Muzzle Flashes

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HAS MOVED

 Muzzle Flashes is now incorporated into our new website, RNZAA.org.nz, launched Friday, 5 October 2012.

Please continue to send items for Muzzle Flashes to muzzleflashesnz@gmail.com

2012 Reunion dinner prices

• The Reunion Registration Form shows one price for the whole weekend's activities, $80.00.
• Where members' wives, partners or guests are attending the Dining-in only, on Saturday night, the Dinner is $55.00.

Last Post: 646041 LBdr Walter Douglas (Doug) McCONACHIE 16 NZ Fd Regt K Force

Doug McConachie died at home on Sunday 23 Sep at age 81, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife Hazel, his son and two daughters.

Doug's funeral will be held at Terracehaven Chapel, 697 Main St, Palmerston North, at 1300 hrs Friday 28 Sep 2012.

BBC News/Viewpoint: Counter-insurgency lessons from Vietnam

The rise in so-called insider attacks by rogue Afghan security forces has highlighted the perils of joint operations in counter-insurgency. But former US soldier David Donovan, who fought in Vietnam, says lessons learnt long ago have been forgotten.

Read his article here . . .

Exercise BEN CAT, Waiouru, 15 September 2012

On Saturday 15 September 2012, 18 retired gunners from the RNZA Association were hosted on the gunline during a live firing exercise by 161 Battery, 16 Field Regiment in Waiouru (just off the Carbuncle Track to be a bit more precise). Exercise BEN CAT was a tactical exercise in support of D Company, 2/1 RNZIR, and was also used by the Regiment and the School of Artillery for assessment of various key appointments in the Battery. This great occasion for the Association members took place 47 years after OPERATION BEN CAT, and nearly to the day (14 September) when 161 Battery received its first operational casualties in VietNam.

'The first major operation for the Battery (in VietNam) was a 14 day deployment named after the town closest to the gun position BEN CAT, over the period 14-28 September 1965. This operation was also a first for 1 RAR . . . . read more . . . .

Australian Artillery History Webpage

This site has some interest to the RNZA  www.artilleryhistory.org.au
There is a wealth of material on guns, actions and events which are common to both of us.

RNZA Band in Concert

The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery is playing their annual ‘Morning Melodies’ concert at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna on Monday 24th September at 11.00am, and would welcome the support of Association members - tickets are $5 from the Box Office or www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

This is the Band’s first public performance since their recent disestablishment by NZ Defence Force. They are determined to carry on as a ‘military’ band and the Band Association is working hard to establish a new framework and funding.

Best regards, Bob Davis

YOUR PHOTOS WANTED

You may be unaware that the RNZA Assn will be launching its new updated website on 1 October 2012. It is happening, and WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS. 
Old, new, in the field, in the mess - WE WANT THEM ALL. 
So, if you`d like to share your memories, or just have something which records a moment in history, email your gunner photos to webmaster.rnzaa@gmail.com.

And please include: WHO is in the photo - WHAT it is about - WHEN and WHERE.