Training WO WO2 Darryl Ruprecht is the sole full-timer at Sir Charles Court Lines in Carnarvon. The lines opened last month and were recently put to the test during a squadron level patrol. Photo by Cristy Symington

By Cristy Symington

THE Pilbara Regt stepped up its ability to operate patrols outside its Karratha headquarters when it opened a new base at Carnarvon last month.

Sir Charles Court Lines, home of E Troop, was opened on August 24 as part of the regiment’s 20th birthday.

The sole full-time soldier at Carnarvon, Training WO, WO2 Darryl Ruprecht said it was a much-needed upgrade.

“We used to be part of the airport which was sub-standard for what we needed,” he said.

“There was nowhere to do anything, it’s great now that we’ve moved here.

“It’s a brilliant facility which enables us to do realistic training.

“It provides us with the facility to conduct squadron level operations from and it gives soldiers a proud home for E Troop.”

The new lines include:

• An administration building housing offices,
• Dining room and lecture room,
• Quarter-master’s store with secure hold for weapons,
• Undercover weapons training area,
• Accommodation for 24 soldiers in tent lines,
• Barbecue area with servery,
• Magazine housing small arms ammunition,
• Transport shed with space for eight regional force surveillance vehicles and wash bay.

WO2 Ruprecht said the lines were tested and found satisfactory when about 80 personnel were based at the lines during the regiment’s biggest annual patrol earlier this month.

At the official opening, a guard was provided by 2 Sqn in front of the 70-strong crowd.

Sir Charles Court, who was involved in ensuring a military presence in the region, inspected the parade and delivered an address to the gathering.

The former state premier fought for a military presence on the west coast and naming the lines after him was in recognition of pushing for The Pilbara Regt to be raised.

Through years of hard growth, the north-west now has a military organisation resident on its doorstep that it can proudly call its own.

E Troop was raised in 1987 when special conditions member of 28th Independent Rifle Coy Sgt Bruno Bacci began recruiting in Carnarvon.

The troop was based at Training Ship Gascoyne with weapons and stores transported from Port Hedland.

By 1989, the troop was able to deploy two patrols of six soldiers and it was relocated to its previous home at Carnarvon Airport.

• Find out how the regiment has developed over the past 20 years in an interview with Lt Andrew Seery in next edition of Army.

On patrol in the Pilbara in our Features section

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