The Royal New South Wales Lancers
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Lancers' Despatch 48 |
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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 48 - February 2025 |
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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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As in my last report, I open on a sad note on the passing of two long serving members of the Regiment. I knew both of them well and we will miss them greatly. The passing of Doc Ron Cable was felt by many Lancers as he spanned over 25 years of service. He was a significant part of our Regiments history and in some cases our private lives. There are many of us who will fondly remember him.
Dave Blackman was a centurion gunner/loader who served both the Regiment and the Museum for many years. He was softly spoken gentleman who was always happy to get involved. His other legacy was the restoration of an M113 which stands on display outside his club, the Blacktown RSL club. A dry smile and a fag were his trademarks.
I feel I have been somewhat remiss by not acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the members of your Museum / Association Committees. We serve on both committees and work to preserve the history and traditions of the Regiment. Things just don't happen in a vacuum. The public displays, the preservation of vehicles and artefacts, the participation in public and Regiment events including ANZAC Day Marches, all take organisation and effort. Each member of the two committees brings their own knowledge and expertise, it's how we get things done.
These members are all ex-Lancers and include, Rob Lording, John Howells, Mike McGraw, Steve Lesley, Jeff Darke, Joe Tabone and Brian Walters. There is no rank in the committees, we are all Lancers. Our patron is former CO Brigadier Phillip Bridie. Gentlemen thank you for your hard work.
Thanks very much to the departing Regimental Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Colin Shadbolt for his help with the Association and Museum during his time in command and welcome to the new CO Lieutenant Colonel Greg Barter.
On a final note, we have just received the distinction of having over 2000 visitors to the Museum during 2024. We are one of the most visited historic site in Parramatta.
Once again I thank John Howells for this interesting and engaging issue of the Dispatch.
Len Koles
As always
TENAX IN FIDE
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Expect the following:
• Battle for Australia Oration, 10:00 Monday 17 February 2025, Royal Automobile Club, Sydney, details can be found
• 13:00 Tuesday 25 February 2025, Anzac Memorial Auditorium Hyde Park South, Sydney - General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) speaks on "The 25th Anniversary of INTERFET" details can be found
• Watch for the commemoration 80 years since the battle of Balikpapan near 1 July 2025.
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Commanding Officer's Message - LTCOL Shadbolt
Since last writing to you, the Regiment has continued to meet to the challenge arising from the pace and scale of significant organisational change. The task of the 2nd (Australian) Division's to provide homeland security in the defence of Australia continues to focus our training and role. Central to this has been the ongoing introduction of G-Wagon Surveillance Reconnaissance Vehicle (SRV) and Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light (PMV-L) to the unit. As such, individual training and qualification has been the main effort for the second half of the Regiment's year in order to develop the pool of operators and instructors required to employ and sustain these capabilities.
PMV-L traversing difficult terrain in Holsworthy Training Area as part of the Hawkei Driver Course.
For many, the highlight of this process has been the opportunity to hit the range during mount qualification practices for the SRV and PMV-L. Since September, we have also conducted the first sessions in Army of the new Hawkei Driver and PMV Commander courses. These milestone activities have been vital in enabling us to deliver Hawkei training that fits SERCAT 5 schedules and reflects the tactics, techniques and procedures of a Light Cavalry Regiment.
I am proud to say that we have led Army in the conduct of this training and am grateful for the assistance of the Land Combat College to enable this. It has been particularly exciting to undertake these courses with participants from our flanking Regiments (in particular 12/16 HRL) as the Corps works together to build the mounted skills required for our new role in the defence of Australia.
Live fire on the PMV Commander Course (Left) - G-Wagon SRV mount live fire qualification practice (right)
Throughout the year, maximising the use of Lancer Barracks has been an ongoing effort to help promote and preserve the base. I have been glad to work with the Association to enable the continued operation of the workshop and tank days. Seeing the success of the M113 Anniversary event was a highlight in this regard. More broadly, the Regiment has been busy engaged with organisations from across to the ADF and the community to promote and use the base. Most notably, ADF Careers conducted their Sydney Expo in September to great success. /p>
ADF Careers Expo, Lancer Barracks (left) - Members of 1/15 RNSWL following the Parramatta City Council Remembrance Day Service (right)
I hope we can continue to leverage the base and I see significant opportunity as the Regiment marks both its 140th birthday and the 80th anniversary of Balikpapan next year. We are currently planning ceremonial events to mark the occasion of which the oncoming CO will be able to advise in due course. I am excited to see how the Association can use these events as a platform to better engage and support serving members by linking them in with the veteran community. If you want to stay up to date on the Regiment's activities, I encourage you to follow the unit Facebook page which is regularly updated.
