Tracks Magazine - August 1955

A couple of decades ago I was travelling through northern NSW and called in to see Archie McDonald, an old 1 Armoured Regiment LAD mate. Archie had kept his copy of the first issue of the Regiment's glossy magazine, Tracks — August 1955. It is this magazine that is re-produced below

This being the first issue of the Regimental Magazine, this writing covers incidents from 1st January, 1954.

This month saw many changes in the Squadron, the highlight being the move with the Regiment to Lonsdale Bight Camp for a month by the sea. Training was carried out there for the Royal Visit duties, together with plenty of sport and recreation. For the move down we went by train and, at Dysart siding, the S.S.M. reported to the O.C. "All Present and Entrained", whereupon the C.O. arrived in his car with three troopers from the Squadron who somehow missed the parade and were all set to hitch-hike when rescued by the C.O. The Squadron was well represented in all Guards of Honour for Her Majesty the Queen, and carried out their duties well.

On return to Puckapunyal, apart from further ceremonial training, interest was held by the various annual Regimental competitions. The Hickmott Cup for inter-squadron athletic competition was won by B Squadron from us by the narrow margin of two points, after a most exciting tussle for the whole day. Congratulations, B Squadron! The Wilson Cup competition for inter-squadron competition in small arms practices was taken by "A" Squadron - ourselves third. The Ives Cup for squadron cleanliness and area layout and drill competition, however, came to rest with us, despite later rude remarks that the squadron garden seemed to die the night after the final judging.

From June to September, 1954, routine activity and training took all our time. Then came the news that the Regiment had to move a squadron to Watsonia Camp and take over Southern Command guards and duties from D Company, 2 R.A.R.

A composite squadron, commanded by Major W. E. Beauchamp, was despatched, H.Q. Squadron providing the bulk of troops. A ceremonial guard change was carried out at Austin Hospital between D Company, 2 R.A.R., and the Reconnaissance Troop mounted in their vehicles. Christmas Day was made memorable for this hospital when the squadron banded together and bought presents for all the children, S.S.M. Wood being a very genial Santa Claus.

January, 1955, saw this squadron return from Watsonia, and H.Q. Squadron once again took shape with Major M. R. T. Tripp as O.C. - Major Beauchamp having left the Regiment was last seen wearing a cloak and carrying a rather sharp dagger. Good luck, Major Beauchamp.

The Regiment again moved to Lonsdale Bight Camp in February and the squadron lost itself in a flurry of sport, battle efficiency tests and annual small arms practices. We were narrowly beaten by A Squadron for the swimming cup. B Squadron successfully defended possession of the Hickmott Cup at the athletic meeting. Our day came on the Geelong Rifle Range when we scooped the pool, winning the Small Arms Teams Cup and the Wilson Cup for the member with the highest aggregate in the small arms teams cup competition. Congratulations to Tpr. Wyman (Training Troop) on his fine effort and Tpr. Bridges (Transport) on being a very close runner-up.

Returning from Lonsdale and settling down we said goodbye to 2/Lieut. C. S. Connor (Reconnaissance Troop) and welcomed his replacement, 2/Lieut. J. McEnerney, from B Squadron. S.Q.M.S. Crossland is valiantly carrying on with the job of S.S.M. during the absence of S.S.M. Wood at the Armoured School on course. As these notes are going to press, Reconnaissance Troop are preparing for a nine-day exercise and the Squadron is reshuffling its position in the unit area to make room for C Squadron which is returning from Sydney after an absence of more than two years.

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