Vol. I. No. 1.
August 1939
THE LANCER
The Regimental
Journal
of the
ROYAL N.S.W.
LANCERS
1st. Light Horse
(Machine Gun) Regt.
Reproduced by the
NSW Lancers Memorial Museum Incorporated 2001
enquiries@lancers.org.au
INDEX
Top
EDITORIAL
"The
Recruit"
He
is rather bewildered, and secretly not a little afraid.
He feels flat-crested and knock-kneed amongst all these swaggering
Lighthorsemen. His leggings
are on the wrong legs, and his spurs are crossed.
His bandolier hangs like an abandoned and dissolute rainbow from
shoulder to knee. Above his
jacket collar his head and neck waver uncertainly -- like a hesitant sunflower
craning
above an upturned drain-pipe. His
feet feel -- and indeed look -- as though they were shod with lead-weighted
diving-boots. If he moves, he
drops his rifle; if the man next to him moves, he drops it again.
When he stoops to pick it
up, his hat falls off. When he
picks up his hat, he drops his rifle —
and so on. He is,
in short a recruit, a johnny raw, a johnny-blooming-raw.
For
surely there never was anything so raw, so new, so uncomfortable, as a journal
upon whose cover appear the symbols - "Vol I. No.1."
It
is in fact the newest and rawest recruit in the Regiment.
It is going to be bullied, and abused, and roared at; it will be mocked
and trampled on and kicked until it does not know whether it is Saturday night
or breakfast-time.
But
in time it will learn the way we have in the Lancers.
It will shine and glisten, and with chest thrust forward, and chin in
air, will swagger along-emu-skin proud in the breeze and spurs a'jingle.
That, at any rate, is our hope.
For the moment,
however, you must take it as it is -- a recruit, and a raw one.
It is intended primarily as a peace-time record of the doings of the
Regiment. In that there should
be some value. But it should
serve too, as a means whereby the Regiment may get to know itself better.
One might say with the poet-more or less -
"What
do they know of Ourimbah, Who only Berry know?"
There
will be found then, a record of our work and our play; notes and news from
Squadrons and Troops. In addition
there are numerous original contributions in prose and verse -- and even
worse.
Here then is the first number of
the first volume of the Regimental Journal of the Royal New South Wales
Lancers. Let it henceforth speak
for itself.
There
have been not a few difficulties attached to the launching of this, the first
number of our Regimental Journal. We
apologise for the delay in production, due, as Cabinet Ministers have it, to
"circumstances beyond our control".
We had considerable difficulty in gathering the material from some of
the Troops, who seem to dislike the idea of rushing into print.
However, by means of bribes, pleadings, threats, and writing some of
the notes ourselves, we succeeded in assembling a fairly complete record.
We accept no responsibility for any omissions.
--------------------------------------------
We would like to thank those who
came to light with special articles and information; notably: Lieutenants
Vernon, Wheatley and Viner, and Sergeants Mackel, Fitzsimmons, Bent and Onslow.
We hope that this list will be much longer for the second number.
--------------------------------------------
A cable was recently received:
"Royal N.S.W. Lancers,
Parramatta.
Old Comrades King's
Dragoon Guards dining Imperial
Hotel London, send hearty greetings.
President."
A reply was sent as follows :
"Old Comrades King's Dragoon
Guards, Nepaul Road,
Tidworth. Hants.
Appreciate your
greetings from Imperial Hotel London. Tell association Regiment heartily
reciprocates.
Royal N.S.W.
Lancers."
--------------------------------------------
The Commanding Officer's prize for the best contribution has been awarded to
Corporal M. Kartzoff of No. l Troop "B" Squadron, for his lengthy,
vivid and heartfelt description of the Royston Shield 1938.
The Editor.
 |
The 1 MG Regt being inspected
in Camp C1939
(Inserted by webmaster) |
Top
Index
THE
REGIMENT MECHANISED.
On the 1st November, 1936, the Regiment was mechanised and converted to a
Machine Gun Regiment. The idea of such a unit was new, and the unit was the
First of its kind in the Empire. We knew that we were to be armed with Vickers
Machine Guns and we should be mounted on thirty
cwt. motor lorries. Our role was to be that of Support Regiment to the 4th Cav.
Brigade. That was the full extent of our knowledge; and at first we had to
improvise our section and
vehicle drill as we went along. Our first vehicles
were fitted with discarded tram seats, and we tried them in various positions
with several alternative methods of packing stores. The dismounted drill was
modified cavalry drill, finally a definite system was evolved and portee
fitments were designed and manufactured. They had many disadvantages and are
soon to be replaced by a new type.
Major J.B. Pye led the Regiment into its first Mechanised Camp at Campbelltown
in March, 1937. Everything was strange at first with no horses to look after,
but the drivers soon learned that a vehicle requires just as much attention as a
horse. We learned, too, some of the disadvantages of mechanised units under wet
weather conditions.
'
In our second camp in November of the same year, we had become accustomed to
vehicles and were able to carry out some advanced work. We tried our first night
march without lights, and found it impossible on rough ground with inexperienced
drivers. We also made our
first attempt at feeding the troops in the field. The Q people had a difficult
task, with insufficient and unsuitable equipment, but gained valuable
experience.
Moving to Camp at Berry the following year gave us our first long march and was
a good test of drivers, vehicles, and of March Discipline generally.
The work became more strenuous than usual and the physical condition of
the men was proved to be quite satisfactory. We used travelling kitchens for the
first time and found that we will have to evolve a kitchen with pneumatic tyres,
which can be towed by a lorry,
The beach defence exercise held at Berry in February of this year was our
biggest job to date. We made a long night march which tested the endurance of
drivers and men. It gave us, too, our first opportunity for doing our job of
co-operation with Light Horse. We found that our biggest problem was one of
speed. Owing to the great difference between the speeds of horses and motorised
transport, great difficulty will be experienced in keeping touch, and. the
problem is one which will have to receive much consideration. We also gained
further experience in feeding the troops in the field. By using fast utility
trucks to transport food from kitchens to the troops we were able to get meals
out in time and hot on most occasions.
With our increased establishment of personnel and vehicles, we should have an
opportunity of covering much ground in our next camp.
Top
Index
THE
K.D.G.
OUR
ALLIED REGIMENT
The King's Dragoon Guards was raised just two hundred years before the formation
of the Royal New South Wales Lancers. The Regiment was raised by King James II
at the time of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. It was called the Queen's
Regiment of Horse and the uniform was of scarlet, faced and lined with yellow.
Tho men wore jacked leather boots, buff gauntlets, and shoulder belts, their
defensive armour consisting of cuirasses (iron-breast-plates) and round iron
bead pieces. They were armed with a sword, a pair of pistols, the barrels of
which were fourteen inches-long; and later a carbine with a thirty-inch barrel.
The first duty performed was the escorting of the Duke of Monnouth and other
prisoners taken after the Battle of Sedgmoor, from Winchester to London.
They fought at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and two years later wore sent to
Flanders as part of a mixed Brigade sent by England to help Holland and Austria
against Louis of Prance. They were in Flanders for five years, and in 1702 were
again sent abroad, this time to Germany. They remained abroad for twelve years.
It was during this period that they gained four of their principal battle
Honours. They played a distinguished part in the Duke of Marlborough's great
.Victories of Blenheim, Rarnillies, Ondenarde and Malplaquet.
In 1748 they were fighting for Austria against Bavaria and France, and
received^a Battle Honour for their part in the Battle of Dettingen.
During the Seven Years War they were abroad for five years and gained yet
another Honour - Warburg. In 1794 "Beaumont" was added to their
co-lour.
They were sent to Belgium in 1815 to join the Duke of Wellington's Army. The
Regiment had seen no service for ten years and was consequently looked down on
by Wellington's veterans of the Peninsular campaign. Along with the Household
Troops they were called scathingly the "Hyde Park Soldiers". However,
they proved their worth once again at Waterloo.
In 1855 they took part In the storming of Sevastopol, and in 1860 were at the
Taku Forts and Pekin (Beijing). At the last-named they made their famous
charge against the Tartar Horse.
In South Africa in 1879 they were engaged in the Zulu War and again in 1901-2 in
the Boor War. Here they probably met a detachment of our Regiment which was
attached to the 6th Inniskillen Dragoon Guards, forming a squadron of that
Regiment. They were in France and Belgium from 1914 to 1917 and in spite of the
very limited use of cavalry, gained two more honours: "Somme 1916'' and
"Morval". They have seen action since then, however, for they were
fighting in Afghanistan in 1919. They have since been abroad for some time in
Egypt and India.
The Regiment has an excellent sporting record. The Officers' Mess Table centre
piece is made from-11 trophies won in Polo tournaments in. India between 1909
and 1919.
In 1930 at the Royal Tournament at Olympia, they created a British Army record,
Lieut. Wilder won the Championship dummy thrusting; Lieut. (now Major)
McCorquodale was Champion Man-at-Arms; and I.S.M. Riding Instructor Grotty won
the championship for Sword, Lance and Revolver. In Egypt in 1934 at the Cavalry
Brigade and R.H.A. Horse Show, they won 13 first prizes out of 20, and 5 third
prizes out of 13.
On their return from India the King's
Dragoon Guards was mechanised and is now equipped with light tanks.
The Governor-General, Lord Cowrie is
a former member of the K.D.G. He joined the Regiment in 1899 as a Captain. He
had previously been awarded the Victoria Cross whilst serving in the Sudan
Campaign under Sir Herbert Kitchener (later Lord Kitchener).
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Index
OLD
FAITHFUL
by F. J.
F.
The early part of this year saw the retirement of one of the most popular men of
"A" Squadron, S.S.M. Sommer, affectionately known as "Old
Faithful".
Although few know it, as he is not of a boastful nature, Les Sommer had a very
long and creditable army record, representing the third generation of his family
to serve with the Lancers.
Having joined the Sydney Squadron of the N.S.W. Lancers (1st L-H) in 1909 at the
immature age of seventeen, Les was, before his retirement, the only member of
this well-known squadron remaining with the Regiment.
After seven years experience in the militia, the Great War broke out and our
friend enlisted with the 7th L-H, A.I.F. He embarked for Egypt as a corporal of
this regiment in 1915. After six months service he was invalided to England,
where, on convalescing, he joined the 56th Battalion as a private and was sent
to France for front line service. Discharged from the A.I.F. on 5th July, 1919,
after four years abroad, Les still thirsted for the army life, and lost no time
in rejoining his original squadron, with which he served until the squadron was
disbanded about 1921. He then held the rank of Sergeant.
Then occurred the only break in his service, which lasted until the latter part
of 1931, when he formed up the Camden Troop of the 1/2lst L-H under the
command of Major J.B. Pye. After four Months of
hard training, Sgt. Sommer had the well-earned satisfaction of commanding this
new body of troops on. their first parade on 13th February, 1932, with
Lieutenant Morgan as Adjutant.
Lieut. (now Captain) Macarthur-Onslow was later made Troop Leader of the
Camden Troop and he and Sergeant Sommer attended a
Cavalry School at the Small Arms School at Randwick. It was at the finish of
this course that the latter was exempted from any examination for warrant rank.
Gazetted by Brigadier A.J. Mills as W.0.2., S.S.M., "A" Squadron
l/21st L-H on 1st August, 1932, Squadron-Sergeant-Major E.L. Sommer held this
rank and "carried out his duties in a soldier-like manner" for seven
years until February 13th, 1939, when he retired with the rank of honorary
Warrant-Officer.
He was noted for his light-hearted nature and devil-may-care actions, such as
riding a horse into the Garrison Sergeants' Mess on Coronation Day; and only
those of us who knew Les intimately, realised how much he worried about and
looked after the welfare of the men under his care, A practical joke played on
Les in a recent camp showed up his kind-heartedness to advantage* Arriving at
his tent late one night, Les found someone asleep in his stretcher. Afraid of
disturbing this intruder's rest, he did not even look to see who it was, let
alone rouse him and kick him out. Resigned to fate Les stretched himself out on
the ground and spent a most uncomfortable night. Next morning he found his
companion too sleepy to waken, until he commenced to shake him, and only then
found out he had given up his bed to a straw dummy.
