Global Operations: Operation TESTAMENT
17 July 2008
21-Gun salute for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery from the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal Victoria, provided a 21-Gun salute as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was officially welcomed to Australia at Sydney Harbour.
The 105MM M2A2 Howitzers roared in a series of 5 second intervals across the harbour from the picturesque location of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. The six guns faced the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as precision drill movements let off the volley of rounds in honour of the Pontiff’s arrival.
Around Sydney military personnel provided security, ceremonial drill and other important activities in support of the NSW Police and the City of Sydney for World Youth Day 08.
| 20080717adf8239716_004 53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery honoured the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney by firing a 21 Gun salute from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_009 53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery honoured the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney by firing a 21 Gun salute from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_012 53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery honoured the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney by firing a 21 Gun salute from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_013 53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery honoured the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney by firing a 21 Gun salute from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_014 53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery honoured the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Sydney by firing a 21 Gun salute from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_089 53 Battery Gunners (L-R) Gunner Savige and Gunner Ramachandra stand at attention awaiting the order to fire a 21-Gun salute from Mrs Macquarie's Chair over looking Sydney Harbour. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_092 Gunner Savige and Gunner Punshon of 53 Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery stand by for the 21 Gun Salute over Sydney Harbour. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080717adf8239716_101 Gun Position Officer (GPO) Lieutenant Brett Sprague prepares 53 Battery for the 21-Gun salute in honour of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI visit to Sydney Harbour. (Date taken: 17 July 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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