Sir Paul presents top awards

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 4, 23 June 1987, Page 1

Sir Paul presents top awards

History was made at Army Training Group, Waiouru last week when one graduating officer cadet gained the four most prestigious awards, including the Sword of Honour. Lieutenant James McMahon won the coveted Sword of Honour, Governor General's medal and both the New Zealand and Australian Chiefs of General Staffs prizes. He is the first graduate to do so in the history of the school. McMahon, from Perth, is graduating into the Royal Australian Infantry. Sixteen officer cadets graduated at last Wednesday's ceremony including three Australians, one Malaysian and one Papua New Guinean, after completing their year-lQng course in Waiouru. Officiating at the ceremony was the Governor General, Sir Paul Reeves. Sir Paul accepted a wero (challenge) by three Maori warriors before stepping onto the parade ground in the camp. Official guests at the parade included the Chief of General Staff, Major General John Mace, Commander ATG, Colonel Graham Birch and Support

Commander, Brigadier E.J. Torrance. Distinguished guests were His Excellency Vice Admiral Dato Mohd Zain bin Mohd Sallet (High Commissioner for Malaysia), Mr J. Ovia (representative for the High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea) and

Captain N.C.L. Bailey (representative for the High Commissioner for Australia). The top awards and certificates presented by the Governor General were: Commandant's Prize - O/C Colour Sergeant J.G. Howard. Sergeant Major of

the Army 's Prize was won by O/C W.K. Maunsell. Commander ATG, Waiouru's Prize was won by O/C Corporal L.T. Head. New Zealand Chief of General Staffs Prize; the Australian Chief of General Staffs Prize; Governor General's Medal; Sword of Honour (Awarded to the cadet who best displays the qualities of leadership, initiative, integrity, motivation, academic

ability and physical fitness; and who is assessed as having the greatest potential as an Army Officer) all went to O/C Company Sergeant Major J.F. McMahon. The successful graduates will be dispersing into various sections which include the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Corp of Transport, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Ordnance Corp, Signals and Artillery.