track. No bends just a straight drop but it looked all right. The tank was in extra low gear and that should hold it. As we went over the edge the tank took control - 25 tons of armour plate, armament and machinery took off. The passengers all jumped off and left me with it. 'Crusader' seemed to be racing away. The engines were roaring and heavy pressure was on them because they were now acting as brakes. The tracks were clattering loudly possibly in protest. I'm still not sure whether it was bouncing every now and then but it seemed so. Were the engines and gear box about to be ripped apart? Would the tracks break followed by a sudden stop which would throw me forward and crack my skull open against the edge of the hatch?
I had to do something. I released the steering levers disconnecting the Rackham clutches and the final drives to the tracks. 'Crusader' was madly free wheeling down the rest of the hill. Where was it going? As it turned out, nowhere.
We reached the bottom and it slowed to a stop. I cut the engines and got out to check for damage. Nothing. The others arrived having made a fast run down the hill. Nobody said a word. I got in, started the engines. Everyone climbed back on and we drove off. A few minutes later we reported in at Bonga."
After WW2 he returned to newspapers. In 1947 he joined the Daily Telegraph and later, the Sydney Morning Herald. He was a war correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald during the Korean War.
In Canberra in the seventies he worked for the Canberra Times, followed by the Specialised Press Agency. He worked as press secretary to five ministers of the Hawke Government.
In recent years Bert has been in constant correspondence with the Regimental Association, and a valued financial contributor to the Association and Museum. Soon after his 100th birthday he got a Regimental visit, able to pose with the unit's youngest member (TPR Ledvinka) alongside a cake. Colonel Shadbolt remarked at the sharpness of his mind.
Not being religious, Bert did not have a funeral service.
Our thanks to Bert's son Chris for letting us know of his passing.
BRIAN COLLINGS
Lieutenant Brian James Collings OAM ED of Noraville (formerly of Epping) aged 90 passed away at 02:00 on Wednesday 3 July 2024.
Terry Boardman recalls Brian being RAE but for some reason due to promotional requirements being posted to Lancers when commissioned.
As was the practice at the time for a newly risen Lancer subaltern at his first AFX he was slotted into a tank as the troop leader's loader/operator. In his case it was the tank of the late Lieutenant Nigel Laidlaw with Neville Burley as gunner and Terry as driver.
The crew soon distinguished themselves by refuelling with aux-gen running. The consequent fire caused considerable excitement as there were about 20 jerry cans with opened lids on the engine deck and most ignited. Nigel went for the fire extinguishers, Brian and Terry threw jerries overboard and Neville, who was in the turret making a brew almost strangled when he quickly climbed out with head set still attached. The 6x6 POL truck standing alongside started first time ever and Reg Swadling who had been supervising, but at the time was urinating on a tree, had an interrupted experience and said later it was an "unfinished urination".
Fortunately no one was injured although two tarpaulins (the engine and bivouac covers) and the folding petrol hopper were destroyed. And some wiring was singed.
No one in authority was too excited about the incident, except we crew, and when I reported to the QM of Armoured Centre (Jock Bowie?) that we had destroyed the tarpaulins and petrol hopper he happily endorsed the L&D as "damaged in training".
In later years Brian went back to Engineers and was based and lived at SME but kept his links with Lancers.
Bill Prosser, Gordon Muddle and others regularly worked with him on vehicle restoration at SME.
Vale Brian, one of those who will be remembered with affection, and respect, by those of us who served with him.
Our thanks to Terry Boardman for letting us know and telling Brian's story.
SID LEWIS
Warrant Officer Class 1 Sidney George Lewis of Marom Creek Aged 99.
Sid served with the Regiment from October 1956 'till July 1981 rising to the position of ARES RSM. He had previously seen service in World War 2, enlisting 20 July 1943 and serving 'till 31 October 1946, on discharge he was a craftsman in 130 Brigade Workshop.
