DEMOBILISATION STRIKES THE 22nd REGT.

Flak, Volume 1, Issue 4, 30 April 1943, Page 1

DEMOBILISATION STRIKES THE 22nd REGT.

By

N.Z.A., 94th BTY.

By the time these notes are in print the majority of those who once composed the 22nd Lt. A.A. Regt., and who have not already passed to others of this country’s fighting forces, will have been demobilised. The residue still in service in the regiment constitute the cadre staff in whose hands will lie the responsibly for adminstration of the unit and training of its personnel, both demobilised men and fresh recruits. To those men whose first war service commenced in the regiment, and who gave with enthusiasm of their best, the present phase of our regimental life must seem in the nature of an anti-climax. Those of us who have served in other regiments which have helped to make history are more readily able to see the present developments in their proper perspective and less liable to be discouraged by the turn events have taken.

Let us briefly view the position. First, let us remember that demobilisation does not in any sense mean discharge—it implies nothing more than a “stand-down” period. This being so, it is to our advantage as individuals, and to the great benefit of the country we serve, that we should take advantage of what may be no more than a breathing space to help further our country’s economic life, and, within the regiment, to reerganise and train fresh personnel to replace the many men who have left our ranks to add lustre to the traditions of other proud regiments. This regiment came into being only in May last. Inspired by the enthusiasm and leadership of its commanding officer, whose unfailing example drew from all an unswerving loyalty and keen, cheerful and competitive spirit, it achieved a high state of efficiency within an unusually short, perdd. '

, This performance was the more remarkable by reason of the fact that we have contributed almost from day to day both men and equipment to the cause we serve. The replacement of, these men, and the provision, in spite of lack of materials, of adequate fighting posts will form much of the romance of the ‘ early days of this regiment when its history comes to be written. We now come again to a period of reconstruction. Those of us who proceed to our homes on demobilisation remain just as much members of the regiment as when we served on our gunposts. We will carry with us the pride of our traditions. More than this, we will take with us that discipline which we have learned during our army life—that instinctive trait of steadfastness and loyalty to our country, our regiment, our comrades, and the best that is in ourselves.

Meanwhile, in seme training depot near the area where our batteries will concentrate in the event of later mobilisation, the nucleus of the training staffs will be training new gunners; so that when the time arrives for our first annual mobilisation we should be able once more to take our familiar places with new comrades. All of us who are now proceeding to the demobilised strength should not lose sight of this fact. And so may we always proudly carry with us' the knowledge that we have helped to add to the manna of a regiment that is destined to last as long as the flag of freedom flies over our fair land; a regiment which might, with all modesty, take for its watchword the phrase: Ex Lahore Felicitas. Which, broadly translated, can mean ' “Through adversity to efficiency.”