Looking forward the Regiment will continue to prepare for our Homeland Security role by focusing efforts on the employment of G-Wagon SRV and Hawkei PMV-L. Our next major training event will be EX TALISMAN SABRE 2025 when we practice projecting across Australia as part of a Security and Response Task Unit (the primary organisation for the defence of Australia). As we approach the exercise, we will transition our efforts from individual training to collective troop and squadron manoeuvre as more vehicles and drivers become available.
Having had the privilege to command the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers for three years, it is with a mixture of profound gratitude and a little sadness that I depart the Regiment. I am deeply grateful for the work of our soldiers, officers and veterans. I wish to thank all I have had the opportunity to work alongside with and to all those that have gone before to make the Regiment what it is today.
Tenax in Fide - Steadfast in Faith.
Congratulations to TPR Nguyen who just won the 7th Brigade - Australian Army Combatitive Tournament - Middleweight Division 2024! TPR Nguyen was part of the Regiment's team who put their ACP skills to the test against competitors from across Army.
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31 December 2024 saw Lieutenant Colonel Colin Shadbolt conclude his three year term as the Regiment's Commanding Officer. A time of change. The Regiment reverted to a true cavalry role, the PMV-M Bushmasters were handed over to the infantry and replaced with PMV-L Hawkeyes and G-Wagens. Beyond our borders there was dynastic change at the top with the Saxe-Coburg Gotha dynasty ending to be replaced by the first Glucksberg monarch. At the same time Regimental headquarters remained at Lancer Barracks and the Museum prospered with the commander's assistance. Colonel Shadbolt's last appearance as CO at the barracks was to witness his countenance added to the rogue's galley of past COs in the Museum, and inspect the 203 ACU end of year parade.
The New Commanding Officer is Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Barter.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Barter joined the Army in 1992 as an army reserve officer cadet at Sydney University Regiment. After graduating from Sydney University, he transferred to the Regular Army and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1994.
His first appointment was as a Troop Leader in 1st Armoured Regt (1996-97). He has also served as a Troop Leader at 2nd Royal Tank Regiment when on exchange with the British Army. In 1999, he was promoted and posted to 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers (1/15 RNSWL) where he served as the Adjutant and Operations Officer (OPSO). The remainder of his Regimental time has been with 1/15 RNSWL which includes serving as Officer Commanding of C Squadron twice, first in 2002 after transferring to the Army Reserve, and more recently in 2022. He was the Regimental Second in Command after promotion to Major in 2012 until 2015. His long association with 1/15 RNSWL makes him excited to return as the Commanding Officer in 2025.
LTCOL Barter has had several operational postings. While still in the Regular Army he served on Operation BEL ISI as the Liaison Officer for the Commander in 1999/2000 and then as a watchkeeper at Headquarters (HQ) Australian Theatre in 2001. In 2022, he acted as the OPSO for JTU 629.1.1 during domestic operations as part of the defence assistance after floods in Windsor. His staff postings include serving with HQ 8 Brigade (Bde) as a workforce plans officer assisting Bde Recruiting (2015-16) and the S5 for HQ 5 Bde in 2023 in an acting role and then substantive in 2024 after promotion to LTCOL.
In 2017, LTCOL Barter attended Australian Command and Staff College (Reserve). His other qualifications include a Bachelor of Science: Maths and Physics and post graduate qualification of Certified Financial Planner. His professional memberships include the Financial Advice Association of Australia and Profession of Independent Financial Advisers. In 2022, he established his own business, specialising in independent financial advice.
He has four children and holds a lifelong interest in military history. He is an enthusiastic member of the Redwood Ski Club and a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia where he has campaigned in several offshore ocean racing series as the skipper and crew, including a divisional win in the 2016 Sydney to Hobart.
We look forward to great things in the next three years with the Regiment commanded by Colonel Barter.
