Welcome to 107th Field Battery Association. Notes from the Association's Executive, the history of the Association and the Battery from origins in Sydney in 1915, are on this page. On Page Two (News & Links) is "STOP PRESS" the latest news and information, notes from the historian, Vale of the departed 107 Fd Bty personnel and links to other related sites. On Page Three, Around the Regions, you will find the latest news and stories from our members.
Our association is for those who often long ago,served together for relatively short periods of time often in distant places and undertook activities that most others have never experienced. We were just ordinary people who did extraordinary things.The aim of our association is to bring these members together for communication, friendship and activities, completely free of the stress that so many have suffered for too long.
The Association comprises over 180 financial members who come from all periods since the Battery was reformed in 1965; see the Battery history at the base of this page. Our members served in, or were attached to the Battery in one or more of Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville, Vietnam and again in Townsville in more recent years. Some are currently serving.
The Association seeks to foster a strong association with the currently serving members of the Battery.The Association strongly and actively supports current members of 107 Field Battery particularly when they are servingon operations overseas. ----------------------------------
MEMBERSHIP of the 107 Fd Bty Assn is open to current and ex - members of 107 Field Battery, plus those who are or were attached to the Battery. To join, see Secretary's notes below.
Art by the "Buzzard." Thanks Rick.
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This website was last updated on 02 Septembery 2010. On page one our new editor Warran Feakes, new NSW Rep, Bob Edmonds and our new Queensland Rep Neil Lunney. On page
three is our Anzac Day 2010 Townsville Reunion report. On page two is
the new Black Sheep history book '107 Field Battery 1965-1971' which was
released at Reunion Townsville. Plus the Association Book, baseball cap
and other items available for purchase are displayed.
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Members of 107 Fd Bty during the
Association's Townsville Reunion, August 2005,
marking 40 years since the battery was
re-raised at Holsworthy in 1965. See the
Battery history below and the reunion
report on PAGE 3, Around the Regions.
I became President on Bill Jones’s urging with the formation of our Association and the vast majority of the credit goes to Bill for getting the Association up and moving. For a bit of a potted history of yours truly, see “around the regions”.
Noddy hard at work (seated far right) with Peter Van de Meer overlooking the GPO at at an outdoor Command Post Exercise in 1968, held during the Battery's tour of duty in Malaysia. Gabby Hayes on top of rover and Sid Armistead without hat next to John Shelley and Rob Cook.
The association is for all Black Sheep, past and serving. If any one has a particular project they would like to pursue, reunion, mini-reunion, book, slide show CD etc., let us know; it’s amazing what can be produced by the corporate memory with assistance from the photos and slides that haven’t seen the light of day for decades.
And here is another for Terendak veterans to check the faces at the Battery dance at Slim School. Seated are L-R Bill Jones, Jon Eaton, Noel Patterson, Jan Kollarik, Noddy Feakes, Dutchy Holland, Dennis Geer, Tex Warren, Bob Matherson; and standing is Dave Gilmer. Thanks to John Shelly and Noel Patterson for confirming the names, Noddy.
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The Secretary's minutes:
Membership: If you have or are currently serving with 107 Fd Bty RAA (or are/were attached) andwould like to join our Association, contact the Secretary secretary@107fdbty.com (see below for more contact details) for details and application. Membership is just $15.00 annually (or $150 for a life subscription) plus a joining fee of $15.00, which includes your numbered membership badge/key ring, RAM pin and a full information package posted. As a member you will be kept up to date of the Association's activities and membership and receive discounts on the Association's items and activities.
If you are a financial member and would like a copy of the membership list, contact secretary@107fdbty.com or use the contacts below.
If you have any ideas, strong feelings or just good ideas on these or any other Association matters, then contact your State or Regional representatives, listed below.
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Treasurer's Ledger
Renewal of membership: Annual subscriptions for calendar year 2010 are due. The Annual Subs remain just $15.00. The Life Subscription is $150.00
Payment is welcome by cheque, money order, internet direct credit or by credit card. For all options email: treasurer@107fdbty.com or snail mail to PO Box 199 ERINDALE, ACT 2903.
