30 July 2021
On this day 150 years ago, the Colony of New South Wales raised its first permanent Battery, known as the New South Wales Artillery. This marked the origins of the first substantive, professional Australian artillery force – a continuous presence enduring to this day which has evolved into the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery.
The service of Australian Artillery is long and distinguished, from its foundations in garrison artillery and coastal forts. Australian Gunners contributed to the pre-Federation campaigns in Sudan and the Boer War; served staunchly in World War One — ‘the Gunners War’; defended Australia’s shores from the air and sea during World War Two and the campaigns in the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific; and served in the conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Malaysia and Vietnam.
In recent times, the men and women of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery have supported many global peacekeeping operations, protected Australian naval vessels from air attack in the Persian Gulf, defended Australian and coalition troops from hostile fire, and delivered vital fire support, surveillance, targeting and coordination in the Middle East Area of Operations.
Wherever the Australian Army has served, Australian Gunners have been there; steadfast alongside their comrades, a vital part of the combined arms team for Australian and coalition troops alike, and a testament to their singular battle honour – Ubique.
In the next decade, the Australian Army will introduce next-generation artillery ammunition, gun, missile, air defence, target acquisition and surveillance systems. These advances will increase the lethality and connectivity of the Australian Defence Force. The versatility and dedication of the professional men and women of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery is the foundation of these new capabilities. These traits endure, from those who served before them over the last 150 years, to those who now uphold the Regiment’s motto — Where Right and Glory Lead.
Today, the Australian Army recognises all forms of service to our community and the Nation by Australia’s Gunners – Volunteer, Militia, Reserve, Permanent and Regular; at home, and overseas; defending assaults from the sea, in the sky, and on land; and advising, defending and supporting, always: accurate, responsive, dependable and joint. The Australian Army acknowledges and celebrates the unstinting service of the Royal Australian Artillery and its forebears from 1871 to the present day – Ubique.