That’s my dad: The RTF 3 parade in Townsville was a family affair as the soldiers prepared to deploy to Afghanistan. Photos by Cpl Hamish Patterson
TOWNSVILLE has farewelled the soldiers of RTF3 in style when it hosted a parade for the Afghanistan-bound troops along the city’s beautiful waterfront strand.
1RAR band, police escorts, armoured vehicles, troops in full combat kit, waving palm trees and, of course, hundreds of cheering citizens were just some of the sights and sounds of this memorable event on September 1.
The experience was designed to be inclusive and demonstrate appreciation of family. As a result when the troops lined up for the speeches, family members were scattered through the ranks in a statement that said “we are all in this together”.
Farewelling the troops, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy said that Townsville’s response to the event was indicative of the great bond that existed between the Army and the city.
“It has strengthened over the years and it is reassuring when soldiers deploy that families are supported by the community,” he said.
That Townsville does this well is with good reason – the military tradition is a long one. There is a photo in Townsville’s Great Northern Hotel showing troops marching to the Railway Station during World War I.
In World War II the city was transformed into a major airbase on the front line of the war in the Pacific. And, of course, there are the words to the song summing up the Vietnam experience: “Townsville lined the streets as we marched down to the quay … I was only 19.”
The parade culminated almost two months of intense training at the Townsville Field Training Area, a point reinforced by Lt-Gen Leahy.
“We have put them through the hardest tests and training that could be provided to ensure that they are ready to represent Australia when they go to Afghanistan,” he said.
In interviews with Townsville media, CO Lt-Col David Wainwright was glowing in his assessment of the troops under his command.
“Right from the start their efforts have been outstanding – Australian soldiers are remarkable, they never let you down,” he said.
One of those soldiers, Spr Bill Patterson, a carpenter, best summed it up as he reassuringly held the hand of his three-year-old daughter Elizabeth.
“We’ll miss our families greatly but the work we’ll do for the benefit of people in Afghanistan makes it all worthwhile,” he said.
