THE PASSING OF HER MAJESTY OUEEN ELIZABETH II
On 8 September 2022, in the United Kingdom, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving British sovereign in history passed. The impact of her reign upon the Commonwealth, Australia and the Australian Defence Force has been immeasurable.
All in Defence aspire to the One Defence Values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. Throughout her life, the Queen exemplified these attributes, and provided her people with an unceasing example for us all to follow.
For decades, the Queen held several Honorary Military Appointments both symbolising and preserving her connection to the Australian Defence Force. Those appointments included:
the Colonel-in-Chief of:
Royal Australian Engineers (RAE),
Royal Australian Infantry Corps (RAINF),
Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC),
Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC),
the Captain-General of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery (RAA), and
the Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve.
All vessels within the Royal Australian Navy were recognised as Her Majesty’s Australian Ships.
Over the next 14 days, Australia’s Federation Guard will have important duties to perform marking the passing of the Queen and the Proclamation of the new King.
At 1700 on 9 September 2022 the Federation Guard will fire a gun salute from the forecourt of Parliament House. Six M2A2 105mm Howitzer Ceremonial Guns will fire one round for each year of the Queen’s life, at 10-second intervals.
Over the next 14 days, I encourage you to join me in remembering the remarkable contribution of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to our Commonwealth, our nation and our Australian Defence Force.
Angus J Campbell AO, DSC
General
Chief of the Defence Force
