Newcastle Gunner Dinner 2007

The Dinner, as in recent years, was held at Bullecourt Barracks Senior NCO's and Officers Mess with support waning a touch this year as numbers were well down.

All attending had a great night with WO2 Grant Nicholls Toasting the Regiment and the Guest of Honour, Lt Col Max Shaday, Commanding Officer, 7 Field Regiment, RAA, responding by speaking on the future of Artillery and implications to General Reserve Artillery Gunners.

We were again treated to an excellent display from David Roberge of Newcastle Gun Works who specialises in restoring and displaying old Artillery pieces

Photo Gallery

Reserve Forces Day 2007 - Newcastle

A report by Committee Member - Ian Craig

Clear weather after the recent storms in Newcastle for the 2007 Reserve Forces Day March, As the grounded coal ship at Nobbies beach had closed the access road from Watt street to the foreshore an abbreviated march was planned.  Commencing at Customs house the march took a direct route to the old Carriage sheds for the formalities and lunch.

Bearing the Banner from 113 Field Battery were Gunners Cox and Gunner Heard, with Bombardier Nicholson in dress uniform.  Members present for the march were Peter Blackmore, Tony Connors, Roland Milbank and Sargent Cartwright.  From the committee were Robert Demery and Ian Craig.

WTSS - March 2007

A report by 'The Secretary - Grant Nicholls'

The WTSS (Weapons Training Simulation System) is an indoor, computer generated rife range designed to train service men and women in all aspects of small arms from advanced coaching techniques to simulated patrolling and video scenarios.

The RAA Association (NSW) - Newcastle were lucky enough to have a tour of the facility at RAAF Base Williamtown.

As you can see, by the smiles, all had a great day. Some members hadn't handle a weapon in quite some time but with a little refresher practice on the current in service weapon there were some good results produced.

The day concluded with lunch at the Sergeants Mess (just what you need after a hard day at the range)

I would like to thank the members of 113 Field Battery that assisted during the day, as well as all the staff involved at RAAF Base Williamtown for there support, with a special thanks to Fire Arms Training Systems Inc (FATS), the company that operates the WTSS for the Defence force and of course the WTSS operator for his tuition.

An introduction by the WTSS operator	The President - Ready for the enemy
How the WTSS sytem can track rifle barrel movement - looks like 'Mr Squigle'	A few good shots among the older hands
Bring them on	A scenario view - looking for the enemy
Ready for the building clearance scenario	What the shooter has to react to during the building clearance
Lunch at the Mess after another hard day on the range