16 Field Regimental Parade 2010

Comment by Blog writer K Lee
There has been some discussion about a Regimental Parade at Linton in October 2010. Details are not yet final but there are two matters worthy of preliminary comment. These rumours concern the presentation of an award to the Regiment and the aim of the parade.
16 Fd Regt have not yet advised the RNZA Assn of the date/time of the parade but it is understood that an invitation will be forthcoming.

What is the Korean Presidential Citation?
Kap’yong was fought in April 1951. It was a major battle of the Korean War in which the Commonwealth Brigade [as part of the United Nations forces] was heavily involved with Chinese forces. The Korean Presidential Citation was awarded to 16 Fd Regt after that battle, but at the time the British Commonwealth did not recognise foreign unit awards so it was never presented. Over the years since, many attempts have been made to have the Korean Presidential Citation recognised so that it could be awarded to the gunners involved. A citation such as this involves a dress embellishment which is worn by those who actually served at the time.
What is the purpose of the parade at Linton in October 2010?
16 Fd Regt are parading at Linton on the 28th Oct to recognise the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Regiment.
Although the RHQ had been activated on 13 September 1950, the first sub unit training began in October. Formed from ex CMT, and re-enlisted J Force or WW2 gunners, the Regiment trained briefly and sailed for Korea in December 1950. They saw action the following year, including Kap’yong. 16 Field  Regiment departed Korea in October 1954 to return to New Zealand and 161 Bty next saw action in Vietnam.