Keeping the faith

Yowie: Former RSM 3RAR Brian Foster talks camouflage with sniper Adam Boyd in Guille suit.

3RAR soldiers on the parade ground. Photos by Bill Cunneen

By Hugh McKenzie

FRIDAY April 22 marked a special day in the life of 3RAR – the 54th anniversary of the battle of Kapyong.

Veterans, families and friends gathered to hear Maj-Gen Mark Kelly describe the parade as not only a fine tribute to the battalion’s veterans, “but also a fine tribute to your mate Pte Jamie Clarke [killed on duty in the Solomon Islands] and his family – we will always remember him.”

Olwyn Green, widow of Lt- Col Charlie Green – an early CO of 3RAR in Korea killed by enemy mortar fire – fixed the Kapyong streamer to the regimental colour.

“This is an appropriate ceremonial occasion to commemorate a most significant event in the history of the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Regiment and in particular the third battalion,” Maj-Gen Kelly said.

“The battle of Kapyong was the Royal Australian Regiment’s first battle honour that was hard earned by the soldiers of Old Faithful 54 years ago.

“The battalion distinguished itself at Kapyong by its courage, determination and the Australian soldiers’ fighting prowess.”

Maj-Gen Kelly said it was always good to see the veterans of Kapyong back with the battalion.

“You honour all of us with your presence and we are humbled by your achievements in this battle.

“You set the standard for all the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment to follow and you provided a wonderful heritage for future generations of Old Faithful to uphold.

“Whatever this battalion has achieved in its history and whatever it achieves in its future – we could not do this without the support from our families and friends.

“The Army, and this battalion in particular today, does not take this support for granted, we are indeed very grateful for your ongoing support particularly at this time of high operational tempo.”