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2009

COTWETVTS CommaadingOfficer LTCOL M.Shaddy RegimentalSergeont Mojor WOI B.Annstroag 28" Field Bottery MAJ G.Apptewhite 113"'Field Battery CAPT G.Nichots Australia Dq) Salute CAPTM.Jones Ex Shot Sta LFX Mdrch LT T,Egqn Ex SlazeeleLF){ Jun WO2P.Sengos Ex Fast Burrr LFX Sept LT G. Newton Training Prcgram RHQ Mortarc llikipedia The Infantry Load WO2Kurihg (Arrny Website) The Yeu ih Photos WO2Sengos /SSGT Kennedy Nominal Roll Mr p,M,Keys Waftie Photos The Internet Misc Articlesfrom the /, F,AB ,r,ar Diories A ustra I ian War M emorisl t CommandingOflicer

this has To all membersof 7 Fd Regt, congratulalionson your efforts in 2009 While us' I can been a most challengingyeai with considerablerestriclions being placed upon^ year ln alsoso statethat during my 3 yearsas CO' this has alsobeen our most successlul l ;eeting targetsset by iigher and in our abiliB to setthe foundation.forfr':ture success usto rise and can truihful-l,vsay that the spirit and dedicationoiyou all hasagain allowed I applaud .""t tf',"r" "Lutl"ng.r' Toihisend, full creditgoes to membersofthe unit and successes vou for the work and dedicarionyou have shownrhis year' In particular'our continueto be in the provisionof: task5 a. Soldiersfor Ops,particularly in the Solomonls and on boardersecurity b. Joint Fire Team (JFT) capabilil-Yto 2'd Division's High ReadinessReserve IHRR) c. ReserveResponse Force (RRF) capability for securityOperations d. Supportto ADF activitiessuch as Talisman Sabre alrd Special Forces taining e. Sefting the foundation for unit groMh and transition to a ne\1'offensive supportdelivery system fot the Division

BRIG Despitethe challenges\re faced,our targetsremain unchanged Our Commander' Force s;i;., h^ made tiar support for ADF operations,meeting Reserve-R€sponse us (RRF) and High ReadinessResen'e (HRR) largetsas the-greatestgoals imposedon to sho!" the andthe R.servesin general. I can statewith pride that 7 Fd Regt continues 8 unit way in all theseu.Jas. Fol instancesince last I wrote we have had o! have Company m#bers in the Solomon Is, 2 in border defenceoPerations, I at our LT Butterwonh and 4 engagedin fhe Victorian BushfireAssist activitiesincluding Wallin who actedas the 8 Bde detachmentcommander' for the We havebeen no lesssuccessful in providingHigh ReadinessReserve capability and BDE. Our requirementshave beento provide2 HRR JFT/ForwardObserver team these' we have the requisitenumbers signed or have indicatedthey will sign to me€t we though one is short ofthe rank re-quirementsto be acceptedthis year' In additron' and have"anumber who are in the processof si$ing to meet JFT requiresfor 5 BDE meelrng drive$ meetingBDE ratherthan unit targeis Well andtruly we are-more-than morepeople under HRR,JFT roles than our "otfr".goalshere.- Indeed as of September,TFd had closeto u"y nCe reserveunit in iustralia. The story is similar for RRF- We are 40% over the targetsset for us and thereare still othersin the unit who have indicated their interestin j;ining RRF. Having saidthis I must emphasisesthat the commitment By ouisolaie.s ttuueglu"n- injoining ttrenRl andthe HRR arenol to be underestimated' and enteringthese sch-.-es ou. soldi... acceptthe call to be trajnedto the highestlevels provide-a commitmentto serveon short notice. Thereis little doubt that 7 Fd gunners notethis anddeliberately seek 1l) meet this call frre Despitethese targets, we havenot slowedin meetingour fiaditional role of^offensive naumbgr.:fLFXs' have suppon fo. the 6DE. This calendaryear we have planned9 trainrng shownwhat we can do by providingoffensive firc supportfor the SpecialForces yeat all and Darticipatedin TalismanSabre. The latler is panicularlynoteworthy This our HHR membersnot on operationsaflended Talisrnan Sabre ajoint ADF andAmerican exercisein Queensland.Under the leadershipof CAPT Fiower our HRR providedJFT servicesand laid the groundworkfor future supponby showingoff the prolessionalism and knowledgeof 7 Fd membersto their ARA. counlerpans l applaudall of our HRR membersfor their effons here

Havingsaid this I needto saythat 2010 hold even more challenges not leastbeing th€ starl of our transition to Light Arlillery or morlars. Directives from higher have confirmedthat 28 Bty will give up thejt gunsand convertto mortarsirom April 2010. Our I 13 Bty $'ill retainits gunsin the meantimebut will transitionto mortarsfrom April 2011. While as gunners\4e arelikely to be most emoliveabout losing the Sunsu'e must be cognisanlthat this transitionis in fact a new opportunityfor the R-A.Aand the reserves in general.lt allowsRese eRAAunitstofill anichecapability and \\'ill seeus filling genuineoperational gaps within ADF formations As with the I-IRRand RRF I am sure yoLrwill take the challengeand overachieveas you have always succeededin doing Again the f'lexibility we continueto show setsthe reasons$hy 7 Fd Regt confinuesto suNiveand grow asa Reseneunit.

On a final poinr I needto expressm)'. sadness in writing to you for the lasttime Atier 3 yearsit is time for me to move on. In addition,the time u'ill also be to hand for the OPSO,RSM, the two SMIGSand the padreto mov€ on to their new postings. To all thoseI thankthem for their elforts in helpingthe Regtmove forward Nonetheless,even a casualrevierv will showthat we will be losinga numberofsenior people Despitethis, I believethat throughyour efforts in the last fe$'yearsue havepicked up on the work of our ARA stalfatd havetruly setthe scenefor the unit to continueto grow liom strenglh to strength.ln addition,we have ensuredkey stalf continuity b)' the retentionof our 2 currenlBCs, Majors Applewhiteand Nicholson, our XO. Major Weaver,the ADIT and our oPS wo \\'hoassumes the positionof sMlc 28 Bt)' in 2010 Alsothenewco' 'Paddy' LTCOL Palmerand the RSM, WOI McGanyrepresenl a wealthof experience and unde$tandingas to R-AA issues.To8ether Nith the existing OCs will have no problemsin leadingthe unit duringthis currenttime of change.While I will lookback over the years and nole with pride the successthe unit has had and your supporl in makingthese happen, I alsoneed to look to the futureand look forwardto hearingofthe continuedsuccess ofthe unit.