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In the past six months the major Association activity was the reunion on the first Sunday in November. It was a great day attended by many who served in the Regiment. A lot of reminiscing and a chance to see the work so far on our memorial wall. The photomontage below brings together the record made on the day by Alan Hitchell and Steve Lesley. If you could not make it is a chance to see old friends, if you were there, pick yourself out and look out for those you missed.
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2024 has been a great year for the Lancers' Museum. 2,085 visitors in 2024 compared to 1,669 in 2023. You can check-out our statistics . We are without doubt the most visited historic venue in Parramatta. A steady flow of income that covers the essential day-to day administrative costs. The vibrant display that rolls-in the public is only possible due to the hard work of the small but skilled and hardworking crew of volunteers you will find at Lancer Barracks on Thursdays and when we open to the public Sunday. The last Sunday of each month is by far the most popular, then we run the vehicles a drawcard for youngsters of all ages.
On these vehicle Sundays we go out of our way to ensure all those of school age get a ride. Usually in the gun-buggy or the Champ. The delight shown by 6 year-olds as they leave the precinct telling you they got a ride in "Mr Toad" touches the heart. So much so that in the last few months should a visiting party on any day include children, a ride is provided.
We have also shown our face outside Lancer Barracks putting on a great show at Parramatta's Annual Foundation Display and using that display to draw visitors back to the Museum where we can charge entry.
We have great plans for 2025, What was the blank sheet of paper, the southern wall of the Museum's Work Annex has been finished to feature the Regiment's Battle Honours, the Boer War Memorial Horse and silhouettes of a light horseman and Matilda Tank to commemorate the Regiment's participation in two world wars.
We have also just this month (January 2025) after lengthy negotiations with various authorities to proceed with the erection of metal structures to provide overhead protection for our vehicle fleet. This means the historic vehicle fleet will be visible to visitors at all times, no tarpaulins, and our vehicle crew volunteers will be able to work on the exhibits regardless of the weather.
Erecting the structures will drain us financially and in tight economic times grants have dried-up. So if you have the odd $2 or even $1,000+ hanging around excess to your requirements, do not forget donations to the Museum can be claimed as tax deductions.
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The Strategic Review of the ADF Reserves (Reserve Review) was a recommendation of the Defence Strategic Review. The
Reserve Review identifies recommendations to improve integration of reservists into the total workforce, recognising the
critical enabling role reservists have in delivering operational capability, depth and critical skills to Defence.
Benefits of Reserve Service to those who serve include:
» Tax-free pay.
» Subsidised health and education.
» Enhanced opportunities to develop existing civil and military skills to support ongoing career development in and beyond service.
The Review recognised the ADF Reserve Can:
» Deliver critical domestically focused operational capability.
» Reinforce capacity in support of offshore capability.
» Offset workforce shortages in specialist roles in the ADF.
» Provide surge capacity across all five domains sea, land, air, cyber and space.
Review Recommendations:
» Establish an ADF Reserve Force Framework to support improved categorisation and management of reserve capacity and capability.
» Evolve the ADF workforce management system to support an integrated reserve and permanent workforce.
» Improve conditions of service offerings for reserve personnel.
» Improve recruitment and retention of ADF reservists through:
» Establishing up to 1,000 additional reserve positions by 2030.
» Creating direct entry pathways to reserve service in Navy, Air Force and Cyber domains.
» Accelerated reserve entry pathways and broader specialist pathways across all Services, Cyber and Space domains.
» Extending active commitment and management opportunities for former ADF members.
» Generating partnerships with industry to access and share talent.
» Adjust training courses to accelerate and improve throughput of reserve trainees across the ADF.
Implementation
Defence will begin implementation
of the recommendations in 2025,
including:
» Development of a specialised cyber Reserve workforce to support delivery of domain capabilities.
» Collaborating closely with other government departments, industry and academia to optimise the identification of and access to talent.
» Improved connections to support shared capacity of a skilled workforce, such as health and logistics specialists.
» Improved recruitment and retention of ADF reservists through:
» Establishing up to 1,000 additional reserve personnel by 2030.
To read the Full Review of the ADF Reserve activate this button .
And if you are interested in where thinking is going with respect to warfare in the future why not download and read this paper "The Character of Future War to 2030" by Lieutenant General Clint Hinote Ret'd, US Air Force and Australian Major General Mick Ryan AM Ret'd .
