Naval 12lb field gun fires a salute at Government House. Pic: CPOPH Cameron Martin.

NSW Government House in Sydney was the centre of attention for Reservists on November 25 with a salute by a 1913 naval 12lb quick-firing field gun.

The salute marked the national launch of Reserves Forces Day for the centenary year 2001.

A contingent of Reserve personnel from Navy, Army and RAAF paraded before Governor Gordon Samuels and CDF, Admiral Chris Barrie.

"Reservist did a gold medal performance in Timor," said ADML Barrie, who also mentioned that the Sixth Battalion in Timor consisted of one-third Reservists.

"There are now 36,000 ADF Reservists which represents 42% of our in total defence force. It is expected to rise to 50%."

Accompanying the parade were veteran 1901 cars and various groups in 1901 period costume, including soldiers of the Light Horse re-enactment team. Mrs Louise Brissett of Wyoming was in the uniform of the Boer War nurse Sister Bessie Pocock.

At the time of Federation in 1901 there were 28000 militia volunteers and 1500 permanent defence personnel.

"More than 1.25 million have served in the Reserve Forces and their role is still important today," said LTCOL John Moore (Rtd) of the Reserve Forces Day Council.

Also in attendance representing Reservist were MAJGEN D Low Choy ACRES, CAPT Karel de Laat DGRES-N and LCDR Anthony Walton, SORES Sydney.

"It certainly was an experience being at Government House," said LSSN Tracy Wootton of HMAS WATERHEN. " My mum was very proud of me being on parade."

The Reserve Forces Day parades throughout Australia will be held on Sunday July 1, 2001, with an international fleet review on Sydney Harbour in October.

By LCDR Mick Gallagher