Maestro: WO1 Dave Ottaway with the Conductor parchment in recognition of his technical skills and subject mastery. Photo by Kevin Piggott
A SOLDIER with British ties has received a prestigious appointment with a strong British heritage.
WO1 Dave Ottaway, ALTC, has been appointed Conductor for the Petroleum Operator and Petroleum Handler trades.
The appointment of conductor has origins in the British Army and was first recorded in 1311.
In the past, the conductor was responsible for conveying troops and equipment from place to place.
WO1 Ottaway joined the British Army in 1982 before he enlisted in the Australian Army in 2005.
He has a son who is serving in the British Army.
His appointment as Conductor recognises the achievement of technical skills and subject mastery.
WO1 Ottaway said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“With the appointment comes extra responsibilities, such as reporting to the head of corps, advising brigade commanders and influencing your trade,” he said.
“From being the head of the trade you’re the one point of contact for officers and soldiers that they can come to for advice.”
CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy presented a parchment to WO1 Ottaway on May 14.
“The Army has a lot of excellent people and we should be rewarding achievements like this,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
“It signifies the soldier with the best personal and professional qualities and we have seen that with the award of the parchment.
“It’s something that everyone can look up to and something that everyone can aspire to be.”