And, so, although no longer will "A" Squadron have Les Sommer to look
after them in camp or bivouac, "Old Faithful" will be with "his
boys" as often as he can in his honorary capacity.
So long, "Old Faithful"!
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Index
R.
H. Q. NOTES
By the time the Journal goes to print
the Training Cadre should be well under way. At the time of writing, however, it
is not known who will be transferring to it.
We would like to congratulate the
R.Q.M.S. W/0 Ferguson on being promoted W/0 (Class 1).
Two of our number have recently
joined the ranks of the Benedicts: Captain Meares and W/0 Cashman. We offer them
our heartiest congratulations and wish them every success; our only regret is
that we do not know the names of the ladies con
cerned, except that their new names, are Mrs. Meares and Mrs. Cashman.
Captain J.C. (Prince of Wales) Loxton, A.A.M.C. has returned from England, and
is now practising at King's Cross. Ho did not bring a cable-tram home with him,
but managed to get one souvenir — his F.R.C.S. Congratulations!
We hear that Dan Hogan has also got a few letters after his name, notably:
R.A.P.; A.R.P.; R.I.P. His brother Charlie
(Blow-it-don't-suck!) Hogan, has long been a T.W.A.Y.S.N. (Trumpeter what are
you sounding now?).
Sergeant Fitter Beevors is asking if anyone has seen a petc magpie and a tame
frog. They were last seen sharing a pannikin of rum is. Campbelltown during a
sun-shower. Bertie declares that there was no rain in the first Campbelltown
Camp. Where he comes from they measure the rainfall in fathoms.
We would like to welcome two new members, L/Sergeant Lowe, our new Arniourer-Corporal,
who has transferred froins the 12th L-H.; ani Sergeant McKay, our new
Sergeant-Tailor who is an old Lancer.
Congratulations to Sergeant Lowe and Stf-Sgt Herford-Smith on winning
prize-money for Machine gunning. Also to Motor-cyclists Bridges and Edwards who
were respectively best and second best motor cyclists.
Finally, Strength Increase: To Staff-Sergeant and Mrs. Jock MacLaughlin: a
trooper. Congratulations, Jock!
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Index
OUR
BADGE
The Regimental Badge of the Royal N.S.W. Lancers consists of an elephant's head
with coronet and three fleur-de-lys on crossed lances with two waratah sprays
and a scroll bearing the words "Royal N.S.W. Lancers". (The College of
Heralds would no doubt foam at the mouth at this very unheraldic description.)
The elephant's head is the crest of the late Lord Carrington who was Governor
from 1885 to 1890. On his arrival in Sydney he immediately associated himself
with the newly-formed "Sydney Light Horse Volunteers" as the Regiment
was then called. He was honorary Colonel of the Regiment from that time until
his death in 1928. A grandson of Lord Carrington - Lieut. A.W. Llewellen-Palmer
is at present in Australia as A.D.C. to the Governor-General. The crest is also
the badge of the 16th Light Horse (M.G.) Regiment - The Hunter River Lancers.
This Regiment originally formed one Squadron of the First.
In the same way, the K.D.G. have as
their badge the double-eagle of Austria - the crest of the late Imperial Majesty
Franz Josef of Austria, who was Colonel-in-Chief from 1895 to 1914.
It is fitting that the new
headquarters of the Regiment should be in Carrington Road.
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Index
THE
ROYSTON SHIELD
1938
INTER-REGIMENTAL COMPETITION
by
M. de K.
In the old horsed days, the "Lord Foster" was the competition that we
Cavalry Machine Gunners sought to win, and which we moaned about. Today, our
Annual inter-Regimental competition is the Royston Shield.
During the March 1958 Camp, No. l Troop "B" Squadron, the Gordon
Troop, won the Regimental competition, and so qualified to represent the
Regiment against the 16th L-H (M.G.) Regiment. Needless to say, we were very
proud of the fact, stuck out our chests and boasted on every opportune or
inopportune occasion. Little did we know what we had brought upon ourselves.
We started training for the great day when we were to defend the honour of the
Regiment and meet the best team of the 16th. At first our training was done on
Saturday afternoons. All other work was forgotten. All our training took the
form of mounting and dismounting and of E.G.D. Then to the Saturday afternoons
were added occasional Sundays. Up till then, all the work was being done in
French's Forrest. We were at last taken to Liverpool and carried out our
training at Green Hills with ball ammunition.
Towards the time when the competition was to take place, we were out training
for it on three weekends out of four. In addition, some of our N.C.O.'s were
training recruits on special nights in the Gordon Orderly Room in order to bring
them up to standard. Then the fatal date was announced.
On the regular parade night before this date, Gordon Orderly Room resembled the
proverbial hive of industry: portees were being washed, guns, tripods and
ammunition boxes were painted, belts were filled with ammunition.
Then on Saturday we started off for Liverpool!
On the Woodville Road our No.2 truck swerved to avoid a milk cart. The steering
gear locked and the truck finished up in the ditch on. the opposite side of the
road. All the occupants were thrown into a heap, some of them ending up on top
of the cab. The front of the trunk was badly damaged, and the men received
various light injuries. Many uniforms were damaged. Needless to say, the
competition had to be postponed.
Again we started to train, if anything, harder than we had before. We came to
know every bush on Green Hills. We froze in the huts of Liverpool Camp. One of
our guns exploded. Whilst boiling the billy, we started a bushfire that took a
lot of extinguishing. Then, once again, a date was set, and once again we
painted our stores.
The day came! A Sunday; The wettest Sunday in the history of Australia. Or if
not, it must have been a runner-up. We gathered at the Orderly Room, and
everybody said: "They'll put it off again".
But no! The Squadron Leader did a bit of roaring, we put the finishing
touches of paint on our trucks and wiped, it
off -with our greatcoats, and. sallied forth for Liverpool.
However, the rain did. not dampen our spirits. The strains of "Daniel
Hall"
and of "I Touched Her on the Toe"
resounded along the deserted streets of Wahronga, Parramatta and Liverpool. By
the time we reached Liverpool Camp the "Ball of Carymuir" was in full
swing.
A halt near one of the messing huts of the camp. We dismount and peel off our
greatcoats that by this time weigh somewhere around the 100 lbs (45 kg)
mark. Out of our haversacks appear an interblended mass of sat-upon sandwiches,
tins of boot polish, banana-skins with the insides squeezed out, and polishing
rags well
impregnated with the former contents of the above
banana skins.
And so, with a ham sandwich in one hand and a bootbrush in the other, we
endeavour to make ourselves look and feel like human beings and soldiers once
more. Where there's a will, there's a way. Before long, equipment started to
regain its appearance, and when Major (now Lieut.Colonel) Anderson arrived to
inspect
the troop; one would never have thought that it
was the same troop that had travelled all the way from Sydney through pelting
rain that very morning.
After the inspection, we once again donned our wet greatcoats, mounted our
vehicles and started off towards Green Hills.
Those members of the Regiment who went to the second Campbelltown Camp will no
doubt remember the very memorable bivouac we had near Green Hills, and the even
more memorable trip back along Morebank Road. Remember the dust on Morebank
Road? The clouds of it through which you could not see the next truck and that
settled on your face, your uniform, got inside your rifle and in your eyes?
Well, there was no dust on Morebank Road this day. Instead, the lorries swam in
a squelchy substance that sprayed in every direction and splashed you in the
face. Every now and then your truck would do a dainty side slip, and glide
towards the side of the road.
Eventually we got to Green Hills, and proceeded to range our guns. Since the
ground was very wet, I did not expect that the strikes would be visible. To my
surprise, when I pressed the thumbpiece, I could observe the strikes
beautifully. So I presumed that the ground was sufficiently dry underneath.
Later on we discovered -that the spot I had been ranging on was actually covered
by about two inches of water, and that what I thought were strikes were actually
splashes. Everything is set. We are at the starting point, and off we go. Apart
from the fact that the trucks refuse to hold the road and are skidding in every
direction, all is well so far.
"Prepare for action- Ammunition normal. Dismount".
Over the tailboard, and into a pool about six inches (15 cm) deep. We
tumble out of the trucks wiping off a good deal of green paint with our wet
greatcoats, drag out our stores, wiping off more green paint from barrel
casings, and race squelching and splashing to our position of readiness. Down on
our guts in the water. Just then the rain, which had hitherto poured on us in a
steady shower, came down in torrents. ''Action!" Off race the gun teams,
tripods in soft slippery ground.
Ram the shoes as hard as you like, you can
not got them to remain firm on ground like that.
The troop opens fire. Not
one hitch. Not one stoppage. The bursts are as even as the most exacting Commander could
wish.
After everything is over, Major Anderson addressed the Troop.
He regretted that the score we had put up in the actual shooting,
although a very high one, was not high enough to beat the phenomenal score of
the 16th. But in every other respect, turnout, drill movements,, and
vehicles, we had beaten our opponents. Taking
into consideration this, and the exceptionally difficult conditions under which
we had to go into action, Major Anderson regretted that he had no points that he
could distribute at his own discretion. He
therefore had to give the decision to the 16th L-H (M.G.) Regiment.
On the way back as we were passing through Liverpool, Colonel Whitehead, who
decided that we were quite wet enough for a rum issue, went into one of the pubs
to purchase the most important ingredient for that ceremony.
Rumour has it that Mine Host refused, to supply the goods on the grounds
that it was Sunday, and that the C.O. persuaded him by saying that he would
bring the Troop in and take what he needed.
On the way back to Turramurra, "Daniel Hall", "O'Reilly's
Daughter", and the "Funeral March" wore sung with particular
gusto at the thought of the rum and the hot dinners that were awaiting us in the
not so distant future.
At the next camp, in November, we lost the Regimental Royston Shield
competition. Not only did we lose
it, but we scored only one hit, a ricochet at that, on the target.
Another Troop will have to train and work, give up their week ends and,
maybe go into action under even more difficult conditions than we did.
All I can say is this: we may have found it hard going at the time, but not one
of us who have been through it would have missed it for all the tea in China,
and even when we moaned a bit (what old soldier does not), we loved every bit of
it.
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Index
THE
CAVALRYMAN AND HIS MOUNT
by
P. H. V.
The affection of the cavalryman for his mount is traditional, and many poignant
and touching stories have been written on this subject.
Today, our mounts are inanimate things of steel and wood, so our natural
feelings towards them cannot be expected to be those we would have for that
magnificent animal the horse. The combination of horse and man has produced the
"Cavalry Spirit", that nothingness which is so vital to our efficiency
and esprit-de-corps.
Those who were in this Regiment when it was horsed, need no reminding that tho
care of the horse came first. He had to be watered, fed, groomed and rugged before the man
attended to his own personal comfort.
Two things were necessary to obtain the best results, knowledge and
horse-mindedness. The writer well
remembers an incident during the last War.
A party of Light Horsemen were attached to a mounted unit of R.E.'s; one
of the Tommy's horses had got off the lines during the night and was found to
have gorged on dry barley. The tommy was advised by the Aussies not to let him drink,
but did not heed the advice; in consequence when moving out on a stunt next
morning, he was minus his mount.
The Royal N.S.W. Lancers today find themselves with a different mount. Knowledge
of it is just as important; motor-mindedness must replace horse-mindedness;
but the cavalry spirit, bred of the horse, must
remain.
Every member of the Regiment should make a point of gaining as much knowledge of
the vehicles on which we are mounted, as his job allows.
He should feel that he, the crew, and the vehicle are a fighting unit.
In the main the care of the vehicle falls on the driver and his
assistant, and that care is as important as the care of the horse.
Routine maintenance as laid down should be carried out with meticulous care,
remembering that small things neglected, grow into large ones.