Your financial status was included in the last RAM Ramblings. Questions, email treasurer@107fdbty.com. If you know someone who should be a member, then invite them to join. Pass their details to the Secretary and they will get an application form by email or post.
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS are available to help you with any information. If you prefer not to use email contacts then write to The Secretary, 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn, PO Box 199 ERINDALE, ACT Australia 2903.
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PRESIDENT: Warren (Noddy) Feakes: email: president@107fdbty.com Warren served as a regular with 107 Fd Bty RAA from March 1967 to May 1971 in Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam.
Noddy was a section commander, gun position officer and forward observer. A graduate of the Officer Cadet School Portsea, he served 35 years in the Defence Force. Now retired and living in Canberra, Warren is a keen snow skier spending each winter at Perisher and participates regularly in national & international cross-country skiing racing as a member of the Australian Masters Team. You can contact Noddy at: president@107fdbty.com.
Hilton served in the Battery from March 1969 to December 1972 in Townsville and Vietnam as Commander (Australian Component), Gun Position Officer and Forward Observer. A graduate of the Officer Cadet School Portsea, Hilton served 20 years in the regular army and a total of 39 years in the Australian Defence Force.
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NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Warren Feakes, email editor@107fdbty.com. See the notes on Warren in his position as President
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The 107 Fd Bty RAA Association Committee also includes Service and Regional Members. These positions cover all areas of Australia and are to be filled with personnel representing all periods of 107 Fd Bty's recent history since it was reformed in 1965:
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TERRITORY MEMBER - Australian Capital Territory member is Peter (Baldy) Moat.
Peter was with 107 Field Battery in Malaysia and Townsville. Peter returned to Malaysia with the 40th year tour in September 2007. Peter is pictured hard at work on radio picquet in Malaysia in 1968. PS: Now, just how did you get the nickname "Baldy" Peter?
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STATE MEMBER - New South Wales is Bob Edmonds.
Bob at a Fire Support Base somewhere in SVN.
Bob was with the Battery in Townsville &
Vietnam. Bob was called up for National Service on 23/4/69 and after completing
his Recruit & Corps training Bob was posted to 107 Fd Bty. Bob served in Vietnam from
07/05/70 with the FO party with 2RAR/NZ until he returned home on 18/03/71 and was
discharge on 22/04/71. nsw@107fdbty.com
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Regional Member - Northern NSW:Col Lowe email: nnsw@107fdbty.com. Col served in the battery at Holsworthy and in Malaysia1967 to 1968. Called to National Service, Col undertook training at Singleton and North Head before joining the Battery at Holsworthy. He deployed with the batteryto Terendak in Malaysia. He spent time on the Borneo Border and of course the Cameron Highlands.Col is keen to hear from Association members, particularly from the north of NSW.
Regional Member - Sydney: Ian (Bozo) Simpson email Sydney@107fdbty.com.
Regional Member - Southern NSW: Ian Hughes. Ian has moved from Perfect Queensland to even more perfect Jervis Bay on the Southcoast of NSW and taken over from Hilton Lenard as the Southern NSW regional rep. Email: snsw@107fdbty.com. Ian, as a Regular, served with the Battery in Holsworthy and Malaysia as a Bombardier signaller. He obtained the rank of WO2 before electing for discharge. Ian subsequently worked for the Department of Defence in South Queensland prior to his retirement earlier this year. Ian and his wife have now joined the ever-growing Grey Nomads, traveling the roads of Australia and beyond.
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TERRITORY MEMBER - Northern Territory: Jim Wright e: nt@107fdbty.com.
Jim served in the Battery from its reraising in 1965 to December 1972 (except for a short period in 1971), at Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam. He was employed in all ranks to sergeant as battery surveyor, operator command post and battery commander's assistant. Jim served a total of 32 years in the Australian Defence Force. He is now retired and active in the returned service community in the top end of the Northern Territory, when not travelling around Australia. Further details can be found in the Around the Regions section.
