1 Armd Regt in review order at Robertson Barracks, NT, after the regiment’s new Standard was presented. Photo provided by PACC-NT

DARWIN-based 1 Armd Regt was recently presented with a new Regimental Standard by the Governor-General Peter Hollingworth during a mounted parade in the Top End.

The parade was also attended by CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy, the Regimental Honorary Colonel, Lt-Gen Laurie O’Donnell, (Retd), as well as members of the general public.

The old Standard was presented in 1981 by The Prince of Wales, replacing the unit guidon in recognition for the achievements of 1 Armd Regt in the Vietnam War.

A guidon is traditionally carried by cavalry units in battle and marks the rally point for the troops before commencing the battle.

Only a heavy cavalry unit carries a Standard and it is traditional to have previous battle honours embroidered on the Standard.

1 Armd Regt is the only unit in the Australian Army to be awarded a Standard and it has the battle honours of Hat-Dich and Binh-Ba emblazoned upon it – Coral-Balmoral is a battle honour not displayed on the Standard.

Once presented the new Standard, the armoured crews mounted and took part in a drive past and advance in review order of 100 Leopard and M113 variants which were inspected by the reviewing officer, Commander 1 Bde, Brig Damian Roche.

After the parade the old Standard and Guidon were laid up in The Lone Pine Chapel in Robertson Barracks.

.