Corps History

Introduction

The RACT was formed on 1st June 1973, when the road transport, amphibious transport, air dispatch and postal functions of the RAASC were amalgamated with the water transport, terminal and movement functions of the RAE (Tn). The RACT is responsible for the movement of the Army, its equipment and personnel, using all modes of transport available, in Australia and overseas, in peace and in war. Click on the following link to view a more comprehensive Corps History in .pdf format.

HISTORY OF THE RACT (PDF)

Badge

The RACT badge is a seven pointed Federation Star incorporating the Royal Cypher which was common to both the RAE and RAASC badges. Encircling the Royal Cypher is a circlet containing the name, Royal Australian Corps of Transport. This is enclosed by a laurel wreath and the Corps motto 'Par Oneri'.

Motto

The Corps Motto "PAR ONERI" means "Equal to the Task"

Flag

The Corps colours blue, white and scarlet reflect both the RAASC and RAE associations. Each of these colours represents the various aspects of the Corps' history:

• Blue represents the early uniforms worn by our predecessors,
• White represents the facings of the military train and also our mounted background, and
• Scarlet represents the amalgamation of the RAE(Tn) service

RACT Flag

Lanyard

As the Corps was formed by amalgamation, it was first Australian Army Corps to receive approval to wear the braided lanyard. The lanyard is blue and scarlet - Blue representing the RAASC and the Scarlet, the RAE (Tn) Service.

March

The RAASC March Tune 'Wait for the Waggon', itself taken from the RASC, has been retained. This tune had its origin in 1875 at Aldershot, UK. As the size of the RASC grew, the tune was expanded by including the South African folk tune, ‘Vat Jou Goed en Trek, Ferreria' (‘Pack Your Things and Trek, Ferreria'). This composite tune was first played at Kensington Barracks, London, by the RASC Band on VP Day, 14th August 1945. It was approved by the Colonel-in Chief, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, and was officially notified in Army Order No 36, 1946.

Click here to download the tune "Wait for the Waggon" (WAV)

Colonel-in-Chief

The RACT Colonel-in-Chief was Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, GCB, CI, GCVO, GBE, Grand Cordon of Al Kamal. She was born Alice Christabel on 25th December 1901, the third daughter of the 7th Duke of Baccleuch and Queensberry. She died peacefully in her sleep on 29 Oct 04 at the age of 102. Princess Alice was formally appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the RCT on 8th February 1975, following the death of her husband, the Colonel-in-Chief for the British RASC and RCT. She was appointed Colonel-in-Chief for the RACT in June 1977.

In due course and after the appropriate protocols have been observed, the RACT will approach AHQ to request that the Governor General approaches the Royal Family for the appointment of a new Colonel-in-Chief.

Banner

On Saturday 4th June 1983, at Puckapunyal, the RACT was presented with its Banner. It is red with gold embroidery, and has HRH Princess Alice's cypher on the obverse side and the RACT badge on the reverse side. The Banner is housed in the Army Logistics Officers' Mess at Bandiana.

RACT Banner

The picture below shows the handing over of the Banner by the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Steven, to the Banner Ensign, 2LT M. Mackay, following the consecration, blessing and dedication. In the foreground are the drummers of the RACT Pipes and Drums. Adjacent to the Chaplains is the Director of Transport, COL G. Christopherson. On the left and right hand sides of the painting are the guard commander, LTCOL B. Goodes and the Colonel Commandant, COL P. Blythe, respectively. The guards depicted are No. 4 Guard, the Army School of Transport guard, and the left flank of No. 3 Guard, the Logistic Command guard.

Painting by Joe Attard depicting RACT Banner presentation. This painting is housed with the Banner in the Army Logistic Officers Mess, Bandiana.

Honour Roll Board-HOC Cell_RACT 1973-2009.xls