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You might ask; why is the Regiment in 2025 called the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers?
Let us start with the central part; "New South Wales".
In late 1894, a number of men met in the Oxford Hotel hosted by my great grandfather John Hession who was the publican. The Oxford stood at the junction of Philip and King Streets, it is not there anymore, demolished in the mid-1970s. This gave birth to a "Volunteer Cavalry Corps" gazetted 3 January 1885.
The unit was part of the armed forces of the Colony of "New South Wales". Australia was not proclaimed until 1 January 1901. New South Wales whilst officially a British "Colony" operated in a similar fashion to Australia after federation. It had a "constitution" an act of the parliament in London that meant most functions of government were exercised by the New South Wales parliament in Sydney. Internal defence of the colony was one such devolved responsibility. Of note, when New South Wales soldiers stepped beyond the borders of the colony, they fell under the command of the British Army. A situation that continued in regard to the ADF until Vice-Regal assent to the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act on 9 October 1942 (a great date to consider for "Australia Day" should we one day relegate 26 January to "Settlement Day"; the 1942 Act giving our nation more freedom from the colonial yoke than any other legislative change - not only that, but we would also get another holiday).
Thus as what was to be the Regiment was part of the "New South Wales Military Forces" (NSWMF) well before the creation of Australia; New South Wales is therefore part of the Regiment's name.
So why Lancers?
1885 saw New South Wales sent an expeditionary force to Sudan. The expedition commander Colonel Richardson returned with two lances presented to him as a memento of the campaign by Colonel Palmer, 9th Bengal Lancers. The later Major General JS Richardson CB, commander of the NSWMF was impressed with the sight of the Lancers on the battlefield and when drilling with their red over white pennants. Lancers were introduced to the British Army after Polish influenced Lancers in the French Army had broken Wellington's defensive infantry squares at the battle of Quartre Bras on 16 June 1815, a preliminary engagement to the decisive Battle of Waterloo that occurred two days later. He converted the Sydney Squadron of the "Volunteer Cavalry Corps" to Lancers. In 1894, that "Corps" became the "New South Wales Lancers".
Lancer Squadron fought in the second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1900 armed with Lances. Each soldier being equipped with a Lance, Martini-Enfield Carbine and Sword. The Lances proved to be of little use. Long range quick firing smokeless weapons with soldiers entrenched had replaced squares where short-range muskets created a dense smoke screen that allowed horsemen to gallop up unseen to reach beyond a ring of bayonets with 2.8 metre lances. Still of use if enemy were found dismounted in the open, the astute Boers did not, however, allow this to occur too often. In 1903 when the Regiment was converted to the far more useful Light Horse, "Lancers" remained in its ceremonial title and are carried today as a ceremonial accoutrement.
On their return from the Boer war, the Regiment sought the name "King's Own Australian Lancers", our government at the time, however, considered it too pretentious, not wanting to mark-out any particular unit as better than others.
What about the Royal bit?
On 1 October 1933 Major John Bruce Pye became CO of the Regiment. It was a time of economic depression, pay of soldiers was limited and the ranks held by soldiers in command had been reduced. He was to be CO until 1937, then was again called on to command 1940-1942. Major (later Lieutenant Colonel, ED) Pye had Major General Senator Charles Cox CB, CMG, DSO, VD as the Regiment's Honorary Colonel were two men with a wide sphere of influence. It was the capacity to influence beyond the national sphere that spawned the "Royal". Both visited the UK and lobbied; King George V was approaching his silver jubilee.
On 3 June 1935 Australian Army Orders announced:
"His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to grant the title 'Royal' to the 1st Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers). The designation of this unit will therefore be:- 1st Light Horse Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers)."
Now what about the numbers 1 and 15.
Numbers had been applied to our mobile units since the formation of our army in 1903. In 1903, the New South Wales Lancers were numbered the 1st Light Horse Regiment. A re-numbering took place in 1912 with the 1st becoming the 7th.
Then the First World War happened. During WW1 existing Australian Army units did not see overseas service. The Australian Army of 1914 was based on conscription and the Defence Act of 1903 reinforced control of our armed forces passing to the UK when they left our shores. A special volunteer army the "Australian Imperial Force" (AIF) was formed for overseas service with terms negotiated between the Australian and UK governments whereby national command would prevail up to formation level. There had been some unfortunate circumstances during the Second Anglo-Boer War and just as the Russian people today are reluctant to see their conscripted youth deployed beyond their borders, the Australian people of 1914 as reinforced by two wartime referenda were of similar view..
