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Journey Across the Strait

Members of the 12th/40th Battalion participating in the Centenary parade of the Australian Army's 2nd Division in Canberra
Members of the 12th/40th Battalion participating in the Centenary parade of the Australian Army's 2nd Division in Canberra
Members of the 12th/40th Battalion participating in the Centenary parade of the Australian Army's 2nd Division in Canberra
Members of the 12th/40th Battalion participating in the Centenary parade of the Australian Army's 2nd Division in Canberra

Friday 24 July 2015 marks a historical landmark in Australian military history. For the first time in ten years, the Colours and Guidons of 2nd Division units will be brought to Canberra from across Australia for a nationally recognised parade. July’s parade will see more than 300 soldiers participate to mark the Centenary of the Australian Army’s 2nd Division, first raised in Egypt on 26 July 1915.

The Tasmanian contingent consists of nine current serving Army Reservists who will escort the Regimental Colours of the 12th/40th Battalion, The Royal Tasmania Regiment and Queens Colours of the 12th and 40th Battalions. The 12th/40th Battalion is a part of the 9th Brigade.

The Royal Tasmania Regiment holds the most theatre and battle honours of any other unit in the Australian Army and its lineage can be traced back to World War I. During WWI the 12th and 40th Battalions were raised as part of the Australian Imperial Force and served with distinction overseas. Their sacrifice earned the two Battalions three Theatre Honours and 25 Battle Honours.

The Colours will commence their journey from Hobart on Thursday, with the escorts travelling from Burnie, Youngtown and Hobart regions. You can follow the journey of the colours and Battalion members live on the Centenary of ANZAC Facebook page www.facebook.com/centenaryofanzac.

All members of the Veterans community are welcome to attend the parade in Canberra at 14.30 on Friday 24 July.

Q&A with the escorts:

Lieutenant Todd Appleton

Lieutenant Thomas Calderwood

Officer Cadet Tom Campbell

Officer Cadet Thomas Johnston