On behalf of the Australian Light Horse/Armoured Memorial committee, we would like to inform all members of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps of an upcoming event to be held in Tongala, Victoria in 2008.

This event like the one previous will be a highlight for all Armoured servicemen who served in First Armoured Regiment, Cavalry units and those who were with the AATTV and HQ's. As this project is at early stages the following information is forwarded for feed back from the executive and members of each of your associations and from readers of Black-Berets and Sitrep websites.

BACKGROUND ON TONGALA.

Tongala Population 1200 people is located 20 mins SE from Echuca, Victoria. ln 2001 the Australian Light Horse/Armoured Memorial Committee was formed with a total of 4 people to build a Australian Light Horse memorial to honour the Light Horsemen from the district that went of to war. In 2003 the Light Horse Memorial was built and dedicated. After this dedication the committee agreed on building an Avenue of Honour to the Armoured Servicemen killed in the Vietnam War. This Avenue was unveiled in November 2004, by the Governor General of Australia, and the Chief of the Australian Army. Over 3500 people attended this event.

While the Avenue of Honour was in planning stages, John Whitehorn ex 1 Armoured Regiment soldier approached the committee on the idea of having a Centurion Tank placed in Tongala to dedicate to his two mates, Jimmy Kerr and Mick Hannaford and to all those who served with the Centurion tank. John at that present time had throat cancer which was progressing, John knew he wouldn't be around for the dedication (John passed away in June 2005) but did agree to leave funds aside for the project.

DEDICATION EVENT

The committee wish to unveil a Centurion Tank and APC Carrier, to be positioned in the centre of the Avenue of Honour in Tongala. The Centurion Tank ARN 169120 has been purchased by Mr. Michael Thompson for the sum of $8000 for the tank, $6000 for transport, total cost $14,000. The Centurion tank is presently situated in the back yard of Michael Thompson's house, with work to commence at the end of the year with fabrication work at no cost. At present the committee is making an application to Maj. Paul Manning at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne for a APC carrier to be positioned  next to the Centurion Tank in memory of those Cavalry soldiers who were killed and those who served on those vehicles.

DEDICATION DATE

Date for the unveiling to be verified is the weekend of 15-16 November 2008.

PROPOSAL OF EVENT

To be Confirmed

Saturday

Hold a Open Day for various Corps and Regiments of the Australian Army, Rouletts etc (RSM and CO of various units, Especially School of Armour to be approached), Cambrai Dinner, Saturday Night (Spoke to Mr. Dayrl Pinner, to be confirmed with association)

Sunday

Street parade, Dedication, BBQ get together.

GUEST LIST

The committee is in the process of preparing a submission to the following guest after information has been sought from the associations involved.

I. HRH Prince of Wales

2. Prince William

3.Prince Harry

4.Governor General of Australia

5.Prime Minister

6.Governor of Victoria

7.Minister for Defence

8. Minister for Veterans Affairs

9. Chief of the defence force

10.Chief of the Australian Army

Other guest will also be included at a later date after final dates etc. are in place.

MONEY DONATIONS OR INKIND

The total costs for the last two Reunions at Tongala have cost between $25,000 to $30,000, this is made up of postage through to the production of the memorial. Federal Funding to the total of $2,000 and $4,000 has been received for the last two projects. State Funding has been nil, Shire of Campaspe $6,000 each project, with other money coming from sponsors etc. Majority of the money received was from those who attended the event.

The committee is always appreciative of any donations to projects from individual or from associations. Federal and State funding is being sourced, while the generous donation from the John Whitehorn Family is acknowledged.

With thanks from the Australian Light Horse/Armoured Memorial Committee. Looking forward to your reply in the not too distant future.

Yours Sincerely

Michael Thompson Co-Ordinator.