Kim Ian McGrath is a Founding and the Inaugural President of the Australian Artillery Association and was born on 28 February 1950 at Kogarah NSW and lived in Sans Souci NSW until he joined the Royal Australian Navy on 14 July 1965.   Kim then joined the National Service on 20 April 1970 then joined the Australian Regular Army on 22 April 1972 being allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery where he was allocated to Radar Location.   Kim retired from the Australian Regular Army on 19 October 1989.   He then joined the Army Reserve and again retired at the end of 1998.

Throughout Kim's career in the Australian Defence Force he was posted to the following units:

~ 1st Recruit Training Battalion

~ 131st Divisional Locating Battery

~ 106 Field Battery (Singapore)

~ Special Air Service Regiment (Cadre Course)

~ 2nd Army Recruiting Unit

~ 133rd Divisional Locating Battery

~ Languages School Point Cook

~ 23rd Field Regiment

~ 2nd Military Police Company

~ Headquarters 2nd Division

~ 113th Field Battery

Kim now resides at King Creek a suburb of Wauchope in NSW with his wife and two children

PROFILE - SECRETARY / WEBMASTER / eNEWSLETTER EDDITOR

Mr Thomas "Graham" Hampton OAM

Mr Thomas Graham Hampton OAM (aka Hampo) is the Founding and Inaugural Webmaster of the Australian Artillery Association and was born in Newcastle NSW where I lived to age 17 1/2   I joined the Army on 25 June 1974 and was immediately sent to Kapooka for recruit training.    Allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery I completed the 53/74 Gun Drill course at the School of Artillery North Head Sydney and was subsequently posted to 8/12 Mdm Regt on 10 Sep 74.     Within 8/12 Mdm Regt I was posted to 103 Mdm Bty where I completed both my GNR Grade 1 and GNR Grade 2 courses (on the 5.5inch guns).   On 5 November 1975 as a fully qualified Gun No and Detachment Commander I was posted to 4 Field Regiment into 106 Fd (Trials) Bty.   It was within 106 Fd (Trials) Bty that we trialled both the new medium artillery pieces and their gun tractors.   While in 106 Fd (Trials) Bty I became qualified as a Clerk Admin a trade that would see me complete my 20 years in the Australian Army and promoted to the dizzy heights of LBDR on 8 November 1976.   I was also temporarily detached to "C" Company 1 RAR from Jul to Sep 1978 for a 3 month tour of Butterworth, what an eye opener to a young single guy.   Upon returning from Butterworth I was subsequently internally posted within 4 Fd Regt to HQ Bty where I was employed within the RHQ.

On the 19 June 1979 I was posted on promotion to BDR to the old Central Army Records Office (CARO) now known as Soldier Career Management Agency (SCMA) where I was employed in the Establishment section.   This my first non corps posting was exciting in particular to be able to mix with every other corps within the Army and to see the Army from a higher administrative level.   While there I formed many friendships some of which are still maintained to this day.   The worst part about this posting was putting up with the Melbourne whether it truly is 4 seasons a day at times.

While at CARO I became fully qualified for SGT, got married to my first and current wife and was posted as the Chief Clerk to 133 Div Loc Bty on promotion to SGT on 4 January 1982.   Some of the best times of my life were spent at 133 Div Loc Bty and embedded in my mind the Reserves, or at least those posted to 133 Div Loc Bty, were indeed every bit as capable and on many occasions more capable and dedicated than other Regular soldiers I had known.

My work at 133 Div Loc Bty  now done I was posted to the School of Artillery 7 December 1983 as the SGT Clerk (Movements Clerk).   Way back then the School was an historic, motivated and emotional place with plenty of characters about to keep you entertained and I can recall many stories from my time there.   While at the School of Artillery I became qualified for promotion to WO2.

On 25 September 1985 I was posted back to 8/12 Mdm Regt this time as the Chief Clerk of the Regiment.   Again there were many characters there, among them Fred Gibbett, Flood Floyd, Andy Devine, Jim Sprice, John Butt, Mick Shevack among many.   Time now to move on.

