Brad Robertson Memorial Award
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| Brad Robertson (Second From Front) |
| Criteria For The Award |
The Brad Robertson Memorial Award was originally awarded annually to four tank crewmen within the 1st Armoured Regiment but has now been extended to include eight. The award is presented to the most outstanding: tank crew commander; tank operator; tank gunner; tank driver; light armoured crew commander; light armoured driver; tradesman of the year; and non-trade / pogo. |
Bradley James Robertson - Detective Senior Constable No. 25244 2 November 1958 - 24 April 1993
At 10.00 a.m. on Anzac Day, 25 April 1993, Brad Robertson's body was recovered from Port Phillip Bay off Brighton after drowning from a scuba diving accident.
Brad sought to excel at everything he did. At 6 years old, he was awarded honours at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in piano, a feat he repeated at ages 7 and 8. At the age of 10, and while studying at Kings College Harrow, Brad was also awarded honours at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Brad subsequently studied the organ and won three successive Organ Championships and was runner up in two Australian Organ Championships.
On returning from England, Brad Attended St Kevin's College, Toorak, where he finished his secondary education and rose to the rank of cadet under officer in the cadet corp. Brad matriculated at 17 years and gained entry to study for a degree in Arts at Monash University. Brad passed first year and then deferred his studies; Brad decided that a degree in Arts had no place in his plans.
Brad's new pursuit was with the motor bike and 250cc bike racing. His achievements in motor racing were par excellence. By virtue of his skills and daring, he achieved professional sponsorship and management, racing at Bathurst, Calder, Winton, Phillip Island and other race tracks. His successes were many and his interest in bikes remained with him until his death.
At 18 years, Brad joined the Royal Australian Army and underwent basic training at Kapooka where he was voted most outstanding soldier of the intake and recommended for officer training. However, Brad didn't apply for a commission because he thought he should first prove to himself that he had officer qualities. On completion of basic training, Brad was selected for the elite corp in the Australian Army - the Royal Australian Armoured Corps - 1st Armoured Regiment - its strike weapon being the Leopard tank. Brad served in all positions in the tank crew rising to become a Leopard tank commander and had the proud distinction of serving B Squadron in 1981 when the Squadron won the Paratus Cup - the most cherished award in the 1st Armoured Regiment.
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| Brad Robertson Commanding a Leopard Tank |
After Brad left the 1st Armoured Regiment, he gained his wings as a pilot. His test report states that "Brad was one of the best pilots to be trained at the royal Victorian Aero Club".
In addition, Brad made several attempts to join the Victorian Police Force but was rejected because he was 1/8th of an inch too short. Brad persisted and finally was successful in gaining entry to what was to become his great love - the Victorian Police.
After graduating 6th in his Squad, Brad served at Dandenong, Coburg and Port Melbourne. He sought postings in known trouble spots so he could gain the maximum amount of experience in the minimum amount of time. Brad was never interested in areas of relative tranquility.
He also served for some time in District Support Group where he was required to carry out undercover work in the drug and criminal world.
Brad was a keen marathon and triathlon enthusiast and he represented the Victorian Police in the International Law Enforcement Olympics. He still holds the Police record for the 20 kilometre marathon.
In early 1992, Brad gained entry and successfully completed the Detective Course at the Victorian Police Detective Training School. Brad found that of all the endeavours in which he engaged, the Detective Training School required his greatest concentration and unswerving dedication in his pursuit of excellence. Brad sought to achieve the knowledge and experience expected of a police officer, to ensure he would never be found wanting when others needed a friend or help. Brad's integrity and sensitivity were a sound foundation on which to build his training in the Victorian Police.
Later that year, and in furtherance of his aim, Brad gained entry to the police elite, the Criminal Investigation Branch and commenced work at the Caulfield C.I.B.
The Caulfield C.I.B. said it all in their bereavement notice:
" You showed us all the real meaning of 'Detective' with your drive and dedication to the Police Force and this office."
Brad's philosophy was simple:
"Look forward; look outward to others; do not dwell mournfully on the past, for the past cannot be held captive at any time. Live life to the full at all times. Pour into life all that you have to offer and can contribute for the well being of others and be grateful for such opportunities. Do not sit back and feel that life owes you anything, for it doesn't. Let us think always in terms of outreach and our part in the role of constructive change."
Brad thought that life was a daring challenge or it was nothing; he met life head on and achieved so much on earth. May those who receive the Brad Robertson Memorial Award by their achievements be an inspiration to others as Brad was to those who knew him.
Dedication written by Bernie Robertson - Brad's father.
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| RSM Warrant Officer Gary Creighton & Members of 1AR at Brad's Funeral April 1993 |