Thus in Sydney in August 1914 the 1st Light Horse Regiment AIF was formed from Light Horse volunteers from New South Wales, most from the 7 LH (NSWL). The 1 LH sailed from Sydney on 19 October 1914 and disembarked in Egypt on 8 December. Then served until 1919 in Turkey (Gallipoli), Egypt and Palestine. Under the terms of Military Order 364 of August 1918 to retain AIF traditions and battle honours the designation of the New South Wales Lancers became the 1st Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers) inhertiing the battle honours of the 1 LH AIF.
That explains the 1 but what about the 15.
In 1903, of the New South Wales Lancers had been split, the northern squadron becoming the "Northern Rivers Lancers", based in Lismore.
In what is now Israel as the Light Horse advanced north from Be'er Sheva the terrain changed. In 1916, Australian "volunteers" had formed two battalions of the Imperial Camel Brigade. The call for volunteers had fallen on commanders; many volunteering or nominating the most recalcitrant of their soldiers giving the cameleers a particularly Australian egalitarian and innovative approach to combat. Camel hooves, well suited to desert sand did not like the hard shale of the Judean Hills. The UK camel battalion was sent east to patrol in soft sand adjacent the Hejaz Railway. The two Australian battalions were converted to Light Horse becoming the 14 and 15 LH forming the 5th Light Horse Brigade with a French horsed unit (1er Regiment Mixte de Marche Cavalerie du Levant*).
Under the terms of Military Order 364 of August 1918 the designation of the Northern Rivers Lancers became the 15th Light Horse (Northern Rivers Lancers). General Chauvel who as a young soldier had served in what was to become the NRL influenced the designation and had a hand in the design of the Regimental Badge and motto inscribed thereon, "Nomina Desertis Inscripsimus" (in the desert we have written our names). After the Second World War, the 15 NRL became a mixed RAAC/RAASC unit armed with LVT4s and DUKWS, based in Newcastle. A reorganisation in 1956 saw the unit disbanded with its traditions and Guidon passed to the 1st; henceforth to be known as the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers.
The name of the Regiment over the past 140 Years:
1895-1899 - New South Wales Cavalry Reserves
1889-1894 - New South Wales Cavalry Regiment
1894-1903 - New South Wales Regiment of Lancers
1903-1912 - 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers)
1912-1918 - 7th Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers)
1918-1921 - 1st Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers)
1921-1929 - 1st Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers)
1929-1935 - 1st/21st Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers)
1935-1936 - 1st/21st Light Horse Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1936-1941 - 1st Light Horse (Machine Gun) Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1941-1942 - 1st Machine Gun Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1942-1942 - 1st Australian Motor Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1942-1943 - 1st Australian Army Tank Battalion (AIF) (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1943-1944 - 1st Army Tank Battalion (AIF) (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1944-1946 - 1st Australian Armoured Regiment (AIF) (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1948-1949 - 1st Armoured Regiment (Royal New South Wales Lancers)
1949-1956 - 1st Royal New South Wales Lancers
1956-2025 - 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers
* Interesting I recently read a French account of this regiment (1er Regiment Mixte de Marche Cavalerie du Levant) claiming the 14 and 15 LH whose members had been in combat for 4 years at that point had no military training and had to be shown how to engage the enemy by their French compatriots. Strange how national pride can distort history.
John Howells 2024
Historic detail drawn from the Regimental History and the AWM website
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Many Lancers will remember Ken Studeris a US Army Vietnam veteran who served with the Regiment in the 1980s. Ken was a major when serving with the Regiment, later rising to the rank of colonel in the US Army. Ken is now commander of the American Legion Post AU01 based in Australia. He tells the story of an Australian serving in the US Navy 141 years ago.
In 1884 an Australian, William henry Belpitt, serving in the US Navy was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest US military decoration for bravery (the US VC equivalent). Despite this extraordinary recognition, Mr Belpitt now lies in an unmarked grave at Rookwood Cemetery. The American Legion Post in Australia is working with his great-granddaughter Pam Lewis to ensure his bravery and service are appropriately remembered. The US Veterans Administration is providing a bronze memorial plaque, but the Lewis family is financially responsible for the substantial cost of mounting the plaque on a granite base at the gravesite.