On 18 February 1987 I was posted to the Department of Defence (Army Office) (Office of the Chief of General Staff - Directorate of Organisation).    This is where both military positions and significant equipments were authorised to be added or withdrawn from unit establishments.   While posted to this most fascinating place I went on Exercise Long Look 88 and was a non reciprocal participant located within the Ministry of Defence United Kingdom (MODUK) in a section called ASD3 which was the equivalent of my own current posted position back in Australia.   An absolutely fascinating exercise I shall never forget for many many reasons.

Immediately upon my return I was posted to the Department of Defence (Local Administration) (Army Office) on 4 January 1989 on promotion to WO1 as the Chief Clerk (more affectionately known as the Chief Clerk Army Office).   Never before had a posting opened my eyes so wide and provide me with the opportunity for lateral thinking to the extreme.   Working with every corps within the Army has significant benefits to the way one views their service and the complexities involved.   Without doubt next to serving in 4 Fd Regt, 106 Fd (Trials) Battery this was the most memorable of all my units I had served in.

Its now January 1992, and with a wife also in the service being posted to Townsville on promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two, it was now my turn to take the back seat in the posting priorities.   Following my wife I was posted to the old District Support Unit, North Queensland (DSGNQ) where I was utilised at Army Community Services Townsville for almost 12 months.   Following that I was posted to as the Administrative Officer of 162 Reconnaissance Squadron where I served until my retirement on 31 October 1994.   The absolute best part about this final posting was that we became members of 2/4 RAR SGT Mess, without doubt the best of the best when it comes to Sergeant's Messes in the Army.

What do I miss the most?...   Having morning tea in the Sergeant's Mess without a doubt.

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Mr Alex Young

In 1991 he then corps transferred to Survey as an Illustrator and after completing training was posted to RMC Duntroon. After two years working out of HQ at RMC he was then posted back to Enoggera as a Draftsman with 1 Sig Regt in 1993. In 1995 he then finished his time in the ADF and discharged from the Army.

After leaving the Army Alex stAlex's work over time will propagate throughout the website on the Australian Artillery Association's App and throughout the wider Gunner community in particular the current serving.ayed living in Brisbane where he is gratefully married to Kylie and has three fantastic children. He now has a career in manufacturing management and still does freelance illustration work with his business Ubique Graphics.

Alex's work over time will propagate throughout the website on the Australian Artillery Association's App and throughout the wider Gunner community in particular the current serving.

Thanks for you efforts Alex, they are sincerely and greatly appreciated.

NORTH QUEENSLAND REPRESENTATIVE

Mr Eldon R.J. Bryant

On the 26th April 1955 Eldon presented himself for service at the 11 National Service Training  Battalion, Wacol QLD.   Drafted into "D" Company 15 Platoon No 5 Section.

After Basic Training, we were introduced to the 25 pounder Field Guns where we commenced to ply our trade and just prior to the 1st August 1955 we as soldiers became recognised as Gunners and received our Artillery hat badge and informed by our Company Commander that we were now "Gentlemen of the Royal Australian Artillery".

On completion with "D" Company 11 NS Training Battalion, transferred to the CMF 5 Field Regiment RAA - Northern Command where I spent some time in Arty Sigs and completion of a Sergeants course before applying for and being granted discharge on 28th April 1960. Why, I got married and immediately accepted a transfer to Rockhampton.

The Commanding Officer of 15 Platoon/ 5 & 6 scribed in my "Individual Training - Progress Record" the following:

* DP4 - Basic Training = Good, reliable soldier

* DP3 - Employment Designation Training = Gun Layer

* General Remarks - Average No 3

I often wonder if I had not gotten married at the time, maybe I might have made a career by remaining in the Army.

A past President and Life Member of the Royal Australian Artillery Association - North Queensland.

