WELCOME TO 13 FIELD SQUADRON

Welcome to the web site for the 13th Field Squadron. The only military engineering capability in Western Australia.

13 Field Squadron has a long and proud history. The unit was originally known as No 4 (Half) Company and was formed on 3 April, 1911 by Major John Pigeon. It was later renamed 13th Engineers on the 1 July 1912 and has served continuously as a Western Australian unit ever since. Based in the Perth metropolitan area from establishment to present day, 13 Field Squadron was initially a Citizens Military Force (CMF) Unit and is now a General Reserve (GRES) Unit.

There was a brief period between 1946 and 1948 when the Unit was disbanded as a part of the World War Two demobilisations measures. Members of the Unit also served in World War One, as volunteers with the 1st Australian Imperial Forces (with subsequent loss of 15 men killed in action).

Squadron members served again in World War Two, when the unit in its own identity served as defensive forces in Northern Australia, and then on active service against the Japanese in New Britain in the South Pacific Theatre of operations.

The purpose of 13 Field Squadron is to support the Australian Regular Army by providing reinforcement, round-out and rotation elements. To achieve this, the unit operates a "raise, train and sustain" model whereby reservists are trained with the intent that the unit is able to provide personnel to support Australian Defence Force operations when and as required.

Currently the Unit has two troops based at Irwin Barracks Karrakatta, Support Troop and 1 Field Troop. Support Troop consists of highly skilled tradesman including plant operators, carpenters, plumber and electricians whilst 1 Field Troop provides the sharp-end Combat Engineering capability to 13 Brigade. The squadron also maintains a training cell whose role is to manage the Squadron's recruits and provides initial employment training.

The Unit has been blessed with strong loyalty from its members, who over the years have fostered many traditions and are proud to bear the title; 13 Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, "The Little Red Devils".

This web site is designed to provide you with some information on 13 Field Squadron whether you have been selected to serve with us or if you are simply interested in our heritage.

100 years of Engineering - Painted by Ian Coates

Officer Commanding's Biography

Major Brett Douglas

Major Brett Douglas joined the reserve in 1985 as a private soldier and completed his recruit course at Leeuwin Barracks in early 1986. He was posted to the Western Australian University Regiment (WAUR) and completed Initial Employment Training (IET) training in that year.

After a two year break from 1990 to 1992, Maj Douglas transferred corps to Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) and was posted to 13 Field Squadron. He completed IET in and Subject 1 for Corporal in 1993. Maj Douglas was promoted to LCPL in 1994.

In 1995 Maj Douglas was selected to attend the Full Time Commissioning Course in 1995 and was commissioned in 1996. He was then posted to 13 Fd Sqn as the Troop Officer in 1996 and a Troop Commander in 1998 where he commanded 2 Troop. The highlight of this posting was the Brigade Exercise - EX Spiderman in 1998.

Maj Douglas was then posted to WAUR as an instructor and delivered training to officer cadets from 1999 to 2000. In 2001 Maj Douglas was promoted to Captain and posted to Defence Force Recruiting Organisation where he worked as an enlistment officer.

Maj Douglas returned to 13 Fd Sqn in 2002 as the Reconnaissance Officer until 2004 where he attended the Intermediate Staff Course at Land Warfare Centre - WA. Upon completion of ISC he was posted back to 13 Fd Sqn as the OPSO. In 2005 he completed the Combat Officers Advanced Course and in 2006 was posted to 13 Brigade Headquarters in to the Operations Cell in 2007

In 2008, Maj Douglas was posted to 13 Fd Sqn as the Officer Commanding.

In civilian life, Major Douglas is a Senior Relationship Manager with St George Bank. He is married to Fleur and has two children, Ella and Joshua. He enjoys cycling, windsurfing and spending time with his family.