As the American Legion Post in Australia is not a registered charity and has limited resources, Mrs Lewis, who resides in WA, has, at our recommendation, established a GoFundMe appeal to offset her costs . We (the American Legion Post in Australia) have undertaken to publicise this appeal and to organise a dedication ceremony once the memorial has been installed. Members of the Lancers' Association and friends of the Museum may wish to help.
William was born 3 May 1860 at Ryde. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Rookwood Cemetery on 3 November 1912. Several decades ago two separate groups - one in the US and one in Australia - aware that he had been awarded the Medal of Honor, began research to find his place of burial, locate descendants and arrange for a suitable memorial. Each group faced significant obstacles and some original members of both research teams have passed away but the efforts continued without either group becoming aware of the other. The US group, having located descendants in WA, were able to facilitate the application for a grave marker. This has now been prepared and is awaiting installation at the family's expense. As we became involved and began spreading the word we learned of the Australian group and made contact. We now have a unified effort to honour William. The following is an extract of a biographical note posted on the "Find-a-Grave" website by Shane Dell, one of the Australian researchers.
William Belpitt's Story
As a child he was a troubled lad whose problems appear to have started after the death of his father in 1866 and although his mother married John Brown in 1868, he was later taken into an institution with his 2 brothers, John Charles Belpitt and Thomas Herbert Belpitt, when his mother could not be located. His stepfather John Brown was a seaman and obviously away from the family home for considerable periods. His mother later claimed the children. Left to roam the streets as he wished it was not long before he faced the wrath of the law.
After having served time as an inmate on the youth training ship Sobraon in New South Wales mainly as a result of being an uncontrollable child involved in petty crime, he somehow made his way to Fremantle in Western Australia where he managed to get himself in trouble with the law and subsequently served a term of imprisonment in Fremantle Jail. On release from Jail on 16 November 1878 it is fairly assumed that he joined a ship's crew on a voyage to England and at some stage joined the British Navy where in his own word's he took "legballl" before turning up in New York where in 1881 he joined the United States Navy, signing on for 3 years as an ordinary seaman on the USS Monocacy a sidewheel gunboat whose task was to patrol the coasts of Japan, Korea and China. He was later promoted to the rank of Petty Officer where he served as Captain of the Afterguard. The After-Guard have the care of the starboard side of the quarter-deck, poop and starboard mizzen channels. At the conclusion of his initial enlistment he re-signed with the US Navy for another 3 year period.
On 7 October 1884 whilst the USS Monocacy was at anchor in Fuzhou (Foochow) Harbour in China, Belpitt observed a man fall from his small boat into the water where he began to panic and was in immediate danger of drowning, without thought for his own safety Belpitt dived into the water from the deck of the Monocacy and rescued the drowning man to the great cheers and applause of all those who witnessed his feat. He was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for his actions. The citation reading:
"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Afterguard William Henry Belpitt, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the USS Monocacy, Foochow, China, 7 October 1884. Jumping overboard from that vessel on the morning of this date, Captain of the Afterguard Belpitt sustained, until picked up, a Chinaman who had been thrown into the water by the capsizing of a canoe."
At the end of his service with the United States Navy, Belpitt returned to Sydney, Australia his home town where on 21 January 1888 he married Minnie Gould at St Marks Church, Darling Point and settled into a maritime career on the waterways of NSW in his appointment by the government of the day as Harbour Master - Harbour and River which was gazetted on 5 July 1893 (Certificate number 593). In 1896 he wrote a number of damning letters to the NSW parliament highlighting the brutality and abuses he had personally witnessed on the training ship Sobraon and it is believed he may in fact have been on the staff of this ship just prior to the writing of these letters. He was a regular contributor to newspaper columns across Sydney and wrote letters on a number of subjects, one of those being suggestions for the entertainment of the American Fleet visiting in 1908. In 1909 his occupation was listed as fireman on the wedding certificate of his son. He suffered several bouts of illness during the late 1890's and early 1900's finally succumbing to illness at the Rookwood Infirm Asylum in 1912 suffering from Ascites amongst other ailments. Belpitt in 1908 when being interviewed for an article in the Sydney Morning Herald titled 'LIFE IN THE NAVY -AN AUSTRALIAN WHO SERVED IN AMERICA' expressed his regret at leaving the US Navy and is quoted as saying "life was much better in the US Navy than in the British Navy as discipline was less strenuous and the pay better".
