HOME OF THE 1ST BATTALION
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT
The Colours on the left are the Colours of the 1st Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment and are carried by the 1/19th Battalion RNSWR. The Regimental Colours are emblazoned with the battle honours of the 1st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF 1914 – 1919. The Queens Colours are emblazoned with the battle honours of the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF 1939 – 1945.
The Colours on the right are the Colours of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and the Regimental Colours are emblazoned with the battle honours won by the regiment and 1 RAR.
The Regimental Colours on parade are the 1st Battalion RNSWR (left) And the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (right) 12th March 2008
Colour Party
Queens Colour Ensign
Regimental Colour Ensign
Queens Colour Escort
Regimental Colour Escort
Senior Escort
1/9th Battalion
Capt Ian Bruce
Lt Kael Da Costa
Sgt Dave Flude
Sgt Stephen Windsor
WO 2 Craig McNab
1 RAR
Lt Glen Neilson
Lt Derek Sonogan
Sgt A Gordon-Douglas
Sgt Mathew Wheelahan
WO 2 Adrian Wilson
THE BATTALION MASCOT SEPTIMUS
The Commanding Officer of 1 RAR in July 1951 was Lt Col I B Ferguson DSO, MC and in the Battalion Diary of August 1951 he noted the unit needed a mascot to help raise the esprit-de-corps of the men. He opted for the purchase or presentation of a Shetland pony. After some behind the scenes discussions, a pony was presented to the Battalion on the 6th Birthday Parade. A competition was held to name the mascot with a prize of three pounds ($6.00 – a lot of money in 1951) to the winner. Captain East won the money and the name “Septimus” continues to this day.
Recent Photos
“This site does not attempt to write the history of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) but does hope to give an insight to the history and traditions earned by the service of those who have gone before.”
There are over 1500 photos and 25000 words on this site with more to come. Please be aware that in some cases it will take time to download.
Mike Waldron
National Association www.1rar.asn.au