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STATE MEMBER - Queensland:
Neil Lunney, Neil has stepped up from the Southern
Queensland regional rep to replace Neil Layton, who was a foundation
memberand has served & assisted the association since its inception. Thank you Neil from all of us at 107 Fd Bty. Neil
Lunney can be contacted via email: qld@107fdbty.com.
This very young Neil was taken in Malaysia in 1962. When serving with 102 Bty. He joined 107 Bty at Holsworthy as one of the early "Black Sheep". He served with the battery in Malaysia (again) Townsville then Vietnam. He was medivaced from Vietnam in June 1970. Neil is very active in all battery matters and his frequent contributions can be seen in Around the Regions page of this website. Neil can be contacted on: sqld@107fdbty.com.
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Regional Member - Central Queensland: Jon Eaton
Jon, photographeed in 1968 on the east coast of Malaya in 1968, was called to serve Australia as a national serviceman. Originally from New South Wales, in 1966 he completed his recruit and initial employment training and was posted to 107 Battery at Holsworthy. In 1967, he moved with the Battery to Malaysia until his discharge in 1968. Jon settled at Sarina (near Mackay) in tropical Queensland, where he lives with his wife, Kerry. Jon is active in the educational industry. For a current photograph see the Around the Regions page of this website. You can contact Jon at nqld@107fdbty.com.
Regional Member for North Queensland - Mike Dinnison.
Mike served with the Battery in the 1970's in a number of different postings. He graduated from the Officer Cadet School and retired from the miltary in the early 1990's. He now lives and works in Townsville.
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STATE MEMBER - South Australia: Adrian (Wally) Walford
Adrian served in the Battery from 1969 until return from Vientam in May 1971 as Number One, Bravo (Bubbles) Gun detachment. As well as gun Sgt, Adrian was known for his desire to leave the gun position and lead fighting patrols in to danger, encouraging his fellow senior NCO's down tunnels and into B52 bomb craters. Adrian completed over 20 years in the regular Army, retiring in 1983 as WO1 in the Gunnery Staff and the Master Gunner.
Les was a National Serviceman called-up from Tasmania, towards the end of the 1966-1972 NS intakes. Basic training at Puckpunyal was followed by the School of Artillery at North Head. Electing to serve out his national service commitment after the election of the Whitlam Labour Government in December 1972, he served as a gun number then signaller in 107 Bty at Townsville. Les took his discharge in March 1974 and returned to Launceston. We welcome Les to the Association Committee and look forward to some more information and a photograph, to fill out the guesswork by the Ed!
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STATE MEMBER - Victoria: Ken (Doc) Barclay email vic@107fdbty.com.
Doc joined the Army in February 1968 and was allocated to Medical Corps. Posted to 4 Fd Regt Townsville in June 1968 with 108 Fd Bty then joined 107 Fd Bty in July 1969 as Corporal Medic with the battery in Vietnam.
Regional Member - Eastern Victoria: Noel Paterson e: evic@107fdbty.com
Noel responded to his call-up notice in February 1967, training at Puckapunyal and Spit Polish Castle North Head before being posted to 107 Fd Bty at Holsworthy. He served as a driver then layer on Alpha Gun in Malaysia.
Regional Member - Western Victoria: Barry Pearce wvic@107fdbty.com. See notes on Barry as the Vice President.
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STATE MEMBER - Western Australia: Bob White.
Bob joined the Battery half way through the tour in Vietnam and went on to be the longest serving person posted as BSM of the Battery. Bob served in most states of Australia and overseas before retiring and settling down in WA.
The HISTORY of 107th Field Battery RAA Association.
During the 1980s and 1990s, individuals, mostly from the battery's time in Malaysia and Vietnam started to contact each other and ANZAC Day reunions occured. Photo left, The ANZAC Day march in Sydney in 2003.
Hlton Lenard made contact with ex-members and 107 Fd Bty at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, in 1999. He undertook to update and improve the recorded history of the Battery's time in Vietnam. A scrapbook, to be presented to the battery at a reunion in 2005, was decided.
In 2002, Bill Jones setup a personal website to establish contact with others from the battery's Malaysia period. This site gained comment from fellow gunners in Australia and all around the world.