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DAVID BLACKMAN of Blacktown aged 82.
Corporal David Blackman was born in London on 12 November 1942 son of a Welsh Guardsman. Dave joined the Regiment on 1 July 1960, taking his discharge on 7 October 1980 after 20 years service with the one unit. He will long be remembered as a Centurion and M113 crew member rising to be a Troop Corporal, and a great friend to all those with whom he served.
David will also be remembered for his skill as an artist, providing the Museum of vibrant paintings of centurions in the wilds of Puckapunyal and Blacktown RSL with many commissioned works. He also took on large painting jobs for the Blacktown RSL restoring to splendour their M113.
In civil life David was a horticulturalist spending 38 years as groundsman at Blacktown Hospital, David had a brother who now lives in the USA and two sisters.
Dave passed away 29 December 2024 from heart failure following complications from a fall.
Cooee Cobber
JANELLE BRACKENREG of Port Macquarie.
It is with sadness that I let you know of the passing of Janelle wife of Captain Brian Brackenreg RFD ED who left us on 4 June 2022.
Janelle was Brian's rock allowing him to serve for 30 years in the Regiment including a combat experience tour of Vietnam and in retirement be a stalwart Museum volunteer 'till moving north and volunteering for the Tewinga Bush Fire Brigade. Brian was in his parrallel civillian career for many years manager of the Epping TAB. Janelle and Brian had six children.
Following complications from a fall Janelle's life of service ended in her sleep on 22 September 2024 after several days where all her children were able to spend time with her - talking, laughing, crying and reminiscing.
Our thanks to Janelle's daughter Leanne for letting us know.
RON CABLE of St Ives aged 94
Our friend and colleague Captain Dr Ronald Hughes Cable RFD Retd passed away 25 November 2025 after a long illness; he was 94, some 20 days short of his 95th birthday. Ron was the unit's Regimental Medical Officer from 28 May 1963 when he was commissioned until 1982 when a heart attack returning from the field precluded further Regimental Service. 19 years of Regimental service. He continued to serve on 2 Div HQ until 1988, just short (118 days) of 25 years in the Army and an elusive second clasp to his Reserve Forces Decoration.
Ron's commitment to the Regiment and its soldiers was passionate. He was there at Putty, on 28 September 1971 rendering every assistance possible when a Ferret Scout Car rolled killing Trooper Joe Caruana. His medical advice to all ranks especially those in senior postings was direct and relevant. His interest in the skills of our corps meant he could drive and shoot as well as any of us. He wore regimental not RAAMC uniform accoutrements and forsook postings out of the unit involving offers of promotion; he was that committed to the Regiment.
Ron ever mindful of hygiene in the field at Bourke in 1981 (top left) - Ron given a presentation by the Hon Col JML Macdonald C1980 (top right)
The Hon Phillip Ruddock AO with Ron at the 2010 Regimental Dinner (bottom left) - Ron leads the Association on the 2013 Anzac Day Parade (bottom right)
In his civilian career, Ron was the Medical Superintendent of Parramatta Hospital. Ron served his nation and the Parramatta community with energy and commitment. Ron also served as Secretary of the AMA and on the Skin Cancer Foundation.
When he retired from the Army Ron did not stop serving the Regiment, he was Vice President of the Lancers' Association for many years until his health deteriorated recently.
Ron was survived by his wife Noelene three children, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
His funeral at Macquarie Park on 10 December 2024 was well attended by his former Regimental colleagues.
JOHN COLVIN of Muswellbrook aged 88.
Brigadier John Edward COLVIN, AM, RFD, ED John passed away on 17 December 2024, he joined the Army in 1955 and was commissioned in Sydney University Regiment in 1958. A schoolteacher, he was transferred to the Hunter Valley in 1959 and at the same time he was posted to 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers, where he held a variety of regimental postings culminating as the Commanding Officer, from January 1975 to September 1978.
In 1969 he was given a battlefield familiarisation tour of duty attached to A Sqn 3 CAV in South Vietnam.
