4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - February 2018 Edition

9 another book covering memorials in the ACT. I have written back to Tom who is now living in Townsville. Thanks for your efforts Tom. By the way, many would recall that Tom set a few weight lifting records at 70 years of age. Looks like he is back in training to upset some of the 80 years old records. Go Tom! Pete. From Brian Swift (2.11.2017) re the late Tony Hoy who died in October last year. Brian had written to Kay Hoy: Kay, my name is Brian Swift, I worked closely with Tony in the time before and during our time in Vietnam. He was always a gentleman and a thoroughly decent bloke. Without a doubt the most liked and respected soldier in the regiment. He was a big influence on me in my clerical/pay trade and taught me a lot. I can say without fear or doubt that I never heard anyone say a bad word about Tony. We are all saddened by Tony’s passing and we extend our genuine condolences to you and your family. Strength to you in this terrible time Kay. Lots of love from Swifty and the Regiment. Tony, rest well old soldier you will not be forgotten. And Kay’s response. Brian, Thank you so much for your kind words on Tony's passing. He would have been so pleased to know of the contact and well wishes we have had from the guys of4 Fd Regt. you were all quite often in his thoughts. Thank you again Kaye Hoy and family. Ed. Swifty has not been all that well of late but as usual, soldiers on. He does keep in touch with many and I am sure would love to hear from many of you. His email is bigswifty50@icloud.com Pete. During 2017 we also recorded the death of Ken MacKenzie. Arthur Burke wrote the following: Sadly, Scott MacKenzie has advised that his father, Kenneth William MacKenzie passed away on 26 September 2017 following a long battle with emphysema. Ken was born on 31 May 1937, commissioned through the Officer Cadet School, Portsea in 1962 and served initially with 1st and 4th Field Regiments before being posted to the 1st Recruit Training Battalion. Returning to 1st Field Regiment at Holsworthy, he volunteered for then served with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 1964-65. On return to Australia, Ken was posted to the Jungle Training Centre, Canungra before being selected for a Long Gunnery Staff Course at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, UK 1966-67. An instructional posting to the Australian School of Artillery followed. In 1970, Ken was appointed the battery commander of 105th Field Battery before moving to 4th Field Regiment for a tour of Vietnam as the battery commander of Headquarters Battery. On returning to Townsville, he was appointed battery commander of 107th Field Battery. Promoted lieutenant colonel, Ken commanded the 8th/12th Medium Regiment at Holsworthy 1977-78 and was the Staff Officer Grade One on Headquarters RAA 1st Division and then a staff officer on the divisional headquarters before hanging up his uniform in 1986. Ken was an active attendee at Brisbane Gunner Luncheons and a loyal and very keen member of the 105th Battery RAA Association. Even at the stage when he was reduced to carrying an oxygen tank and mask to relieve his condition, Ken still attended Gunner functions. Rest in peace Lieutenant Colonel Ken MacKenzie, a proud Gunner and loyal friend who will be missed by many. Ubique. Arthur Burke. George Allingame, OAM . George was honoured in the Australia Day Honours this year with the Medal of the Order of Australia, (OAM) for significant service to the building and construction industry in Western Australia, to occupational safety and health standards,