Rolling out the big guns
1 Fd Regt enters a new era as colours laid up

New era: CO 1 Fd Regt Lt-Col Scott Clingan welcomes in a new era for Brisbane-based artillery with the introduction of the M198 155mm howitzer. Photo by WO2 Graham McBean

Three cheers: Members of 13 Fd Bty 1 FRTS at the regimental birthday parade.

By WO2 Graham McBean

IN A bitter-sweet occasion of celebration and commiseration for 1 Fd Regt, 105 Fd Bty entered a new era and 104 Fd Bty was farewelled from the Army.

The 105th celebrated exactly 50 years of service as a field battery on July 1 and was re-raised on July 2 as a medium battery in keeping with the recent acquisition of the 155mm M198 howitzer. Introduction of the new gun provides a dramatic increase in capability as part of the hardening of the Army and 7 Bde’s evolution into a wholly-motorised formation.

But it was a sad occasion as 104 Fd Bty was farewelled from the Army’s order of battle and subsumed into 13 Fd Bty at Caboolture.

CO 1 Fd Regt Lt-Col Scott Clingan said the decision was made to recognise all three events in one ceremony at Gallipoli Barracks.

“Given that our guns are the unit colours in artillery, the parade recognised the changing of our colours to medium guns for 105th Medium Battery,” Lt-Col Clingan said.

“But it was as much a mark of respect for the ‘lying up’ of the 104th Field Battery colours and, as a significant event, it was appropriate to mark that occasion formally with a parade.”

104 Fd Bty rolled off the parade ground for the last time with its 105mm L119 Hamels and the new guns of 105 Mdm Bty were officially paraded.

The restructure was forecast in 2000 after a review of the Army’s offensive support requirements.

7 Bde’s ASLAVs are already cruising the streets of Brisbane and the Bushmaster Infantry Motorisation Vehicle is earmarked for Enoggera this year.

Lt-Col Clingan said the M198 meant 105 Mdm Bty would have to deploy less frequently, have a greater range and better munitions on a progressively faster battlefield.

The parade formed part of a weekend of celebrations and activities, which included a formal dinner, the donation of a 25-pounder to 1 Fd Regt for safekeeping by the A Battery Association and a rededication of a memorial at 105 Mdm Bty’s new HQ.