Notice Board
Order of the Day.....
Annual 133 Battery awards for 2025
Following the tradition with the other Batteries, our newest 133 Battery, received funding from the Association for their annual awards. And with commendable initiative, the BC of 133 Bty. Major Andrew Penhaligon, the A/BSM Rod Alchin and Gnr Alex Cullen invited LSTAA members including past 133 Bty members to present, what will become the annual 133 Bty. awards.
Allan Harrison, the last BC of 133 Bty. prior to disbanding in June 1987, Major Russ Hamsey OAM [Ret.] and myself met at the Gaythorne RSL for morning coffee before being picked and being driven into Gallipoli Barracks. We were given an interesting and informative tour of 20th Regiment and Batteries facilities, although some buildings are still being constructed. Afterwards, 133 Battery members and invited guests gathered at the Checkley Annex for the first annual 133 Bty. awards presentations.
Figure 1. Major Allan Harrison [Ret.] and “Gunner of the Year” Gnr. Alex Cullen
Figure 2 Terry Erbs and “Junior NCO of the Year” Bdr. Brodie Watt”
Figure 3 Major Russ Hamsey OAM [Ret.] “Enthusiasm award” Gnr. Vicinet Iquin
After the presentations, everybody adjourned for a welcome lunch with refreshments at the Gaythorne RSL In the relaxed environment, the younger Bty. members chatted with older LSTAA members, learning of their history prior to 1987 and they updating us of the directions the Regiment was headed. We were very impressed by the caliber of the younger members and came away assured that the future of the 133 Bty and 20th Regiment was in very capable hands.
"Centenary of Locating"
1st of July 2025 marks 100 years of Locating Artillery in the Australian Army. To commemorate this historic event, LSTAA & 20th Regiment RAA held a very successful weekend of activities on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd of June 2025. The weekend of Centenary celebrations began Friday night with a well-attended Cocktail party at Kedron Wavell RSL. A key highlight of the night was the presentation of Life Membership in the LSTAA to Keith Ayliffe, author of “Tracks of the Dragon”. Keith’s meticulous historical research established the official start date of Australian Locating Artillery as 1 July 1925, marked by the formation of the 1st and 2nd Artillery Survey Companies in Sydney and Melbourne. These original units were comprised of many highly qualified professionals, including licensed civil land surveyors, who not only contributed their expertise but also supplied their own equipment. The event’s atmosphere was enriched by decorations in traditional Artillery colours. Special thanks go to Russ Hamsey and Rod Alchin for the impressive array of memorabilia displayed throughout the “Long Tan” room.
Throughout the evening, Keith Ayliffe’s History of Locating was shown on the big screen. [To obtain a USB copy of the Locating history video and photos from the Centenary weekend, please request via email—cost is $10 plus postage.
Saturday morning saw us arriving at the front gate of Gallipoli Barracks around 10:00 am, joining a steady stream of vehicles entering the base. While the Menz Club was unfortunately closed, the coffee van on the main oval proved a popular alternative, doing brisk business right up until the formal parade began at 11:00 am.
Invited LSTAA guests—Russ Hamsey, Terry Erbs, Keith Ayliffe, and Allan Harrison—were given front-row seats under cover, protected from the light showers. Many other guests and family members were also seated in covered areas, enjoying a clear and comfortable view of the formal proceeding.
20th Regiment RAA, comprising, 131,132,133 and CSS Batteries, paraded before the reviewing officer Major General David Hafner AM, CSC. During the ceremony Major General Hafner formally presented the Iraq Theatre Honour (2003–2011) in recognition of the Regiment’s outstanding service during Operation Catalyst
The occasion also marked two significant milestones: the centenary of Locating Artillery and the official re-raising of 133 Battery, now restored as part of the Regiment’s order of battle. A particularly poignant moment came when Allan Harrison, the last Battery Commander of 133 Battery prior to its disbandment in 1987, presented the unit pennant to Major Andrew Penhaligon, current Battery Commander of the newly re-raised 133 Battery—symbolically linking the past with the future.
During his address, Major General David Hafner AM, CSC officially named the Regiment’s lines “Terendak,” in honour of those who served at Tallil Airbase in Dhi Qar Province, Iraq, between 2006 and 2009. Camp Terendak holds deep sentimental value for both contemporary veterans and current members of the Locating community. It was there that the unit first developed and implemented the tactics, techniques, and procedures that would form the foundation for operating uncrewed systems—capabilities that remain central to the Regiment’s role today.
