South Australian Branch
ANZAC DAY 25 Apr 2019
L-R Rear: Ken Talbot-Smith (under banner), Lincoln Smith, Rob Langley.
Centre: Rene(Bob) Dikkenberg, Steve McGuinness, Bill Griggs, Peter Elverd, Anthony Stephens, John Frith, Graham Ragless, Stewart Adrain, Darrly Miller.
Front: Stevo Hinic, Graham Kimber, Noel Sproles, John Jones, Jim Dunn, Edwin Jacobs, Darcy Patrick, Allan Adsett, Sandra Greenwell, Stan Stephens, John Wicker (TJ) (kneeling).
A Brief History of 4 Field Survey Squadron.
Between 1915 and 1951, military topographical mapping in SA was conducted by Royal Australian Survey Corps (RASvy) units based outside the state. In February 1952, Army HQ Field Survey Section (Central Command Detachment) was established in Adelaide in a drill hall at Largs Bay. It was tasked with providing map coverage in the Woomera and Southern areas of the state. The section was subsequently reorganised as Central Command Field Survey Section moving firstly to Hampstead Barracks, Hampstead in 1953 and then into accommodation at Keswick Barracks in 1954. In 1957 the Section commenced mapping operations in the NT.
The Unit was relocated to the old cavalry stables in 1961 and was redesignated Central Command Survey Unit and remained there till 1973. In 1970 the Unit was redesignated 4 Fd Svy Sqn and engaged in operations conducted in PNG from 1972 to 1974 inclusive. In 1973 the Squadron moved into a brand new two-storey specially designed and purpose built building adjacent to the old building. The old building then became the Squadron Q and Map store with an interconnecting lobby to the new building. Since 1975 the Unit was involved in the 1:50,000 Mapping Programme in WA, NT, QLD, SA and conducted many other operations within Australia and overseas.
Post disbandment of the Corps the old Squadron building (cavalry stables) now houses the Army Museum of South Australia (AMOSA). Inside the museum is a large glass display cabinet which contains and exhibits a collection of RASvy memorabilia. The Museum is open to the public on Mondays 11.00-2.00pm, Wednesdays 11.00-2.00pm, and Sundays 12.00-4.00pm (except for Public Holidays)!
Functions and Events
We usually have three luncheons during the year, mid-March, end of June (Corps Birthday) and mid-November. Any ex-RASvy member travelling or holidaying in Adelaide is more than welcome to attend by contacting Stevo Hinic above.
We march on ANZAC Day on 25th April each year in the Adelaide CBD contact John Wicker (TJ).
