A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
OF THE
FIRST ARMOURED REGIMENT
Jan 1946
1st Australian Armoured Car SQN raised – vehicles are Staghound Armoured Cars and Canadian Scout Cars
Apr 1946
Sqn sails from Sydney for duties in the Japan Occupation Force. Duties are to guard the Imperial Palace and patrol Slikoku Island.
Dec 1948
Sqn embarks at Kure for return to Australia.
Mar 1949
War office in London agrees to the early allotment of Centurion tanks.
7 July 1949
Armoured Car Sqn renamed 1st Armoured Regiment.
Jun 1950
Australia asked to provide Armoured support in Korea, however the ageing Churchills are not considered fit for service.
Jun 1951
Alliance is established between 1st Armoured Regiment and the Royal Tank Regiment.
Late 1951
Centurions involved in Tropical trials in Cairns and later Manis Island.
Jun 1952
Personnel strength increases. RHQ,HQ and B Sqn’s raised. Additional order for a further 71
Centurions placed.
Sep 1952
Nucleus (N) Sqn raised and sent to Holdsworthy As the basis for a proposed 2nd Armoured
Regiment.
1953
The Regimental Cap Badge introduced.
Aug 1953
Two soldiers inebriated and abscond with a tank. After missing a gear change they career through
The B Sqn lines and are subsequently Court Martialled.
1953/54
B SQN hanger built in the vicinity of Armoured Centre. A Sqn remains in Range Camp Location.
Jan 1954
1st Armoured Signal Troop disbanded and absorbed back into Signal Corps.
1954
Nuclear tests carried out at Marralinga. Tank suffered external damage and is drivable.
1954
Recce troop raised
1954
Royal Parade in Melbourne.
1954
CAPT Creighan overshoots into P &EE Greytown Hence its well known Folly.
Early 1955
Soldiers are given permission to wear civilian clothing when leaving the barracks
Jan 1955
1st Armoured Signals Troop re – allotted to the Regiment.
Apr 1955
‘N’Sqn demonstrates the Centurion to the press.
May 1955
‘N’Sqn officially return to Puckapunyal after the intention to raise a 2nd Armoured Regiment is
cancelled
May 1955
Regiment is bought up to strength.
1955
A B Sqn Sqn 2LT is told o change tanks (fuel) and promptly takes over his B callsign.
1955
Regiments erects camp site for the World Scout Jamboree at Wonga Park Melbourne.
1955
Regiment Equipped with Saracen APC’s
1956
Further liberties granted to soldiers. Soldiers permitted to go on local leave without signing in and out.
Feb 1956
The Governor General Sir William Slim Presents the Regiments Guidon on a Regimental Parade in Puckapunyal
Aug 1956
Regiment involved in flood relief on the Murray flood plains.
Dec 1956
Regiment is presented a commemorative medal in appreciation of assistance given during the Melbourne Olympic Games
1957
On the initiative of the director RAAC and with the support from the REGT and RAEME a repair and spare parts plan designed to combat the declining state of the tanks. Track mileage rather than the strength of technical staff is now used to gauge servicing requirements.
Jul 1958
Regiment mounts a guard of honour for the Melbourne opening of Parliament.
May 1959
EX ‘Grand Slam’ in Mackay. Jungle warfare EX in conjunction with 1st Infantry brigade. LTCOL Maxwell plays the part of a three star enemy General.
Sept 1959
Regiment moves into Kapyong Barracks.
Nov 1969
EX ‘ Sabre Foot’- first combined Armoured / Infantry EX since Korea.
1959
A Sqn disbanded and personnel used to form A Sqn 2nd/14th QMI and A Sqn 4th/19th PWLH.
1959
Escort to the funeral of LTGEN Sir Horace Robertson, KBE, DSO after whom the barracks were later named.
1960/61
One troop involved in tropic trials in Innisfail (QLD)
Early 1961
1st Armoured Regiment gains its first release from Puckapunyal. Two half SQN’s under command of MAJ E.R.Duncan EX SW of Singleton (NSW)
1964
2LT Gazzard of 1 Tp C Sqn wins first Paratus Cup.
Mar 1964
B SQN under command of MAJ R.E.Bird travel 1500 miles by road, sea and rail to Tin Can Bay and are struck by terrible weather conditions. One newspaper said “They brought 16 tanks and two recovery vehicles. What they should have brought was two tanks and 16 recovery vehicles.
