Accompanied by a Kapyong and Maryang San veteran, Joe Vezgoff, I attended the opening of Kapyong Lines in Townsville on 24 April, followed by a Ceremonial Beating of Retreat and a recital by the Townsville Orchestra and 1 RAR Band, which included a rendition of the 1812 Overture complete with guns from 4 Field Regiment who also held ground during the parade.

Colonel Don Beard, the RMO at Kapyong, affixed the streamer of the US Presidential Citation and Joe Vezgoff read the Citation.

Several ex-Commanding Officers were present including Brigadier Jim Shelton, Colonel Wade Stothard, Roger Tiller and myself.

As you would expect the parade was of a high standard. The 1 RAR Band provided the music for the parade which was reviewed by the Brigade Commander Brigadier Shane Caughey.

I am pleased to report that the Battalion appears to be in very good shape. They seem to have settled quickly into Townsville life and are enjoying the tropics. They are of course looking forward to their upcoming deployment.

It was an honour to be able to join them for their first Kapyong Day parade in Townsville.

Duty First

Hori Howard