Certificate of Appreciation - Issued by the late Hon. Sir D. James Killen AC, KCMG, MP, Minister for Defence (17th April 1980) in recognition and appreciation of the co-operation and support given to Reserve Forces on the authority of the Committee for Employer Support of Reserve Forces.

FOUNDING MEMBER

Mr Thomas "Graham" Hampton OAM

Mr Thomas Graham Hampton OAM (aka Hampo) is the Founding and Inaugural Webmaster of the Australian Artillery Association and was born in Newcastle NSW where I lived to age 17 1/2   I joined the Army on 25 June 1974 and was immediately sent to Kapooka for recruit training.    Allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery I completed the 53/74 Gun Drill course at the School of Artillery North Head Sydney and was subsequently posted to 8/12 Mdm Regt on 10 Sep 74.     Within 8/12 Mdm Regt I was posted to 103 Mdm Bty where I completed both my GNR Grade 1 and GNR Grade 2 courses (on the 5.5inch guns).   On 5 November 1975 as a fully qualified Gun No and Detachment Commander I was posted to 4 Field Regiment into 106 Fd (Trials) Bty.   It was within 106 Fd (Trials) Bty that we trialled both the new medium artillery pieces and their gun tractors.   While in 106 Fd (Trials) Bty I became qualified as a Clerk Admin a trade that would see me complete my 20 years in the Australian Army and promoted to the dizzy heights of LBDR on 8 November 1976.   I was also temporarily detached to "C" Company 1 RAR from Jul to Sep 1978 for a 3 month tour of Butterworth, what an eye opener to a young single guy.   Upon returning from Butterworth I was subsequently internally posted within 4 Fd Regt to HQ Bty where I was employed within the RHQ.

On the 19 June 1979 I was posted on promotion to BDR to the old Central Army Records Office (CARO) now known as Soldier Career Management Agency (SCMA) where I was employed in the Establishment section.   This my first non corps posting was exciting in particular to be able to mix with every other corps within the Army and to see the Army from a higher administrative level.   While there I formed many friendships some of which are still maintained to this day.   The worst part about this posting was putting up with the Melbourne whether it truly is 4 seasons a day at times.

While at CARO I became fully qualified for SGT, got married to my first and current wife and was posted as the Chief Clerk to 133 Div Loc Bty on promotion to SGT on 4 January 1982.   Some of the best times of my life were spent at 133 Div Loc Bty and embedded in my mind the Reserves, or at least those posted to 133 Div Loc Bty, were indeed every bit as capable and on many occasions more capable and dedicated than other Regular soldiers I had known.

My work at 133 Div Loc Bty  now done I was posted to the School of Artillery 7 December 1983 as the SGT Clerk (Movements Clerk).   Way back then the School was an historic, motivated and emotional place with plenty of characters about to keep you entertained and I can recall many stories from my time there.   While at the School of Artillery I became qualified for promotion to WO2.

On 25 September 1985 I was posted back to 8/12 Mdm Regt this time as the Chief Clerk of the Regiment.   Again there were many characters there, among them Fred Gibbett, Flood Floyd, Andy Devine, Jim Sprice, John Butt, Mick Shevack among many.   Time now to move on.

On 18 February 1987 I was posted to the Department of Defence (Army Office) (Office of the Chief of General Staff - Directorate of Organisation).    This is where both military positions and significant equipments were authorised to be added or withdrawn from unit establishments.   While posted to this most fascinating place I went on Exercise Long Look 88 and was a non reciprocal participant located within the Ministry of Defence United Kingdom (MODUK) in a section called ASD3 which was the equivalent of my own current posted position back in Australia.   An absolutely fascinating exercise I shall never forget for many many reasons.