Apr 1964
Three tanks go into Paluma ranges near Ingham. The Courier Mail newspaper states, “Three of the Army’s giant Centurion Tanks made history today on a 22 mile EX into rugged Paluma Ranges 20 miles from Ingham.
Late 1964
The Australian Government decides to send troops to Vietnam.
Dec 1964
Directorate pushes to have tanks deployed to Vietnam.
7 Jul 1967
Regiments 21st Birthday.
Oct 1967
Parliament Announces over the Radio that a tank SQN is to be sent to Vietnam.
Nov 1967
Beset with problems, the Regiment finally centralizes enough troops at Puckapunyal Tp prepare for deployment of a SQN to Vietnam.
Jan 1968
A farewell parade is held for C SQN prior to their departure for Vietnam. The Minister for the Army – The Hon J.M.Fraser MP visits the Regt and after driving a tank is given a course report.
Feb 1968
MAJ Badman and a half SQN arrive in South Vietnam (SVN) CONSISTING OF 1 and 2
troops.
Mar 1968
The ADJT GEN C.E.Long agrees to ship three troop personnel to SVN.
Apr 1968
In its first operation C SQN crosses a minefield with no casualties apart from a damaged tank.
May 1968
C SQN arrives at FSB Coral after traveling 95 miles from Nui Dat
1 Troop LT G.M.Mc Cormack
2 Troop 2LT M.J.Butler
3Troop 2LT J.E.Wilson
Casualties en route are one Dozer damaged by mines and one disabled due to hydraulic failure.
May 1968
A SQN reformed.
May 1968
2 Tp C SQN moves 6000 to FSB Balmoral and at midday leads an assault against a defended location.
26 May 1968 0400hrs
Balmoral is attacked by battalion size force and repelled.
26 May 1968
Coral is bombarded D Coy 1 RAR and 1 Tp under command LT G.M.McCormack start out through trees towards unknown enemy position.
26 May 1968 Mid Morning.
Enemy are sighted and tanks move forward in readiness for an assault. Troop is repeatedly hot by RPG fire which fails to penetrate the armour. Tanks using concentrated fire expose enemy bunkers with no casualties.
28 May 0100 hrs;
Regimental sized attack launched on Balmoral. The commander of 2Tp and two others are slightly wounded. Enemy repelled.
30 May 1968;
Whilst carrying out servicing 1 Tp are forced to move quickly in order to help Infantry who are in contact 3000yds from Coral. One tank drops out due to radio problems. LT Mc Cormack and CPL P.J.Reeves go into the jungle. The enemy is so close that the troop leader is able to drop 2 Grenades from his turret into an enemy bunker. The APC’s begin to withdraw the wounded. Concurrently the tanks withdraw and break up enemy bunkers. In order to facilitate the APC withdrawal they use the formerly made tank tracks and LT Mc Cormack and CPL Reeves withdraw over a freshly sown mine field.
June 1968;
GEN William C Westmoreland – the Commander Military Assistance Command visits C SQN at Coral a few hours after the communist attack.
2 June 1968;
The area of 1 Troops May contact is re – visited by 3 Troop. The area is reported to be greatly devastated.
June 1968;
Establishment increases to allow 4 tanks per troop instead of 3. Personnel numbers increase from 99 to 115.
Aug 1968;
Enemy offensive flares in Long Dien at Baria, a few kilometers from Nui Dat.
1 Troop C SQN North sector at Baria.
3 Troop – junctions Route 23 and 44 in the South East.
22 Aug 1968;
3 Troop with Infantry begin to move at first light and are engaged by RPG fire. One tank is hit and is forced to use manual traverse. The troop continues the advance after replenishment at Long Dien and encounters further RPG fire.
22 Aug 1968;
One troop moves Infantry to engage enemy.
Sept 1968;
C SQN tanks support infantry and are tasked to hold the approaches to Baria and Long Dien.
25 Dec 1968;
C SQN defends FSB Julia.
Feb 1969;
B SQN arrives SVN.
Early Feb 1969;
B SQN work with infantry in Hat Dich area.
16 Feb 1969;
One troop B SQN search for suspected arms caches in Bien Hoa province. The tanks are slowed down by water. Infantry move ahead and are engaged by the enemy. The tanks again move forward and the lead tank is engaged by RPG fire. LT Sullivan leaves his tank and rescues the driver, he silences an RPG team with pistol fire. TPR Bellot, his driver continues on despite a wounded eye and failing sight.