On 1 January 1985 he was promoted Colonel and posted Colonel Armour HQ 2 FF Gp succeeding Warren Glenny. This posting included the Regiment and other ARES RAAC units within his command.
The primary achievement as Colonel Armour was the establishment of the RAAC TEWT. This Tactical Exercise Without Troops drew officers from the Armoured Corps to Puckapunyal for two days in November where the latest concepts in armoured deployment could be discussed. His staff was too small for such a major endeavour. He thus drew together a core group within NSW to write and administer the exercise: Harry Crampton, the late Hugh Hicks, Frank Holles, John Howells and the late Reg Swadling supplemented by an array of senior corps officers to act as DS. His core group stayed on to run the exercise under Colonel Tom Arrowsmith his successor as Colonel Armour 'till the end of Tom's term when the position of Colonel Armour was abolished.
Following his successful term as Colonel Armour, on 1 January 1987, Colonel Colvin was promoted Brigadier and appointed Commander of the 2nd Training Group, Bardia Barracks, Ingleburn, which he commanded for three years, before being posted to the Regimental Supernumerary List of the 2nd Military District on 1 January 1990. There he did project work for Headquarters, Training Command until he retired from the Active Army Reserve in July 1991.
After a short, but well-earned, rest from the Army, John was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers on 1 January 1994 and in his six years as Honorary Colonel, he played a major role in maintaining 12/16's profile, and ensuring its continued existence.
In 1991, John was elected to the Muswellbrook Shire Council, where he served with distinction. He was Deputy Mayor for seven years from 1991 to 1999 and he then held the position of Mayor from 1999 to 2008. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he was awarded the Freedom of the Entry to the Shire of Muswellbrook in 2016, the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Muswellbrook Shire Council. John's dedication and impact on the Shire will be remembered with deep gratitude for a long time.
He was married to Gwen and they had three children - Tony, Andrew and Katrina. John's wife Gwen, who passed away on 28 December 2024, was totally devoted to assisting John in his distinguished military career.
A memorial service celebrating Gwen and John Colvin's lives was held on Saturday 11 January 2025 in St Alban's Anglican Church, Brook Street, Muswellbrook. The Royal New South Wales Lancers' Association sent a message of condolence to John's family and was represented by Frank Holles.
Thanks to Wayne Clark for letting us know about Brigadier Colvin's passing.
JOHN HOLT of Blacktown
John Holt served with the Regiment as a Trooper in the early 1970's. His funeral on 28 January 2025 was attended by Len Koles and Darren Jones from the Lancers' Association. Len gave the servce tribute.
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Colonel Lee Long RFD, as most know is suffering dementia. Our thoughts are with Lee and his family in the hope his suffering can be reduced.
Arthur Crellin who served in the Band for many years is also suffering dementia. Our thoughts are with Arthur and his family in the hope his suffering can also be reduced.
Kerry McConnell who supported Mick during his many years of Regimental and Army service and raised their two sons is also suffering dementia. Our thoughts are with Kerry and her family in the hope her suffering can also be reduced.
Vince Strohmayer's condition was described as "deteriorating and in constant pain which was increasing; palliative the sole treatment".
Tony Fryer reports that a few of us got together for lunch on 18 December 2024 at St Marys Diggers Club - Vince Strohmayer and his condition was the reason to gather, however, he was not well enough to join us, so we lunched in his honour.
John Collyer kindly arranged the lunch - attending were Mike Ribot, Brian Turner, Tony Fryer, George Glass, Mick McConnell, Steve Hadfield and John Collyer.
Sadly, Vince passed away on the morning of 26 January 2025. I will not be including an obituary in this newsletter, tributes are still coming in, and his funeral is yet to be held; panzerlied is yet to ring-out in a funeral parlour. Better not to rush where such a respected comrade is concerned.
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Thank you all very much for your assistance in supporting the Museum and Association financially in the 2024/25 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; Tony Fryer; John McPhee; Phillip Patterson.
AND the Museum:
Douglas Black; Tony Fryer; Guy Graham; Alice Halloran; John Howells; Len Koles; Steve Lesley; Trevor Lord; Michael McGraw; Yvonne McIntyre (estate of); John McPhee; Phillip Patterson.
Others have donated anonymously at the Museum by cash or card.
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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 Colonel John Haynes Trust welfare and education grant applications are invited, details are available here: .
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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.
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