Despiteall that hashappened this year,we can restassured that $'e havecompleted much and have set up the groundwork to achieveour aims for 2010 There is also no doubt that our challengesfor next yearrvill be greatbut our experietcesof the pastshows we will haveno troubiein meetingthem. To thisend I wishto thankall membersofthe unlt for their suppoftbut also say this in anticipationfor the supportwe will receiveln the comingyear.

Ubique

Max Shaday

LieutenantColonel CommandingOlficer WARR{NT OFFICERCLASS ONE B.L. ARMSTRONG REGIMENTALSERGEANT MAJOR 7IhFIELD REGIMENT

As I sit downto *rite the RSMSrepofi for thisyear, I not only reflec1ofthe yearthal haspast but alsomy tenureas RSM 7'nField Regiment. On thewall ofmy officesits theRSM'S pace stick. Inscribed on the stickare the names ofthe formerRSMS ofthe Regimentdating back to WOI L.A. Cooperin 1972.There are many distinguished Gunne$amongst the list ofnames,I amproud to be listedalong sjde these mer.

Thisyear the Regimenthas been as busy as it haseYer bcen, I haveattended many conferencesover the last fe\\'monlhs and many times Commanders have said to mc thatfie Regimentis pulchingaboye its $eight.Despite many distractions rlithin the SecondDivision and u'ithin the Corps generall) $'e are still prcducingcapabilitv.

Muchof\\hat hasbeen achieve can be directl)attributed to thc hard\\'ork and positiveattitude ofthe seniorsoldiers within the Regiment, for this I wouldlike to say tharl(you.I wouldask that this continueinto thefuture, the leadership and drive to implementchange must be demonstratedat thislevel.

To thesoldiers ofthe Regiment,thal]l you for yourpatience as we transitioninto our 'calm ne\\'weaponssystem. The dictionary describes the word patience as and uncomplainingendurance, calmness in waiting'. My recenttrip to the Schoolof Arrilleryand information provided by thehigher lerels ofcommand suggests that the $'aitis overand u.e can no$ geton wilh thejob in 2010.

Thereare lots of rumourscirculating aboul the future ofthe RA-A$ithin the Second Division.This is a commo!occurrence as a lesultofa changein governnent,as the new govefi]mentexplore options and methods of steamliningand cutting expense. I amconfident that the Regiment will continueto playa role intothe futureas it hasfor manyyears. However, we cannot affordto 'standeasy' and become complacent, we mustcontinue 10 achieve capability.

In closing,I wouldalso like to thankthe Officers ofthe Regiment.Thank you, for yourguidance and support during my timeas RSM. To themenbers mofing on posting,I hopethat you have enjoyed your posting at 7o FieldRegiment as I have.To thoseremaining, I wish youall thebest in thefuture.

UBIQUE AUSTRALIADAY SALUTE26 JAN2OO9

FdRegt were proud to supporl the o""Y"ll 7 FdReqt and 23 for?:1y"":l:"dthe 21 lJ"]" ii'ii"Jt. in" unitiproviolo three Gun Detachments S-aluteat MrsMacquarie's Chair'

werelooking foMard Theweather on the day was splendid and all membeF recognisedand praised by i;'il;;;;,t. ilS;in Polys,the Gunners were inepuotic toi tneirpart in the day's celebrations

startfollowed by movement to Theevent ran smoothly beginning with an early gurr""L"unde; Police escort for rehearsal During the rehearsal v"loriu participantswere "ui"ror*f Oiiff*u" performedand repeated to ensure^all commandersIn ;;;i;;il. ih; ""tduct of thedrills The Detachment . ensuredthat the members of their o"rti"rf"tp"J"rt"O theirroles well and ietacnmentachieved a goodstandard of driil

thesalute U"g::]l: Theconvoy proceeded to MrsMacquarie's Chair for theDrivers' sately ."r" "i " J"ii"r. prblicthe Detachments'assisted by deployedthe into Position'

roundof the21 gun salute was fired Fromthe At 12:00sharp the first blank th" lvlanlyfefries, the snores ofthe {oyal BotanicGard"n:,19 "ililsafetv of the as theguns til" svo",jvopera House the observing public chee{ed ""t bythe thunder of fired.The younger children tn tne crowd were o-verwhelmed theouns and were unable to holdback their tears

honourof havingparticipated in the important event All Dresentenioyed the proudAustralians' ffi ;;;;;ffi;beis ofthe ADF' thjResiment and as

M.JONES CAPT GPO28 Fd BtY v

28 Field Battery

2009Summary . As Christmasdraws closer so ends another busy year fbr the28 Bty SeaEagles. 2009 once again has been a \er) erenlluland produ(tire year. - fhis yearhas seen 28 Fd Bry Gunnersattending OP VIC flRE ASSIST(BDR Brown.LBDR Hammangand GNR Paterson).LBDR Chaseberryhas been on OpemtionAnode in theSolomons. Members ofour JOST aftendedEX TALISMAN SABERat ShoalwaterBay (CAPTFlower and LBDR Fender). _ Queensland Live Fireexercises we haveattended at Singletonthis year have enabled us to improvementin our gunnerskills andalso our de-bogging skills. Timesare changing. Weapon systems are changing. The only thing that * remainsconstant is ourability to provideaccurate, timely fire support.As alwaysit takesmor€ than gunners to enableus to providetimely fire supponso I takethis opportunib,to thankthe membersofthe bafteryand 'Well * regimentfiom the othercorps. Done'to all thetransporters, the Q pers,medics, and ofcourse the clerks. Thankyou, for your undauntedsupport ofthe battery.

2009has been very significant year for 2EFd Bty asit will be ourlast as cun pan - a battery.So Men we are of history,we areabout to starta newchapter in thehistory ofNorthem Beaches Gunners.