Much of a maintenance schedule may seem ridiculous to those unaccustomed
to military methods;
for instance the frequent cleaning of plugs and
points; but let us examine the result of one driver to neglect it:
A vehicle has a dirty plug, to clean
it on the march can hold up :-
-
The individual vehicle.
-
The troop.
-
In hostile country, the Regiment
or even a large column.
-
In getting out of a gun position,
could unnecessarily endanger lives.
A golden rule is never to leave what
was all right yesterday. Make sure
today.
To have affection for a thing of
steel and wood, as mentioned earlier, is hardly possible, but treat it as part
of your fighting equipment and see that it is serviceable before you attend to
your personal comfort.
The Cavalry spirit must remain with
motors as with horses.
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Index
REFLECTIONS ON BERRY
EXERCISE
by "Trooper Oatley"
If you are a peace-loving citizen who
likes eight hours' sleep, regular meals, and a reasonably tranquil existence,
don't go on any exercise anywhere. It is not peaceful, you don't get any sleep;
and meals, if any, are most irregular. The closest you ever get to a pub is to
see it marked on the map. Why
do they always put "P" in big letters just to make one feel more
thirsty?
One is lured to these exercises with
tales of buxom V.As who are going to participate. On arrival at billets one is
agreeably surprised - they really are there, and with such sweet smiles too.
This exercise might be pretty good, one thinks. When work is finished a stroll
along a nice country lane will be very pleasant. But alas work never finishes
and in. any case, the V.As vanish. At least the one I saw did. By the way, where
was the C.0.? I didn't see him at all. Fancy not thinking of that before!
If, however, you do go on an
exercise, here are a few points which will probably be helpful.
-
Whatever you do will be wrong, so it is much simpler not to do anything
at all.
-
If you see any important looking cove with white armbands and
hatband, havea care. He is a spy -- sometimes
called observer. He watches everything you do, notices what you don't do, and
takes the time of everything you do. Thank God he can't time the things you
don't do. If you look in his little black book, you will find quite a budget of
information about yourself: e.g. "Uses safety razor. Shaving time on arrival
at billets (when V.A. was sighted) fifty-seven and two-fifth seconds. Didn't
shave again during exercise. Drives very fast -- especially going down steep
hills. Descent of Bulli Pass occupied 45.0057 secs." etc. etc.
-
If possible be appointed driver to one of the big shots; the bigger the
better; because their reconnaissance always takes them past a few pubs. The
bigger the shot the more reconnaissances he makes, and consequently the more
pubs he visits.
-
If you cannot be a driver, then try and be appointed A/Adjt. He always
stays in the same place and thus the "Q" people always know where to take
his breakfast. All he has to do is write funny stories on message forms and send
them to Squadron Leaders. The latter then send funny stories in reply, and so
keep him amused - we hope!
-
If one of your lorries breaks a
rear-axle - don't worry at all. H,Q.
would have broken it in any case.
These few points, if observed, will
greatly assist during exercises, but as was at first stated, you are strongly
recommended to stay at home.
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Index
HISTORY OF THE
REGIMENT
Proposed Publication.
It has long been felt that there
should be available some history of our Regiment, the Regiment with the longest
continuous existence of all the Australian Light Horse -- a history that covers
its story right from the time it was only an idea in the minds of some cavalry
minded citizens of Sydney.
We are pleased to be able to inform
readers that such a history has now been written and it is hoped that before
next camp it will be printed, and be available to members and friends of the
unit. It is largely in the form of personal reminiscences and is divided into
Parts as under :-
Part 1:
From the formation of the Sydney Light Horse Volunteers in 1885 up to the
time the defences were taksn under the control of the Commonwealth in 1905, and
taking in the visits of Lancer detachments to England in 1893 afld. 1897.
Part II:
The story of the squadron that trained at Aldershot for six. months in
1899.
Part III:
The Lancer Squadron in the
South African War, 1899-1900.
Part IV:
From 1905 to 1919.
Part V:
The 1st Light Horse,
A.I.F., 1914-1919 - a history compiled from the Regiment's records, during
the return voyage to Australia in 1919.
Part VI:
Post-Great War,
1919-1936.
Part VII:
The Regiment Mechanised.
Appendices:
Including notes on the
successive commanders of the Regiment and nominal roll, S.A. War Contingents.
It will be appreciated that all ranks
of the Regiment should have some knowledge of their unit's history, its past
accomplishments and its fine leaders. In fact it is known that many are
interested in such a matter; it is sincerely hoped that all will take an
interest in the history when it is produced as a common interest in it will help
to further the "esprit de corps" of the Lancer Regiment.
The concern at the moment is to
overcome the financial hurdle of publishing a book of some 90,000 words, but
this difficulty will be minimised if we can rely on. everyone in the Regiment
purchasing a copy. It can safely be asserted that it will be found very
Interesting reading and its value to members who purchase it will be greater
than the few shillings they pay for it.
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Index
"A" SQUADRON
NOTES
We had a fairly successful and
extremely enjoyable camp with the Regiment at Berry in November. No. l Troop was
again, successful in winning the Lloyd Lindsay M.G. Trophy, and No. 5 Troop was
placed equal second in the Royston Shield.
We were support Squadron in the Beach
Defence Scheme and were billeted in Jamberoo. Few members of the Squadron will
forget the Jamboree we had there. No. 1 Troop was attached to "C"
Squadron for the actual exercise. The Troop excels at trench digging, and when
it was finally dug in, the word "Parramatta" was carved deep in the
beach. Observers from the R.A.A.F. declare that both "t's" were
crossed.
In December, we took part in an
Aerial Pageant at Camden. No.5 Troop attempted, without much success, to defend
a Strong Post against the combined forces of No 1 and 2 Troops, the Aero
Club, parachutists, and Captain Radke with a section from 1 Field Squadron. The
Strong Post blew down in a puff of wind, and when re-erected by the defenders,
could not be blown up. A pity!
However, we enjoyed the day
thoroughly despite a few casualties. At sunset a sorrowful chorus was heard
wailing of
:
"Empty barrels on the
Aerodrome".
An N.C.O.'s course was held one
week-end in February, under Captain Onslow as chief instructor. The C.0. and
Major
Hawke both paid us a visit. We all learnt a good deal, especially on the
subject of concealment from the air. Captain Onslow took up various members in
his 'plane to inspect gun positions and troops from the air. Some enjoyed the
trip - others did not. One, like the famous flower, was forced "to blush
unseen, and waste his sweetness on the desert air".
The "Q" side was ably
looked after by W.0. Cashman and S.Q.M.S. Downie.
We were again support Squadron in the
co-operation exercise with 7 L-H, and so managed to have a certain amount of
sleep during the week-end - about two hours and a quarter all told. Our new
S.S.M. distinguished himself by riding to Nowra for a new coil for his truck.
This, in spite of the fact that the Nowra Bridge had been completely destroyed,
and the town occupied by the enemy!
We offer our congratulations to those
members who won marksman badges in the Musketry Course.
We would like to bid farewell to
Camden Troop, which has been transferred to "C" Squadron. We also
welcome Windsor Troop which has taken its place.
Finally we say goodbye to S.S.M.
Sonars - Old Faithful - of whom more will be found elsewhere in the Journal.
No. 1 Troop PARRAMATTA
Our notes are going to suffer somewhat because nearly all our available brain
power has been expended ia compiling a treatise on Beach Defence, which will be
found elsewhere in the Journal. However, we have a few more pearls to cast.
We would, first like to welcome our new Troop Leader, Mr. MacKillop, also
Sergeant, the Earle of Parramatta, who has transferred from the S.U.R. ("Women's
Weekly" please copy).
We regret that we cannot give a report of our Troop Smoko, because the official
correspondent was found under the table, covered by dead narinss. He must have
put up a magnificent fight. It is thought howe-yer, that a good time was had by
all.
Congratulations to our new Troop Sergeant, Sergeant Fitzsimmons. Sergeant Mackel
was the best Rifle Shot in the Regiment and Trooper Owen in the Squadron. Sailor
McNee proved again that Old Sailors never die, they simply blaze away, for he
won the Troop prize.
Our quota of First Class Machine
Gunners was again high, and we congratulate all those who won the coveted "M.G.
in Wreath", notably: Sergeants Mackel and Fitzsimmons, Corporals Melville
and Hearne, and Lance-corporal Watson.
No, 2 Troop BLACKTOWN,
First we would like to state publicly that we have no intention of changing the
name of the Troop to Bobsmenziesville, Tubbystevensdale, Orpingtown or
Wattleburg. This, in spite of all the efforts of the Blacktown Shire Council.
Corporal Dick Newman, who left us last year to join the P.M.F., has had a rapid
rise, and is now a Sergeant in the Darwin Mobile Force. He is still with the
Machine Gunners.
We gained second place in the V.M.G. Relay Race at the Regimental Sports, and
are quite satisfied that we will win the event this year - Gordom and Camden
please note!
The Cribbin family got well amongst the Skill-at-arms Prizemoney this year,
Corporal Bill Cribbin being the best machine-gunner, and Corporal Eddy Cribbin
the best rifle shot in the Troop. Tiny Hunter, the Troop mascot, was the second
best Revolver Shot in the Regiment. He must have been practising potting at his
Leghorns.
Bill "Cyclops" Brown once again proved himself the best driver in the
Squadron. Congratulations to all these, also the following who won their "M.G.
in Wreath"; Cpls.Cribbin, W, Hunter and Holmes, and Troopers Gillard and
Brown.
No. 3 Troop WINDSOR
The Windsor Troop held a Bivouac at Wiseman's Ferry in June. Lorry drill and
Section drill for lorries was carried out on the Racecourse on Saturday, and the
V.M.G. Course was fired on Sunday at tho old Wiseman's Ferry Rifle Range.
The Range is situated across tho river from the Ferry, and the services of Mr.
Storm and his motor launch were obtained for transportation to and from tho
Range.
A dance had been arranged at the Soldier's Memorial Hall on Saturday night which
was thoroughly enjoyed by the Troop. For the benefit of the doubting few, to
whom, in the words of General Puff, "all due reverence", the dance had
not been arranged in anticipation of the bivouac.
The police co-operated with the citizens of Wiseman's Ferry by allowing the
Troop to lock its guns and gear in police premises overnight. (For the benefit
of the doubting few, who incidentally are much fewer now, nothing else was
locked up.)
Still there may have been a miscarriage of justice.
But to get on with the story, the Adjutant arrived on Sunday morning and spent
the day with us. We hope he enjoyed the show as much as we did.
It is reported, but not from a very reliable source, that Trooper Herps, (who
has only recently joined) has a full up-to-date uniform; it is also reported
that they grow very nice oranges down Sackville way. They do.
Corporal Bennet has grown air-minded lately, judging by an odd visit or two to
the Hotel Aerodrome. The Troop Leader tells me that the fire for after-hours .
drinking is Ł1.0.0 ($2) and 8/- ($0.80) costs!
Sergeant Arndell has been pulling cauliflowers with a tennis racquet!
Corporal Gillespie - "good old Stan" to the Regiment - was acting
.Troop-Sergeant at Wiseman's Ferry, and everything was in "apple pie"
order.
It is also reported (I use the phrase the same as the Associated press uses the
words Mr. Menzies added as if he couldn't add), that the Troop is shortly
undertaking a Crusade led by Corporal Miller. Holy Wars!
Trooper Cummins, the Troop Leader's orderly, can certainly tickle the ivories.
Don't misunderstand me. The boys gave some good songs to his accompaniment on
the Hotel Piano at Wiseman's Ferry after the evening conference.
We welcome all the new recruits to tho Troop, and here's a list of them:
Troopers Clarke and Clarke ,(the old
firm-Duggie always pays); Troopers Bottle and Bottle, (no thanks - just had on e
-well another won't hurt you - Gertcha); and
Trooper Harps (oranges and lemons said-the bells -)
Happy Christmas to All!
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Index
MODERN
AERIAL SURVEYING
by
A. M.-O.
Of the many uses found, for aircraft, one of tho most important - both from the
military and civil view-point - is that of photographic map making.
