The 3 RAR SA
Association Incorporated Committee and Members
in conjunction with Alpha Company Representatives
and the Mount Barker R&SL will conduct a

~~~ Commemorative Service ~~~

for Private Thomas Johannes De Vries Van Leeuwen
and his Family on Sat 18th Feb 2012 at 1100 Hours
All those wishing to attend are welcome with any 
Medals and Decorations being worn.

Tom was a member of Alpha Company 3 RAR
when killed on the night of 18th Feb 1968 during
an attack on Fire Support Base Anderson.

3 RAR SA will provide a BBQ Lunch
at the local R&SL after the Service.









Below is a LINK to Barry HAMPSON's project
"521 Fallen AUSTRALIANS"
The LINK also contains both his E-Mail Address and
Web-Site details, because your knowledge can be
added in support of this much needed record,
for those that fell, in the Vietnam War 1962-73.

Click here for Barry's Article (in PDF Format 65 KB)

Army Airborne

Insertion Capability
 

The responsibility for maintaining the Airborne Insertion (Parachute)
Capability has transferred from Army forces Command to Special
Operations Command. The transfer marks a significant milestone in
the history of Army's parachute capability.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison recognized
that the Army has raised, developed and maintained a conventional
parachute capability over the past 31 years. "I acknowledge the fine
efforts of all those who have served as part of and in support of the
parachute capability." Lieutenant General Morrison said.

Initially raised and based on a company in the 6th Battalion, The
Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) in 1980, the parachute capability
was enhanced and the responsibility transferred to the 3rd Battalion,
The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) in 1983. During its time as a
Parachute Battalion, 3 RAR was ably supported by a wide range of
units from the 1st and 3rd Brigades, the Parachute Training School
and 176th Air Dispatch Squadron.
"I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Royal Australian
Air Force in maintaining the parachute capability."

"The Parachute capability has been an important part of the ADF's
contingency force since its inception, and will continue to be into the
future. However times have changed and there is a need to re-balance
Army to meet the challenges of the future,"
Lieutenant General Morrison said.

"3 RAR now faces many new challenges including the move to
Townsville, deployment to Afghanistan and playing its part in Army's
future." The transfer of the parachute capability to Special Operations
Command means that the ADF maintains a robust and flexible entry
capability while ensuring that Army is better able to meet the
challenges of the future.

3 RAR SA, PRESIDENT
Bob [ Wheels ] RF WHELAN

Mobile 0448 995 977

mail@3rar-sa-assoc.org.au