May 1969;
OP Mailed Fist, a pacification and recon sweep is conducted through Duc Than district with 2 Troop B SQN. They conduct 18 ambushes, are contacted 8 times and destroy 4 enemy bunker systems.
6 June 1969;
2LT Sullivan with a composite troop is sent to investigate possible enemy in Binh Ba village. He is accompanied by an APC troop and D Coy 5 RAR. They are contacted half a mile from the village but continue on. On the outskirts of the village the force is fired upon by 15 rockets and small arms. The tanks are ordered to assault with support from the APC’s. Further RPG and MG fire is encountered. Helicopter recon reports enemy to the north of the village and 2 LT Ritchie moves to intercept with CPL Bennett. RPG fire hits the latter’s turret and it loses traverse. Both tanks are now in the open however continue to engage the enemy.Enemy resistance is cut down and the APC troop whilst firing into the rubber plantation destroy 75% of an enemy Coy with is preparing to counter attack .Four troop B SQN under command of SGT Jock Browning approach from the north to aid and relieve 2LT Sullivan. The village is eventually cleared and the barrel is considered a milestone in Infantry – Tank co- operation.
Oct 1969;
To date B SQN involved in some 39 separate operations.
23 Dec 1969;
A SQN replaces B SQN.
15-26 Jan 1970;
OP Matilda. Armoured sweep covering over 125 miles in a rectangle stretching East and North East from Nui Dat. A large enemy hut complex is discovered deep in the jungle. The SQN Commander MAJ Jack Chipman destroys each hut by dropping incendiary grenades from a helicopter.
Feb 1970;
2 Troop A SQN tasked to protect a quarry from snipers in the area of the Long Hai’s, which becomes FSB Isa.
15 Feb 1970;
LT Jack Brennan leads his troop to aid infantry in an ambush and places the tanks between the enemy and the infantry.1 Troop is sent to reinforce under command of LT Meredith followed by SHQ. It is decided to attack the enemy position- codeword ‘OP Hammersley’. Tanks lead in because of mine threat. After a number of contacts the tanks withdraw to replenish their ammunition. The whole SQN arrive later and 3 Troop under LT Mc Neilage is contacted by RPG fire. Three troops under command of CAPT Bowd sweep through the enemy bunkers and destroy them. The SQN and Infantry withdraw at night fall.
21 Feb 1969;
SQN is re deployed and discovers large quantities of enemy weapons in area of previous contacts.
Feb – Dec 1970;
SQN carries out many operations during 1970
Dec 1970;
A SQN replaced by C SQN for its second tour.
Jan – May 1971;
The first four months are spent mainly in providing protection parties to Engineers.
May 1971;
It is decided to phase out tank support in SVN.
Late May 1971;
4 Troop leaves SVN.
5 Jun 1971;
OP Overlord C SQN (-) and infantry are tasked to locate and destroy an enemy Jungle Training Area. Force leaves from Nui Dat with tanks leading. C SQN goes into night ambush position.
7 Jun 1971;
At 0500hrs two tank troops advance onto bunker system. The enemy is defeated. As a result of the armoured / infantry co-operation BRIG B.A. Mc Donald directs that the tank Squadron Commander will command a combined force in future contacts.
1Sept 71;
First TLC’s arrive
30 Sept 71;
Tanks are withdrawn to Australia and tank involvement in SVN ceases.
25 Oct 71;
EX Desert Scorpion B SQN Big Desert Area.
Feb 1972;
The Minister for the Army The Hon Bob Katter inspects Centurions.
13 Jun 1972;
Leopard arrives for tank trials.
6 Jul 1972;
LTGEN Brogan the CGS visits the tank trials.
18 Jul 1972;
M60A1 arrives for trials.
26 Sept 1972;
The Leopard tank is involved in its first deep water fording trial.
Aug 1973;
EX Giant Stride conducted in Alice Springs.
Aug 1973;
A SQN provides support during the Kerang Floods.
22 May 1974;
Regt provides flood relief for Nathalia.
25 Jul 1974;
The governor General Sir John Kerr inspects Vice Regal Guard given in his honour.
