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

The Australian soldier enjoys ample opportunity for participation in sport. Members of this Regiment are no exception to this rule. A varied selection of sport is available and the Regiment has representative teams active, in season, on the cricket fields, the tennis court, in three codes of football (rugby, soccer, Australian rules), on the golf course, the athletic fields; swimming, and softball is also played. New departures will be seen in the reports submitted concerning the Ski Club and the Yachting Club — a Rifle Club is in prospect.

Much intra-unit competition is enjoyed during the Lonsdale Bight Camp each February. Added to the usual round is the opportunity for sea bathing and the proximity to the Port Phillip Heads promotes a keen interest in the graceful, ever-fascinating shipping which passes continually in and out of the Bay. Photography is popular with many of the men, who at this time of the year also show marked proficiency in other forms of recreation!

We look forward to the provision of a gymnasium in Puckapunyal, and have many impatient gymnasts anxious to wrestle, box, and generally enjoy their craft.

Our Regiment has been honoured in having some of its members chosen to represent the Army in Inter-Service sports. Major I. Wilton, Lieut. G. Sims, Lieut. R. Rookes, Tpr. Willott, Tpr. Binney represented the Army in field and track games and swimming, while L.-Cpl. Dickson and Tpr. P. Burley were members of the Army Australian Rules Football team which defeated the Royal Australian Air Force. Our football teams enjoy moderate success in the current season; the prospect of more regular training schedules and the arrival of C Squadron enhance our prospects. The golf team has commenced well.

We inscribe the following details upon our Regimental history:-

LONSDALE BIGHT SUMMER CAMP

The Regiment sojourned to Lonsdale Bight Summer Camp for the period, 23rd Feb. — 16th Mar., 1955. Considerable activity occurred, namely battle efficiency tests, athletics, swimming carnivals and inter-squadron competitions in cricket, soft-ball and tennis. The results of all these activities are as follows:-

After the above strenuous efforts the Regiment returned looking remarkably fit from the tonic of sun and salt air. In all, this interlude is required each year to carry the unit through the rigorous training in the bleak and dusty barrens of the range country.

GOLFERS TEE UP

First Armoured Regiment last year won the golf trophy played for by teams in the brigade area. The team this year holds high hopes of again succeeding.

Five players comprise the team and there are several reserves, all of whom are continually striving for the advance in efficiency which will give them a place in the team.

Thursday afternoon sees a concerted rush to the 15 mile distant Broadford links, where the competitions are played.

Golf day is usually noted for the biting winds and driving rain which are ever to the fore. Major D. Daniels seems at home in the conditions and this recent arrival from England blandly comments upon the ideal weather. He was not so bland about the dam, which recently received the result of a perfectly executed shot. Non-players did not worry; they would not give a dam for a golf course, anyhow!

Of the three matches thus far played, our team has won two and lost one. The team is chosen from Majors Tripp, Wilton, Daniels, Lieut. Bourke, W.O. Gason, S./Sgt. Dotterill, S./Sgt. Needham, Sgt. Coutts.

1 ARMD. REGT. SKI CLUB

With Mt. Buller only 100-odd miles away, the possibility of skiing becoming an army winter sport has always been feasible. This winter some positive action has been taken and a Ski Club has been formed in the area. The club is known as the Army Division of the Ski Club of Victoria. Membership is at present limited to 110, with other people who wish to join going on to a waiting list.

Almost one-quarter of the members coming from the Regiment shows interest is very keen. President of the club is Major Simkin, of the School of Tactics and Admin.; Major Wilton and Lieut. Joshua are the Regiment representatives on the committee.

As yet only limited accommodation has been obtained; this being a small S.C.V. hut with room for eight people. At present working parties are putting the hut into shape for this season, which opens on Queen's Birthday week-end.

The hut is already booked out for opening day with enthusiastic skiers and skiers-to-be.

Ski equipment has been purchased for the use of members of the Regiment.

Provided a vacancy exists, membership of the club entails a fee of one pound. Accommodation fees are one pound for a week-end and two pounds ten shillings for one week.

Prospective members should contact either of the Regiment representatives.

1 ARMD. REGT. SAILING CLUB

In the coming summer months we can expect to see members of the Regiment spending their week-ends at any of the following places — Lake Nagambie, the Eildon Weir or on Port Phillip Bay. This is the result of action taken to establish a sailing club within the Regiment.

Already the class of boat and detail of the club has been decided upon. Other units in the area are also raising clubs, and it is expected that inter-unit race meetings will be held.

The type of craft to be used will be the eight-foot Sabot. Very light in construction the boat can be used as a sailing boat or as a fishing boat, either rowed or with an outboard motor attached. As a sailing boat the type is very popular in light boat clubs in the Eastern States. The advantage of the type is that it is easily dismantled and can be carried by one man. The boats are to be purchased in kit form and members of the club will finish them, i.e., painting and rigging. Prospective members should contact Lieut R. E. Bird at "B" Sqn.— R.J.

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