The Observation Post FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1942. Regimental Pride

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 3, 5 June 1942, Page 2

The Observation Post FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1942. Regimental Pride

The other day in a shop a young lady asked, “Why is it that the chaps in 2nd. Field skite about their outfit?” The reply naturally was, “Because we ARE ’the 2nd. Field ' N.Z.A., and proud of it.’’ Her question was a compliment, but there are still a fairly large number of chaps who appear to be lacking in their sense of Regimental Pride. If you don’t know the past history of our outfit after the articles published in “The Observation Post'-’ by the C.O. and B.C.’s, ask older members. We are proud of the men trained in this Regiment who- have given their lives gloriously- (we hope to run a Roll of Honour of them soon). We are proud of the men trained in this Regiment who are still leading others, both in Artillery and •other units, AND we are proud of ourselves from the C.O. down to the rawest recruit. If any man is not proud of this Regiment it is only because he doesn’t know anything about it. ■ The first essential to pride of regiment is pride of and in self. This can only- be obtained by pulling one’s fair weight, by personal cleanliness and smartness. Remember, we are known as the .‘.‘Spit and Polish Brigade” by instant obedience of orders, by a staunch determination to be 100 per cent, efficient in one’s job; Nothing can put us but of the Army- until the war is over— then 100 per cent, co-operation and team-work is the better thing. By loafing or going adub, our mates have to pull harder on the fatigue drag ropes and carry us. Some,are new to Army life but the old soldier or rookie eventually realises that the more he runs his head against the wall, the more solid that wall becomes. In the long run pride of regiment carries us along a comparatively smooth stream. Evidently from the remark passed by the aforesaid young lady, our boys have a pride of regiment when in town, but let’s carry it further. It is an honour to lie an Artilleryman. Find out for yourselves the history of the grenade we are entitled to wear in our F.S. caps.- Find out tor yourselves the history of the broad stripe on- dress uniform trousers you are interested you WILL find out and it will stiffen the old backbone. You have read or heard how the Artillery saved the day on the Western Front when one of our armies cracked. Prince Ruprecht, of Bavaria, one of Germany's greatest generals in the last —we’ll say he was qualified to express an opinionwe’ll say he was qualified to speak about the quality of the soldiers who fought against Germany on the Western Front— declared that the New Zealand Division was. the finest that the Allies ever possessed. The test of an Artilleryman is when he is firing over an open sight—when he: is attacked on each flankfrom the rear and from the air—as many -of our boys have been. Hear some of the recently-returned men from Libya, Greece and Crete. We in this camp can and will live up to the high standard ■ setthat is why we are proud of our Regiment.