President’s Report 1997
The 1996 Reunion was enjoyed by the usual number of members despite the loss of fellowship of so many of our comrades. Gunners came from near and sometimes far away. The March was also well attended and it was gratifying to see the number of younger generation marching with us. This year, unfortunately, the official request is for no children to march!
There was great excitement at this time ten years ago when it was not known whether the book “On Target” would be delivered by the printers in time for distribution at the Reunion. There are now no copies available; but should anyone wish to read the book your local library should be able to arrange for an inter-library loan, as several libraries secured copies.
At our last Committee meeting it was discussed whether we should accept an invitation to mount a plaque on a Bofors gun at the North Balwyn Sub-Branch of the RSL; and whether we should apply to the Shrine Trustees for a Tree in memory of the Regiment together with an appropriately worded plaque.
The Bofors gun project has been completed (see the later article and photo). We will report on the Memorial Tree at the Reunion.
On September 5, nine of us attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance to commemorate the Battle of Milne Bay. After the ceremony some of our members proceeded to a luncheon at the Air Force Memorial Centre, South Yarra. The events were organised by the Royal Australian Air Force Association and will be repeated this year.
Interested members should contact the Association on 9826 8573 in August for details. Our Regiment was acknowledged as being represented through Max Bennett.
On December 3, 1996, John Ballantyne, Col Reilly, Dick Plant and Ken Lloyd were invited to the School of Artillery, North Head, Sydney, there to relate some of their wartime experiences to a contingent of South Australian NCOs who were being instructed in antiaircraft ground to air missiles. A letter of appreciation was received by our members from Major Gregory V Marinch, Instructor in Gunnery (US) Air Defence.
Over many years Ron Berry of Beaumaris and Max Parsons (ex 2112 Field Regiment) have assisted the Association, in a voluntary capacity, to produce Take Post. Ron produces the address labels and keeps the address records up-to-date; Max and Linda use their sophisticated computer equipment to prepare the newsletter for the printer. We appreciate their great assistance.
I thank the Committee for their work and support throughout the year. I look forward to seeing as many members as possible at the Reunion.