Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company ENewsletter

AIRBURST

Royal Australian Artillery

Historical Company

ENewsletter Edition No 59 March 2022

Dear Gunners (Readers) -

Welcome to Airburst No 59 March 2022

The RAAHC Board met on Saturday 12th February 2022 and once again the meeting was conduct remotely via Zoom, with directors joining the meeting from Sydney (4), Canberra (4), Brisbane (1) and Melbourne (1). He

also acknowledged the return of Nick Floyd as a director. The Treasurer reported that the Company is in a financially sound position current assets being $332,809. I remind all that total financial reports for each year can be accessed on the RAAHC Website.

We continue to work closely with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) .Ms Janet Carding has now settled into the HT as the new Executive Director. The Board of SHFT remains under the extant Chair, Joseph Carrozzi, AM. We continue to provide a representative to the SHFT Community Advisory Committee which has had input to the Federal Government’s Review of the SHFT Development. Concepts for the future development North Head and Cockatoo Island have been prepared in consultation with a large number of organisations. See more by CLICKING HERE.

Unfortunately, in early January 2022 ,it appeared that someone had vandalised the Lone Pine plaque on AWM, by spraying black paint/ink over the text. Thankfully SHFT moved swiftly to repair the damage and we are grateful for the action of the Head Ranger and the cooperation by SHFT.

Australia's Memorial Walk (AMW) status. At this stage there are appropriately 4640 + individual engraved pavers and 75 centrepiece pavers. We have been fortunate to have Roy Mellier as the AMW ‘Warden’ responsible for all arrangements connected with the Memorial.. Roy is recovering from ankle surgery and we wish mim well although it is likely he will need help and the possibility o successor has to be considered. If you have any interest please contact the RAAHC Secretary at raahcoffice@gmail.com

A comprehensive report on the Cutler Research Centre (CRC) was provided in the last Airburst. After significant COVID driven restrictions in the second half of 2021 the CRC has reopened with volunteers now able to staff the centre. The CRC needs to continue to develop its volunteer base and have revised our advertisement for volunteers with Volunteering Australia. for both on site and remote staff. Please contact the CRC Manager email: managercrc@artilleryhistory.org

I was humbled to receive an OAM in 2022 Australia Day Honours List. The award was the result of support from a host of unsung volunteers to whom I am extremely grateful. On behalf of the Board and Members I extend congratulations to Major James Eling, a RAAHC Dierctor, for his award of a CSM in the same list .

Ubique

Ian Ahearn

Chair RAAHC

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Update 6/2022

The Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk is a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) project which links Middle Head and Georges Head. This will create a seamless walking experience to connect the headlands and allow visitors to experience the natural and cultural environment.

Walking track construction

Construction of the new walking track at Middle Head continues with the first section of track work completed between Cobblers Beach Road and the Outer Fort. Work will now focus on the section between the 1801 Fort and Chowder Bay Road at Obelisk Bay. This section will include 350m of elevated boardwalk and 100 sandstone steps and is expected to be completed toward the middle of the year. Work will then start on the section linking the 1801 and Outer Forts. This part of the track will include a new footbridge and viewing platform that will traverse the historic ‘defensive ditches’ and provide sweeping views across the harbour.

Completed section of trackwork at Middle Head using FRP (fibre reinforced polymer). Photo: I. Curtis

Commanding views from Obelisk Bay

The Obelisk Bay gun emplacement was originally constructed in 1942 to defend the harbour against fast attack vessels. Its superb location provides stunning views of the harbour from Vaucluse to Inner South Head. The historically significant structure has undergone conservation work including concrete remediation and insertion of new structural columns. A balustrade has been added to the top of the structure, converting a decaying war-time relic into a new stunning lookout. The new track from the 1801 Fort to Obelisk Bay will connect to this lookout.

Completed balustrade to the Obelisk Bay gun emplacement. Photo: C. Weston

Outer Fort, Middle Head. New interpretation will help tell the stories of this significant site. Photo: L. Sturis

Walking track signage and interpretation

Middle Head is one of the most significant historical sites on Sydney Harbour combining Aboriginal cultural heritage with colonial military history dating back to the early 1800’s. A comprehensive interpretation package has been developed that will inform walkers and other visitors about the interesting and unique history of the site.

Signage and interpretative information/devices will be rolled out during the year. To find out more about the project go to the Webpage

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Memorial Walk Pavers

Become a part of history by purchasing your Australia's Memorial Walk paver today. For more information view website.

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Did You Know?

The Tsar Cannon (Russian: Царь-пушка, Tsar'-pushka), according to the Guinness Book of Records it is the largest bombard by caliber in the world. It is on display on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin. It was cast in bronze in 1586 in by the Russian master bronze caster Andrey Chokhov. It has never been used in war.

UBIQUE 150

COMMEMORATING 150 YEARS

1871 - 2021

The RAAHC and the Australian Artillery Association continue to support the initiative by publishing history items on Facebook and the web site. Click on the yellow text to access updated information

Where Right & Glory Lead – short stories about ordinary Gunners doing extraordinary things through history.

A Brief History of Australian Artillery – an insight into the employment of Australian artillery on operations.

Gunner Perspectives – candid interviews of everyday Gunners from all corners of today’s Gunner community.

Video tracing 150 Years of Australian Artillery

This initiative was created by the Regiment with a team lead by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Floyd. The RAAHC & AAA produced the video series and are is proud to participate in the rest of the initiative.

Crimean War 1853-56

The events in Ukraine today are not the first time that war has visited the area. The Nazi invasion of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1941 included fierce fighting in the Crimea while the Russian Federation seized the peninsular in 2014..169 years ago the Turks, British, French and Sardinians invaded the Crimea to opposed the Russian Empire’s attempts to seize parts of the Ottoman Empire.

The Crimean War commenced on 23 October 1853 and concluded on 30 March 1856 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. During the war the Russian suffered 450,000 casualties while the Allies lost over 160,000. On both sides a disproportionate number of deaths were caused by disease.

The RAAHC website carries a story on Crimean War Trophy Guns and the article includes video links to information on the war. Click Here to access the article.

Below: Photo of ruined interior of the Great Redan, one of the six main redoubts which defended Sevastopol