'Owning' Military History

[Wayne Henderson]

I would hope the statement of the Lt Col is not taken out of context but here comes my opinion of how the military cares for it's history.

They don't. Examples...

10th Light Horse.
Turk 105mm gun captured during the Beersheba Charge.
Left to rot in Kings Park Perth.
Given to volunteers (RAAHS) to restore when beyond restoration, at their cost. Only the barrel remains, lost.
I rescued the front shield from the scrap for my personal gratification.

Swan Barracks Naval Guns.
A pair of 1880 naval guns.
Restored by volunteers at their cost. When finished a fight broke out between Navy, AWM, Army and Albany Fort as to ownership.

Army History Unit.
A joke, an arse covering exercise.

The Artillery Barracks museum funding fiasco.

2009. RSL wanted WW1 truck for 2014 parade.
I found 1917 FWD but had to restore this at my own cost.
RSL said their budget was spent on organisation and promotional material by 2010.
RSL rang in 2014 to ask for a loan of any WW1 vehicles we had.
T model Ford was supplied by a Lt Col (RT) (dec) and a group of volunteers.

Sabre jet in Raymond Terrace, is that still there?

The Airforce cadet Vampire Project. Sad, Sad, Sad.

Anyone remember the fate of the WW1 railway gun?

International Acco Wrecker
Tried to save this one as it had just been serviced before decom.
Engineers turned it into a recovery aid.
One year later received a request for a International Truck from the AHU Good thing we saved the twin booms and gear off the back.

Anyone ever tried to get a Staghound of a firing range, legally.
Personal gratification for over two years.

RSL paying to put on Anzac Day marches, wtf

I have plenty more.

To be fair, the good...
The AWM, only 3000kms from here.
The graves and shrines around the county and overseas (guns not included)
Bandiana (when open)

Bugger off