In 2003 Bill and Hilton became aware of each others activities and combined their activities. Bill, with assistance from Ken Rosenlund, a director of the Twin City Services Club, arranged the first official reunion at Tweed Heads in February 2004.
Around 120 ex-members and partners attended. The 107 Fd Bty RAA Association was formed with an initial committee of President Warren Feakes, Vice Presidents Neil Layton and Hilton Lenard and Sec/Tres Bill Jones. Bill also took on the duties of editor of the association newsletter and webmaster.
Left, Bill Jones, at the 2004 Reunion, moves the motion that the 107th Field Battery RAA Association be formed. The motion was carried and the 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn working committy agreed established, to complete the details.
Nominations were called called for all positions but none was received. The existing personnel remain and the regional representative positions were unfilled. Subsequently due to personal commitments, Neil and Bill resigned from their executive positions of Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. Neil rejoined the Committee as the South East Queensland Representative.
Hilton assumed the Sec/Tres duties and Barry Pearce joined the executive as Vice President and Newsletter Editor. The Regional Members were filled by invitation. Who said conscription is dead? Nomination were subsequently called and at the election November 2006, a full Committee was elected to run the Association until the next election due in late 2010.
In August 2005, the Townsville Reunion was held with 67 members and partners attending. Five copies of the history project, a book titled "The Black Sheep at War" were produced and presented to the BC 107 Fd Bty, CO 4 Fd Regt RAA, the Curator 4 Fd Regt History Collection and the Australian War Memorial. The fifth copy is held by the 107 Fd Bty Historian. The book consists of 120 pages of photos and stories from the personnel who served in 107 Fd Bty in Vietnam, plus 30 pages of historical information including the nominal roll, manning on deployment to Vietnam, fire support bases occupied and the extract of the "Commanders (CO 4 Fd Regt RAA) War Diary".
The third major reunion was held in Sydney over the ANZAC Day long weekend in 2008. Several functions were held with over 100 attending the major activity at North Fort on Saturday 26 April 2008. Warren Feakes released the Association's second publication, "The Black Sheep in Malaysia" a large publication with many interesting stories, articles, funny incidents and a massive collection of photographs. A DVD version is available to members at $30 inc P&P. Contact Secretary Hilton at secretary@107fdbty.com OR Warren at president@107fdbty.com
The CD version of "The Black Sheep at War" is available from Secretary Hilton at secretary@107fdbty.com. The cost is $10 for members, including p & p with in Australia.
Proceeds from both publications go to the Association's cost in producing the books.
With thanks to Paddy Durnford, Curator 4 Fd Regt Historical Collection.
World War One period - 1915 to 1919:
Originally raised as 28th Battery at “Warren” Marrickville, Sydney, in 1915 and equipped with 18 pounders, it formed part of 7th Field Artillery Brigade. The Brigade embarked on the SS Argyllshire on 11th May 1916 and arrived in England on 12th July 1916. At this time the Australian Artillery was reorganised to match its British counterpart. Initially howitzer brigades of three four-gun batteries were established, with the batteries numbered consecutively from 101. However by the time 7th Brigade arrived in England the howitzer brigades had been abolished and one howitzer battery was allocated to each of the field brigades. 28 Battery was re-equipped with 4.5-inch howitzers and redesignated 107th Howitzer Battery.
107th Howitzer Battery first saw action near Armentiers in early 1917, as part of 3rd AIF Division commanded by General Monash. Subsequently it saw action at Ypres, Ploegsteert, Zonnebeke, Passchendale, Hell Fire Corner, Messines and Menin Gate. At armistice, the battery strength was 181 all ranks; having lost 19 killed in action, 12 died of wounds, one died of illness, 119 wounded and 41 gassed.
Between the Wars period - 1919 to 1938:
Repatriated to Australia in 1919, the AIF battery was disbanded. However a militia 107th Battery remained, initially at North Sydney and later at Willoughby. It was horse-drawn, consisting of four 4.5-inch howitzers, each hauled by six horses. The numbers One and Ten (Sergeant & Bombardier) rode on single mounts. Each pair of horses had a driver and two gunners rode on each of the gun, limber and ammunition wagons.
