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Gunners
pull their weight
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Heave:
Gunners from 23 Fd Regt man handle a howitzer on the Sutherland
to Surf Fun Run. Photo by Bill Cunneen
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By
Michael Brooke
GUNNERS from 23 Fd Regt hauled a L119 105mm howitzer a distance
of 11km in the Sutherland to Surf Fun Run to demonstrate that no
challenge is too big for the Australian Army.
The 16-man team from the Sutherland depot completed the gruelling
route from Kirrawee to Wanda Surf Life Saving Club in less than
three hours for the third successive year.
The team manhandled the 1800kg howitzer the entire 11km distance
on July 24 amid cheers from thousands of spectators.
Sgt Russell Goldsmith said no special training was needed for the
activity with the gunners receiving an enormous amount of applause
and encouragement from both participants and the general public.
“No extra training was required, what they did is what they are
trained to do, they just did it over a longer distance. They feel
excellent about their achievement and are looking forward to next
year,” he said.
Team member Gnr Nigel Kerr said the team had a fantastic day and
enjoyed getting out among the public. “It was a great pull, a cold
start, but we had a lot of fun pulling the gun,” he said.
Maj David Faulks said it was the third year the regt had participated
in the event and remains a great way to improve relations with the
local community.
“We only ever get applause and encouragement from the public who
see how hard we work to haul the howitzer,” he said.
“It’s a great way to demonstrate that no challenge is too big for
Australian soldiers.”
The day also served as a recruitment drive with the regt operating
an information stand at the finish point of the race. Designed to
inform potential recruits that the Reserves offer many benefits
including adventure, a tax-free income and opportunities to enhance
job skills through Army training courses.
Maj Faulks said that this year’s fun run was dedicated to the memory
of Col Argent, former CO of both the 2/3rd Anti Tank Regt RAA and
23 Fd Regt RAA.
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