29 Jan 1975;
The Regiment is visited by LTGEN Bramwell – Commander in Chief British Forces in Hong Kong.
Sept 1975;
First and Last Pucka Peaks.
Aug 1976;
EX Best Day is held in Singleton (NSW). This is the first time tanks have EX in NSW in 14 years.
8 Nov 1976;
First Leopard tanks arrive under union disputes as to the legal rights of wharfies to drive the tanks off the ships.
9 Nov 1976;
First Leopard recovery vehicles arrive.
24 Nov 1976;
The last ‘Centurion’ parade is held on the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai.
25 Mar 1977;
Royal Guard Canberra.
19 Jul 1977;
A Leopard demonstration is held for the press.
Aug 1977;
EX 1st Light One is conducted at Woomera. C SQN exercise with new Leopards for the first time.
28 Aug – Sept 4 1977;
Leopard Tanks are displayed in Adelaide under LT Hollingsworth.
4 Nov 1977;
A parade us held as the last Centurion departs.
Late 1977;
B SQN completes the last Leopard conversion course.
23 Mar 1968;
Newspapers report that Leopard main armament rounds are faulty.
19 May 1978;
5 Officers, 1 Warrant Officer, 3 Sergeants and 96 Rank and File form part of the funeral party for the late Sir Robert Menzies KT, AK, CH.
30 Nov 1978;
EX Locust Eater is conducted in South Australia.
13 Nov 1979;
MAO163 TPR Paratus was enlisted into the ARA as the Regimental Mascot.
Dec 1979;
Regiment Contingent deploys to Rhodesia for election monitor duties.
30 May 1980;
First Regimental Mascot Parade is held.
May 1980;
A SQN is sent on exchange to BAOR for EX North Star.
17 Jul 1980;
B SQN deploys to Shoalwater Bat Training Area for EX Safe Haven.
9 Sept 1980;
A guard is provided for the opening of the Victorian Parliament. This was noteworthy as it was the first time a Governor of Victoria had worn a military uniform during such an occasion. The Governor Sir Henry Winneke was the Hon Colonel.
Oct 1980;
A SQN deploys to Cobar for EX Droughtmaster.
22 Apr 1981;
Prince Charles presents the REGT Standard at Puckapunyal and the Guidon is marched off for the last time and placed in the SGT’s Mess.
Nov 1981;
Kapyong Barracks re – named Robertson Barracks after LTGEN Sir Horace Robertson.
Jul 1982;
The REGT Exercises in rotation through EX Diamond Dollar at Shoalwater Bay Training area.
Feb 1983;
REGT supports civil community in Mt Macedon area during the devastating fires. B SQN later tasked to clear up the dead sheep and becomes known as ‘B for BAA’ SQN.
22 Apr 1983;
Battle honours arrive in the mail but cannot be sewn onto the Standard because the Governor General has yet to sign approval for the battle honours to be placed on the REGT Standard. The honours are:
Vietnam 1968-1972
Hat Dich
Binh Ba
17 Jul 1983;
C SQN deploys to Shoalwater Bay Training Area for EX Diamond Dollar. Complete SQN (+) board HMAS Tobruk for voyage up and deploys from HMAS Tobruk to LCH’s for a night tactical landing. EX a success and C SQN returns to Melbourne on HMAS Tobruk.
1986;
SGT Bob Murray is Killed Accidentally
4 Mar 1988;
Regt conducts Mascot Parade at Melb Zoo MA0163 TPR Paratus is promoted to CPL and subsequently retired and MOO290 TPR Paratus II is enlisted.
13 Mar 1988;
Regt exercises right to enter Seymour and at the same time lays up the Guidon.
30 May 1988;
Regt loses 55 all ranks to take part in the Bicentennial Military Tattoo which is to tour the country for six months.
18 Jun 1988;
REGT conducts a Beating of the Retreat Pde as a prelude to the Birthday Ball.
Aug-Sept 1988;
REGT departs for Woomera for EX
Oct 1988;
A SQN holds a reunion to celebrate 20 years since re forming in 1968.
1989;
Elements of the REGT take part in EX K89.
Aug 1990;
REGT participates in EX Predators Advance.
Nov 1992;
Regimental Reunion OP PARATUS conducted at Puckapunyal.
Jan 1993;
B SQN re – organized into RRES Manning.
Apr 1993;
REGT participates in EX Dead Ringer held at Puckapunyal.
