Tracks Magazine - August 1955

"Archie" McDonald - 1955

Ron Bond - 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

In October, 1954, it became the task of the Regiment to form a Squadron to take over from "D" Company, 2 R.A.R., as caretakers of Watsonia Military Camp. Accordingly, "C" Squadron was raised.

This Squadron was in the unique position of bearing the title of a sabre squadron, while it comprised mainly H.Q. Squadron personnel in the form of the Reconnaissance Troop and "A", "Q" and Transport staffs. The remainder of the Squadron consisted of one Tank Troop from each "A" and "B" Squadrons and two members from the Light Aid Detachment, with Major W. E. Beauchamp from H.Q. Squadron as O.C.

L. Richard Photograph.

"The occupation began most impressively
with a ceremonial take-over
at the Austin Hospital."

On arrival in Melbourne, the occupation began most impressively with a ceremonial takeover at the Austin Hospital. The Reconnaissance Troop performed very well and impressed the spectators with their drill and bearing. Of course, the Ferret Scout Cars added much to the glamour of the occasion.

After a week of occupation, it became evident that the three aims of the Squadron, namely, to maintain the camp, to provide the Guard for Albert Park and to carry out such training as was practicable, could not be satisfied, with the result that training suffered. Southern Command made great call on the resources of the Squadron and it was not uncommon to find that there were only about ten men left in camp and these were required for camp duties.

Approximately two weeks after arrival in this idyllic setting, it was decided to change Major Beauchamp's title from O.C., "C" Squadron, to that of "Squire of Watsonia and Appended Territories". He was often to be seen inspecting, on foot, his baronial estate carrying a large club, with which he used to call down the wrath of the gods upon the cows, which at odd times would litter the parade ground, much to the chagrin of the S.S.M.

Two courses were run by the Squadron while at Watsonia. One was a short course in driving and servicing the Ferret Scout Car for the newly formed armoured troop of the Melbourne University Regiment, while the other was a six weeks' course for potential National Service instructors for R.A.E.M.E personnel. Both courses ended successfully, but the potential instructors' course did not seem to appreciate the ten-mile route march held "the morning after the night before", which was their course break-up party.

On this occasion, the S.S.M., W02 "Logga" Wood, pressed two nine-year-old boys into the service of Her Majesty and forced them to march back to camp as punishment for ambushing the party. On arrival in camp, he dismissed the course and juveniles, after informing the latter to report back on the following Saturday morning for two hours' drill. They astounded him by asking him the time at which they should report. This goes down to posterity as the first time the S.S.M. has been tried and found wanting for words.

Reconnaissance Troop were able to carry out training, as they had their vehicles with them. They made a reconnaissance to Portsea and demonstrated the capabilities of the Ferret Scout Car to the staff and cadets of the Officer Cadet School. To use the cliche, "a good day was had by all".

As Christmas drew near, it was decided that a barbecue should be held. This was a great success, with Capt. "Mac" Forbes giving out with a solid beat on the squeeze box. Trooper N. R. Irving and Cpl. "Blue" Gordon both added to the merriment; the former with his rifle exercises on the march, and the latter with his speedy ascent of and even speedier descent from trees. Unfortunately, Cpl. Gordon suffered some damage to his leg after stepping out into space some twenty feet above ground level.

This article would not be complete without mention of the valiant efforts of S./Sgt. "Jordie" Crossland to drink a glass of beer while hanging upside down by one foot from the rafters. Unfortunately, his efforts have not yet met with success, but one thing has become evident. His hair, which he wears brushed back after the fashion of Liberace, is not merely an ornament, but a protection for his head.

The "Paratroop Platoon" gained much valuable experience in jumping from the gallery of the Officers' Mess to the entrance hall with no more damage than a few bruises and headaches.

In February, 1955, it was decided that "A" Company, 15 National Service Training Battalion, should replace "C" Squadron, so February saw the Squadron disbanded and its members absorbed in their respective squadrons at Puckapunyal.

While "C" Squadron was in existence, it was undoubtedly the best in the Regiment as regards drill, bearing, dress and morale. The latter, no doubt, stemming from the close proximity of the camp to the bright lights of Melbourne.

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