Shower of tributes
Volume 11, No. 58, December 14, 2006
By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

Guidon party: Sgt Trevor Boyd, WO2 Peter Melia, and Sgt Kevin Toomey during the Beersheba Day celebrations. Photo by Bill Cunneen

NOT even rain on their parade could stop 12/16HRL from commemorating the 89th anniversary of the charge of Beersheba.

The freedom of entry to Muswellbrook Shire on November 4 was one of many activities 12/16HRL participated in to mark the famous charge at Beersheba on October 31, 1917.

2IC of 12/16HRL Maj John Millerd said the anniversary was “a very important day not only in the regiment’s life, but also in the history of the Australian military”.

“The regiment exercised its Right of Freedom of Entry to the Muswellbrook Shire, which was reviewed by the Mayor, Brig John Colvin, who took the salute on the drive pass,” Maj Millerd said.

The parade featured 120 personnel and 16 APCs, with 8CSSB transporting the APCs to Muswellbrook. It was followed by a memorial service held by the Regimental Association at the Muswellbrook cenotaph.

After the service, a succession of command parade was held at the Chauvel Depot during which Lt-Col Geoff Hawke handed over the sabre of command to the new CO, Lt-Col Michael Hanna.

The future for 12/16HRL looks promising as Maj Millerd said the unit had been selected to receive new Bushmasters once they become available.

“At this stage we are the only Army Reserve unit to achieve that distinction,” Maj Millerd said.

“We are also planning to continue to build on the working relationship we have established with B Sqn 3/4 Cav Regt and 2/14 LHR (QMI).”