113 Field Battery 7 Field Regiment RAA
113 Field Battery Emblem (click for explanation)		7 Field Regiment Colour Patch (click for explanation)

113 Field Battery is based in Newcastle N.S.W. Australia and can trace it's history from as early as 1855. The Battery was formed as a Volunteer Militia and migrated to Coastal Defence, Light Anti-Aircraft and finally Field Artillery. A brief history of Artillery in Newcastle can be found on the links from the Home Page. 

113 Field Battery is proudly supported by the Royal Australian Artillery Association (NSW) Newcastle Branch.

From The Battery

113th Field Battery
2009 Summary

Captain Grant Nicholls

“One thing that remains constant is change” – not a truer quote could be spoken to reflect 113 Field Battery in 2009 and into the near future.

Early 2009 saw MAJ Sam Nicholson in command of 113 Field Battery for his second term. MAJ Nicholson has since been deployed on OP ANODE for two ‘back to back’ rotations and is expected back in command in April 2010. This has given me the opportunity and honour to step up from the Battery Captain’s role and command the Battery, as BC, until Sam’s return in 2010.

Mid 2009 also saw SMIG, WO2 Graham Grieshaber, return to Townsville. Graham worked tirelessly for the Battery and was greatly missed. His departure left the Battery without a SMIG until ex ARA WO2 Glenn Ryan agree to carry out the role on a part time basis.

113’s strong SNCO leadership team is continually developing with SGT Chris Porter stepping up to the BSM’s role in 2009. Chris’s long association and knowledge of 113 Battery as well as his excellent man management skills have been a real asset. I would like to thank Chris for the time and effort he has put in over 2009.

This year also saw 113 Field Battery members fulfil there HRR and RRF obligations and participating in numerous exercises such EX TALISMAN SABER and OP VIC FIRE ASSIST. The General Reserve as a whole has been given opportunities in 2009 and more so into the future to provide members to deploy on operations overseas, to that end, this year has seen 113 Field Battery members deployed on operations such as OP RESOLUTE and OP ANODE.

The changing face of General Reserve Artillery and the introduction of the Mortar weapons system in the near future will require an increased commitment from all Battery members, I feel 113 Field Battery is in a strong position to aid 7 Field Regiment with this conversion by developing it’s junior leaders, JNCO promotions in 2009 were CPL Orr and LBDR Stewart with two other members also attending Junior Leader Courses.

Well done in 2009, keep up the commitment and embrace the challengers that 2010 represents.

Grant Nicholls
CAPT
Battery Commander
113 FD BTY