2010is a newyear with newand exciting challenges. Believe it or not thewheel has tumed a full circle. - Batterieswithin Artilleryhave been around since WW L Whatwe all needto rememberis thatalthough our cunentweapon system will soonbe mo(ars,we arestill Gunners. - Whatwill changeis the devolutionofresponsibilil, down to Gunnersand Bombardiers. As a Gunneryou could be in chargeofyour ownmortar. You will beresponsible for maintaining.laying and firing ofyour ownmortar. Bombardierswill havetheir own mortar seotion - to command. Embracethe change, get qualified, and enjoy the benefitsconverting to mortarshas to offer.

We farewellour SMIG,WO2 Johnson. who is headinghome to Townsvilleto becomea recruiter.So Johno, - goodluck mateenjoy life in sunnyQueensland and ifyou areever in thisneck ofthe woodscome in andsay hello. I welcomeWO2 Troy andlook forwardto workingwith him in 2010. - In closing,once again thank you everyoneand my congmtulationsand appreciation for ajob well donein 2009. Rememberstay AIRN compliantand consider the benefits that can be gained by beinga memberofthe RRFand HRR. And Most lmponantlv becomea qlalif9(LMortar _ Man. I wisheveryone a safeand Merry Christrnas and a prosperousNew Yearas we lookforward to the exciting changesand new challenges of20l0 - Ubique.

- CregApplewhite

Major - BC 28 Fd Bty 113'hField Battery

2009Summary CaptainGrant Nicholls

"Onething that remains constant is change" - nota truerquote could be spoken to reflect113 Field Batteryin 2009and into the nearfuture.

Early2009 saw MAI Sam Nicholson in commandof 113Field Battery for hissecond term. MAI Nicholsonhas since been deployed on OPANODE for two 'backto back'rotations and is expected backin commandin April2010. This has given me the opportunity and honour to stepup from the BatteryCaptain's role and command the Battery,as BC, until Sam's return in 2010.

Mid2009 also saw SMIG, WO2 Graham Grieshaber, return to Townsville.Graham worked tirelessly forthe Batteryand was greatly missed. His departure left the Batterywithout a SMlGuntil ex ARA WO2Glenn Ryan agree to carryout the roleon a parttime basis.

113'sstrong SNCO leadership team is continually developing with SGT Chris Porter stepping up to the BSM'srole in 2009.chris's long association and knowledge of 113Battery as well as his excellent man managementskills have been a realasset. I would like to thankchris for thetime and effort he has putin over2009.

Thisyear also saw 113 Field Battery members fulfil there HRR and RRF obligations and participating in numerousexercises such EX TALISMAN SABER and OP VIC FIRE ASSIST. The General Reserve as a wholehas been given opportunities in 2009and more so into the future to providemembers to deployon operationsoverseas, to thatend, this year has seen 113 Field Battery members deployed on operationssuch as OP RESOLUTE and OP ANODE.

Thechanging face of GeneralReserve and the introductionof the Mortarweapons system in the nearfuture will require an increased commitment from all Battery members, I feel 113 Field 8atteryis in a strongposition to aid7 FieldRegiment with this conversion by developing it's junior leaders,JNCO promotions in 2009were CPL Orr and LBDR Stewart with two othermembers also attendingJunior Leader Courses.

Welldone in 2009,keep up the commitmentand embrace the challengersthat 2010 represents.

GrantNicholls CAPT BC 113FD BTY trX SHOT START

Thethird weekendof Marchsaw the 7th FieldRegiment deploy to Singleton TrainingArea (S IA) tor whatwas to be the first Live Fire Exercise(LFX) of2009. Final battle preparationwas conductedat the Ammunition Point (AP) late on the Fridayevening following the many up ofthe Sydneybased Batteries with 113 Battery which had arrived earlier. There was an air of enthusiasmatrd alticipation as orders for Exercise Shot Start \rere delivered at all levels. Rumoursvr'ere confirmed.. TheRegiment had 700 rounds to play with - a slightincrease ftom the 200 rounds normallyallocated for a LFX. It wasgoing to be a physicallydemanding weekend andwith thatin mind everyoneretired for a coupleofhours ofprecioussleep.

A few sprinkles of rain throughoutthe night did nothing to darnpenspirits ard just afterdawn, recon moved. The gunposition was in thenorthem sector of STA approximately500m to the westofDochra Airfield. the ammunitiontruck was alreadyon site aad had droppeda pallet in the rough location ofwhere the Battery Captainwould suggesteach gun be deployed.The settingup ofthe directotswas hinderedby the GPSnot pickingup enoughsatellites to completea fix. Typically, just afterreplacements were requested ftom the CornmatrdPost the first setwas good to go. The lessonleamt here was to tum all setson at reveille,thus ensuring they have trackedtheir satellitesand are ready when required. Iime to be ready (TTBR) was approachingquickly and what was a laint rumble was becomingincreasingly Ioudas the preciousminutes ticked by. The gunswere not lar off.

Moming routine had been completedby the detachmenisat the AP and soon they werehoi on the healsof therecon party. The gunsrolled onto position atrd volleys of the familiar'Halt! DetachmentRear!' were followed by an explosionofenergy on the gunposition as Alpha, tlravo iud Charlieguns raced to be the first into action.

Theammunition break up included600 high explosive(HE), 50 smokeand 50 illuminationand was all providedby the SpecialForces Training Cetrtre (SFTC). Theprimary objective ofthe exercisewas to suppo(the SFTCSIOS course in all arrnscall for fire. This is a coursethat qualifies SF personnel in tradeand allows lor potentialdeployment to the Middle EastemArea ofoperation. T Field Regiment's supportto this coursewas in accordancewith the 7 FieldRegiment mission of providingspecified individual and collective offensive support capability in orderto supportdirected ADF operations.An exercisesuch as this wasan opportunityto furthershow the relevanceofan artilleryelement in theAustralian Army Reserve.

Thenext 30 hoursor so sawintense effort as the gunsengaged targets identified by thetrainees from the SFTCin quick succession.The Regimentwas frequently firing realrates offire with 10rounds fire for effectnot uncommon.This wasallowing thosecalling for fire to seethe powerful effect artillery has on the ground. lhe Detachmentswerc running on reducednumbers much ofthe time assome members hadto completeindividual training requiremenls concurently. The high ratesoffire andlack ofpausebetween fire missionsmeant arnrnunition bays were constantly in dangerof running low. Thesetwo factoN meantthat any loose handswere swiftly put to wo* to helpwith the movementand un-boxing ofthe ammunition.The intensity wasmaintained all tltoughoutthe exerciseand for this.those involved should be cornmended.

