WANGARATTA TROOP AT KAKADU 1993

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale.

In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia.

Exercise Kangaroo 89 (K89) was a disappointment for the ARes, when the exercise became a regular exercise with minimal Reserve involvement, individual soldiers filling gaps in regular units, but no unit or sub-unit involvement. Exercise K92 was better with the 4th Brigade (4Bde) deploying to Tindal RAAF Base and defending it against raids by small ‘enemy’ groups.

Training by small units continued into the next year. Accordingly, in September 1993, No 3 Troop VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH (Wangaratta) commanded by Captain Kel Robertson, deployed to RAAF Base Tindal located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Major M Annett was the Officer Commanding the VMR Squadron at the time.

Captain Kel Robertson 3TP (Wangaratta) VMR SQN 4/19 PWLH looking out over the Arafura swamp near the Maningrida to Ramingining road in Arnhem Land. September 1993.

The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways), resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure.

Map of Arnhem Land showing area covered by 1000km patrol, September 1993.

Each troop took a different route. 3 Troop had the northern route through Kakadu National Park, across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to RAAF Base Tindal.