Immediately upon my return I was posted to the Department of Defence (Local Administration) (Army Office) on 4 January 1989 on promotion to WO1 as the Chief Clerk (more affectionately known as the Chief Clerk Army Office).   Never before had a posting opened my eyes so wide and provide me with the opportunity for lateral thinking to the extreme.   Working with every corps within the Army has significant benefits to the way one views their service and the complexities involved.   Without doubt next to serving in 4 Fd Regt, 106 Fd (Trials) Battery this was the most memorable of all my units I had served in.

Its now January 1992, and with a wife also in the service being posted to Townsville on promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two, it was now my turn to take the back seat in the posting priorities.   Following my wife I was posted to the old District Support Unit, North Queensland (DSGNQ) where I was utilised at Army Community Services Townsville for almost 12 months.   Following that I was posted to as the Administrative Officer of 162 Reconnaissance Squadron where I served until my retirement on 31 October 1994.   The absolute best part about this final posting was that we became members of 2/4 RAR SGT Mess, without doubt the best of the best when it comes to Sergeant's Messes in the Army.

What do I miss the most?...   Having morning tea in the Sergeant's Mess without a doubt.

Kim Ian McGrath is a Founding and the Inaugural President of the Australian Artillery Association and was born on 28 February 1950 at Kogarah NSW and lived in Sans Souci NSW until he joined the Royal Australian Navy on 14 July 1965.   Kim then joined the National Service on 20 April 1970 then joined the Australian Regular Army on 22 April 1972 being allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery where he was allocated to Radar Location.   Kim retired from the Australian Regular Army on 19 October 1989.   He then joined the Army Reserve and again retired at the end of 1998.

Throughout Kim's career in the Australian Defence Force he was posted to the following units:

~ 1st Recruit Training Battalion

~ 131st Divisional Locating Battery

~ 106 Field Battery (Singapore)

~ Special Air Service Regiment (Cadre Course)

~ 2nd Army Recruiting Unit

~ 133rd Divisional Locating Battery

~ Languages School Point Cook

~ 23rd Field Regiment

~ 2nd Military Police Company

~ Headquarters 2nd Division

~ 113th Field Battery

Kim now resides at King Creek a suburb of Wauchope in NSW with his wife and two children

Jack grew up in Sydney NSW. In January 1958, at age 18 after passing numerous medical tests, Jack boarded a Council bus and was transported to the Ingleburn Army Camp, Bardia Barracks. A special invitation had been sent to him to attend, it was conscription and was obligatory to go.

This was to be a life changing experience where he was inducted into Army life as a National Serviceman in 24 Platoon, E Company, 13th National Service Training Battalion.

It was here that Jack learned all manner of new things.

Such as how to Army speak. Boots were, ‘Boots, ankle, black’, a spanner was, ‘Spanners, crescent adjustable 8 inch’. It was important to quickly learn this new language to understand what was going on. Other new things learned were washing and ironing uniforms, polishing brass and cleaning boots, shooting weapons, 303 rifle, Bren Gun, Owen gun (9mm).

After having learnt all this exciting new stuff, Jack was instructed to go to the CMF army unit, 9th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, to continue his National Service obligation. There he learned more exciting stuff, this time about 3.7inch Heavy Anti-Aircraft guns, radars, predictors.

Jack took to Army Life in the CMF and it was not long before he progressed from Gunner to Sergeant at the mature age of 20yrs. Firstly as Detachment Commander (Guns), AKA Gun Sergeant and thence Detachment Commander Fire Control Radar, AKA FC1.

A few years later Jack moved to Brisbane, Queensland, transferring to 11th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RAA. In the interim he had enlisted in the CMF upon being discharged from National Service.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, he found the 11th had converted to Field Artillery, 25 pounders and was now 11th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery. Commanding Officer commented, well won’t take you long Sergeant to convert to 25 pounders. Talk about a fast learning curve but with a good detachment and very able 2IC (Bombardier) my first shoot went well.

Regrettably family matters intruded and further Army studies, courses and promotion ceased in 1965.

In Civilian life Jack is now retired, having been a qualified Carpenter & Joiner, registered Builder and Project Manager.