A collection of stories from members in 2/10 Lt Bty (as part of 5/6 RVR) and later 2/10 Bty in 9 Regt, RAA.
- 2/10 Bty – M2A2 Salute Course/DET CMD Course (18 Jan 25 – 19 Jan 25)
Despite the sweltering conditions, the heat could not deter us from all aspects of this course! From learning how to move the guns, bringing them in and out of action, strip and assemble as well as the movements of a ‘Salute’.
Teamwork was vital throughout the course, particularly during the physically taxing exercises of manoeuvring the guns and getting them in and out of action. Every member of the team played a critical role, from the initial effort to haul the guns into position, getting them into action, packing the gun up, and moving to a new location. Together, we honed our ability to work efficiently and effectively under challenging conditions.
The training covered an extensive array of skills essential to our craft. We learned how to safely move the guns, executing the intricate process of bringing the guns in and out of action, as well as stripping the breach. Firing drills emphasized both precision and safety, while miss-fire drills reinforced our ability to act quickly and confidently under pressure.
The Salute course has not only sharpened our technical abilities but also strengthened the bonds within the unit. The experience underscored the importance of resilience and teamwork, preparing us to perform at our best, no matter the conditions.
(Note, serving members’ names have been removed)
GNR Miles
The Salute course in Tasmania was also completed on the same weekend to qualify 1 member from 2/10 and 3 external members from 2FSB.
- 2/10 Bty – FPAT Weekend (1-2 Feb 25)
The battery training weekend held on the 1st and 2nd of February focused on a setting the battery up for the year. One of the key components was getting force preservation training done for the year ensuring gunners are up to date with latest army policies. Additionally, the yearly BFA was held giving gunners a chance to baseline their fitness after the Christmas break.
A highlight of the weekend was the barbecue put on by Young Veterans Australia. This provided a chance for everyone to catch up after the Christmas break and promote team spirit.
Sunday PT was dedicated to practical skills, focusing on how to correctly lift a pack and pace counting while on the move, this training will aid in preparing gunners for training to occur throughout the year. The day concluded with cleaning and reorganising areas of the depot ensuring it is an enjoyable place to attend for the year.
Overall, the weekend combined finishing off important admin for the year, ensuring the battery is ready for a busy year to come as well as giving everyone a chance to reconnect after the Christmas break.
GNR C Gladwin
Screenshot - 2/10 Bty – Australia Day Gun Salute 2025 (VIC) (26 Jan 25)
The forecourt stretched out, stark and orderly, with four weathered M2A2 howitzers standing in a commanding line facing Melbourne’s skyline. Behind them, the stairs to the Shrine loomed, a backdrop of solemn significance. The crowd had gathered at the top, a mixture of silent anticipation and scattered murmurs. Others lined the boundary perimeter, craning their necks and their camera phones for a better view of the ceremony about to unfold.
We were dressed in our pressed uniforms, brass adornments gleaming, and the iconic tilted slouch hats complete with the “Rising Sun”. The black belts and coloured lanyards contrasted sharply against our khaki “polys”, every detail a reflection of discipline and tradition. The M2A2s, relics of another era, stood as symbols of history and sacrifice.
The Battery Sergeant Major’s voice cut through the stillness, commanding us to form up. We stood at attention behind our guns. Then at precisely noon, Lieutenant Huang’s order to fire broke the silence. Gun number one roared into action. I caught the expended shell as smoke billowed out, the sharp scent of gunpowder filled the forecourt. Brass clattered against the steel breeches, the rhythm unbroken: fire, unload, reload. Each shot rippled through the ground like a disciplined cacophony of sound until all 21 rounds had echoed through the air.
By the final shot, the grounds of the Shrine were thick with smoke and reverence. Shoulder to shoulder with my comrades, the legacy of the Gunner spirit resonated. This was more than ceremony—it was a tribute to tradition, a timeless honour, and a bond with those who came before.
GNR A Laverty
- 2/10 Bty – Albert Jacka Catafalque Party 2025 (19 Jan 25)
This article was written by GNR A Lim who participated in the annual Albert Jacka Catafalque party to commemorate the death anniversary of the first WW1 Victoria Cross recipient. This was his third year participating in this ceremony.
On 19th January 2025, I took part in the annual Albert Jacka Catafalque Party with other members from 2/10 Battery, 9th Regiment to commemorate the life of Albert Jacka, the first Victoria Cross recipient from WWI. We gathered at St Kilda Cemetery to pay our respects on the 93rd anniversary of his death on 19 Jan 25.
Other members who joined me were GNR Lok, GNR Singh, GNR Shen, Private Anagnostakis and BDR Hoeboer. The day was a scorcher in Melbourne, 35 degrees on a Sunday, but we pushed on. We arrived at Sargood at 1000, with a series of rigorous catafalque drills under the watchful eye of our newly promoted BDR Hoeboer who was the guard commander. We practised the drills over and over to ensure we looked in unison and professional. Our newest Artillery officer, Lieutenant Paige, was eager to join us and was clearly passionate about military drills being a former Gunner himself, which brought a positive energy to the group.
By 1300, we arrived at the cemetery, where we practised our slow march until 1400 when the ceremony commenced. At 1400 we slow marched from the entrance of the ceremony to Albert Jacka’s gravesite. We stood at rest on arms as the ceremony began, with speeches from officials and Jacka’s descendants. Despite the summer heat of 35 degrees, we remained disciplined throughout the ceremony, remembering to wiggle our toes and not to be remembered as that guy who went down with heat.
As the Ceremony went on with more speeches and audience laying wreathes down, it finally finished but the local Mayor forgot to dismiss us from our positions and we stood there for another 10 minutes at attention before the Mayor realised he forgot about us and asked the audience to stand for the Catafalque party to dismount.
After the catafalque party concluded, the crowd applauded our efforts and several former servicemen shared their appreciation, noting how well we managed in the intense heat. It felt rewarding to know that our hard work had paid off, and we were able to deliver a fitting tribute to a true Australian hero.
GNR A Lim
- New UAS for the Battery
Thanks to SGT Tim De La Zilwa for the following.
This year 9 REGT RAA will receive its latest addition to the ever expanding fleet of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) being the Skylark Long-Endurance SUAS+ platform (pictured), introduced into service by the Israeli backed OEM Elbit Systems of Australia. The system slots in at the top of the current suite of UAS as now the largest platform used for Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR).
The Skylark is typically operated by a crew of 2, has an increased range of up to 40km (pending electronic line-of-sight), an increased flight time of up to 3 hours and can be operated up to a ceiling altitude of 5,000m AMSL. The System is comprised of a Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), Ground Data Terminal (GDT), Ground Control Station (GCS) and Ground System Equipment (GSE). It is launched via a pegged bungee cable and self-recovered using an on-board inflatable air-bag.
The Regiment has qualified its initial cohort of remote pilots over two courses which recently ran at the Puckapunyal Military Area in June and July. The Regiment is set to receive a fleet of 8 systems which will be distributed around the various Batteries with its primary use case targeted for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).