Very little was done in this field, prior to the Great War, but the great value
of air photographs for reconnaissance purposes was soon realised; and from the
original methods developed during that period has been evolved the present-day
aerial survey.
The problems connected with the use of aircraft for accurate map making are
largely those of overcoming the inherent instability of the atmosphere, so as to
maintain straight and .level flight; and it is on these lines that the most
important advances have been made in recent years. The extent to which aircraft
are being -used today for this purpose in the revising of ordnance maps of Great
Britain, proves that the major difficulties have been overcome. Machines
equipped with a series of gyroscopes to control both directional and lateral
stability have today superseded the old methods of relying entirely on the human
factors for obtaining the degree of accuracy required,
The method of conducting an aerial survey of a tr&ct of country is to fly a
series of parallel strips. Photographs are made at pre-determined intervals not
only to cover the area flown, but also to give a longitudinal overlap of about
60% and a lateral overlap of about 30%. The pictures thus obtained are
subsequently assembled in. the form of a mosaic, and individual prints are used
in pairs for stereoscopic examination, contouring and plotting.
It will readily be seen that without accurate navigation the ground will not be
properly covered; and unless a high degree of stability is attained, there will
be serious alteration of scale in the photographs due either to tilt of the
camera or variation in flying altitude.
One of the most modem survey machines yet evolved is in use in Australia today.
It combines the uses of the gyroscopic principle, with the well-known
directional radio plant and, by an ingenious device, the incoming radio signals
are transmitted to the gyroscopic control, enabling long courses to be flown
without error*
Another device of the utmost value is a camera cradle which again is
gyroscopically controlled and ensures the maintenance of a level camera base and
the elimination of tilt, the chief cause of error in aerial map-making.
Aerial survey by modern methods will play an important part in the development
of the large areas of Australia at present unmapped and unexplored. In addition
to providing military maps in new or mountainous country, expert interpretation
will disclose many features of value to the geologist, the engineer, the
forestry expert, the agriculturist, and others whose work lies in the
development and economic exploration of our vast territories.
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Index
THE
LANCERS IN AFRICA
In "A Sahibs' War", a story by the late Rudyard Kipling, there is a
description of certain strange men met by a Sikh trooper, who had gone to South
Africa as bearer to a British Officer. Here is an extract:
"The Ustrelyahs spoke through
their noses not little, and they were tall, dark men, with grey clear eyes,
heavily eyelashed like camels' eyes - very proper men. They said on all
occasions "No fee-ah", which in. our tongue means 'Durro mut', (do
not be afraid), so we called them the Durro Muts. Dark, tall men, most
excellent horsemen, hot and angry, waging war as war, and drinking tea as a
sandhill drinks water. Thieves? A little, Sahib. Sikander Khan swore to
me - and he conies of a horse stealing clan for ten generations - he swore
that a Pathan was a babe beside a Durro Mut in regard to horse lifting. The
Durro Muts cannot walk on their' eet at all. They are like hens on the high
road. Therefore they must have horses. Very proper men with a just lust for
the war."
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Index
REVOLVER
NOTES
The revolver is a personal weapon. Its usefulness depends on a thorough
knowledge of its characteristics, an instinctive pointing sense with both eyes
open, and determination and confidence to hit an adversary at close quarters.
The occasions on active service when the revolver is likely to be used are rare,
but are such that quickness and accuracy determine whether it is you or the
other bloke* The characteristics of the revolver are :
1. A
one-handed weapon used without support to hand or arm. Therefore :
(a) It is unsuitable for firing by
deliberate aim.
(b) Correct holding and trigger
pressure are of increased importance.
(c) The firer must be able to fire
with either hand.
2.
A short barrel, which :
(a) Aids quickness in shooting at
surprise and moving targets.
(b) Restricts the range at which
accurate shooting is possible.
(c) Makes the weapon dangerous if
carelessly handled, since it can so easily be pointed or discharged ia. the
wrong direction; safety precautions are therefore necessary at all times.
3.
A high rate of fire combined with the stopping power of the bullet,
giving it special advantages in close-quarter fighting.
Aids to good shooting:
Keep physically fit..
Exercise the muscles used, i.e,,-
forearm, wrist and fingers. Hold arm straight but not stiff. When not shooting
at full arms length; bend froM the elbow (Should present
no difficulty to members of the
Lancers).
Practice pointing right and left
arms independently with both eyes open Remember trigger pressing as against
trigger pulling is even more important than with the rifle.
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Index
SAGO
by SGT, SPIES,
It was a beautiful morning in Hullaballoo, the sunny little
South Coast town where "A" Squadron was billeted, and S.Q.M.S. Gordon
was feeling sleepy.
The Squadron had long since moved off to its training area,
and the Presbyterian Sunday School had returned to its normal condition of peace
and quiet. Save for the field kitchen and Sawyer stoves under a big camphor-laurel,
there was nothing to show that it had been invaded by a hundred and twenty noisy
Light Horsemen. Breakfast had been disposed of, and the lunch, except for the
pudding, only needed keeping warm. The Quartermaster looked forward to two hours
of pleasant slumber before the Squadron returned. The cook could made a pudding
- that's what cooks were for. He called him over :
"Now then young feller, you're getting on fine, so
I'll let you make the pudding for lunch. The boys '11 be hungry today, so we'11
give 'em sago - nothing like sago to fill 'em up. I'm going to sleep now; wake
me at twelve". So saying, the Quartermaster lay back on the sunny bank,
tilted his hat over his eyes, and slipped into a blissful sleep.
Trooper Windsor, the Squadron cook, found the sage in a sugar-bag, and lumped it over to the field kitchen. Hoisting the bag to his
shoulder, he climbed on to the wheel of the kitchen and poured some sago into
the nearest cooking pot. It looked very little, so he added some more. Now the
cook was raw certainly; but he had learnt that hungry troops will put up with a
lot of shortcomings in the quality of their food so long as the quantity is all
right. He was determined that there should be enough sago.
Trooper Windsor looked at the sago already in the pot and
divided it up mentally into a hundred and twenty seven portions. The troops, he
reckoned, would each get what they called a half-Kruschen - as much as would
cover a threepence [a round coin 1 cm in diameter]. Without more ado he emptied the bag completely, covered the
sago with water, and, after replacing the lid, settled down to wait for it to
cook. There still did not seem very much for a hundred and twenty men, but
still, he thought, it night swell, He was right. Anyone who has cooked sago
knows that it increases in. bulk amazingly when cooked. A very small quantity of
dry sago will make quite a large pudding. Trooper Windsor had put a little over
a bushel of sago into the pot.
He must have dozed off, for the next thing he was aware of,
was a voice as of the surf pounding on distant beaches, or the far-off approach
of a hailstorm roaring over timbered country. He looked wildly around him
for a moment, and then realised that the sago was boiling. The lid of the pot
was gently lifting and rocking, and little puffs of steam were shooting out.
Trooper Windsor decided to stroll over and inspect it. Even as he did so, the
lid suddenly lifted and the entire field kitchen disappeared in a cascade of
overflowing sago.
Now you may have seen the cork carelessly removed from a
bottle of champagne, or the bungled opening of a new keg of beer; perhaps you
have seen Niagara Falls after
the first thaw of Spring, or Burrinjuck in flood, or the geysers around
Rotorua;
you nay even have seen an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. All
these sights have much in common - the same dazzling whiteness wiping out the
scenery; the same impression of inexhaustible power, relentless, terrible. But
none of these sights can compare for sheer breathtaking wonder with sago boiling
over.
Hastily snatching at the first thing that looked like a
pot-holder - it was actually the Q.M's jacket - Windsor leapt to the
kitchen, and plunging into the foaming mass, lifted the pot. As soon as it was
away from the fire, the sago went off the boil and gradually subsided. There
seemed, however, to be a great deal more sago than there had. been at first, in
spite of the large quantity that had spilled.
Trooper Windsor carefully poured half the sago into another
pot, added water and placed both utensils back on the kitchen. He was not going
to be caught again though, and stayed nearby, presently both pots began to
boil, and, lifting the lids he saw that the shimmering white mass was very near
the top. Hastily he divided it again, and soon four pots of sago were bubbling
merrily in. the kitchen. Although he was positive that the sago could not swell
any more, Windsor decided to take no chances, and quickly kindled fires under
the two Sawyer stoves. Within half an hour both were full and perilously near
overflowing. It was then that the cook really became desperate.
Quarter-master Gordon woke to a fiendish hammering and
stared stupidly about. It was some time before he really took in the scene.
Trooper Windsor was standing on a swaying pile of pews, dragged, no doubt,
from within, the Sunday School. Armed with an axe - felling, he was frenziedly
hacking out the top of the thousand gallon rain-water tank which stood beside
the building.
"What?" howled Gordon, "What the (censored)
(censored) bleeding hell do yer think yer doing?"
"Give us a hand, for God's sake Quarter, and get a
fire lit under this. If we hurry we'll be in time". The cock was nearly
done; his clothes were in rags and he was wet through with mingled, sv.-eat and
tears and blood, not to mention sago.
It was really only then that S.Q.M.S. Gordon realised what
was happening.
The billeting area was no longer silent; it was filled with
a sonorous shuddering murmur as of distant battle - the triumphant roar of
boiling sago. Every compartment of the kitchen and limber was full; tho steak
for lunch had been thrown on to the grass to make room for the
ever-expanding pudding; so too the potatoes and pumpkin.; the Sawyer stoves were
both full. Over a long trench, hastily dug and containing a roaring fire stood
four dixies; seven buckets, water; eleven basins, washing; three buckets, fire;
and a hundred and twenty seven assorted pannikins - taken from the troop
lines. There were also four large black cylindrical utensils which Q.M.
Gordon, being a country man, recognised at once. All were boiling and bubbling
merrily.
No wonder then, that the cook was preparing the tank to
take the surplus. Even
as Gordon watched the whole array of pots began to boil
over. No words can describe that dreadful relentless flow; the greatest volcanic
eruptions in history were as nothing compared to it. Gordon was never to forget
that sight, and for years afterwards he would see, in nightmares, that towering
toppling wall of whiteness, and would wake screaming in a lather of sweat.
For a moment it seemed that the quartermaster, and the cook
and the Sunday School, in fact the whole of Hullaballoo, would be enveloped by
the omnivorous mass. With lightning-like decision, Gordon rushed to a
neighbouring house and commandeered a wheel-barrow, into which he began
furiously shovelling the frothy mess.
As soon as the barrow was full, Windsor rushed it to a
nearby clump of lantana, emptied it, and raced back. They laboured like
heroes at their Herculean task, but after forty-six barrowloads, there was three
times as much sago left as when they had started.
But in the end the sago itself saved them. No fire can
burn for long when completely covered with sago. As the fires died down, the
pots stopped boiling and gradually the vast mass subsided. As they watched the
life go out of it, the clock in the School of Arts struck twelve. In an hour the
Squadron would return and expect lunch. There was much to be done.
At one o'clock; exactly the Squadron lorries rumbled into
the Sunday School yard and were parked under the trees. The Troops dismounted,
collected their messing gear and filed up to the Quartermaster for their lunch.
The steak was not so bad, and the potatoes and pumpkin were
passable; but no one ate the queer grass-like vegetable that was mixed up with
it all, nor the little white things like frog's eggs. When you scrape up the
luuch with a shovel you're bound to collect a little grass with it, and you
cannot possibly hand-pick half-cooked sago out of mashed potatoes.
As the Squadron was about to move off the Squadron-Leader,
Captain Ourimbah-Camden approached his S.Q.M.S.
"Ah, I think", he drawled, "I think you had
better give the troops some, ah, sweets tonight; they'll probably be, ah,
hungry. Give 'em, ah, sago - nothing like, ah, sago to fill ' em up".
He was not a little surprised to see his Quartermaster
Sergeant and his cook fall like dead men on. the grass. They had fainted!
