TASMANIA'S bicentenary has been marked with a rousing military tattoo
held at Anglesea Barracks. Two thousand spectators braved the
unseasonably brisk night to experience the spectacular demonstration of
martial pride.
Local military history groups
presented re-enactments of pre-federation British soldiers, a Light
Horse detachment, WW1 and 2 soldiers and a 25 powder gun squad. Even
Governor Lachlan Macquarie and Capt Antill, the men responsible for
founding Anglesea Barracks in 1811, made a guest performance.
Of particular interest was the
re-enactment of the 1879 mobilisation of Tasmanian volunteers against
rioters in Hobart.
Army Cadets also made an appearance,
parading the Cadet Banner for the first time in the state.
The highlight of the Tattoo was the
Beating the Retreat parade conducted by 12/40RTR, who paraded both the
Army Banner and their Unit Colours.
They were ably supported by the
Federation Guard and the massed pipes and drums of AAB-Tasmania and the
Tasmania Police Pipe Band. The Governor of Tasmania, Richard Butler, CDF
Gen Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynne were among the guests of honour to
witness the event.
CO 12/40RTR Lt-Col Robert Zehmeister
said the night was one of his proudest moments as Commanding Officer of
the unit. |
