Whose Name We Share

79 2018 2018 began with performing a re-enactment of the bombing of Darwin at the Esplenade. Utilising the Regiment’s M2A2’s, the 103 rd Battery provided 4 detachments of members to return fire against the Air Force’s incoming planes. The Royal Australian Navy also took up positions beyond the esplanade to recreate the visual effect of what it might have been like to witness the bombing. The experience is filled with adrenaline, but hits close to home as the crowd considered the ground they now stand on was soaked in the blood of many just 76 years before. It’s a recurring event 8/12 regiment takes part in year after year, however each rotation includes a different Battery. The experience draws hundreds on a pilgrimage to pay their respects in one of Australia’s deadliest days. The City of Darwin provides one of the biggest military services you could find outside of the Australian War Memorial and was even visited by the Japanese Prime Minister. The year was packed full of field exercises in Cultana, South Australia that focused heavily on technical gunnery, old school degraded drills and performed well under the walk, crawl, run training style. Other areas of focus included tactical care of casualties in mass cas scenarios, qualification on new equipment and qualifying shoots. The Battery also spent time engaging with the community by hosting a display at the V8 Supercars at Hunter Valley in Darwin. This afforded members visibility in the community as well as being able to promote some of the exciting things that army has to offer. Figure 40 The display at the V8 Supercars as it was fielded by 103 gunners. 8/12 REGT original photo.