8 July 2025
The 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (20 Regt RAA), marked four milestones in a ceremonial parade last month at Gallipoli Barracks.
The June 21 event commemorated the centenary of ‘Locating Artillery’ in Australia, the awarding of the Iraq 2003-2011 theatre honour, the naming of the regimental lines to Terendak and the re-raising of 133rd Battery.
It was attended by Commander of Army Aviation Command Major General David Hafner and Head of Regiment Brigadier Damian Hill, along with veterans, families and serving members.
The ceremony paid tribute to the origins of ‘Locating Artillery’, which began on July 1, 1925, with the formation of the 1st and 2nd Artillery Survey Companies of the Australian Garrison Artillery.
These units were unique because they comprised civilian professionals, including land surveyors who not only brought their expertise but their own equipment.
Commanding Officer 20 Regt RAA Lieutenant Colonel David Hickey said the technology may have advanced a century later, but the core mission – Seek to Strike – remained the same.
“We are the eyes and ears forward. We are looking for the enemy wherever they might be, often in the deep battlespace,” Lieutenant Colonel Hickey said.
A highlight of the day was the formal recognition of the regiment’s role in Operation Catalyst through the awarding of the Iraq 2003-2011 theatre honour.
'We are looking for the enemy wherever they might be, often in the deep battlespace.'
This distinction reflects the unit’s critical contributions during its inaugural deployment, with three capabilities.
Lieutenant Colonel Hickey said the unit deployed radar and two types of uncrewed systems.
“We were able to deploy all our capabilities into Iraq and support a variety of operations,” he said.
“The awarding of the honour is a privilege and is recognition of the unit’s close relationship with the Iraq deployment.”
Another key moment in the parade was the official re-raising of 133rd Battery, which now joins the regimental order of battle as one of three tactical uncrewed aircraft system batteries, supported by combat services support and operational support batteries.
Former 133rd Battery Commander Major (retd) Allen Harrison said it was an honour to hand over the battery flag to the current 133rd Battery Commander, Major Andrew Penhaligon.
“To see what is happening today and the equipment these men and women now have gladdens my heart,” Major Harrison said.
He said the parade not only celebrated a proud history but reaffirmed the regiment’s commitment to evolving and supporting future operations with cutting-edge capability and enduring tradition.