The first chanceto catch a breath wasjust afler dusk. It was a chanceto grab a feed and preparethe guns for the night firing that would follow. Illuminating rounds were preparedat the sametime as the un-boxing of the HE continued. The firing that proceededwas less intense thirn that which had occurred during the day astarget identification becameharder at night. The illumination fired by the guns was added to by mortar illumination which gave the gun line the chanceto seethe difference in bum betweenmortar illumination and our own l05mm. Whenrange control closed thetarget area around | lpm no oneneeded any persuasionto get somesleep,

The moming saw bearingsto the gunsverified and the Regimentstanding by for the first fire mission.What followed was another few hoursof intenseeffort and by late moming there was no amrnunition left. This seemedan amazingfeat but simply demonstratedjust how hardeveryone had worked over the precedingday anda half.

Theexercise had been a success.li hadprovided ihe unit with severalexcellent trainingoppo(unities to qualifypersonnel in tradeand non-trade courses, as well as reinforce existing skills in a field environment. Furthermoreit allowed an opportunityto contdbuteto the unit'smission which in this casewas directly supponingtraining for ADF operations.Just as important was the enjoyment and senseofachievement felt bv all.

LT T.Egan

28 Fd Bty EX STAZEELE LFX 26-2EJune 2009

The Regimentmoved to SingletonRange with I gunslate Friday evening and deployed to theAmmo point 10enable re configumtionofvehicles. stores issues, bombing up and receiveorde$ for their first move,

At fiIst light the reconparty moved out to a gunposilion located near Dochm airstrip, with the gunscoming fbrward at a designatedtime. whilst deployingthe gunswere ambushedby thebad guys, this allowedthe newdrivers to be assessedas part oftheir "trucksunder trees" course. The contact saw many heroic and acrobatic acts carried out by the gunline gunnersin thepreceding bloodbath....

On arrivalat thenew position ard wiih the adrenalinstill pumpingthey quickly came into actionexcept for 1 gunwhich started"taking water", sinking on the swampytrack plan. lhis dilernrnatested out the gunnersand drivers skills at un-bogging.After much digging.swearing, wheel chocking. man handling , moreswearing and help from Rover (110 variety) the boysfinally got the gunto their platform. I his incidentwas a bad omen.....

Next moverequired the gunsto deploydown thebottom ofSpectators. The movewas goingwell until theycame to an underlyingboggy patch. which meant this time the gun line was not that lucky and all 3 guns,the ammo mack and TST startedsinking. Again the gunnersand drivers put boththeir muscles and brains into thetask and after much toil managedto get out ofthe bog,minus a ammotruck and l S-1,and deployed to a much drierpart ofthe range,on top of SpectatorsRidge. The gunners weren't to concemed about-tSI but theyneeded their ammo on theirplatforms not some3 k's avray!,so a work partywas put togetherusing all ofthe sparepersonnel and vehicles and afler with blistersand back pain, some 250 rounds were unloaded offthe mackand ferried to the gunposition. Well doneguys.

Despitemany attempts both the mack and TST vehicleremained up to theira-rles in Singletonsfinest mud andhad to remainin loc until properrecovery was conducted on Mondaymoming. A ciwie recoveryvehicle did front up Saturdayarvo but "chickened out" afterdriving only some200 metres fiom the old gunposition. What ajoke l!

The Regimentdecided to play it safeand stay at Spectatorsand pump away their ammo allocationconducting many varied missions. which included a directfire shooton Sundaymoming.

Overthe courseofthe weekendthe drills on both thegun line andCP wereca[ied out with the usuallyenthusiasm and accuracy. as well asthe JOSTlads calling the vitrious missionsin preparationfor theirHRR deploymenton TasilmanSabre up in Shoalwater.

Duringthe exercisethe gunssent down range some 240 HEPD,50 MTSQ. 30 lllum and 20 WP.also numerous 5.56 blank and a coupleofmog clutches.-.. 'l he weekendwas concluded with the holdingof a paradeand BtlQ, ofwhich the followingawards, medallions and promotions were presented by the CO.

Australian DefenceAward

GNR Eckert PTE Brookes

Promotions:

LCPL Orr to CPL LCPL Kerr to CPL GNR Fridolfssonto BDR GNR Stewartto LBDR

Op Vic AssistMedallion for the RRF callout

BDR Brown,LBDR Harnmang(absent LT Wallin andGNR Palerson)

ExhibitA: Greeniesvs RegtEnvironrnental Of'ficer (RSM)

BSM28 7 Fd RegtLFX - ExerciseFast Burn - 25-27 Sep09

Onthe final weekendofSeptember, 7 Fd Regtdeployed to the SingletonTraining Areato conductExercise Fast Burn, the final Live Fire Exercisefor 2009.

Spiritswere high asthe Regtwas ableto deploythree gunsinto the field, for what is sure to be one ofthe last Live Fire Exercises7 Fd Regtwill undertake usingthe L-119 Howitzerdue to the 2 Div RAArestructure. Followinga similar structureto previousLFX's, Saturday morning saw the Regt preparefor deploymentinto the field, only to be hamperedby extremelylow visibility due to a dust storm that had settledover muchofcentral NSWthe previousnight. The weatherwas againto hinder the weekendsplanned activities,by way of a total fire ban that had beendeclared in the Singletonarea. Without the abilityto usethe HE or smallarms blank ammunition,the Regtwent aboutmaking the most ofthe situationby undertakinga numberof dry deployments,both direct and night deliberate,These provided the members with &e opportunity to honetheir skills in a field environment aswell as providingthe CPwith the chanceto rehearsetheir skillsthrough CPexercises. Throughoutthe day,the Regthosted a number ofguests.Firstly a busloadof potentialrecruits on a'try beforeyou buy'were givena tour ofthe areaand providedwith an introductioninto the variouselements of a field regiment.The BrigadeCommander was alsogiven a tour ofthe gun area,providing many of the personnelthe opportunityto ask questionsabout the impendingtransition to mortarsthe Regtwill be undertaking. After a day full ofactivity and a final night deliberatedeployment, the Regt redeployedto the adminarea for the night.Mother Naturehad madeher intentionsof disruptingthe weekend'splanned activities clear. A final stores checkand a mealon Sundaymorning concludedthe weekend'sactivities. With eachofthe Battery'smoving off in their separatedirections homeward bound. Althoughdisrupted by the environmentalconditions, the Regtwas sill ableto makethe most ofthe situationby undertakingrelevant activities that contribute to the ever-increasinglevels ofexperience evident within the Regt.

