5RAR Historical Archive

Laying Up of 5RARs Original Colours 

The original Colours were first presented on 29 October 1967 by Sir Roden Cutler VC KCMG KCVO CBE at Gallipoli Barracks Holsworthy, the Battalion having returned from its first tour of duty in the Republic of South Vietnam in May 1967. 5RAR's original Colours were officially laid up on 20 November 2008. They were returned to the Soldiers' Chapel at Kapooka due to their deteriorating condition.The ceremony took place at the Soldiers’ Chapel in Kapooka, where the original Queen’s and Regimental Colours were formally laid up. This act signifies the retirement of the Colours from active duty due to age and wear, preserving them as sacred regimental artefacts.After the ceremonial farewell, they were escorted to the Soldiers’ Chapel, where they remain preserved as a tribute to the battalion’s service and sacrifice.
This ceremony is steeped in military tradition, symbolising the enduring spirit of the regiment and its connection to generations of soldiers past and present.

(Click on the top left image to follow the intended sequence)

2nd Lieutenant Darryl Lovell 'ENSIGN' Receiving the Colours from the Governor of New South Wales Sir Roden Cutler VC KCMG CBE, on Sunday the 29th October 1967.
5RAR Colour Party
Captain Gavin Rowe of 5/7 RAR was the Ensign at the Laying Up Ceremony shaking hands with Darryll Lovell who was the original Ensign at the presentation of the Battalion's Colours
Darryl Lovell with Peter Isaacs. Assistant Adjutant and Adjutant of the Battalion during its first tour.
(L to R): Bob Supple-Assistant Operations officer, Max Carroll-Operations Officer, Peter Isaacs-Adjutant and Robert O'Neill-Intelligence Officer.
Darry Lovell with Lieutenant Colonel Ron Hamlyn (Ret'd) who commanded Admin Company and B Company during the Battalion's first tour.
(Rear Left to Right):Ron Shambrook, Ben Morris, Stan Maizey, Robert O'Neill, Max Carroll & Ron Hamlyn. (Front Left to Right): Roger Wainwright, Ralph Thompson, Paul Greenhalgh, Bob Supple, Mick 'Deaky' Baron von Berg, Peter Isaacs, Darryl Lovell.
Colours of the 5th and 7th Battalions laid along the alter in the Soldiers' Chapel Kapooka New South Wales. As a result of two tours in the Republic of South Vietnam, the 5th Battalion lost 50 members killed in action and 287 wounded in action.
Brigadier Colin Khan DSO, AM (Ret'd) CO of 5RAR during its second tour and Major General Ron Grey AC DSO commanded 7RAR on its second tour. Photographed in the soldiers' chapel with the Battalion's respective Colours.
Dedication Plaque placed into the wall of the Soldiers' Chapel at the recruit training unit, Kapooka New South Wales.
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