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Index
THAT
REALLY DECENT FELLOW.
by N. H, B.
They call him the bully sar-major,
And I think that's
hardly fair;
Though his voice is hoarse, his tone so gruff,
His speech
so pungent, his manner rough,
His temper frightful, his face so touch,
He's
really a decent fellow.
The Barrack-square trembles daily
When he inarches on
parade;
Recruits all shiver, the oldsweats stiffen,
The corporals
falter, the trumpeters listen,
The officers nutter, "Hell, what a
griffin!"
Though he's really a decent
fellow.
There came a day when things looked black
Over twenty years
ago;
And
he was there, a rifle at his shoulder,
Trigger finger
active, his eye no older,
His adjectives lurid, his manner bolder,
This really
decent fellow.
The age-limit got this
sar-major
And
he thinks that's
hardly fair;
Though he's minus a leg and has lost an eye,
His tummy's
gone crook and he's "on the dry",
His heart is right, his courage is
high,
This hell-of-a-decent-fellow.
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Index
VILLERS BRETONNEUX COMPETITION.
Although the Regiment did not succeed in winning this event,
we undoubtedly displayed the most outstanding performance of the day's shooting
in obtaining 2nd, 4th and 5th places.
The new addition to the Regiment, Turramurra Troop, put its
name on the map in no uncertain manner in this competition. It was their first
opportunity of showing their paces against the other Troops, let alone the stiff
opposition net with amongst other M.G. units.
The team obtaining 2nd prize in the Villers Bretonneux
Competition consisted of Corporal Jacob as No.l and Troopers C.R. Shepherd and
Hammond, Nos. 2 and 3 respectively. The team work, especially between the
latter numbers, was the highlight of the run, clean and rapid handling allowing
the firer ample time to aim and observe his fire,
The conditions were excellent for machine gun shooting,
good light and a gentle breeze contributing towards perfect observation of the
strikes.
Turramurra's second team was placed 4th, and Corporal
Parker's team from Camden, 5th.
We congratulate the 18th Bn. on their fine performance in
winning the Trophy which we won last year for the first time.
But just a word you infanteers - we'll take the Trophy
from you next year!
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Index
RIFLE CLUB.
The Rifle Club, under the energetic leadership of the Club
Captain, Sergeant Mackee, has had quite a successful year. The majority of the
troops from Parramatta are members of the Club, and recently, owing to the
efforts of Corporal M. W. Smith and Trooper Rogers, ten men from Camden have
joined.
The Club, however, does not get the support it deserves. In
the Metropolitan Area, there are now four Troops and the membership of the Club
could be quite easily doubled.
We part-time soldiers get only too few opportunities for
shooting, and consequently the standard of marksmanship in the Regiment is not
nearly so high as it could, and should be. If more members availed themselves of
this chance to got in valuable practice with the rifle the standard would
undoubtedly be improved. There is good money to be won too, as a glance at the
prize lists of the Militia Rifle Club's Union will show.
It would be a fine thing to see teams from the Lancers'
Rifle Club competing in, and winning, the numerous matches held annually. Two
Club shoots and a Spoon shoot are held each month at Anzac Rifle Range,
Liverpool, by the Club.
The Annual prize-meeting was held at Baulkham Hills in December and proved very successful. We wish to thank the Commanding Officer
and Lieut. Fischer for the handsome cups which they donated for the Aggregate
and Snapshooting respectively. Both were won by Trooper Owen of Parramatta, to
whom we offer our congratulations. We would also express our thanks to the
Sergeants' Mess for a generous
donation of half-a-guinea [$1.05]. It was fittingly enough won by
Sergeant Mackel, and it is hoped that he spent it in, and incidentally on, the
Mess.
The following are the results :
300 Yards Application.
Ł1/5/- [$2.50]
Sgt. Mackel, First
- 15/- [$1.50] Gpl. Holmes, Second - 10/- [$1] Lieut. Fischer, Third - 5/- Trooper Owen, L/Cpl.
Jilson; 2/6d. Tpr. Mcffae, Cpl. Hearne, Leiut. McKillop, Sgt .Herford "Smith,
S.Q.M.S.
Magee.
300 Yards
Snapshooting;
Ł.1/5/- Tpr. Owen, First —
15/- Gpl. Holmes, Second — 10/- Sgt.Mackel, Third;
5/- W.O. Ferguson, Tpr. Sewell; 2/6d. S.Q.M.S. Magee, L/Cpl.
Wilson, Sgt. Fitssimmons, Tpr. McNee, Lieut. Fischer.
Aggregate:
Ł1/7/6 Tpr. Owen, First —
Ł1/-/- Cpl. Holnes, Second,
7/6d.Sgt .Mackel, L/Cpl. Wilson, Lieut. Fischer; 5/- Tpr. MeNse, S.Q.M.S. Magee,
Tpr. Sewell; 2/6d W.O. Ferguson, Lieut. McKillop, Cpl. Cribben E., Sgt.
Herford-Snith, Tpr. Gillies, Cpl. Hearne Tpr. Wilkins, Sgt. Fitzsimmons, Lieut.
Vernon, Tpr. Pateman.
A number of Trophy Spoons were also given for the best shot
from each Squadron.
The Club held a dinner at St. James' Hall, Burwood, on
Saturday, 1st July, when trophies won during the year were presented by the
Commanding Officer,Lieutenant-Colonel D.A. Whitehead, M.C. The guests included
Lieutenants Vernon, and MacKillop, W/0 King (R.S.M.), S.Q.M.S. Magee
("B" Squadron), Sergeant N.H. Bent ("B" Squadron) and
Sergeant McKay (R.H.Q.).
The Club Captain, Sergeant H.D, Mackel, presided. After
dinner the gathering found no difficulty in. making the time go quickly with
music and song.
The Captain referred to the next Regimental Rifle Meeting
to be held and stated that prize money would be increased to Ł17/10/- [$35
pay per day for a trooper in 1939 = approx 60˘ or 6/- (six shillings)],
exclusive of donated trophies. There will be an additional match in the
programme next time, and it is hopes that greater numbers of "B" and
"C" Squadrons will enter, although they will have a hard job to
capture many prizes.
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Index
SERGEANTS'
MESS
Due to the herculean efforts of an energetic
few, the mess
has been built up from a sorry rabble to a vigorous body. There was a time, in
the far distant past, when the Lancers' Sergeants' Mess was the finest mess in
the Commonwealth. It fell upon evil days, but we feel that before long it will
once again take pride of place.
We were sorry to leave our old room which was so hardly
won, and into whose beautification so much elbow grease was put. The Staniland
brothers and S.Q.M.S. Magee were the leading lights in its transformation. We
miss our blue floor, but are really very comfortable in our new quarters. Our
sideboard is still the envy of the officers.
Last year the Officers' Mess presented us with a handsome
letter rack. Unfortunately, few even look at it for fear of seeing their mess
account reposing thereon.
We would like to welcome the following new menbers: S/Sgt.
McKay, Sergeants Fitzsimmons, Onslow, Mitchell and Connally, also L/Sgt Lowe. We should have a good crop of
new members when the Training Cadre gets under
way.
The Mess Ball was an outstanding success, not only as
entertainment, but also from the financial point of view. Nearly all the members
were present, and the hall was filled to overflowing. A certain S.S.M., who had
previously been invisible, startled the critics by turning up with quite a large
party.
The President entertained the official party which included
the C.O. and Major Hawke. We were very glad to see Messrs. Yemen, and MacKillop,
also our old friend Captain Loxton. Our thanks are due to all those whose
efforts resulted in such an outstanding success.
Paul Ford raked in the shekels with an expert hand, and
Corporal Smith showed great skill in letting people through the door and keeping
a freezing wind out. Troopers Pateman and McNee proved that the years they have
spent on one side of the bar had taught them a few wrinkles for working on the
other side.
We are looking forward to an even more successful year and
a bigger and brighter Ball in 1940.
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"B"
SQUADRON NOTES
We feel that we have had a very successful year. The rush of recruits during
what was known as "Billy's Campaign" was so great that a new troop was
raised. Windsor Troop was transferred to "A" Squadron, and the newly
raised troop, Turramurra, replaced it as No. 5 Troop. We wish Mr. Bailey and his
troop the best of luck in their new Squadron.
Since January, we have kept our door well and truly locked, and would-be
recruits are kept howling with the wolf, outside.
We had the responsibility of recruiting and training all Don R's for the
Regiment. The training has been ably carried out by S.M.S. Magee and latterly by
Sergeant F.R.K. Staniland.
Since the new Troop was raised, W/0. H.B. Staniland. has been acting Troop
Leader, and his place as Squadron S.M. has been taken by his brother. S.Q.M.S.
Mel Davis transferred to 7, L-H. and the resulting vacancy was filled by
"E-wse" Lamb Magee.
The sporting and social sides have not been neglected, we have held two boxing
and wrestling tournaments, and numerous smokoes, dinners, dances etc. We are
shortly to hold an inter-troop football match, which we hope will not cause too
many casualties.
No, 1
Troop GORDON,
With the opening of the new Troop at Turramurra, Gordon lost several men who
transferred to help the newcomers. The Troop was very sorry to lose Sergeant Staniland, but they
wish him every success in his new role of Squadron S.M.
As a result of this loss, an examination was held to fill the vacant position of
Troop Sergeant, and, after a very keenly contested exam, Corporal Mitchell
topped the list from Corporals Harrop, Gardiner and Kartzoff.
(Mitchell has yet to shout for his additional stripe.)
Sergeant Mitchell certainly has wasted no time in settling into his job, and the
Troop threatens to go into Camp this year twice as efficient as usual (if
possible ).
At the same time, an examination was held for the appointment of our Lance
Corporals, those successful candidates being Troopers Stumbles, Could, Charles
and Weltone. The last named, better
known as Sir Charles, is Q sort of unofficial gas-instructor to the Regiment.
The members of the new Turramurra Troop have had the hide to challenge the
Gordon Troop to a football match It shows how innocent these boys must be!111 If Turramurra go
into Camp this year with 15 men short, it will only be because the Gordon boys
wore too tough for them. (We hope
this is not reversed!)
We pat ourselves on the back for a good show in the Regimental Sports, as we won
the Bending Race, V.M.G. Race, and the Relay Race. Huzzal Huzza .
Congratulations to Corporal Reg. Maund on gaining admission to the P.M.F.
Corporal Kartzoff has written an account of our exploits in the Royston Shield
of 1938. Our efforts in the last competition are silenced in a chorus of
"Ohs" But still Huzza! Huzza! Congratulations to Mr. Scott and his
troop on lifting the right to represent the Regiment from us.
No, 2 Troop OURIMBAH.
When the Troop goes to camp, Ourimbah is truly a deserted village. The local
hostelry is closed, the Church is empty. The school doors are barred, and in the
town's normally busy streets are to be seen only women, old men and little
children. Thus does war stop the wheels of industry.
But recently Ourimbah presented quite a different spectacle. Imagine a mixture
of the opening of the World's Fair in New York, a Royal Levee at Buckingham
Palace, the Eve of Waterloo, and the Charge of the Light Brigade. You will have
a picture of the Ourimbah School of Arts on the occasion of the Troop Ball.
Tho C.O. and Mr. Moss were in the official party which was entertained by Mr.
Small. During the evening the C.O. presented the trophies won in the Boxing and
Wrestling Tournaments. The Troop won 75% of the events. The principal winners
were
Troopers Anthony, Mavin, Kent and Harris,
We were glad to see Bob Paton turn up, Most of the Regiment should, remember him
as our former armourer Corporal.
The Ball was a great success in every way, and our thanks are due to all the
good ladies who helped to make it so. Ross Gumming as M.C. kept things lively.
With the profits from the Ball, we intend to buy a piano for the Drill Hall
which we have recently improved considerably.
Congratulations to all those who gained "Crossed Rifles" and "M.G.
in Wreath".
