Authored by:

Christopher Jobson
Royal Australian Artillery

"LOOKING FORWARD LOOKING BACK"
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY

“Every Army marches to the tune of its customs and traditions. The customs and traditions of the Australian Army reflect the often glorious legacies that define the Army of today. They are visible acknowledgements of the history that has shaped the character, the values and the pride of Australia’s modern Army and those who serve in its ranks.”

Lieutenant General D.J. Hurley, AO, DSC, Vice Chief of the Defence Force

Looking Forward, Looking Back – Customs and Traditions of the Australian Army explores the Australian Army’s rich and proud history. Our Army’s customs and traditions are far from static; they are dynamic as they evolve and adapt just like the Army itself. More than anything, they instill a strong sense of belonging in our Diggers. The teamwork, pride, discipline and respect of the past continue to inspire our present modern day Army.

The Australian Army boasts a broad variety of traditions, some of which belong to the Service as a whole, others to a particular corps, regiment or rank. These customs and traditions vary: some are solemn, others are humorous and still others incorporate the rules of social etiquette, manners and style.

Many of the Australian Army’s customs and traditions are derived from the battle tactics and fighting attire of old. Some of the drill movements seen on today’s parade ground, for example, were originally practiced by soldiers in battle. Various parts of the Aussie soldier’s uniform had practical uses in combat and some customs retain their original use as they did hundreds of years ago.

While the ever-changing modern military environment means that soldiers continue to look forward, looking back to the Australian Army’s customs and traditions serves as a constant and reassuring reminder of past victories and how far we have traveled so far.

Looking Forward, Looking Back, will ensure that some of the military heritage that created the foundations of the fighting force of today is not lost over time.

DVD
"THEY'LL COME LOOKING FOR YOU"
The Battle of Fire Support Base CORAL, Vietnam 1968

A “must have” story of Australian Artillery in the front line in South Vietnam.

Whether you are a Gunner, a military aficionado or just someone who appreciates the stories of men fighting for their lives and their country, you must have a copy of this DVD.

Real time footage and photos from 1968 and today – each man telling their own personal stories.  Includes interviews with a senior North Vietnamese Army officer who fought at Coral!

Available from selected stockists or direct from the Regiment Association – order one today! To purchase your copy visit the 12 Field Regiment (Vietnam) Association website.

"THE GUNNER'S DOCTOR" VIETNAM LETTERS By David Bradford

I am informed that this book has been written by the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) for the 106th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery during their first tour of Vietnam, David Bradford.   This book would of course be of significant interest to all those Vietnam Veterans' who served in the 106th Field Battery RAA on their 1st Tour and to those with an interest not only in the period/conflict but also those with a keen interest in Artillery.

The book is available from Dymocks Book Stores throughout Australia who were kind enough to provide the above image of the books cover.

"4th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery - Historical Guide

ARTHUR BURKE, OAM, Colonel Commandant RAA Northern Region and Honorary Historian, 4th Field Regiment RAA has authored a book that outlines the Historical events of the 4th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, from its inception in 1856 in Victoria up to today's unit in the Ready Deployment Force in Townsville.
All proceeds from the books sale go directly to the development of the 4th Field Regiment Historical Collection.

The Curator

4th Field Regiment RAA Historical Collection

Chau Pha Lines

Lavarack Barracks

TOWNSVILLE  Q  4813

Is a fascinating and vivid account of the unique characteristics that shape an Australian soldier.

An Australian's eyewitness account of the Kibeho Massacre by Terry Pickard

Combat Medic, An Australian's eyewitness account of the Kibeho Massacre is a personal account of one Australian soldier who found himself at the centre of events that shocked the world, and the personal toll that he paid.
Author Terry Pickard, a seasoned soldier and medic, was one of a 32 strong force of Australian UN peacekeepers in Kibeho on the 22nd of April 1995 when more than 4000 Rwandans were massacred and thousands more injured.   No one who walked away from that day was ever the same again.
The horror and unimaginable tragedy of the Kibeho Massacre still looms large in the lives of Rwandans and the people sent to help them.   Terry Pickard's army career spanned nearly 20 years and more than 15 years after Rwanda he continues to struggle with post traumatic stress (PTSD) triggered by his experiences.
Combat Medic details the lead up to the Kibeho, the massacre and Terry's ongoing struggle with PTSD in an honest, open and emotional account of this dark day in history.

A collection of true stories from Aussie Soldiers by Denny Neave

Soldiers' Tales, edited by Denny Neave, is a unique collection of entertaining, touching and humorous stories.   Spanning from World War 1 to the current conflict in Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, Australian soldiers share those stories and anecdotes usually saved for ANZAC Day or a catch up with mates.
In a tribute to the Aussie Digger this unique book is a treasure trove of personal experiences and insights told by our Australian soldiers in their own words.   Their stories are sometimes emotional, often funny but always entertaining.
From the pyramids of Egypt where a pint sized captain used lateral thinking to gain respect, ANZAC day on the porch with Banjo, or a scorpion in the pants in Vietnam, their stories showcase the laconic sense of humour and spirit of Aussie diggers.
A collection of yarns to warm the heart, bring a smile to your face or a tear to the eye.   Soldiers' Tales will delight readers of all ages and linger on well after the book has been put aside.   It is a tribute to all soldiers, past and present, whose actions and compelling stories enrich our lives.   The perfect gift for all ages.

Available in Australia
in 2009

Click Image Above
For link to Bookstore

Royal ArtilleryGlossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Philip Jobson

Since its creation in 1716, the Royal Artillery has been a cornerstone of the British Armed Forces, as their motto Ubique, ‘Everywhere’, implies. In this book Philip Jobson has collated the enormous and complex artillery lexicon which has accumulated since that day, as dynamic as its subject to keep pace with technical and tactical innovation. The development of indirect fire, counter-battery, anti-tank and anti-aircraft fire all required a novel vocabulary, as did advances in survey and locating. Changes in communication from shouts, to flags, to line, to radio, to compressed data transmission all left their mark on the language.

*   The only available glossary of Royal Artillery terms.
*   Includes illustrations and photos.
*   Tracks the changes in the language of calculation and fire orders.

Philip Jobson is Chairman of South London District Royal Artillery Association, Secretary of the South East Region Royal Artillery Association, Secretary of Woolwich and Plumstead Branch Royal Artillery Association and Secretary of the Friends of Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich. He has been researching this book for the past twenty years.