Ladies and Gents,
I am pleased to advise that the national launch of our memoir ‘With Skill and Fighting – Craftsmen of the Australian Army 1942-2014’, last week at the Australian War Memorial, was a very successful event. For those who weren’t able to get there, the launch was preceded by the RAEME Corps Seminar, where a key topic, was the commencement of PLAN CENTAUR, a project to review the way RAEME conduct its business on the modern battle field as the Army introduces new equipment, but principally new armoured and protect vehicles.
For those who missed the launch, the speeches and opportunities for socialising, the organisation of the launch was a credit to the HOC Cell, the AWM staff and the generous efforts of KBR & Raytheon, facilitated by the COLCOMDT ACT/NSW, Tom Reynolds. Everything clicked into place, and it was a wonderful evening, regardless of whether you were participating, or a member of the audience of some 150 plus enjoying the hospitality provided. The launch was preceded by a Last Post Ceremony, at the AWM, which was not only well attended, but fittingly saw an address delivered by MAJ Ian Cook RAEME.
Chief of Army made a most appropriate speech and told the gathered Bluebell’s what he really thought of the Corps – most generous in his praise – and an excellent choice of person to launch the book. The bonhomie in the room was simply terrific. The book’s sponsors were honoured – the Corps Committee, Aspen Medical, Raytheon Australia, KPMG, Airbus Group Australia Pacific, KBR and the DVA. The audience consisted of a broad mix of senior officers and senior ranks, together with some more junior officers, NCOs and other members, who earlier that day attended the RAEME Corps Seminar. There was also a large contingent of retired folks.
I wish to add my personal thanks to all that contributed to the project and the launch, but especially the project team, who were publically honoured on the day by BRIG Mathewson; as well as the many others whom have been involved at specific stages over the last 5-6 years, or brought specific skills to the Corps History Project team. Despite my attempts last Wednesday at the AWM to get around and thank everyone personally, I failed – there were just too many people at the launch to engage with in the time available. If I have missed anyone, who has made a contribution – great or small – I apologise; but I am extremely grateful for everyone’s support and assistance throughout, especially those who provided me with the occasional ‘morale boosting talk’, during the journey!
I understand there a few folks who are yet to receive their books, but they will come – the HOC is doing its best with limited resources. If you haven’t ordered your book, details are contained on the attched flyer will assist you to do so. We have sold in excess of a 1000 books to date, of the 2000 printed, and orders have increased as a result of the national launch, so if you wish to order a copy, please don’t delay – it is unlikely that further books will be printed. The next launch will be at the Mermaid Beach Surf Life saving Club next weekend.
I suspect this will be the last of my personal emails, to this very large address group, but I appreciate your attention over the last few years. I must also say how wonderful it was to catch up with so many familiar faces last week – young and old!
Kind regards,
Ross
Ross L.G. Grant
166/27 Waigani St
Bli Bli Qld 4560
M +61 403 045 964
H +61 (7) 5414 1066
