History  

The RAA Association (NSW) - Newcastle Branch

 Copyright 2005© RAA Association (NSW) Newcastle Branch

By G. K. MILIC and D. ROWORTH

In 1927 the officers of the garrison and field artillery units in the Newcastle area commenced holding gunner dinners. It was not until Friday 15 November 1952, that a meeting was held at the United Services Club to form a sub- branch of the RAA Association in Newcastle. The meeting was attended by Mr B.B. Watchorn and other members of the Sydney committee. The Sydney association approved the formation of a sub- branch. Lt-Col Woodward (Woodell?) who organised the meeting was elected as the inaugural President.

The first Annual General Meeting was held on the 27th January 1953 and the committee was elected as follows

President Lt-Col P.W. Dobson MC

Vice President Lt-Col J. Howard

Secretary Maj H. Farquharson

Treasurer Capt Cunnigham

Committee

Maj Sharpcott

Maj Saddington

Capt Kennaway

Capt Dellow

Lt Franks

Membership was limited to serving and ex- officers until the constitution of the Association was amended in February 1977 to widen membership qualifications to include all gunners regardless of rank. This also includes all overseas personnel who have served with an artillery unit. Service personnel who are / were attached to an artillery unit are also eligible for membership.

In 2000, the words Sub-Branch were deleted from the title and it is now a Branch of the New South Wales RAA Association with a permanent representative on the NSW committee.

The Newcastle branch conducts the Local Gunner Dinner in August each year. The Branch also has presented The Newcastle Battery with photographs of all the Battery Commanders since 1952. Annually since 1988 the Association has presented an Efficiency Shield and a book prize to the most proficient battery member below the rank of sergeant.