LT G.A.Newton SECO

28 Fd Bty fr

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f,? 63 Mortar (weapon)

A mortaris a muzzleloadingindirect fire weaponthat fires shells at low velocities,short ranges, and high-arcingballistic trajectories. It typicallyhas a barrellength less than 15 timesits caliber.

Function

;r-1

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8l mm high explosive,white phosphorus and illumination mortar rounds

A mortirris relativelysimple and easy to operate.A modemmortar consists ofa tubeinto which gunnersdrop a shell.A firing pin at thebase ofthe tubedetonates the propellant and fires the shell.The tubeis generallyset at between,l5and 85 degreesangle to the ground,with the higherangle giving shorterfi ring distances. 'l-hese attributescontrast with themortar's larger siblings; howitzers and l-leld guns, which fire at higher velocities.longer mnges, flatter arcs, and sometimes using direct fire. lrom the l Sthto the early20th century very heavy, relatively irnmobile siege mortars wete used, ofup to onemetre calibre, often made of castiron andwith outsidebanel diameter many times that ofthe borediameter.

Frenchmortar diagmm, 18th century.

A mortarcan also be a launcherfor fireworks,a htrnd-heldor vehicle-mountedprojector for smoke shellsor flare..or a largegrenade launche'

Light andmedium mortars are portable, and Llsually used by infanlryunits. The chiefadvimtage a mortarsection has over an artillerybattery is the flexibility ofsmall numbers,mobility andthe abilityto engagetargets in the defiladewith plunginglires. [t is ableto fire from theptotection ofa trenchor defilade. ln theseaspects the mortar is an excellent infirntry support weapon,as it can be trarNponed overany tenainand is not burdenedby the logisticalsupport needed for artillery.

Heavymortars are typically between 120 and300-mm calibet. These weapons are usually towed or vehicle-mounted,sometimes breech-loaded. and normally employed by infantryunits attached to battalionthrough division level. Even at this size,mortars are simpler and less expensive than comparablehowitzers or field guns.

A mortarcan be carriedby oneor moremen (larger mortars can usually be brokendown into componenl.s),or transponedin a vehicle.An infantrymortar can usually also be mountedand fired from a mortar-carrier;a purpose-built or modifiedarmoured vehicle with a largeroofhatch.

A heavymortar can be mountedon a towedcarriage, or permanentlyvehicle-mounted as a self- propelledmortm, l win-banelledself-loading mortars suchas the PatriaAMOS PTI arethe latest evolutionofthese heavy mortars and are mounted on platformssuch as armored personnel carriers, t k chassis.and coastal patrol boats.

Design

Most modemmonar systemsconsist ofthree main components:a banel, a baseplate, and a .

Modernmortars normally range in caliberfrom 60 mm (2.36in) to 120mrn (4.72in). However,morta$ both largerand smaller than ihese specifications have been produced. An exampleofthe smallerscale is the British5l rffn Light Mortarwhich is caniedby an individualand consists ofonly a tubeand a baseplate. Conversely, a largeexample is the Soviet2S,t M 1975T'ralpan (tnlip flo\Net)240 mm self- oropelledmonar.

Smallermortars (up to 8l mm) arecommor y usedand transported by infanty basedmortar sections as a substitutefor. or in additionto. artillery.

Ammunitioolor monarsgenerally come in two main varieties:fin-stabilised and spin-stabilised. The formerhave short fins on theirposterior portion which controlthe path ofthe shellin flight. Spin- stabilizedmortar shells rotate as they travel along and leave the mortartube, which stabilizesthem in muchthe sameway asa rifle bullet.Both twes ofroundscan be eitherillumination (infra-red or visible illumination),smoke, or high explosive.

Spin-stabilisedrounds require a rilled brmel.Since mortals generally are muzzle loaded the monarshell hasa pre-engravedband, called an obturator,that engages with therifling ofthe barel. They aremore accurate.blrt slowerto loadand the trajectory is affectedby drilt: any spinningprojectile is subjectto the Magnuseffect which causesthe trajectoryto drift perpendicularto the spinaris; this is alsowhat makesspinning balls follow a curvedtrajectory in sponssuch as baseball, cricket, football, ard tennis.

Mortarsare made in a rangeof calibers.The French8l mm mofiarbecame standiird for manycountdes. The Sovietstook advantageofthis by standardisingon 82 mm mortars.allowing Soviet mortars to use monarammunition ofother countriestbund on thebattlefield, albeit with lessaccuracy. while their own would be too largefor their opponents.This advantagewas used during the VietnamWar andat other times.

Distinctivefeatur€s of mortars

Mortarsand their arnmunitionare generally smaller and lighter than other artillery. They are suitable for useat shortrange, but not at longrange. In particular,the mortar can drop shellson close-bytargets, "lobbing" evenbehind obstacles, due to its lrajectory.This alsomakes it possible10 launch attacks from positionslower than the target ofthe attack;for exarnple,conventional long-range artillery could not shella tarBetI km awayand 30 metres(100 ft) higher,but shellingrhe rarget by mortarwould be easy. Monarsare also very effectivewhen used from concealedpositions, such as the natumlescarpments on hillsidesor from woods,especially ifobservers are being employed in strategicposition3 to directfire.

Fin-stabilizedmortar bombs do not haveto withstandthe rotationalforces placed upon them by rifling. and can carry a higher payload in a thinner skin than rifled artillery ammunition. Due to the difference in availablevolurne a smooth-boremortar ofa givendiameter will havea greaterexplosive yield than a similarlysized artillery shell. For examplea 120mm mortarbomb has about the sameexplosive capabilityas a 155mm anillery shell.

