Ivan Dean, Speeches Index

Thursday 12 November 2009

SIXTH FIELD REGIMENT ASSOCIATION

Mr DEAN ( Windermere ) - Madam President, the matter that I wish to speak about was probably more appropriate for yesterday, as it refers to the 6th Field Gunners Association. The 6th Field Gunners Association remains in existence today and meets annually at Launceston. At the meeting on 17 October, I had the honour of being elected as their patron.

The association is made up of a proud group of men who served with the 6th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, also known as the 16th Field Battery, RAA. The wives and partners of these fine men have also been welcomed into that association. The oldest member of the group attending on that Saturday was Mr Max Croft aged 94 years. He would be known to the member for Launceston, I would suspect, and others from Launceston. In fact a fit-looking Mr Croft was able to pass on some interesting anecdotes of his time in the military and with the 6th Field Regiment.

This group, unfortunately, because of age and time, are dwindling and each year that I attend there are less and less in this group. The 16th Field Battery, RAA can trace its origins back to 6 June 1860, and it still proudly proclaims and retains its heritage as one of the nation's oldest and finest artillery units still in existence.

If the attitude and character of the diggers I lunched with on 17 October is an example of those who have served and are now serving in the unit, then they have every reason to lay claim to being amongst the finest of Australia's fighting units. The 14th Field Brigade Unit commenced in 1916, with the 9th and 17th batteries being designated to that unit in 1919.

The 9th and 17th batteries fought at Gallipoli and in France. Since that time, a number of name changes resulted from brigades uniting and the 16th battery was renamed in 1912 and was stationed in Launceston. The 6th Field Regiment, RAA was named in 1956 and was stationed at Paterson Barracks in Launceston. These barracks are still used to this day for training purposes and it houses a museum, and artillery and cadets now train there on a regular basis.

The fine group of people that I dined with on 17 October trained at Brighton following their conscription into the military. They, like me, were honoured to serve their country. They made that clear on 17 October when I was dining with them. However, some of these people were transferred from existing units. These veteran artillery men assisted in making the 6th a prestigious unit, one that I am told was the envy of other units at the time.

As I walked into the dining room on Saturday, I noticed a small table set up in the corner but no-one sitting in the lone chair. As the day moved on, the significance of the table was made known to all and the following detail was read out. I will quickly go through it if my time permits.

'Our brothers, our fallen comrades that are missing in action, are unable to be with us today, so we remember them with this table setting and offer reverence to their memory.

Remember

The tablecloth is white, symbolising the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. The napkin is black, representing the empty place their absence has left in the hearts of thousands of family members and friends across many nations.

Remember

The single lighted candle reminds us of the flame of eternal life; that our fallen comrades will be with us always.

Remember

The single rose, displayed in a vase, is symbolic of the immense sacrifices and untold hardships endured by our missing and fallen warriors. The rose's red colour symbolises the love of home and country that led them to such sacrifices.

Remember

A sliver of lemon sits on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate. There is salt on the bread plate - symbolic of the tears shed by their loved ones.

Remember

The glass is inverted - for they cannot toast with us today.

Remember

The chair is empty - they are not here.

Remember

Remember - all ye who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their strength and comfort and relied upon them - remember them, for they must not be forgotten.'

It was an honour to dine with these men and women and hear some of their stories. The members of this group are dwindling and, as with the passing of Mr Lloyd Saunders only about six to seven weeks ago, the member who was responsible for setting up the 6th Field Gunners Association.

I take this opportunity to pass kudos to this fine group of men and women. I specifically mention Mr Stokes - MC; Mr Ray Tilley, who would be known to many who, following a bad run of health looked a million dollars on that Saturday; and the president, Mr Harold Mullins and his good wife, Heather, secretary, who have worked tirelessly for the association. It is a fine association and I am extremely proud to now be the patron of that association.

Return To Main Page.

Return To Speeches.