Second World War preiod - 1939 to 1943:
With the outbreak of World War Two, the old iron tyred gun-wheels were replaced with pneumatic tyres and the horses by commercial three tonne trucks. The battery was deployed to Geraldton, WA, as part of 7th Field Regiment, supporting 8 Brigade Group. In 1942 the 4.5-inch howitzers were replaced with 25 pounders and the Battery redesignated 107th Field Battery. Although actively involved in the Defence of Australia, the battery did not see action. On 28th October 1943, the battery marched through the streets of Sydney and was disbanded the following month.
Recent years - 1965 to today:
On 1st June 1965, Lieutenant Colonel R. Curbis, Commanding Officer 1st Field Regiment, requested authority from Headquarters RAA, 1st Division to raise an additional battery. DRA/686 dated 6th July 1965 designated 107th Field Battery, when formed. Formally raised on 1st August 1965 the Battery was complete by September.
But from the 1st June the battery had commenced to assemble from resources not considered essential to the other units. The first Battery Commander, Captain Peter Badcoe, VC, oversaw the raising of the 105mm L5 Pack Howitzer gun battery. Members of the new Battery felt like the “poor relatives” in where most were preparing for service in Vietnam. A metal sign depicting a very sad looking black merino ram was produced for the Battery sign and for each of the Battery vehicles. By 1967 the Battery was acquitting it self among the best, so the subsequent Battery Commander, Major George Barnard, decided that the Battery emblem should be more aggressive, so the RAM was made “Rampant” and was declared the official emblem. It was also at this time that Major Marfell DSO, Battery Commander of 107th Howitzer Battery 1916-1919, Sam Browne belt and sword were presented to the Battery.
Malaysia 1967-1969:
The battery deployed to and relieved A Battery at Terendak Camp, Malacca on 16th September 1967. Equipped with 105mm L5 Pack Howitzer, the battery exercised regularly at Asahan Range with elements of the battery also in Brunei and the east coast of Malaysia, as well as providing relief and replacements to the Artillery units in Vietnam. The production of the history of 107 Fd Bty in Malaysia is a project of the 107 Fd Bty Assn.
Townsville 1969-1970:
In October 1969, the battery returned and joined the Australian component as part of 4th Field Regiment, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville and was equipped with six M2A2 Howitzers and four 25 pounders, ammunition for the latter being abundant.
Vietnam 1970-1971:
Less than seven months later, 107 Fd Bty relieved 101st Fd Bty at Koala gun position, NuiDat and at 1710 hours 7th May 1970, reported ready on theatre grid. Details of the build-up training in Australia and subsequent operations in Vietnam are in the 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn history, “The Black Sheep at War” available from secretary@107fdbty.com. At 1200 hours 7th March 1971, until replaced by 104 Fd Bty on 5th May 1971, the battery was under command of 12 Fd Regt, RAA.
Townsville 1971-present:
On return to Australia, 107 Fd Bty rejoined 4th Field Regiment RAA at Chau Pha Lines, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. It was initially re-equipped with six 105mm L5 Pack Howitzer. In 1973 the guns were replaced with six M2A2 Howitzers. In 1974 the computerised fire control system FACE was introduced.
In 1979, 4 Fd Regt became the artillery element of the Operational Deployment Force, capable of deployment within 28 days. To enable the rapid deployment using UH1H Iroquois and CH47 Chinook aircraft, the battery was reequipped with the L5 Pack Howitzers. In 1980 the Armoured Personnel Carrier mounted FACE was supplemented with the man portable FABS backup fire control system. The next year the FACE equipment was reconfigured as Land Rover mounted.
In 1985 the battery conducted trials on the proposed Hammel gun. Finally in 1989 the L5 Pack Howitzer was replaced permanently with the 105 mm L119 Hamel Gun.
In 2000, elements of 107 Fd Bty deployed with 1st Battalion Group to East Timor.