Following the parade, the Regiment hosted a well-attended Family Day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Guests were treated to a generous spread of food provided by the Regiment, along with plenty of cold refreshments.
During the festivities, the LSTAA took the opportunity to honor Harry Lynas with Life Membership, recognising his long and distinguished service as both a Locator and dedicated committee member. We extend our sincere thanks to Harry for his contributions and wish him all the very best in his retirement.
Former members of 133 Bty…..Left to Right Wayne Thompson, Jenni Jiear OAM, Allan Harrison (Ret) (Major – Former BC 0f 133 DLB), Zita Thompson, Ken Broadhead OAM (ret) (Lt.Col. – Former BC of 133 DLB), Harry Lynas OAM (Ret), Keith Ayliffe BEM BA (Ret) & James Bushel.
Former members of 130 GLB…. Left to Right Allan Harrison (Ret) (Major – Former BC 0f 133 DLB), James Bushel, David Doyle (Ret) OAM & Peter Pioro OAM
Former members of 131 Bty….Left to Right- Phil Swinsburg [Ret] [Lt. Col. 20th Regiment’s 1st CO], Phil Riordan, Mick Horne, Harry Lynas OAM, Keith Ayliffe BEM, Kevin Browning OAM, Sean Voss, Darryl Crumblin, Terry Erbs, Martin Shirley, Gerry O’Connell, Barry Winsor, Dave Doyle OAM, Peter Pioro OAM & Willis Wight.
Saturday also saw the presence of many other Locators, including Joe Losiak, Geoff Blackwell, Tony Turner, Ian Board, and Struan Robertson, among others—highlighting the strong turnout and camaraderie that defined the weekend.
On Sunday, a few hardy members gathered for brunch at the Ship Inn, where they reflected on the weekend’s events and shared their appreciation for the successful and meaningful Centenary Commemorations
of
LSTAA AGM 2025 minutes –
to read use link below………
ANZAC DAY Brisbane 2025
Yet to ratified LSTAA Constitution Draft Version 1.0 {QLD} 22/05/2025- to read use the link below
LSTAA RulLSTAA Constitution and By-Laws QLD Edition 2025-1es of the Assn (Constitution) V08(1)
Notice all Vietnam Veterans - please read the following.........
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm unit Citation (VCGPU)
To all Locators, the Department of Defence has advised the following:-
In September 2018 an application was made to Defence Honours and Awards that those members of the Army who served at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral should be awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (the VCGPU or Citation).
After much correspondence the application was eventually denied by Army and was then appealed to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal. On 31 May 2022 the Tribunal advised that it had;
- Decided to recommend that all units and elements of the 1stAustralian Task Force – Vietnam be awarded the VCGPU: and
- Also recommend to the Minister that the Department of Defence be directed to consider whether there are any other units of the Australian Defence Force that should similarly be recommended to be awarded the VCGPU.
Advice has been received in a letter from the Hon Matt Keogh MP, the Minister for Defence Personnel, that the Department of Defence has recently completed the necessary research required to identify the relevant units, and consequently individuals, who are eligible to apply for and receive the Citation. Your attention is drawn to this welcome decision and to the following webpage on the Directorate of Honours and Awards website,
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation | ADF Members and Families | Defence.
The link below specifies that service with Detachment 131 Div. Loc. Bty. 01 April 1966 – 19 August 1971 qualifies for the award Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
List-of-Army-Units-eligible-for-the-Vietnam-Cross-of-Gallantry-with-Palm-Unit-Citation-1
Information on making an application for the Citation, including those made by family members of deceased Vietnam veterans who may be eligible, can be found at
Defence Medals Application Form | ADF Members and Families | Defence.”
Keith is asking for someone willing to pursue having this citation awarded on a heritage basis to current members of 131 Bty. Meanwhile you are encouraged to apply using the above link.
Locator’s service recognized.
The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List recognised and celebrated 1,192 recipients, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. Of those to receive awards this year were former Locators :
Rieny Anthony Nieuwenhof OAM for services to veterans and their families, and to the community. Detachment 131 Div Loc Bty Feb 71 till Aug 71. Geelong and District Sub Branch, Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.
- President, since 2013.
- Vice President, 2012-2013.
- Life Member, since 2017.
- Leader, Vietnam Veterans’ Avenue of Honor Restoration, and Memorial Park, 2015-2017
- Supporter, Geelong Sub-branch, the Returned and Services League of Australia, current.