Apr 1993;
REGT deploys on EX Predators Advance 1 BDE exercise at Puckapunyal.
June 1993;
1ST intake of RRES Soldiers arrive at 1st Armoured Regiment.
Nov 1993;
C/S 41 is deployed to Darwin as a Vanguard for the Regiment move in 1995.
Jan – Feb 1994;
B SQN deploys to SWBTA for EX Ready Shield.
May 1994;
C/S 41 fires first 105mm round at Mt Bundy.
Jun 1994;
A SQN deploys to Woomera for EX Desert Tiger.
Sept 1994;
Regt deploys for EX Northern Predator.
Jan 1995;
B SQN deploys SWBTA for EX Ready Shield in support of 6 BDE.
Jul 1995;
Regiment conducts a Mounted Parade through Melbourne for the first and last time.Immediatly after vehicles loaded for movement north.
Late 1995;
Regt participates in Brigade EX Trojan Tiger at SWBTA.
July 1996;
REGT participates in EX Northern Predator 96
Sept 1997;
Field trials for A21 concept commence.
Nov 1997;
Hannaford Simulation Centre opens in Memory of Mick Hannaford.
Jan – Mar 1998;
EX Southern Leopard 3 X month long rotations to Puckapunyal for stage 4 gunnery.
June 1998;
EX Leopard Cub / Tiger Charge.
Oct 1998;
EX Ready Leopard A SQN deployed to Townsville to conduct exercises with 2 /14 LHR and 1 & 2 RAR.
Jan – Mar 1999;
C SQN attends EX Southern Leopard, held in Puckapunyal.
May – June 1999;
EX Croc West 1 BDE Exercise.
June 1999;
REGT along with the rest of 1 BDE moves to 28 day readiness.
7 July 1999;
REGT celebrates its 50th Birthday.
May – June 2000;
Regiment participates in EX Predators Gallop, moving on board HMAS Tobruk to Townsville.
May – June 2001;
REGT participates in EX Tandem Thrust 2001.
April 2002;
Standard Paraded in Perth as part of REGT association reunion.
July 13-14 2002;
REGT presented with new Standard the old Standard and Guidon laid up in Lone Pine Chapel Robertson Barracks.
Nov 2002;
MAJGEN Powell opens 1AR Association Memorial in Puckapunyal Ave Robertson Barracks.
Nov –Dec 2002;
C SQN to revert to ARA Manning.
Jan 2003;
HQ SQN to be re raised.
May 2003;
Elements of C SQN arrive in Puckapunyal for RMC Exercise Beersheba.
July – Oct 2003;
Regiment participates in Predators Gallop and Coc 03.
Jan – Feb 2004;
EX Southern Leopard held in Cultana vehicles moved via rail on the new Darwin rail link.
Aug 2004;
Exercise Predators Gallop held in MT Bundy training area.
Nov 2004;
Mounted Parade held to celebrate Cambrai Day.
April 2005;
C SQN deploys to USA for EX Gold Eagle SQN works with 1st Tank Battalion USMC
April 2005;
REGT support association reunion in Melbourne with the Standard.
Mid 2005;
REGT deploys for EX Talisman Sabre. To train BDE in amphibious operations.
2005
Regt Pers deploy to: OP Catalyst, AMTG II and Ex Long look
May 2005
C Sqn deploys to Ex Golden Eagle
May 2005
B Sqn deploys to EX Beersheba
23 October - 4 November
B Sqn involved in Combined Arms Battle Wing Exercise
2005
Exercise Talisman Sabre
2006
Exercise Long Look
6 September - January
Operation Anode Solomon Islands (12 Regiment soldiers involved)
Operation Astute ( 8 Regiment soldiers support b 3/4 Cav Regt)
OBG (W) Iraq Regiment soldiers provide nucleus IMV Troop
21 April 2006
A Sqn Disbanded
21 November 2006
A Sqn Re Raised
2007
5 March 2007
Abrams arrive in Darwin
April 2007
Leopards deploy to Cultana for the last time
April 2007
Leopards return to Robertson Barracks and parked, in preparation for the Abrams
May 2007
B Sqn completes Stage 4 Gunnery at Mount Bundy in the new Abrams
May 2007
Regiment participates in sea trials with Navy using Abrams
7 July 2007
Leopards farewelled on 58th Birthday Parade