If anyone wants to know why Trooper Mascord's truck fell out of the column
during the march to Berry, they must ask Corporal
Pickering. It is rumoured that the R.S.M. once failed to recognise the latter
and Sergeant Dudley shortly after they had indulged in a shave.
Finally let us loudly sing: Corporal
Hoye! OI! OI!
Strength Increase:
To Corporal and Mrs. G.R.Gumming - a trooper!
Congratulations!
No. 3 Troop TURRAMURRA.
Turramurra Troop was formed in January with W/0 II H.B. Staniland as acting
Troop Leader. From that night the Troop has been at full strength.
A remarkable amount of energy has been put into the activities of the Troop by
all its personnel; and we have no doubt that we will give a good account of
ourselves at our first camp.
An examination was recently held for promotion, and we take this opportunity of
congratulating Counolly on being successful in gaining three stripes and Burden,
Haskins, Jacob and Watson two each.
These men worked very hard. for the examination, and it is very satisfactory to
see that they all passed so well.
A "Smoko" was held in March, in the Orderly Room, at which we
entertained the Squadron Leader and Troop Leader No.l Troop*
As this was our first social effort, we did not know exactly how things would
go, but as the evening wore on any doubt about the final result of the show
faded.
One, Trooper Ferguson, known as Jerry, displayed a most amazing wit, ably backed
up by Troopers Carr, Firth and others. We hope to have another of these
interesting parades in the near future.
Highlight of Chatswood shoot was the reaction of popular Bill Edwards to his
first round of shots. The noise must have startled Bill, for he backed further
and further away from his gun until he was firing at arm's length. We suggest
this as a further "B" Squadron innovation - Bill will demonstrate how
its done - any time.
Commiserations to Corporal Jacobs who, after recording 3rd highest all-time
score in the Villers-Bretonneux shoot, was pipped by the 18th Battalion team by
two points. Jake has drunk his "winnings" before learning of his
defeat.
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Index
"GRAPPLING
IN THE FOG"
"B"
SQUADRON TOURNAMENT, by N. H. B.
"B" Squadron held an open-air Boxing and Wrestling Tournament at
Turramurra Orderly Room on Saturday, 20th May, 1939, and as entertainment, quite
apart from its fistic and grappling qualities, it was highly successful.
We were greatly appreciative of the presence of the Commanding Officer,
Lieutenant-Colonel D.A. Whitehead, M.C., and Major and Mrs. R.L. Hawke;
particularly in view of the manner in which they held their positions
unflinchingly when a heavy
fog descended after the half-time intermission.
Three out of five boxing contests were won on technical K.O's. Trooper Stacey, a
M.C., won the first bout on points from Trooper Peck of B2, but was beaten in
the final by a troop comrade of Peck's, Trooper Kent. Immediately the
middle-weight two-rounder opened, Trooper Bell, another M.C., planted a beauty
on Trooper Kelly of Bl. This bout ended hilariously with Kelly, in a haze,
grazing the chin of the Referee, Mr. Small, with a beautiful uppercut. Don't
blame Kelly - he didn't know a thing about it. Curtains in Round 1, with Bell
the victor.
The Welterweight heat went to Trooper Harris of B2, with a technical K.O. over
Trooper Slonan of B3 in round 2, and Harris went on to settle matters in the
first round of the final over the body of Trooper Shilton of B5. (All this is
rather tough on B3 isn't it?)
In the wrestling, the Lightweight went to Trooper Mavin of B2, who scored over
Trooper Darby of B5, with one fall to nil, followed by another M.C. victory by
Trooper Bridges in the welterweight heat by two falls. Bridges' opponent was
Sergeant M.Connolly of B5, and the popular Morris was responsible for a lot of
amusement in this bout. Confidentially, your reporter heard him referred to by a
civilian spectator (of the fair sex) as "the man with the bee-autiful,
dazzling smile". Can't you do some good for yourself with it, with the
Pepsodent people, Morris?
The second welterweight wrestling bout resulted in a triumph for the "five
year plan" of Michael Kartzoff of Bl, over Trooper Robinson - again poor
old B5 bit the dust. This was a very entertaining bout. The spectators enlivened
it with a lot of advice to Mike .and several renditions of "The Volga
Boatmen";
and Trooper Robinson, besides putting up a very
gone effort, showed quite a ready wit in his remarks to the audience. The laddy
has personality plus! The Cossack blood and muscle charged to victory here by a
fall in each of Rounds 1 and 5.
The last bout of the evening at Turramurra, where the fog was now drifting
across the arena in a very heavy cloud, was the professional wrestling grapple
between Johnny Para dice, middleweight champion of Australasia, and Curly
Connors, middleweight ditto of Western Australia. This went four rounds, to the
punctuation of remarks by Johnny, "How you lak that, hugh?" But whose
voice was it rumbled from the depths of arms and legs - "That'll fix you,
you....."?
Lieutenant Moss, who had refereed all the wrestling, also had control of this
professional bout. But Johnny resented any control of any kind over his actions,
and when the ref. pointed out to him the error of his ways, he calmly took the
cuff of the latter's trousers, and ripped one leg to the very hairline of
decency - then added a little shirt-ripping for good measure. This didn't amuse
the crowd - not much I
The fourth and last round was little short of riotous. In the final stages there
was a merry little mix-up on the ropes, where Paradice had Curly's
weather-beaten features nicely tied up in the two top strands of the ropes, and
had Referee Moss there in the same predicament to keep bin company. To make it
more interesting, two sergeants junped onto the ringside and endeavoured to
remonstrate gently with Johnny, by means of grasping and heaving on forelocks,
paradice, one. "Immediate action" followed with the release of the
referee, who came out swinging and nearly annihilated one of the rescuing
sergeants. Paradice; in two falls, over four rounds, with soiae healthy dumps*
The finals of the wrestling were held
at Johnny Paradice's gyffi on May 51, and resulted:
HEAVYWEIGHT - Heat 1. Trooper
Ferguson, of B3, defeated Trooper Matheson, some troop, by 2 falls to nil.
HEAVYWEIGHT - Heat 2. L/Cpl. Gould of
Bl defeated Trooper Bridges (M.O,) by S falls to nil.
HEAVYWEIGHT FINAL - L/Cpl. Gould
defeated Trooper Ferguson of B5 by 1 fall to nil. "Fergy" gave a fine
exhibition of skidding-on-the-forehead in this bout, and wore a large area of
sticking plaster very artistically for several days afterwards.
WELTERWEIGHT FINAL
- Trooper Bridges (M.C.) defeated Corporal Kartzoff
(Bl) by 2 falls to nil,
The thanks of the Squadron, are due to Lieut. H.L.
Moss for the organisation of this Tournament, to Captain Meares of the A.A.M.C.
for acting as M.O. at the Turramurra Show; to S.Q.M.S. Magee for his vein of
humor (not always found in those filling the job of timekeeper), to the
committee, and to the willing fellows who came up on the Saturday afternoon and
erected the ring and did other fatigues under the direction of Corporal Kartzoff.
And not forgetting our thanks to Johnny Paradice for the use, without charge, of
his gym for the finals on 31st March, and for the instructive exhibition of
wrestling holds given by him and one of his pupils on that night.
Now bring out your bruisers for the Regimental Tournament in the next camp!
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Index
WIND.
Captain Latchford: Now this is a very
simple problem. We do not have to consider wind at all. There's a flat calm; not
a breath of wind,- except for the vertical wind blowing round the Observation
post,
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Index
150th.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.
TATTOO
AT PARRAMATTA,
Following the Centenary Celebrations in Sydney, Parramatta, in common with a
large number of towns in New South Wales, held a lesser, but nevertheless just
as impressive, celebrations, tied up with their own local history.
In the case of Parramatta, a particularly active Committee, headed by the
Mayor, drew up an ambitious programme covering ten days.
In conjunction with this programme, the Commanding Officer was approached
with a view to producing a Tattoo on the local oval.
The date fixed was near to the Camp of Annual Training, and consequently
caused some misgiving and careful thought before
deciding whether it was possible to produce something worthy of Parraaatta's
Centenary. It was particularly
pleasing that the Regiment should have been asked to carry out this task, as the
old Lancer Barracks there witness to the long association that the Regiment has
-held with that town.
The whole of the resources of the local troops, viz: 1 & 2 of "A"
Squadron, and 1 & 3 of "B" Squadron, were thrown into the
production, and neighbouring Regiments were approached.
The united effort resulted in the drawing up of a programme which was not
only balanced, but presented an eicellent opportunity of showing the public the
capabilities of the various arms engaged.
The theme of the Tattoo was to start with the re-enactaent of the landing of
Governor Phillip in Sydney Cove in 1788, and enactment of the various military
activities in the Colony, finally working up to a display of the various arms in
the mechanised forces of today.
The work put into the enactment of the Landing of Governor Phillip by Gordon
Troop produced a wonderful spectacle, which took the residents of Parramatta by
storm. Even today the
"Huzzas" of the Marines has become, and remains, the battle cry of
Gordon Troop.
Parramatta Troops followed with the Changing of the Guard, in period uniforms of
the Regiments from time to tine billeted in the Parramatta district. In
conjunction with the 21st Field Brigade, also the Cavalry Division, the Battle
of Vinegar Hill, one of the few engagements fought on Australian soil, was
effectively re-enacted.
Items of import were contributed by the Cadet Corps of the King's School, the
14th Field Brigade, and the 20/54 Battalion.
The Tattoo concluded with an aerial attack on a mechanised column moving through
a defile. We have to thank Captain
E. Macarthur-Onslow of "A" Squadron for his first class work and
excellent timing in carrying out the part of the hostile Air Force.
The ground was packed, and despite rain on the previous day, a show well worthy
of the Regiment was given to the public at Parramatta.
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THE
LAY OF THE LOST LORRY,
by
W. 0. ISMEE.
I
had gone to sleep in ray blanket-roll,
With
my hip well-cushioned within a hole;
While
my lorry beneath a Bloodwood tree
Munched at
his petrol contentedly.
I
woke and stretched as the far hills greyed
And
found, to my horror, my lorry had strayed,
(I'd
left him unhobbled the night before
For I
thought him safe, and his hubs we're sore).
And
the heart of me turned to an icicle
For
I'd had him since he was a tricycle;
And
he wouldn't kick me, nor bite, nor buck -
My own - my
beloved - my two ton truck.
But
he'd followed the whispering call of Spring,
And
in search of a mate, gone galloping.
I'd
follow and find him, no matter how far,
For a
Lancer's crippled without his car.
I
whistled and called to bring him back,
And
searched the grasses for sign or track,
But
none were there; and I sadly pondered
Whither my
errant truck had wandered.
I'd
been hunting and searching for nearly a week,
Till
at length I came to a sparkling creek;
And
my dying lorry at last I found
With his
sump-oil staining the grass around.
He
was lying in pain with a broken spring,
With
around him a horrible silent ring
Of
crows, who were waiting to rip and tear,
When he
died, at his lamps and his running gear.
He
was breathing fast, he was nearly done,
And
my hand went down to my Vickers gun.
For
his suffering turned my heart to water,
So I
finished bin off with a belt and a quarter.
"You
were faithful to me my good old pal,
And
I loved you better than any gal,
So
I'll bury you where the crows won't get you;
I'd not
live happy if dingoes ate you."
Though
I had no tools but my own bare hands,
At
last, long last, he was under the sands,
But
I'd no strength left for a sigh or a tear
For I'd
been digging for over a year.
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REGIMENTAL
SPORTS.
The Regimental Sports were held during camp under the
direction of Major Irwin as Marshall of the Sports. The events were keenly
contested and resulted in some very close finishes.
The following are the results:
1.
Lloyd Lindsay Trophy:
1.
Parramatta Troop
2.
Gordon Troop.
2.
Bending Race - Lorry Drivers:
1. Gordon
Troop
2. Parramatta
Troop
3.
Bending Race - Officers
1. Major
Hawke
2. Lieut.
Moss.
4.
Vickers Machine Gun Race
1. Gordon Troop
2. Berry Troop
5.
