Sydney University Regiment

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sydney University Regiment
Active	1900 - present
Country	Australia
Branch	Army Reserve
Type	Officer Training
Role	Army Reserve Officer Training
Size	Three Companies, two detachments
Part of	Australian Defence Forces
Garrison/HQ	Sydney
Colors	Blue & Gold and Black & Red
Anniversaries	Regimental Birthday 17 November, 1900

Sydney University Regiment is a Reserve regiment in the Australian Army Reserve. It's current role is the the training of Reserve Officers for the Army Reserve.

1 Early History
2 Great War
3 The Sixties
4 References

[edit] Early History

The University Volunteer Rifle Corps (UVRC) was raised on the 17 November 1900, as part of the colonial Military Forces of New South Wales. The University of Sydney was the colony's only university at the time, and two of its professors, T. W. Edgeworth-David and J. T. Wilson. VD, a former officer of the East Surrey Regiment, and employed as a teacher of physics at the University, encouraged the formation of a volunteer military unit.

Military training commenced in early 1901 with one hundred volunteers. The volunteers held their first parade in uniform later that year, when visited by the Duke of York, later to become His Majesty King George the Fifth. The UVRC appeared in public for the first time at a review ceremony in Centennial Park to mark the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Edward the Seventh.

In 1903, the UVRC changed its name to the Sydney University Scouts (SUS) and the establishment had by then doubled to two rifle companies. When universal conscription was introduced in 1911, the Scouts' numbers increased and it became a militia battalion. At this time it also became responsible for the training of boy soldiers, the forerunner of today's Australian Cadet Corps, during their attendance at camps.

[edit] Great War

On the outbreak of the World War I, over sixty percent of the Scouts enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Members of the Scouts served widely within the AIF.

In mid 1918 a University Company was recruited from students at the University of Sydney for active service in the AIF. The war ended before it mobilised for service.

The SUR Pipes and Drums were raised in 1925.

In 1927 the Scouts were renamed the Sydney University Regiment (SUR). In recognition of its members' service in the Great War, Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel was pleased to present the Regiment with its first Kings and Regimental Colours. In 1929, His Majesty King George the Fifth approved the SUR's affiliation with the 60th Regiment, The King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) and consequently the regiment's embellishments and badges of rank became black with a red felt backing. These distinctive arrangements continue and are unique in the Australian Army. This alliance is maintained with The Royal Green Jackets of the British Army, the successor regiment to the KRRC.

[edit] The Sixties

National Service (conscription) was introduced by the Menzies Government in November 1964 and operated until December 1972. During this period the Regiment provided an alternate form of military service for students attending university. SUR during this period consisted of four rifle companies, a recruit training company as well as an HQ and Support company. Support company provided mortar, signal, pioneer and transport platoons.

This period also coincided with the growth of student activism and in particular protests against conscription and the Viet Nam war. In May 1969 protesting students confronted a guard of honour for Sir Roden Cutler VC who, as well as being Governor of NSW, was honorary colonel of the Regiment.