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Books and References

Books and References

105th Battery – A Concise History

Author and Publisher – Arthur Burke (Dec’d 2019), revised & updated 2022;  48 pages, ISBN 0-97500389-1-5

This original version traces the history and lineage of 105th Battery (the Tiger Battery) from World War 1 to 2008.  The original paper copy is available from the 105 Battery Merchandise, $5.00.  Read the Book review by Major DT (Terry) Brennan, Editor RAA Liaison Letter 105th Battery – A Concise History (Review)

Read an updated online PDF version now including the Battery’s service in Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, and Australian Civilian Emergencies up to 2022 – A Concise History Rev1 2022

4th Field Regiment Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery – Historical Guide

Arthur Burke author and publisher, Brisbane, 2003, 40 x A5 pages, ISBN 0-9750 389-0-7, a four-colour booklet produced and donated to raise funds for the 4th Field Regiment RAA Historical Collection, $6 (including postage and packaging).

This work does not purport to be anything other than an aide-memoire written for the current members of the unit. It is not a story so much as a ready reference to events and dates of import in the 4th field Artillery’s history which have been compiled in a flowing style. The origin of the unit can be traced back to the 1850s in Victoria and I spent considerable time researching the records of the State. Since the 1850s, many changes, reorganisations and redesignations have taken place, but the spirit of the 4th has continued through two world wars and the Vietnam conflict. It remains in the hearts of those who serve in Bougainville, East Timor, the Solomons and wherever the battle honour of the Regiment, ‘Ubique’ leads them in the pursuit of peace and freedom. 105th Field Battery was a foundation sub-unit of 4th Field Regiment RAA when it was re-raised at Wacol, Brisbane in 1960.

The publication is available for six dollars (including postage and packaging) from:
The Curator, Historical Collection
4th Field Regiment RAA
Chau Pha Lines, Lavarack Barracks
Townsville Q 4813.
Payment to ‘4 Fd Regt RTF’ should accompany orders as there is no system available for invoicing.

The Gunners

A History of Australian Artillery, by David Horner, published 1995

“It is the Regiment’s good fortune that David Horner has woven the strands of its history in such a felicitous way, bringing together the facts of equipment and organisation, guns and people as the Regiment responds to changing political demands and perceptions of threat. He does it with consummate skill. The Gunners fills a considerable gap for the serious students and researchers. It will interest ‘old’ gunners and inspire those now serving.” Major General John Whitelaw, AO, CBE, (Ret), Patron, RAA Historical Society.

Vietnam Task

The 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment – Author:  Robert J. O’Neill, published 1968

The first tour of the 5th Battalion, RAR, supported by 105th Field Battery, RAA on their first tour of duty in South Vietnam, 1966/’67. Contains some photographs and information relating to the involvement of 105th Battery.

The Year of the Tigers – The Second Tour of Duty of 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in South Vietnam 1969-70,
edited by Captain M. R. Battle, published 1970
Contains the Nominal Roll of 5th Battalion, RAR, Operational Maps showing locations of Fire Support Bases, numerous photographs, (many of 105th Battery members) and a summary of each operation in Phuoc Tuy Province directly supported by 105th Battery, RAA.

Copies of this book are still available (Aug 2005) from the 5 RAR Association website (under items for sale on top menu) at…www.5rar.asn.au

My Vietnam

Author: Steve Lewis

Steve Lewis was with 105 Battery RAA at Enoggera 1967-68 before being transferred to 12 Field Regiment at Nui Dat in October 1968. 105 Battery arrived in Nui Dat in February 69, and Steve Lewis was joined up with 105 Battery along with several other 9th intake Nashos (National Servicemen) in that lot (e.g. Ian Smith, Col Howard, Mick Canavan, et al).  Steve Lewis went home in March 1969.  Steve Lewis was the Gunner who painted the rock in front of the 105 Battery Sergeant’s Mess at Nui Dat.

Steve’s Book has now been printed.  Check out the following website with details on how to order or even order it on-line via a secure webserver on the following link :- ww.myvietnam.com.au/myvietnam.htm

Can You Hear Australia’s Heroes Marching?

Author:  Peter Barnes

Peter Barnes was born and bred in Ballarat, Victoria.  He has attached the lyrics to the song ‘Can You Hear Australia’s Heroes Marching?  The song is dedicated to honouring the memory of Australia’s war dead.  The song was created after Peter visited an Australian war cemetery.
The song has been broadcast by many radio stations throughout Australia .  The link below is where you can read about the song and download a CD quality mp3 audio file – and add a link to.

www.users.on.net/revelation/heroes.htm