4 Cav. Fd. Amb. Stretcher Bearing Test:
1. No. 2 Section
2. No.
4 Section
6.
Parcel Race:
1. Ourimbah Troop
2.
Geringong Troop
7. ''Don R" Bending
Race
1. M.C. McCauley
2.
M.C. Sowers
8.
Relay Race (V.M.G.)
1. Gordon
Troop 2.
Blacktown Troop
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Index
BOXING
AND WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
A Boxing and. Wrestling Tournament was held in Camp at Berry, was a great
success. The Tournament was organised by Mr. Moss and a team of willing
assistants. The lighting was carried out by Mr Scott and was
erected by Corporal Kartzoff.
The highlight of the evening was the special "grudge match" between
two prominent professional all-in wrestlers ably assisted by Mr. Moss. The anatomical
complexity which characterised most of the holds these three got themselves
into, was really amazing.. It is understood that they have appeared together in
the ring some 147 times.
It was a pity that suitable opponents could not be found in the boxing section
for Corporal Holmes and Trooper Anthony. Both men are really good boxers and
powerful hitters. Corporal Holmes sportingly fought in a division some two stone
over his weight.
It is hoped that the Tournament this year will be an even greater success and
that the entries will be more representative.
WRESTLING:
Featherweight:
Trooper Davis
Welterweight:
Corporal Kartzoff
Middleweight:
Corporal Gould
Light-Heavyweight:
W.O.II H.B, Staniland
BOXING:
Featherweight:
Trooper Kent
Lightweight:
Trooper Brain
Welterweight:
Trooper Harris
Middleweight:
Trooper Stuart
Light-Heavyweight:
Trooper Anthony
 |
 |
|
Trooper Warren Harris
winning his welterweight tournament |
Detail of photo to left |
Photo above was inserted by the webmaster, it is from the collection of Carmen Hall, Trooper Warren
Harris' daughter. Trooper (later Lance Corporal) Harris served with the
2/3 Pioneer Battalion in
WWII .
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Index
BEACH
DEFENCE.
by
L/BLANK-FILE MELSMITH.
Beach defence was the order of the day for the training of militia units last
year, and this unit, on common with all others, pursued a syllabus of training
designed to fit us to carry out the task which would be ours if enemy troops
were to attempt a landing on our shores.
To all of us then, the highlight of the year's training was the doing of an
actual beach defence scheme on the weekend of 17/18 February, when we carried
out the Great Beery Exercise, which consisted mainly of doing a bit of work on
the beach, under cover of night and numerous bushes (see Notes on Camouflage
Part II.).
In our own private and personal opinion we did all right for ourselves, but the
observers, (who must have had the eyes of a HAWKE to see what we were doing at
all), had to stick their finger in the PYE, and rumour has it that it was their
report which sent the Old Man WHITEHEAD-ed.
But let us be confined to facts. In the beginning, as the Padre would say, See
Oh moved Heaven and Earth, the Dee Eff Oh and all that round him was, and
thereby procured some money, yea, even sufficient for us to go to Beery.
Then See Oh got the Gee One to write a story, all about Blueland and Redland,
which he called a Narrative, and which all the Officers, (well at any rate, some
of the Officers), studied studiously.
But no one could understand it, because the Regiment had no maps, and so they
did not know where they had to go. Anyhow the See Oh and the Ah Ess Em. tossed
and, because it was a double-header, of course KING was on top, and so we went
to Beery.
Now by some inexplicable miracle or other, 1 and 2 Troops, "A"
Squadron left the Lancer Barracks sharp to time, to pick up Turramurra, Ourimbah
and a detachment of the Gordon Highlanders at the overhead, bridge. After
waiting three quarters of an hour, however, it transpired that the Main Roads
Board and the Department of Railways had contrived to connive at a conspiracy so
hard that even Sherlock Holmes (with or without the assistance of Corporal WATSON)
would not have seen through it without an X X X - Ray Plant.
As I was saying, after three quarters of an hour, we found the Northerners
sitting on the other overhead bridge, busily imbibing copious quantities of
S.R.D. The situation being explained to then and oil (Shell) poured on the
troubled waters, someone was heard to remark, "O'SHEA, if I CASH MAN
reshponshible for two bridgesh, I'LL (censored, censored)."
"We're running late, so go on quick" shouted See Oh, but Lord Nuffield
wasn't feeling too well, so he had to go ONSLOW.
By the time we got to where we had to pick up Camden, we were ready for anything
to Appin, but nothing untoward occurred until we were nearly Pass Bulli, when
there was a shattering crash followed by a clattering smash and someone yelled
out "Hey Gordon's KAHTZOS'F the road!" But it wasn't their cart at
all, only two Don Ah's having a bit of collusion - I mean collision.
Unfortunately, we were unable to do anything for them, as L/Cpl. Cooper passed
out when he smelt blood.
We were due to arrive at the Jerry Gong at 2300 hours, on Friday but our Skedule
being skittled by the events her-toforementioned, we hit it (or at least
Pateman's lorry did) at 0400 hours on Saturday.
Making a bee-line for the church where we were to sleep, we uncovered another
vile plot. All the doors and the GATES were locked, which rather put us out for
the night, and compelled us to make use of Ground and Cover (C.S.L. Ch.V). The
ground was all right, but the cover issued to us was totally inadequate. Anyway
there we lay until awakened by a raucous voice (no it wasn't the Ess Ess Em,
only the local butcher crooning "A Taskett, a tiskett, I've lost my little
brisket"). That got us all up, all, that is, except Gordon, who came
straggling out like BROWN'S cows.
After a delectable meal of Stewed??? and cold pot-HAYTEUS (Jerry Gong specials)
we set off for Berry, 1 Tp. A Sqn. going on ahead to take cover off the road and
camouflage their truck. "Did they succeed?" you ask. In answer to
which we refer you to Dunn and Gilbert's immoral classic the Mickey-do wherein
Stinkey-poo sings
"Of
that there is no manner of doubt,
No
possible probable shadow of doubt,
No
manner of doubt what ever."
In fact, so successful were they, that they could not be found all morning, and
the A/Adjt. got real worked up, and was quite LEMONY about it.
Finally we all assenbled. on the beach, where we dug holes and in general
prepared to meet the invader, who; we were told, was positively b_____ villainous.
We would here like to point out, that it is a libellous statement, untrue in
every detail, that 1 Tp, A Sqn. were unable to find their way back from the
beach, and any person making such statement is guilty of an offence under A.M.R.
205 (1) 1i .
At last to bed, where it was so cold that we could not help but think that if it
were a bit LES SUMMER-y it would be wintry; and one of the observers, an Officer
from the S.U.R., reckoned he had never been in a WINDEYER place in all his life.
At dawn on Sunday morning we were ready to defend our shores against the enemy
(represented by a shoal of fish crusing off the beach), and on the command to
fire we succeeded in frightening hell out of everyone bar the aforesaid shoal of
MACKEL.
About this tine it was discovered that the Farrier-Sergeant was missing and a
search party was immediately got up to go find him. Strangely enough, when we
looked in the MOSS likely place for him he wasn't there, and stranger still, the
publican had seen no sign of him. However, he turned up later, quite safe and
sound, and it has since transpired that he passed his time for the duration of
the battle, down the creek emulating the BEEVORS.
And so we said Farewell to Beery, as with flags streaming from See Oh's car, we
reluctantly turned our heads for hone, having done nothing, seen nothing, and
learnt nothing, over what must indubitably go down as one of the most important
holiday week-ends in the history of the Regiment.
-------------------------------
(We have since found out by referring
to the Regimental Nominal Roll, that the perpetrator of the above PEARLES of
wisdom, was not present at the bivouac at all. It appears that he CEARLED up
behind a gunchest for a quiet sleep. The Squadron moved off EARLIER than he
expected, and in the HEARLY-BEARLY of departure he was left behind. He has been
very SEARLY ever since as he believes that a CHEARLISH trick was played upon him
-- THE EDITOR.)
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"TINKLE
TINKLE"
by
"UP FIFTY"
I
grabbed, a V.M.G. one day,
And
took the blighter right away;
I
pulled the belt to fill the gun
You
should have seen the Section run...
I
pulled again, and then begorra!
Tinkle,
tinkle .... Gunner's horror.
I kicked
a corporal Friday night,
And
did I get an. awful bite,
Now
all alone poor harmless me
Doing
fifty days C.B.
Kicking
Corporals wrong, begorra!
Don't
kick corporals....Gunner's horror.
When
I next get out of gaol
I'll
give Hitler mighty "He-il";
Off
to Germany I'll go,
There's
something good they ought to know:
Pulling
belts too much begorra!
Gives
tinkle, tinkle - Gunner's horror.
They'll
give me medal like Sam
I'll
take it too without a qualm,
And
hang it round my neck I will
And
tinkle tinkle to my fill --
And
when they hang me, then....Begorra!
They'll get
tinkle Gunner's horror!
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"C"
SQUADRON NOTES,
by
"POLA"
As the youngest Squadron since motorisation, a few remarks about origin would
not be amiss. In June 1936., Troops were formed at Berry (No.l) and Gerringong
(No.2), the Troop Leaders being Lieutenants W. Scott and H. Chittick
respectively, with Captain P.O. Goleman as Squadron Leader. Although the
Officers and many of the men had previous service, shaking down took some little
time. Memories of the wag from another Squadron who turned out one of the Troops
on a dark night during the first camp as a self-appointed N.C.O. and was not
discovered for some time. Fortunately the Troop had a sense of humour.
That, of course, was nearly three years ago, and will not occur again. Gradually
N.C.O. vacancies were filled, a number of members attended Courses of
Instruction, and in February last the Squadron acquired its No,5 Troop by
re-allotment of the Camden Troop (Lieut. M, Wheat ley) from "A"
Squadron. In. June
of last year Captain Coleman, to the regret of tho
Squadron, transferred to the Reserve of Officers.
Lieutenant L.C. Lemon, from "A" Squadron was appointed Second-in-Command
in February last. At present the
command of tho Squadron is administered by Major A.J. Irwin.
In discussing ourselves with becoming modesty, we have divided the year to 50th
June into periods before, during, and after the November Camp.
During the first two periods "C" Squadron was less one Troop,
and therefore outnumbered by "A" and "B" Squadrons.
Needless to say the superiority of "A" and "B" was
entirely confined to numbers.
The period prior to Comp was occupied mainly with work in preparation for the
collective training in Camp. The Squadron was well represented at the Wing Course held at
Liverpool. The death of Trooper
Bates of No.l Troop, following an illness, occurred in October.
The Squadron regrets the passing of a good comrade and a good soldier.
We had good weather for the Camp at Berry in November, and the Showground proved
an excellent site for the Regiment. The
highlights of the week were the inter-troop competition to represent the
Regiment in the Royston Shield, the Beach Defence Exercise and the Regimental
Ball. Congratulations to Berry Troop for the success in the Royston
Shield, and to the Gerringong Troop for a good effort also. May the success of
Berry Troop be repeated in the final with the 16th Machine Gun Regiment's Troop.
The Beach Defence Exercise commenced with good billets at Albion Park, although
Squadron HQ. might have been less remote and the lighting facilities of the
Troop billets were much envied. Motor
cyclists spent a busy night, completely upsetting the slumbers of the civilian
population. In the early, in fact
very early, hours, the alarm was raised, and troops were to vehicle, and away.
Dawn broke on deserted billets. A
"fictitious" casualty was more successful than a
"fictitious" breakdown later, as he marched out, and the lorry didn't
until "fictitiously" repaired. Followed
the occupation of a defensive position and the construction of fieldworks,
camouflage etc. By this time it was
apparent that our Intelligence had forestalled the enemy, as he failed to appear
before dusk, and luckily for himself did not appear during the night, as he
would have required a Squadron of blacktrackers to find our holiday resorts.
