MELJ0603 Accession Number: MELJ0603

Description

Change of Command at the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in Korea. On the morning of 24 January 1955, 1RAR is on ceremonial parade on their newly constructed parade ground at Gallipoli Camp. The occasion is marking the handover of command by Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) N A M Nicholls of Enoggera, Qld, to newly arrived Lt Col G B Combes of Kew, Vic. There are no spectators, but the weather is perfect for such a ceremony. The men are wearing combat caps instead of their usual slouch hats. Lt Col Nicholls took the early part of the parade, and when Lt Col Combes arrived, ordered the 1RAR into a general salute to welcome their commander. After inspecting the ranks both Commanding Officers mounted the dais for Lt Col Nicholl's speech. In his address Lt Col Nicholls pointed out to 1RAR that as well as being soldiers of the line in the struggle against Communism, they were, individually and collectively, ambassadors for their country. Being all volunteer members of the Australian Army, and slightly older on average than the men of other units in the Commonwealth Division, it behoved them to set the best example of behaviour, on duty or on leave. He drew attention to the motto of the Royal Australian Regiment, 'Duty First', and said that this duty was first to the Queen and their country, and also to their families at home and to themselves. He thanked 1RAR for the loyalty shown him during his term of command, and with a handshake handed over to Lt Col Combes. Lt Col Combes then took over the parade, and to the strains of the regimental march ' British Grenadiers', 1RAR marched past to honour the departing Commanding Officer. Here, led by Lt Col Combes,1RAR marches past the retiring Commanding Officer.

Details

Conflicts

• Korean War, 1950-1953