Dear Gunners (Readers) -
Welcome to Airburst No 62 June 2022
Greeting from the bracing winter in Canberra. Halfway through 2022 which seemed to begin moments ago.
The RAAHC has been busy. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Library of Australia as a Trove Partner. What is Trove you may well ask. As it states on its website:
'Trove is the place to explore all things Australian.
It is a single point of entry to a treasure trove of artefacts, curiosities and stories from Australia’s cultural, community and research institutions.
On Trove you can find more than 6 billion digital items on any topic.
Trove connects you to digital collections from our hundreds of Trove Partners across Australia, including libraries, museums, galleries, the media, government and community organisations and more.'
RAAHC records in Trove can be found with this very specific search: nuc:NRAAHC. CLICK HERE to access.
This month Peter Lawrence and I met with the Janet Carding, the Executive Director of the Sydney Harbour FederationTrust. We provided an update on the progress of RAAHC upgrading the CRC’s Content Management System, Defence’s intention to commence the Artillery/Armour Museum in Puckapunyal in September 22 for $42m, thanked the Trust for the assistance in restoration of the historic muzzle loading 4lb Cannon now in the School of Artillery, and appreciation for Trust support to future Young Officer’s Course visits to North Head.
The RAAHC proposes to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the AMW is located by erecting an appropriate plinth with signage at the start of the Walk. The proposal was agreed in principle by the Trust. The wording of the plaque was to be referred to the Trusts First Nation Advisory Council/Advisor. However, the latter has yet to be stood up and this process will take a few months. In the meantime, the RAAHC can proceed with a design and costings of the revamp of the entrance plinth.
We reminded the Executive Director of the availability of historical military advice from the RAAHC.
The Director acknowledged the role that the RAAHC and CRC, in particular, can provide on military history but indicated that we were not the sole provider of such advice.
A general discussion on the availability/recruitment of volunteers was held. It was agreed that volunteers were a crucial asset to both organisations. The Executive Director offered to place RAAHC volunteer recruitment information on the Trust's social/ media platforms.
A broad discussion was held on the development plan for North Fort as distinct from the maintenance of existing assets such as Gun Emplacement 2. The Trust's priority for restoration/maintenance was unclear from the discussions and it would appear that there is no funded plan for near term preservation of the Gun Position. We indicated that the RAAHC may be able to assist by using RAAHC resources to carry out specific restoration projects. The possibilty was well received.
I attended the presentation of regimental ties and scarves to the seven graduates of the Royal Military College Duntroon who have been allocated to the Regiment upon their graduation. the presentation was held at the Kingston Hotel and was well attended by serving and retired gunners. The RAAHC welcomes all the gradautes to the Regiment and the broader Gunner Community.
Ubique
Ian Ahearn
Chair RAAHC