SpigotmortNr

Spigotmonars are a particulartype of mortarconsisting ofa mostlysolid rod or spigot,and a hollow tube in the projectile into which the spigot fits. invening the normal tube mortar arrangement.At the top ofthe tubein theprojectile is a cavityoontaining propellant such as cordite. There is usuallya mechanismbuilt into the baseofthe spigot,with a long firing pin runningup the lengthofthe spigot activatinga primerinside the projectile and ftring thepmpellant charge. l he advartageofa spigotmortar is thatthe firing unit (baseplateand spigot) is smallerand lighter than a conventionalmortar ofequivalent payload and range. It is alsosomewhat simpler to manufacture.

Thedisadvantage is thatthe mortar projectile requires additional material to containthe propellantgases duringfiring. Whilemost mortar shells have a streamlinedshape towards the backthat natually fits a spigotmortar application well, usingthat space for the spigotmortar tube takes volume and mass away from the explosivewarhead payload and fragmentation mass ofthe projectile.lfa soldieris carrying only a few projectiles,the projectileweight disadvantage is not significant.However, the weightofa largequantity oflhe heavierand more complex spigot projectiles offsets the weightsaved due to the spigot mortar being lighter than a conventionalmortar.

A nearsilent mortar can be madeusing the spigotprinciple. Each round has a close-fittingmovable plug in thetube that fits overthe spigot.When the roundis fired.the projectileis pushedoffthe spigot, but beforethe plug clearsthe spigotit is caughtby a constrictionat the baseofthe tube.This traps the gasesfiom the propellirgcharge and hence the soundofthe firing. PostWorld War ll the silenl BelgiumFly-K spigotmortar was accepted into Frenchservice as the TN-81I l.

Spigotmortars are generally out of favor in modemusage, replaced by smallconventional morta$.

Mallet'sMorlar with 36 inch shellswhich would havecontained 4801b (217kg) ofgunpowder. A 1377made Chinese "Monster Monar of theKnights of SaintJohn ofJerusalem,' 1832 Mortar"invented by Rhodes,1,180-1500, fired 260 kg cannonballs. Henri-JosephPaixhans

l9th century mortar, facing the sea.in the Georgian-eraportable Trench Mortar. walls ofAcre.

Military applicationsof spigotmonars include

. Anti-tank launchers o TheBlacker Bombard and PIAT anti-tanklauncher used by Britainin World Wiu II utiliseda spigotmortar type oflauncher.

. Anti-submarinelaunchers o The Hedgehoglauncher. used from the deckota ship,fired a circularpattem ofanti- submarineprojectiles into the seaahead of the ship.A sinkingprojectile detonated ifit struck a submarine.and the pattem was suchthat any submarinepartly in the landing ,/oneof lheprojecliles $ould be slruck one of moreLimes

Nonnililary applicationsinclude use ofsmall-caliber spigot mortars to launchlightweight, low-velocity foamdurDmy targets used for trainingretriever dogs for bird hunting Bxtremelysimple launchers use a sepamtesmall primer cap as the solepropellant (similar or identicalto lhe cartridgesused in industrial nail guns).

Hislory

Mortarshave existed for hundredsofyears. first seeinguse in siegewarfare. However' the early incamationsoflhese weaponssuch as the Pumhartvon Steyrwere large and heavy' and could not be easilytransported. Simply made, these w'eapons were no morc thaniron bowlsreminiscent ofthe kitchenand apolhecary mortars from wherethey drew theirname An earlytransportable mortar was invented by BarodMenno van Coehoom(Siege of Grave'1673t'r) Coehom-typemortars ofapproximately 180 pounds (82 kg) weightwere used by both siies duringthe AmericanCivil War.

Duringthe Russo-JapaneseWar, LeonidGobyato for the first time applieddefleclion from closedfiring positions in the field and with GeneralRoman Kondratenkodesigned the first mortar that fired navy shells.However. it wasnot until the Stokestrench mortar devised by Sir Wilfred Stokesin 1915,that themoalem mortar transponable by oneperson was bom. The Germansalso developed a seriesof trenchmofiars or Minenwerferin calibersfrom 7.58cm to 25 cm duringWorld War l, thoughthese wererifled.

Extremelyuseful in themuddy trenches ofthe WestemFront, mortars were praised because ofthe shell'shigh angleofflighl; a mortarround could be aimedto fall directlyinto rencheswhere artillery shells.due to their low angleofflight. couldnot possiblygo. Modemmorta$ have improved upon thesedesigns, offering a weaponthat is light. adaptable,easy to operate.and yet possessesenough accuracyand firepower to provide the infantry with quality ctoselire support againstsoft and hard largclsmore quicll) rhanany olher means.

Duringthe battleoflwo Jima,the ImperialJapanese Army usedtwelve 320 mm mortarsagainst the Americanforces.

Largestmortars "Monsler The largestmortars ever developed were the French Mortar"(36 Frenchinches; 975 mm; "Matlet's developedby Henri-JosephPaixhans in 1832). mo(ar" (36 inches;910 mm; developedat the "Little WoolwichArsenal, London. in 1857)and the David" (36 inches;910 mm; developedin the UnitedStates for usein World war tl). All ttree mortarshad a caliberof36 inches,but only the "MonsterMortar" wasused in action(at the BattleofAntwerp in 1832)

ImprovisedmorJars

Improvised,or "homemade",mortars have been used by insugentgroups, usually to attackfortified military installations.Some ofthe best-knownexamples were those used by the Provisionallrish "banacks RepublicanArmy duringthe 1970s,1980sand 1990s thesewere krown as busters"and wereusually constucted from heavysteel piping of3_4 inchesin diametermounted on a steelframe This couldbe constructedeasily inside a van suchas the MK 1 FordTransit. Bombs were also home- madeand had simple propellant fuses.

Themonars were usually deployed as a batteryof four or six weldedonto the samesteel frame The idea\,r'as that the improvisedpropellant fuses could be setonce the mofiarcarier wasaimed roughly at thetarget and the mortars would automaticallyfire aftera shortdelay. This allowedthe mortargunner to escapeeven before the mortaris fired.After li ng, the vehiclemay have been set on fire by a timer operatedincendiary device, lo destroyany Forensicevidence it contained.

