The Top Ender Magazine August September 2023 Edition

FREEDOM OF
ENTRY MARCH
WHAT DOES THE FREEDOM OF ENTRY MARCH
REPRESENT?
The tradition of freedom of entry to a city originates from a custom of
British regiments when marching through the City of London. The Fathers
of the City of London claimed that they had the right to forbid bodies of
armed troops from marching through the city precincts with bayonets fixed,
Colours flying, and music playing. This custom was used to ensure the
civilian authority had control of the Army and appears to have originated
shortly after Charles II became King in 1660.
HOW IS 8/12 RAA REGIMENT INVOLVED WITH THE
EVENT?
The custom of granting freedom of entry to a city is a privilege extended to
military units which have had a close association with the city in question.
Due to the close relationship between the 8th/12th Regiment, Royal
Australian Artillery and the city of Palmerston, the Lord Mayor has given
permission for the Regiment to exercise our freedom of entry in
celebration of the Regiment’s 50th Birthday.
WHAT ARE SPECTATORS GOING TO SEE DURING THE
MARCH?
The parade will consist of three Batteries of soldiers (about 250 soldiers in
total) from the Regiment, the Band of the 1st Brigade, the Banner of the
Late Queen Elizabeth the Second, and four M777 Howitzers (the guns). The
soldiers will form up, official guests will arrive, the Lord Mayor will inspect
the troops, and the Regiment will salute the citizens of Palmerston. After the
departure of the official guests, the Regiment will march through the City of
Palmerston, where it will be “challenged” by the senior Police Officer. This
practice pays homage to the tradition where the senior civil authority
would ensure the Regiment had the permission of the Lord Mayor before
entering the city. The march will proceed clockwise, circumnavigating the
Boulevard and Palmerston Cct, finishing near Goyder Park.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE MARCH BEING HELD?
In the late afternoon on 22 Sept 23, the Regiment will conduct the parade
on the Boulevard and Palmerston Cct, in vicinity of Goyder Park
Palmerston. The parade will last about 30 minutes and will run during the
Goyder Park Markets.
After the parade, the Regiment will station the guns near the Goyder Park
Markets where the public is invited to see the guns up close and speak to
the men and women of the Regiment. It is a fantastic opportunity for the
people of Palmerston to come out and meet the soldiers of the Regiment
and help us celebrate 50 years of serving Australia.
FREEDOM OF ENTRY MARCH
22 SEPTEMBER - PALMERSTON
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
8 th /12 th Regiment is celebrating
50 years since the 8 th Medium
Regiment and 12 th Field
Regiment amalgamated at
Holsworthy Barracks in 1973.
Today, 8 th /12 th Regiment RAA
provides field artillery support
to the 1 st Brigade in Darwin.
Written by LTCOL Sam
Colclough
Commanding Officer
8 th /12 th Regiment, RAA
EVERYMANS SERVICE
INTERVIEW WITH PETER HARVIE
2DIV EWS REP & MCF-A REP RANDWICK BARRACKS
BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR MILITARY
BACKGROUND / CONNECTION:
I reflect on Grandfather James who served in the Australian
Airforce. Also, his brother Uncle Jack of the NZ Army. A Scottish
Padre on the battlefield saw Uncle Jack losing his foot and had
him moved from a line to be buried into another line, to go to
hospital. Uncle Jack went on to have four children. My Great
Grandfather Robert was in the British Navy and posted on
HMS Mantua and died on SS LAVERNOCK, 2,406grt,
defensively-armed, 17 September 1918, 5 miles SW from
Trevose Head, Cornish Coast, torpedoed without warning and
sunk by submarine, 25 lives lost including Master while on the
return home to Scotland.
I’ve worked at Army, Navy & Airforce bases and am currently
working full time at Randwick Barracks. I’m grateful to friends
that have served and helped me immensely in my early career
in Government roles - I have met many great friends over a few
decades.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT EVERYMAN’S?
Through my role at Randwick Barracks, I became familiar with
Everyman’s and felt compelled to seek involvement. Additionally,
I was having meetings with Defence members via Military
Christian Fellowship of Australia, headed up at Randwick
Barracks by a retiring Army Major Damien “Damo” Batty, who
on the lead up to his retirement, asked if I would take on the
role of MCF-A Rep at Randwick Barracks. I checked with
Everyman’s CCOM Ken Matthews and I was encouraged to
proceed. I enjoy meeting with and encouraging Defence
members and families. I’m also grateful that in return, I have
received much encouragement.
I recently attended an Everyman’s conference at Gaza Ridge
Barracks, North Bandiana with my wife Donna, and this gave a
tremendous opportunity to really get to know others in
Everyman’s Welfare Service. At the conclusion of the
Conference, Donna and I continued on to Mornington to
meetup with a Defence mate who lives there with his young
family. I initially met this friend at Randwick Barracks a couple of
years back. On this trip to Mornington, we delivered a family
Bible to them. Through this Bible, they can share in God’s word
as well as record family events and family history.
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
Please support us to support the ADF - you can
donate online to support this project - https://
www.everymans.org.au/donate-now/
Everyman’s Welfare Service
Everyman’s Welfare Service
02 6053 5288
PO Box 8 BANDIANA MILPO VIC 3694
admin@everymans.org.au
46 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 47