He came to 1/15 as a LCPL from Headquarters 1 Independent Armoured Brigade when it was disbanded. It had been located in Bob's Hall at Lancer Barracks.
At that time he was a bus driver with the company that served the Hills District.
In due course, he rose through the ranks and would have been a four-wing qualified Centurion crewman/commander. Terry Boardmen recalls him being a Ferrett D&S instructor.
He became a WO2 and SSM of A Sqn and was then promoted to WO1 Training or CMF(ARES) RSM of the Regiment.
Born 19 May 1924 Sid was just short of his 100th birthday when he passed away, a life well lived.
Sid's funeral service was held that the Anglican Church in Alstonville on Thursday 8 February 2024 at 13:00, with refreshments at the RSL Hall in Alstonville afterwards.
Thanks to Alstonville RSL for letting us know of Sid's passing.
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Thank you all very much for your assistance in supporting the Museum and Association financially in the 2023/24 Financial Year so far. Our records (and they may not be perfect, human data entry has been involved) show the following supported by donation, the Association:
Douglas Black, Peter Giudes, Alan Hitchell, Graham Hodge, Peter Innes, Trevor Lord, John McPhee.
AND the Museum:
Douglas Black, Keziah Carating, Wayne Clarke, Combined Services RSL Sub-Branch, Don Deakin-Bell, Ian Frost, Bob Gay, Russell Gilbert, Gilgandra Veterans, Peter Giudes, Alice Halloran, Alan Hitchell, Graham Hodge, Jonathan Laird, Steve Leslie, Trevor Lord, Ian McClure, Brian McEvilly, John McPhee, Bradley Powe, Mithendra Singh, Bob Stenhouse, Rick Vincenti, Mick Visinko, Raymond Williams.
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Yes we really do need your financial assistance. No amount too large, no amount too small.
Donations to the Museum (the Museum is registered with the charity tick) and Association are possible securely using PayPal from your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) or from your PayPal account:
to go to the donation page. Donations to the Museum are tax deductible.
Don't forget your memorabilia. We have secure payment facilities available using your credit card or your PayPal account. Use this button to access the online Museum Shop. Do note that if you visit the Museum you will find the goods cheaper (no delivery charges) and still able to be purchased using your credit etc card.
We also need Museum volunteers. All that is required is an interest in the Regiment and its history, we find everyone has a skill to contribute. If you have any questions about our volunteer programme, simply call the editor, John Howells on 0405 482 814.
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Membership of the RAACA NSW is free to all applicants over 75. The RAACA NSW newsletter complements Lancers' Despatch, providing news of events in the wider corps community. If you wish to join the RAACA and receive the newsletter, drop a line to the Association at Victoria Barracks (Sydney), Locked Bag 7005, Liverpool NSW 1871, or visit the website: www.raacansw.com.au.
Do note that the Haynes Trust welfare and grant application details will be available shortly.
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"A regiment is not solely the men who presently comprise its strength. It is an entity stretching back in time to its beginnings. It is all the men who have served in its ranks, with their traditions and achievements. The serving unit, like the tip of an iceberg, may be the only part you see, but under neath, supporting it, there is a great deal more." (These words, often quoted, were introduced by our Late Patron, Major General Warren Glenny, AO RFD ED, during his term as 2IC of 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers in the 1960s)
Lancers' Despatch is Published in February and August each year by the New South Wales Lancers Memorial Museum Incorporated ABN 94 630 140 881 and the Royal New South Wales Lancers Association ABN 50 361 228 724. All material is copyright.
John Howells - Editor, New South Wales Lancers Memorial Museum Incorporated, Linden House, Lancer Barracks, 2 Smith Street, PARRAMATTA NSW, AUSTRALIA, (Postal Address: PO Box 7287, PENRITH SOUTH NSW 2750, AUSTRALIA)
Tel: +61 (0)405 482 814.
Lancers' Despatch is prepared and published on the ancestral lands of the Barramatta people of the Dharug nation whose stewardship for millennia is appreciated and acknowledged.