Ex-service Welfare
- Chairman, Geelong Surf Coast Veterans’ Centre Committee of Management, 2013-2017
- Inaugural Chairman, Community ANZAC Day Dawn Service Committee, Eastern Beach Geelong, since 2017.
- Member, National Servicemen’s Association, current.
- Member, Geelong RSL Club, current.
- Member, Portarlington – St Leonards RSL Club, current.
Geelong Cemeteries Trust
- Trustee, since 2017.
- Co-Chair, Community Advisory Committee, and Gisborne Community Advisory
Committee, current.
Saint Ignatius College, Geelong
- Speaker, Anzac Day Commemorations, current.
- Director of Mission, 2008-2010.
- Assistant Director of Mission, 2011.
- Religious Education Teacher, 2008-2011.
Career
- Deputy Principal, St Francis Xavier College, Berwick Campus, 2002-2008.
- Principal, Presentation College, Moe, 1995-2002.
- Deputy Principal, St Joseph’s College, Newtown, 1984-1995.
- Religious Education Coordinator, Mercedes College, Adelaide, 1978-1984.
- Teacher, Parade College, Bundoora, 1975-1978.
- Teacher, Watsonia South Primary School, 1972-1975.
- Headmaster, Weerangout Primary School, 1969-1972
Lieutenant Colonel Shamus Michael Armstrong CSC for outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer 20th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery. Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong’s inspirational leadership, championing of Army modernisation, and deep targeting and surveillance expertise have greatly advanced Tactical Un-crewed Aerial Systems capabilities for Army and the Joint Force. Under COVID-19 restrictions and heavy domestic operations, he established a unit culture based on professional mastery and high readiness. He also deftly informed introduction into service planning for Army’s new Tactical Un-crewed Aerial System and was central to contemporising Army’s Information Warfare concepts of operation. Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong’s was Commanding Officer of 20th Regiment RAA from Jan. 2020 to Dec. 2022.
Lieutenant Colonel Wendy Jayne Wheadon CSC for outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills and judgment as principal logistics advisor and Brigade Aviation Maintenance Officer, 16th Aviation Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Wheadon has displayed exceptional technical skills and judgement in aviation fleet management planning and industry engagement directly resulting in increased Tiger and Taipan helicopter serviceability and operational preparedness. The application of her engineering expertise and risk-based analysis of technical data has been pivotal to the timely and positive resolution of complex maintenance issues resulting in increased aviation support to the Australian Army, Australian Defence Force and Australian community. Lieutenant Colonel. Wheadon was the Senior Maintenance Manager in 20th Regiment from Jan. 2014 to Dec. 2015 and then as BC CSS Bty from Jan. 2016 to Dec. 2017.
Aviation capability combined- Army newspaper
“From little things big things grow”
With permission from the UAV Group on Facebook, follows is brief story of LSTAA members and younger veterans that are now involved in Australia’s Civil UAS Industry.
“Last week was the AAUS annual RPAS in Australian Skies Conference in Canberra. This event is the main industry event for RPAS vendors, SMEs and business to come together and discuss and share experience on RPAS current and future operations and opportunity (civilian space).
We took the opportunity to get a picture of all current and past 20th Regiment RAA members in attendance at the Gala dinner.
I hope everyone sees this image as an example of “there is life outside” Defence, and our skills and knowledge are very valuable.”
Sue Osborne
From left to right…Andrew Crowe, Dave Hickey, Keirin Joyce, Phil Grieve, Sue Osborne, Daniel Jachimowicz, James Finch, Phil Swinsburg & Carly Maritnez
Posted by Phil Swinsberg….. ”Great post Sue. Was humbling to think where this all started and the lives that have been touched and new careers created. Awesome work.”
Captain-General of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery
Head of Regiment Order of the Day By Brigadier D.J. Hill, AM
I have today received a message from The Master Gunner St James’s Park informing me that His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to become Captain-General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, succeeding in the role from his Mother, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
His Majesty will also fulfil this role for the Regiments of Royal Australian, Royal Canadian and Royal New Zealand Artillery. This is a great honour and continues a tradition established by His Majesty’s Grandfather, King George VI, who at a dinner at Woolwich in 1950 expressed his desire to be Captain-General Royal Artillery rather than Colonel-in-Chief, a change in title that was effected in January, 1951. This also revived a rank originally dating from the 15th Century.
The Royal Regiment looks forward to establishing a close relationship with our new Captain- General as the Gunners look to a brave and exciting future.
Ubique,