Fortunately, some tracing tapes arrived and good use was made of them in the
"tiger country". At 1930 hours "A" Squadron arrived suddenly and
relieved "C" who arrived at billets in Jamberoo at 2540 hours.
It was discovered during the move there that the table top of a lorry
makes quite a good bed upon occasion.
The Regimental Ball at the Berry School of Arts proved a popular attraction, and
there were few absentees.
Subsequent to the Camp, the outstanding events have been the Brigade Manoeuvre
Exercise in February; the completion of Annual Courses for Machine Gun, Rifle
and Revolver; increased strengths resulting from the Recruiting Campaign, and on
the part of the Berry Troop, intensive training for the Royston Shield
Competition. There was a good attendance at the Royal Review on the King's
Birthday, all Troops being represented.
No, 1
Troop BERRY
By this time we're actually getting quite used to all the bright remarks about
Berry. You know:
1.
"Whom are you going to Berry?"
2.
"Where's the Berryal party?"
5.
Send for Troopers Black, Straw, Dill, Rasp, Mul and Goose!"
4.
"Where's Trooper Logan?"
(tricked you.there - there is a Trooper Logan.)
5.
"Do you suffer from beri-beri?"
In spite of it all, we did Berry well indeed in gaining first place in the
Soyston Shield. Since then we have
been sweating cur guts out training for the inter-Regimental competition against
the 16th Light Horse. We were all
set a1 rearin' to go, when the powers that be postponed the event until
September. Warrant-Officers Ferguson and Cashman, who have been tireless in
their efforts to prepare us for the event, state that we may be in fair shape by
then.
We are glad to hear that Mrs. Scott, wife of our Troop Leader, is well on the
road to recovery after her serious operation.
Corporal Ogilvie, who was seriously injured whilst playing football recently is
now beginning to sit up and take notice. He
is going to Queensland to recuperate for a time, but we hope to have him back in
the Troop before very long. Corporal Priddle, too, is on deck again and looking
more like his old self.
We will be sorry to lose Corporal Bowden who was successful in gaining admission
to the R.A.A. and has transferred to the Permanent Forces.
Max is off to Darwin on July 8th, and we wish bin luck in his new life amongst
the Biaghls, dingoes, dugongs, monsoons, luggers and "glamour boys".
Congratulations to Corporal Priddle and Agar, and Troopers Logan and Skinner on
winning their "Crossed Rifles".
We will conclude on a Berry and Bright note by telling the Regiment here and now
that our home town is often pronounced "Beery".
No. 2
Troop GERRINGONG.
Of course, everybody is anxious to know how we, a crowd of cow-cockies, got such
a magnificent vehicle as our new section lorry. One seldom sees such beauty
outside the car showrooms. It stands out of the ruck like an Illawarra Shorthorn
amongst a mob of stunted, anaemic, brittle-boned Jerseys.
We won't mention here, who owns the truck, or to what purpose it is put in
civilian life. Enough to say that, come a war, a gentleman of a highly
specialised profession will be urgently required in the town of KIAMA.
If anyone doubt the drinking powers of the troop, let him come down and sample
some of the tea brewed by Sergeant Hayter. Real cockles' joy, being a mixture of
tar, M.80, Bovril and treacle - the whole served at a temperature of 212°F.
Congratulations to Trooper Nelson who proved himself the best rifle shot in the
Squadron, also to all those who collected prize-money and badges.
No, 3
Troop CAMDEN.
The Troop is definitely on the up and come.
We are overstrength and have a big waiting list; but what is most
pleasing is the keenness of the Troops. Many
of them live some distance -- up to twenty miles -- from the Drill Hall, and
never miss a parade. In fact for a
time we were holding two parades a week.
We startled the R.Q.M.S. by sending him down some "long rangy"
recruits to be fitted for uniforms. Troopers
Rogers and Bruce (Scots who hae!), really worried him.
It is estimated that if they were placed end to end, they would reach
from the Crown Hotel to the Aerodrome -- that is, if you could get them out of
the former.
No boots were available in Australia big enough for Trooper Rogers, so a special
contract had to be made for their construction.
Messrs. Dorman Long & Co. were the successful tenderers, and the
keels were laid clown early in January. They were finally launched, in the
middle of May. Lieutenant Wheatley
and Corporal Downes have rented one in which to stable their polo ponies, and
Trooper Rogers has built an up-to-date ineubator-roon and brooder-house from the
other.
Since these cornstalks joined the Troop, Captain Onslow has altogether stopped
flying low over the parade ground. He says that there are now four great dangers to low-flying
aircraft; (1) the 2FC wireless mast at Liverpool; (2) Trooper Rogers; (3) the
A.W.A. mast in Sydney; (4) Trooper Bruce.
We offer congratulations to our new N.C.O.s who were recently promoted; Sergeant
Onslow, Corporals Parker and J. Downes. Congratulations
also to Troopers Fairbairn, Ballard and Biddle on being appointed
lance-corporals.
The standard of shooting in the Troop has improved considerably.
Eight members won their "M.G. in Wreath": Corporals Jacknan,
Smith, Parker; Lance-corporals Biddle and Fairbairn, and Troopers Skinner, M.
Small and Rogers. (That man again). Trooper Parker also won his "Crossed
Rifles". In addition, Corporal
Jackman was the best M.G. shot in the Regiment and Corporal Smith the best
Revolver shot. We entered eight
teams in the Villers-Bretonneux, and Corporal Parker's team. gained fifth place.
Although we are now attached to "C" Squadron, we sometimes have a
visit from "A" Squadron H.Q,. It
appears that the Crown Hotel stocks some very good whiskey.
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"WUNEMMAGEE"
BEING
ODDS AND SODS GENERALLY.
WAS HIS FACE RED !
An. unorthodox development in Vickers
gun firing was displayed recently by a prominent "B" Squadron officer
in the course of a shoot at Chatswood Rifle Range. Demonstrating to recruits tho
correct method of firing a gun he caused his tripod (the legs of which had,
apparently been prepared for this manoeuvre) to subside 'by vibration to the
position of "lowest possible mounting". It was an extremely
interesting exhibition, greatly appreciate! by those who witnessed it. The
performance was inpronptu, which enhances its nerit,
We venture to say that with more
careful preparation, this officer could evolve more difficult drill of
considerable benefit to the Regiment.
He claims no special distinction for
the manoeuvre, however, and we understand that it is attributable to
cavalryman's initiative.
COOKER.
It is rumoured that a certain S.Q,.M.S. has trouble in making his cook
understand his orders. We suggest
that he have large cards printed bearing the necessary orders.
For example:
1.
Take the chop out of the stew. There's
another meal in it yet.
2.
More water in the stew - it's getting thick.
3.
I said to put salt in the porridge, not SALTS.
4.
Go easy with that stuff on the pudding.
It's M.80, not treacle.
Those are just a few. They could be
printed in Hebrew, Polish, Gaelic,
Esperanto and Sanskrit.
EXPLICIT.
Squadron Leader: "Now you blokes, if you look at the bottom right hand
corner of the map, you'll find a little how-d'ye-do thing. If you cut this out
you'll annoy the Defence Department considerably. But if you do, put it so that
the what-have-you is on the point indicated; you will then be able to read the
what-do-you-call-it quite easily. D'ye follow?"
EPIGRAM:
"I know two things about a horse, And one of then is rather coarse,"
This well-known epigram night, with some truth, be regarded as representing the
sum-total of many a modern lancer's knowledge of the horse and horse-mastership.
No doubt the Old Hands would use it as a sneer at new-comers.
But the modern Lancer (I.C. engined) might well reply:
Whatever you say about Cavalry (Horsed), WE don't need a shovel for gases
(exhaust)."
WAISTUBE:
R.S.M. (to plump recruit): "Now you're in the army young feller, you'll
have to reduce your waist line a bit".
Plump Recruit: "Ha! Ha! How about you Boss?"
"Q":
It is reported that before his appointment as Adjutant, Mr. Gaites was Quartermaster
with the A.S.C. He runs a car.
The R.S.M. was formerly R.Q.M.S. He also runs a car!
The R.Q.M.S. likewise runs a car - of sorts,
The Assistant R.Q..M.S. runs an automobile - so-called.
Also the Assistant-Assistant-R.Q.M.S. runs a flivver.
But Staff-S.M. O'Shea, the assistant R.S.M., has never had the good fortune to
hold down a "Q," job. He just runs,
"LAY!"
Capt. X. A.I.C.: You people are
supposed to be highly-trained, highly-paid machine-gunners; but you're too slow.
Some of you take longer to lay than a Black Orpington.
We don't want any egg-bound gunners here!
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THE
QUESTION BOX.
by
TROOPER TRIX
Since "B.5" first saw light of day sone six months ago, many pertinent
questions have been asked and not answered.
Whether those questioned didn't know, or whether they were under the impress-ion
that the new troopers weren' t old enough" is a moot point. However, this
was thought to be a suitable opportunity to put a few of the rarer type on paper
with some suggested answers,
Q.l. Are the Proper Authorities
considering the inclusion in their Syllabus of
Training of a chapter along these lines "A
Machine-Gunner's 1st 50 rounds - Atmosphere necessary and reactions pertaining
thereto?"
Ans. Neither Sgt. Connolly nor Lieut.-General
Squires seemed to know - couldn't think of any one else who might know, either.
Q.2. How does W/0 Staniland find out
who doesn't attend. Troop Luncheons when he never goes himself?
Ans, Refused to talk - try
"Truth".
Q.3. Who is the author of jokes held
at troop "Smokoes"?
Ans. Several answers have been
suggested - take your pick: Henry VIII, Lieut Moss, Stanley Holloway.
Q.4. Has Mr, Brown patented his idea
for an automatic, collapsible, shot dropping, oblique traversing tripod?
Ans, Mr. Brown did reply, but the
answer was censored.
Q.5, Is there anybody in the Regiment
the R.S.M, does like?
Ans, We believe he did have a life
long pal, but be was unfortunately killed in
the Crimean War.
Q.6. Did one of the "B.I'S"
lorries cone from the Black Soil Plains for the
Review?
Ans. We understand not. Perhaps some
member of No.l Troop is an exterior decorator, or perhaps it was a practical
demonstration of disruptive painting.
The above questions and answers might
well be assimilated by No.5 Troop "B" Squadron, and the Regiment as a
whole. Additional information nay be ac-quirod by assiduous study of the Vickers
Hand Book.
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LAST
POST.
We regret to record the passing of Honorary Major-General George Leonard Lee,
C.M.G., D.S.O., on 14th April, 1939.
He had a distinguished career, the early part of which was as a member of the
Lancers.
He enlisted as a trooper in the Regiment in 1889 and four months later was prmoted
to commissioned rank. Three years later he joined the Permanent Forces and was
appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He later became Commandant of the Cavalry
School of Instruction.
He sailed with the first draft of reinforcements from N.S.W. for the Aldershot
Squadron of the Lancers who were serving in the South African War and after
reaching the Squadron, of which he took command, on 1st December, 1899, he was
present at every action of the Squadron except Brandfort in May 1900. He was
specially mentioned for distinction by Field-Marshal Lord Roberts and received
the D.S.O. and Queen's Medal with six clasps.
On his return he was appointed A.A.G. and Chief Staff Officer in Victoria and
latter was Commandant of several Military Districts.
In 1916 he was appointed a temporary
Brigadier-General and in 1918 an Hon. Major- General. -He was A.D.C. to H.E. the
Governor-General from 1915 to 1920.
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THANKS
We owe a debt of gratitude, and our
thanks, to the following for their assistance in publishing of this the first
number of our Journal.
Major E.K. Prior and Ted Scorfield
of the Bulletin, for permission to reproduce one of their excellent drawings;
Mr. C.T. Stephens for the design of
the cover,
Miss A. I. Ring and Mr. E. Warren,
whose efforts made the actual work of publication possible;
and lastly, contributors throughout
the Regiment who have supplied the material.
Reproduced by the
NSW Lancers Memorial Museum Incorporated 2001
enquiries@lancers.org.au
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