True colours for Norforce
Ceremony caps 25th birthday tributes
Volume 11, No. 47, July 13, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney

Blessing: Principal Chaplain - Army Len Eacott consecrates the inaugural colours of Norforce with the help of Chaplain Denis Galloway. Photo by Cpl Crissy Williams.

NORFORCE has become the first NT unit to be presented with its inaugural Queen’s and Regimental Colours.

They are also the first inaugural colours to be presented to an Australian infantry unit since 9RAR received its colours in 1971.

The presentation on June 26 was the highlight of a number of activities that celebrated Norforce’s 25th birthday.

Norforce CO Lt-Col Dick Parker said the unit was extremely proud to receive the honour.

“The presentation of Queen’s and Regimental Colours to Norforce is a significant event, not only for the current members of the regiment but also for past members and for our forefathers from the Nackeroos,” he said.

“They represent our devotion to our sovereign, country and regiment and will be closely guarded and highly respected.”

The colours were consecrated, blessed and dedicated on June 26 by Principal Chaplains Len Eacott, Greg Flynn and Peter Woodward, with Chaplain Denis Galloway assisting.
The colours were then presented to the unit by NT Administrator and Norforce Honorary Colonel Ted Egan.

While Norforce has served the nation for a quarter of a century, it can trace its lineage back to World War II with the 2/1 North Australia Observer Unit (2/1NAOU, or Nackeroos), which patrolled the Top End when the threat of Japanese invasion was very real.

Since 1751, infantry regiments have been allowed two colours only – the Queen’s Colour and the Regimental Colour. For Australian units, the Queen’s Colour follows the basic design of the Australian flag and is carried as a symbol of the regiment’s devotion to the sovereign.

The Regimental Colour is dark green and bears the regimental badge surrounded by a wattle wreath. It is symbolic of the history, tradition and spirit of the regiment.