27 March 2008
What can be made from a pile of scrap metal? That is the challenge that faces soldiers competing for the Farrier Cup during the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment’s (RNZALR) 12th anniversary celebrations at Linton Camp this weekend.
Soldiers from Workshop Companies around New Zealand will be set a task of creating a vehicle for a specific purpose. The four teams will be presented with a scrapheap, and some useful items, they then have 18 hours in which to design and build their vehicle, before it is tested on Sunday.
Fine dining, specialist driving, mechanical ingenuity, and a warehouse ‘grand prix’ are all part of the weekend activities that each of the major arms of the regiment is running which aim to show the proficiency of the individuals.
In addition to the trade skills there are general military tasks to be completed including confidence course, first aid, and use of weapons.
The Commanding Officer of Linton’s 2nd Logistics Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Krushka says the RNZALR celebration’s have become an integral part of being a logistician and provides an opportunity for personnel at all levels to show their prowess over a wide variety of competition arenas. It is also an ideal time for networking and the continued development of esprit de corps.
ENDS
For further information or media wishing attend any of the events, please contact Paul Stein, Linton Public Relations Manager, on 06 351 9037 or 021 409 033.
Background
On the 8th December 1996, Her Majesty The Queen approved the disestablishment of the three logistic corps of the New Zealand Army; The Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport, The Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps and The Corps of Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
The then Chief of General staff, Major General P. M. Reid, signed the directive 07/96 to form the New Zealand Logistic Regiment on the 4th April 1996. On the 9th of December 1996, a single Army logistic regiment was established, known as The Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.
The 4th April 2008 sees the 12th anniversary of the RNZALR and the passing of 12 years of change and development within the Regiment, including the disbandment of a number of the original units formed at its inception.
Through these many developments the Officers and Soldiers of the RNZALR have always maintained a high level of professionalism and continued to provide services second to none to the New Zealand Defence Force and wider New Zealand communities.
Competitions
Catering - Roy Smith Competition
Workshops - Farrier Cup
Transport - Driver of the Year
Supply / Quartermaster - Rickshaw Trophy
RNZALR 'Roy Smith Memorial Trophy Competition'
Roy Kenneth Smith joined the Army in 1971 as a Regular Force Cadet in Upham Class. During his first year he was apprenticed as a chef. Upon his graduation he was posted to 1 Transport Company (GS), as a loan back cook with 1 Ranger Squadron.
His next posting was to the Tourist Hotel Corporation at Waitomo in October 1973. In April 1974 he was posted to Central Company, Wellington Platoon. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 11th of September 1974. Lance Corporal Smith was tragically killed in a train accident in April 1976.
Upon his death the contributions for a wreath were such that, after the floral tribute was purchased, a substantial sum remained. It was unanimously agreed that a Rosebowl and miniatures be purchased and presented to the Corps for an Inter-District Catering competition amongst apprentice chefs, as a memorial to Lance Corporal Smith. Approval to hold the competition was granted on the 8th of October 1976.
The first competition was held in June 1977 and was fittingly won by Central Company, Roy's last unit. Since its conception, the competition has undergone several minor changes, although the concept remains the same. The Roy Smith Memorial Trophy is keenly contested amongst Units and has proved to be a highly sought after and prized trophy.
This is a fitting tribute to a popular and professional tradesperson.