In May 2002 with the battery deployed at Star Airstrip, Bravo Gun commanded by Sergeant Buxton, exploded when fired. The gun was totally destroyed with the breach ending up in the ammunition bay and the barrel broken in half. Although shocked, the gunners were relieved and amazed that no one was killed or seriously injured.
Battery Commanders of 107 Field Battery:
Battery Commander Battery Sergeant Major
Capt G.H. Patterson 1915 WO2 J.S. Allan Maj L. Marfel DSO 1916 WO2 A. Anderson
no records 1919-1937
Maj F. McAlister 1938 Maj J. Stuckey 1943 disbanded 1944-1965
Capt P.J. Badcoe VC 1965 WO2 P. Dewhurst Maj D. Quinn 1965 Maj G. Barnard (Holsworthy & Malaysia) 1966 Maj D. Quinn 1969 WO2 R.J. Haskard Maj D. Smith Maj G.T. Salmon (Townsville & Vietnam) Maj K.R. Hall 1970 WO2 R.S. White Maj K.W. Mackenzie (VN & Tve) 1971 Maj E.D. Jacobs 1972 Maj J.H. Griggs Maj B.H. Mitchell 1973 Maj G.D. Phegan 1974 WO2 N. Lemon Maj W.G.S. Boyd 1975 1976 WO2 J.F. Wilson Maj B.V. Wright 1977 1978 WO2 N.W. Campbell Maj A.R. Main 1979 1980 WO2 D.A. Quirk WO2 A.W. Mayfield Maj P.R. Kilpatrick 1981 WO2 R.V. Bellis Maj J.F. Hickey 1982 WO2 Richardson Maj D.J. Murray 1983 WO2 K.P. Brown 1984 WO2 P.J. Smith Maj L.E. Home 1985 WO2 P.J. Bruce 1986 WO2 R.J. Bell Maj A.A. Thwaites 1987 1988 WO2 T.J. James Maj F.G. Colley 1989 Maj R.H. White 1990 WO2 K.F. Shonene OAM Maj I.P. Goss 1991 Maj R.H. Stanhope 1992 WO2 G. Metcalf Maj W.L. Goodman 1993 WO2 W. Franks Maj J.C. Hill 1994 1995 WO2 I. Kilgour Maj D.J. Moore 1996 1997 WO2 E.J. Webb Maj M.J. Kingsford 1998 WO2 B. Kyrwood Maj T.D. Griggs 2000 2001 WO2 S. Boyd Maj M.R.C. Kennedy 2002 2003 WO2 D.R. Lehr Maj R.A. Vagg 2004 2005 WO2 B. Armstrong Maj G. Cassar 2006
2007 WO2 C. Yanner
Maj P Meakin 2008
Maj J. Collins 2009 WO2 T. Whitwam
The BCs' honour board located in the Battery Commander's Office at Chau Phau Lines, Laverack Barracks, Townsville. The lines are being rebuilt in the same general location as part of the Lavarack Barracks re-development.
The honour board of past Battery Sergeant Majors located in the BSM's office at Chau Phau Lines.
MEMBERSHIP of the 107 Fd Bty Assn is open to current and ex - members of 107 Field Battery, plus those who are or were attached to the Battery. To join, see Secretary's notes below. 
Members of 107 Fd Bty during the
Association's Townsville Reunion, August 2005,
marking 40 years since the battery was
re-raised at Holsworthy in 1965. See the
Battery history below and the reunion
report on PAGE 3, Around the Regions.
Noddy hard at work (seated far right) with Peter Van de Meer overlooking the GPO at at an outdoor Command Post Exercise in 1968, held during the Battery's tour of duty in Malaysia. Gabby Hayes on top of rover and Sid Armistead without hat next to John Shelley and Rob Cook.
And here is another for Terendak veterans to check the faces at the Battery dance at Slim School. Seated are L-R Bill Jones, Jon Eaton, Noel Patterson, Jan Kollarik, Noddy Feakes, Dutchy Holland, Dennis Geer, Tex Warren, Bob Matherson; and standing is Dave Gilmer. Thanks to John Shelly and Noel Patterson for confirming the names, Noddy. 
