Last week members from the Battalion visited Berry Springs Primary school to give students a hands-on look at some of the Army’s vehicles and equipment. The visit provided a unique opportunity for the children to learn more about the Australian Army, ask questions, and experience aspects of military life up close. This community engagement aimed to strengthen connections between defence members and the local community while inspiring curiosity and understanding among the next generation.
A big thanks to LCPL Cook, LCPL Veilande, PTE Landry, PTE Tibble, PTE Pray, PTE Hayes, CFN Johnston, CFN Jackson, CFN Noble and CFN Shaw for their expertise, extensive knowledge and display of professional while conducting the presentations.
Last week at a Battalion Dinner Night 1CSSB said fair well to Sally Ma'am Sue May who is retiring from the Salvation Army.
Ms Sue May, known to many as ‘Sally Ma’am,’ after more than 30 years of service with the Red Shield Defence Services. Serving at Townsville, Singleton, Edinburgh and Darwin, Sue supported generations of soldiers and families.
She was presented with a specially made presentation piece and a good night was had by all attending.
Images and original information adapted courtesy of Defence
With Skill and Fighting - 10 years on
10 years ago this month, Chief of Army launched 'With Skill and Fighting' at the Australian War Memorial. It is volume 2 of the RAEME Corps history and I had the honour of being the uniformed editor on the project. It was brilliant to be part of, working with Max Carmichael and Frank Benfield (since, very sadly, deceased), and meeting so many characters of the Corps.
My favourite activity was going through the archives of the Australian Army Museum of Army Flying at Oakey, tracing back aviation maintenance activity to the AFC of WW1, and I had a ball meeting so many people with a great yarn to tell!
Keirin Joyce
Arte et Marte
Image and original information adapted courtesy of LinkedIn
Editor's note: On this 10th anniversary, the RAEME Association Queensland offers our thanks to Keirin Joyce, Max Carmichael, Frank Benfield, Chris Mead, Paul Gibbs, Chris Wrangle, Richard Legge, Ross Grant & Raymond Norman and everyone who contributed their time, research, and memories. Their efforts ensure our story is told with the respect and pride it deserves.
Copies of the book are still available to purchase.
Women in RAEME (WIR3) Cocktails at Gaythorne - Fri 28 Nov 2025
The RAQ is proud to announce the upcoming Women in RAEME Cocktails evening, our third special event to celebrate the women of our Corps and community.
This promises to be a fantastic evening with our guest speakers to be announced shortly. Guests will enjoy nibbles and a Cocktail as part of the $25 ticket price. There will also be a lucky door prize on offer, along with the chance to browse and purchase RAEME merchandise.
The evening is open to all – bring your family and friends along and share in what will be a warm and welcoming occasion.
Tickets are just $25 and numbers are limited, so please be sure to register early via clicking on the image below.
We look forward to seeing you there and raising a glass to the incredible women in RAEME!
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 28th November
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Venue: Gaythorne RSL, 534 Samford Road, Mitchelton QLD
Tickets: $25 (includes nibblies and a cocktail)
ALTC News - Wodonga
It’s a trip to the park … but for big kids!
Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering love a good obstacle race. It’s a chance to get outside, get dirty, team up and fuel that competitive hunger.
It’s also part of Australian Army’s Land Domain Training System - balancing trade skills with soldier skills in a constant march toward professional mastery.
Images and original information adapted courtesy of Defence
RAEME Corps History - 60th Anniversary of the Deployment of 161 Recce Flight to South Vietnam – 14 Sep 25
The 60th anniversary of the deployment of 161 Recce Flt to South Vietnam in 1965 aboard HMAS Sydney was commemorated on 14 Sep 25. The initial deployment included 51 personnel and four aircraft - two Bell 47 G3B-1 Sioux helicopters and two Cessna 180 fixed wing aircraft. Two personnel, LT John Purvis and WO2 Owen Scafe, flew to Vietnam as the advance party to site a location at Bien Hoa for the flight’s facilities on its arrival.
The flight was part of the 1 RAR Group under command of the US Army 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) at Bien Hoa from its arrival in country on 28 Sep 66, until 14-16 May 1966, when the Flight moved to Vung Tau in direct support of the 1st Australian Task Force which was located at Nui Dat.
The Flight remained at Vung Tau until 24 Mar 67 when it moved to Luscombe Field at Nui Dat. The Flight remained at Nui Dat until 5 Oct 71, when it packed up and moved back to Vung Tau in preparation for the Flight returning to Australia in Dec 71. The main body of the unit departed Vung Tau on 23 Dec 71 by USAF C-130. The rest of the unit left Tan Son Nhut by Defence Force Charter at 1100 hours.
The unit, apart from a small rear party, were home in time for Christmas. The rear party of officers and support personnel remained in country until early March 1972 when the four remaining Kiowa aircraft were handed back to the US Army at Saigon and the rear party returned to Australia.
So ended six plus years of deployment to South Vietnam for those who served in the 161 Recce Flight.
Happy Anniversary to all who have had a honour of serving in 161 Recce Flt and 161 (Indep) Recce Flt in South Vietnam, including the unit workshop; and those who have served and are currently serving in 161 Recce Sqn in Darwin, which is about to move to Townsville.
WO1 (RTD) Len Avery OAM
Former member of 161 Recce Flt Wksp.