A farnoususe of this weaponwas an IRA assassinationattempt on 7 February 199 I . The tRA mortared l0 DowningStreet as a Cabinetmeeting was in sessionHowever the bomblanded in the backgarden ofthe BritishPrime Ministels residenceand only shatteredthe rearwindows. Prime Minister Jobn Maior wasforced to moveto AdmiraltyHouse while tepairswere effected

Fromwikipediq the liee encyclopedia THEINFANTRYMAN'S LOADtr researchedby requireshis large pack containing rations, shelter, WO2lan Kuring sleepingequipment, spare clothing, additional ammunitionand operational equipment. When 7 Apt| 2OO2 wearingfighting order and large pack the soldier is in marchingorder and the weight carrred has usually Duringthe pasttwo centuries the loadcarried by workedout at between60 to 100 poundsand on individualinfantry soldiers on operationshas been an occasionssince the late 1950s of werghtsin excessof areaof concernfor allarmies, especially when 10Opounds. infantryoperated independently and awayfrom base areas,mobility and regular re-supply. This concern Thisresearch from a widevariety of sources canbe seen ir lhe o.ficatlislories ard especra'liin concentrateson loadsfor Australian infantrymen in booksand researchpapers that dealspecifically with the twentiethcentury, however for interestI havealso infantryoperations. The only campaigns where the addedthe weightscarried by Briushinfantrymen on weightscarried by individualsoldiers are not operationsduring the nineteenthcentury to providea mentionedare those where the soldiers are carrying morecomplete picture ofthe problemand to cover outa shortduration operation from a firmbase or the periodofAustralian military history. defensiveposition or areoperating with vehicles that carrytheir large packs, additional equipment and Britishlnfantry, early 1800s (Napoleonic Wars):50 supportweapons. pounds(22.7k9) to 75 pounds(34k9) (up to 80 pounds (36.4k9)if extrarations were carried). Inthe early1900s it wasdetermined that a man (Cimean pounds shouldcarry more than one-third of hisown body BritishInfantry, 1850s War):68 (30.9k9)(three days rations and a blanket). weightand this lead most armies during the twentieth centuryto determinethat the idealload for a soldier Btitishlnfantry, 1882r marching order - 56 pounds pounds(2O.5 shouldbe about 45 kilograms).l\4ore (25.45k9)reduced to 38pounds (17.25k9)when the recentindustrial research has determrnedthat a knapsackwas carried by regimentallransport. workmancan carry a maximumweight of upto 88 pounds(40 kilograms),however the durationfor Btitishlnfantry 1899-1903 (Boer War')r fighting order with carriageof this oad s notspecified. rolledgreatcoat about 40 pounds(18.18k9) and marchingorder of around58 pounds(26.4k9). Theinfantryman's load over the pasttwo centuries regardlessof changesin technologyhas always BritishInfantty 1911: marching order - 58.25pounds consistedof clothingand footwear, weapons and (26.45ks). ammunition,rations and water, operational Btitishand Austtalian lnfantry 1914-1918 (Wond War l) equipment,individua hygiene requirements, shelter MarchingOrder: andsleep ng equipment. To carry this load the infantrymanhas worn a varietyof beltand harness 1914- 59pounds (26.8k9). combinationsto whicha varietyof pouches,water - bottles,smal packs,ammunition bandoliers afd 1916 66pounds (30k9) (addition of helmet,grenades, equipmentcarriers have been attached to makeup etc). whatis commonlyidentified as either fighting or patrol 1918- 74pounds (33.65k9) (summer) and 80 pounds order.The weight of thisload including the soldier's (36.35k9)(winter) (add 14 pounds (6.35k9) during wet weaponhas usually worked out at between30 to 50 andmuddy condilions). po-nos.lhrs rs a frghtrngoad ard \roLldsustair d solder for a periodof ideallyup to 12 hoursand no AustQlianlnfantry 1939-1945 (World war ll): morethat 24 hours.To be able to operatein thefield for a periodof longerthat 24 hours,the soldier THEINFANTRYMAN'S LOAD

WestemDeseft Vietnan(1964-1971): soldiers carried 5-7 days ralions and5-9 water bottles. Bardia(1941) and El Alamein (1942) - 48 pounds - (21.8k9)lo 70 pounds(31.8k9) for deliberateatlacks on 1 RAR(1965 66) - MortarPlatoon l\4 FC wilh RadioSet foot. AN/PRC25, threedays ralions and four water bottles - (At ElAlameinsoldiers carrying 2 3 daysrations). '123pounds (55.9 kg)

NewGuinea B RAR(1969-70) - l,4achineGunner - 105pounds (47.72 kg) KokodaTrack (September 1942) - averageloads of 45 PlaloonCommander- 80 pounds (36.35 kg) pounds(2045k9) to 55 pounds(25k9) (soldaers carrying 6 daysrations). 4 RAR( 1971)- averageloads of 77 pounds(35 kg) to 88 pounds(40 kg) Wau-l\,4ubo-Salamaua(May-July 1943) loadsof 60 RadioOperato.s - loadsof up to 105pounds (47.7 kg), pounds(27.25k9) to 100pounds (45.45k9). probablyapplied to machinegunners as werr.

LaeLanding, 2/17 Battalion (3 September1943) - Falklandlslands (1982), Bitish lnfantry and Royal fightingorder loads of around 35 pounds (15.9k9) to 40 pounds(18.2k9). FightingOrder loads of 70 pounds(31.8 kg) to 80 HuonPeninsula (September 1g43-January 1944) - pounds(36.35 kg) loadsof 80 pounds (36.35k9) to 90pounds (40.9k9). Marchingorder loads of around100 pounds (45.45 kg) to 120polnds (54.55 kg) TordcelliMounlains, 2/6 Baltalion(February 1945) - loadsof 60 pounds (27.25k9) plus. Grenada(1983), Urlled Stafes Rargersr suslained operationsfor 72 hours. Australianlnfantry, Malayan Emergency (1 955-1 960) : soldierscarried 7-10 days rations. l/archingOrder loads of around120 pounds (54.55 kg).