Noddy was a section commander, gun position officer and forward observer. A graduate of the Officer Cadet School Portsea, he served 35 years in the Defence Force. Now retired and living in Canberra, Warren is a keen snow skier spending each winter at Perisher and participates regularly in national & international cross-country skiing racing as a member of the Australian Masters Team. You can contact Noddy at: 
Hilton served in the Battery from March 1969 to December 1972 in Townsville and Vietnam as Commander (Australian Component), Gun Position Officer and Forward Observer. A graduate of the Officer Cadet School Portsea, Hilton served 20 years in the regular army and a total of 39 years in the Australian Defence Force. 
Peter was with 107 Field Battery in Malaysia and Townsville. Peter returned to Malaysia with the 40th year tour in September 2007. Peter is pictured hard at work on radio picquet in Malaysia in 1968. PS: Now, just how did you get the nickname "Baldy" Peter? 
Bob at a Fire Support Base somewhere in SVN.
Jim served in the Battery from its reraising in 1965 to December 1972 (except for a short period in 1971), at Holsworthy, Malaysia, Townsville and Vietnam. He was employed in all ranks to sergeant as battery surveyor, operator command post and battery commander's assistant. Jim served a total of 32 years in the Australian Defence Force. He is now retired and active in the returned service community in the top end of the Northern Territory, when not travelling around Australia. Further details can be found in the Around the Regions section.
This very young Neil was taken in Malaysia in 1962. When serving with 102 Bty. He joined 107 Bty at Holsworthy as one of the early "Black Sheep". He served with the battery in Malaysia (again) Townsville then Vietnam. He was medivaced from Vietnam in June 1970. Neil is very active in all battery matters and his frequent contributions can be seen in Around the Regions page of this website. Neil can be contacted on: 
Jon, photographeed in 1968 on the east coast of Malaya in 1968, was called to serve Australia as a national serviceman. Originally from New South Wales, in 1966 he completed his recruit and initial employment training and was posted to 107 Battery at Holsworthy. In 1967, he moved with the Battery to Malaysia until his discharge in 1968. Jon settled at Sarina (near Mackay) in tropical Queensland, where he lives with his wife, Kerry. Jon is active in the educational industry. For a current photograph see the Around the Regions page of this website. You can contact Jon at 
Doc joined the Army in February 1968 and was allocated to Medical Corps. Posted to 4 Fd Regt Townsville in June 1968 with 108 Fd Bty then joined 107 Fd Bty in July 1969 as Corporal Medic with the battery in Vietnam. 
Noel responded to his call-up notice in February 1967, training at Puckapunyal and Spit Polish Castle North Head before being posted to 107 Fd Bty at Holsworthy. He served as a driver then layer on Alpha Gun in Malaysia. 
During the 1980s and 1990s, individuals, mostly from the battery's time in Malaysia and Vietnam started to contact each other and ANZAC Day reunions occured. Photo left, The ANZAC Day march in Sydney in 2003. 
Around 120 ex-members and partners attended. The 107 Fd Bty RAA Association was formed with an initial committee of President Warren Feakes, Vice Presidents Neil Layton and Hilton Lenard and Sec/Tres Bill Jones. Bill also took on the duties of editor of the association newsletter and webmaster. 
Left, Bill Jones, at the 2004 Reunion, moves the motion that the 107th Field Battery RAA Association be formed. The motion was carried and the 107 Fd Bty RAA Assn working committy agreed established, to complete the details. 
Nominations were called called for all positions but none was received. The existing personnel remain and the regional representative positions were unfilled. Subsequently due to personal commitments, Neil and Bill resigned from their executive positions of Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. Neil rejoined the Committee as the South East Queensland Representative.
The BCs' honour board located in the Battery Commander's Office at Chau Phau Lines, Laverack Barracks, Townsville. The lines are being rebuilt in the same general location as part of the Lavarack Barracks re-development.
The honour board of past Battery Sergeant Majors located in the BSM's office at Chau Phau Lines.