NO RECOILING ON A GUN FEAT
SOLDIERS hauling two historic 2.5-tonne artillery guns were astonished at the speed they were able to get up Castle Hill.
About 50 members of the 4th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery pushed the two Vietnam War-era guns along The Strand and mastered the 286m hill.
Lance Bombardier Brenton Hebbard said the start of the incline was the most challenging, as 25 troops pushed and pulled each gun over the speed bumps as part of Exercise Conquer the Castle, raising money for The Oasis Townsville.
“We were expecting to take about five hours to get this done but it ended up taking just under two.”
LBDR Hebbard was part of the leading group, finishing the gruelling exercise in about 1hr 57min.
He said Vietnam War veterans cheered the gunners up the hill.
“We wanted to t do d th them proud and carry on their legacy in today’s gunners,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Duncan said he had been certain the 4th Regiment RAR troops would be successful.
“I didn’t know if it was going to take 1.5 hours or if it was going to take six hours, but I did know they were going to end up at the top,” Lt Col Duncan said. “I’m just immensely proud.
“And … it means something special for the Vietnam veterans.”
More than $900 was raised for The Oasis through a Gofundme page. Donations were also collected on Saturday morning, adding to those funds.
The Oasis director Anita Brooker, a veteran herself, said she was proud of the 4th Regiment RAR achievements.
“It’s absolutely inspiring … what these guys and girls achieved,” she said.