3 RAR(1957-59) averageload 80 pounds(36.35k9). lnfantryRiflenan (July 1984) DINF Discussion Paper: Owengunner 66 pounds(30k9). BrenGunner- 84 pounds (38.2k9). Averageload in marchingorder - 101pounds (46 kg)

AustralianAmy lnfantry SectionLeading Pamphlet AustralianArmy, The Rifle PlatoonPanphlet (1986): (1s56): Averageload for the memberof an infantrysection Rifleman- 58 pounds(26.35k9). carryingthree days rations, four water botlles, water MachineGunner - 68pounds (30.9k9). bladder,helmel and a shareof seclionequipment and Signaller64 pounds (29.1k9). amm!nitionwas 103 pounds (47 kg)

Malay-ThaiBoder Operations,2 RAR(1963): lnfantry Rifleman,Depot CompanyRAR (November 1995) loadsof up to 90 pounds(40.9k9). Marchingorder, personal equipment only - 86 pounds Bomea Canfrontation(1964-1966): soldiets cafiied 7- (39ks) 10days ralions. Marchingorder, including a shareof sectionequipment - 101pounds (49 kg). loadsof41 pounds(18.65k9) to 114 pounds (51.Bkg).

4 RAR(1966) averageload fora riflemanwas 88 pounds(40kg). Averageload for a radiooperator or machinegunner wasover 100 pounds (45.45k9). A few wordsfrom your BSM AIRN

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FromWikipedia, the liee encyclopedia

A barrage is a line or barrierof explodingartillerv lbqlb, createdby the co-ordinatedaiming ofa large numberofg!!! firing cotrtinuously.lts purposeis to denyor hamperenemy passage through the line of the barrlage,to attack a linear position such as a line of trenchesor (as a creeping or rolling bafiage\ to neutElizethe enemyin the pathofan advanceby friendlytroops. It contrastswith a concentration,in which all the eunsaim at the samesmall arEa, 48497Rounds FFE 3 Div AmmoState 28 Jud 1918

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EmDNo. Rsok lnit S b Utrit LICOL Shaday M. RHQ E2J55l2 82575,19 2E 825r034 MAJ G.P. 28 8556303 ll-l MAJ A.G. RflQ 4229t67 28 NichoLson s.o. 113 823E106 MAJ I t3 Mrq-, J, RHO E2591l0 28 85J6798 CA?T Collins S.A. RHQ 28 ul 8269172. CAPI 28 CAPT JeoDq l RHQ 81055r I 13 M.J 28 8244998 CAPT n3 CAPT Nicholls G.J. llJ 8237693 28 E5306t6 CAPT CE. RHQ ll3 LT t.I 28 8442474 t13 l LT G.A. 2E 84869r lll LT c.M lll 8225407 I 13 r76 LT wallin tlJ 8218 2E 8230534 wor B.L. RHQ E2J798E wo2 Hume RHQ wo2 28 8216399 lll P.D, RHO 8512435 8230339 Vr'O2 ul 823520? wo2 R!an c.M RHQ w02 2a 8265411 )8 Troy M.J. RHO E2s9167 wo2 rlJ t3 SSGT D.f . RHQ 8517080 82447 l13 J,G. I t3 8280540 SGT 2E SGI A,S. I l3 8239514 28 Muller R.J, l 8522154 8251071 SGT 2a 8215637 SGT C.M l13 llJ Scott A.r. RHQ 823455'7 E233268 SGT 28 BDR J.D. 28 853?086 82t2571 28 8258231 BDR Fridolfsson P,K, 2a I ll Gruham M.J. RHO E263766 CPL ltl E246l6l BDR K.J. I 13 RH M.l. 28 82679'72 CPL 28 BDR l8 8262159 28 BDR Nicholson MR lll 85r8256 82970s8 3 8265228 CPL On l1l l!3 844J790 BDR T.A. 28 8229491 BDR R.N. ll3 lll E268527 BDR 2a I 13 8245,141 CPL lM. RHQ 8546817 PTETRN Milion M.J. I t3 8546E16 PTE REC Millon M.R lt3 8.141035 GNR(P) A.S. ll3 851'2424 PTE T'RN O'Donnell 28 E5ll7l3 CNRI P'I R.P. 28 8557721 PTLREC Read R,M RHO 8548847 PTE TRN Sainr M.M 28 8520837 GNR(P) Smitl' C.L. I l3 = 85:16094 PTEREC Smith s.c. 2E Bold ARA 85:19286 PTETRN $eele J.H. RHQ E549180 PTE TRN TaYlor N.J. 113 E5302r0 P'IE I'RN Tiley K,S 28 8255705 GNR 2E E5l7l2l CNR' P ) A.C,

2'An incicle,t rr,at occurred, "lnjl'J",,,"llilJ,j,"-.*'TJ:' ;if."oT:?",t"",l and had-_1,::rt jrrnctior. with lF:t+:,iitlre mirn Srevens_ .I{ackav, Ci,^i['Fi, road) ro its rrta''sRoa,l (rhe sunken "t9.',*'rl"rri.J'nlarrs f ifr'"^ the dl,".l"i;f",jl;ti"il..? purpose ot *"*tt;rnj;;.:'';:- for road for tLe thel srood,-at,thf i,l; "if -'s,,,rou''d'd t."e_tr,rnk, and thc i;;;i, br.shrerrded, " Urgent ff :i":';iii""J''";:illr"t'" lI;* with an envelopemarked dead,a panting -ttt"n,tt.."t"i"li"ii ;'; 6l"tl#l'k*ht*]".:.{,{11{,i$},'l'i:',":"'t#i";""-";*tl','t"rr11;1ti-uch'atimewasorcou'sc l"L:,:j',{.#'i:"",i:'il"ili'"""':''Ti':'ttxi}:::",.ff Extractfrom C.E.W.Bean's1" A.LF War Publications In thePipeline......

MINCS(L) AMP048.36- Army Mortar SystemProject

AMP048.36was originally scoped lo acquirea fleetoflong rangemortar systems for the AustralianArmy. This scopeplanned to replacethe itr-servicefleet of Slmm F2 mortars.Tenders were received and reviewed in the hrst half of2006. the tenderrequirement as specified was unable to be achievedby industry,and the Commonwealth hassubsequently conducted analysis of therequirements for the mortarcapability. Options considered include enhancementsto the computerfire control, mo(ar and the requirementsand timeftame for inlroduction ofthe futuremortar system. Networking ofthe mortarfire controlsystem, under the umbrellaofthe offensivefires network,is alsolikely to constitutea fuluredevelopment pathway.

Therevised scope ofAMP048.36 remains unapproved pending a decisionby Army Headquarterson thefuture of ADF mortarrequirements. Further information will beprovided as it becomesavailable. httD]/www.defence.sov.au,/dmo/lsd./mincsI 48 36/index.cfm#curent