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REGIMENTAL HISTORY

The origins of the University of New South Wales Regiment (UNSWR) lie in a request from the (original) the New South Wales University of Technology (UT). This establishment was founded in 1948 and was sensitive at the time to the standing it had in relation to the long founded historic traditions of Sydney University. UT staff saw the Sydney University Regiment (SUR) as a great adjunct to that university and believed a similar unit would be beneficial and prestigious for the University of Technology. With the reintroduction of National Service during the Korean War came deferment problems for university students. This environment eventually led to the formation of University of Technology Regiment (UTR), and renamed the University of New South Wales Regiment (UNSWR) when the University changed it's name (in 1958). Army Headquarters approval to form the unit was granted in July 1951. The Regiment celebrated its first birthday on 1 February 1952.

For most of its history, UNSWR has had two main roles: to commission officers for service in the ARES, and to provide military training for University students. In 1989, the role of UNSWR was changed to one of producing officers for the General Reserve (GRES) and in 1991 (as part of the University Regiment Review) the establishment was changed to reflect that role.

The University of Newcastle Company
In April 1955, the Unit expanded with the formation of 'D' Company, as a detached Company in Newcastle, to cater for students attending Newcastle College of the NSW University of Technology. The raising of the Company was completed in November 1955, with the Company Headquarters located at the Newcastle University College, Tighes Hill. In 1960 it moved to King St, Newcastle.The name of the Company was changed to the University of Newcastle (UN) Company (UNSWR) in 1965. The Company remained at this depot till Feb 95 and then moved to a Multi User Depot (MUD) at Adamstown where it is co-located with several other GRES units.

The University of Wollongong Company
As the University of NSW fostered a University College at Wollongong, it was natural that the Regiment should seek to establish a Company at the University College. On 11 May 1967, permission was granted to recruit up to 25 personnel in the Wollongong area as the nucleus of a Wollongong Detachment. The Detachment moved to the Port Kembla Depot of 4 RNSWR in 1976 and became known as the University of Wollongong Company. In 1996 the Company moved from Port Kembla to a Multi User Depot co-located with B Coy 4/3 RNSWR at Gipps St, Wollongong. This movement benefited both 4/3 RNSWR and UNSWR as they were now close to the University of Wollongong. On 27th July 1996 the Commander 2nd Division (Major General Brian McGrath) declared the multi-user depot in Gipps Street open at a ceremony that day which included a joint guard mounting by members of UNSWR and 4/3 RNSWR. In July 2008, the University of Wollongong Company, as part of a Divisional Boundary shift, became part of the Sydney University Regiment.

The New England University Company
In 2003, UNSWR was given the responsibility of manning and operating the University of Western Sydney Company to service the officer training needs of the South-Western Sydney metropolitan area. The Company operated from facilities with 4/3 RNSWR at Holsworthy Barracks. During 2006, agreement was reached with 1/15 RNSWL to use Lancer Barracks for Officer Training.

The University of Western Sydney Company
In 2003, UNSWR was given the responsibility of manning and operating the University of Western Sydney Company to service the officer training needs of the South-Western Sydney metropolitan area. The Company operated from facilities with 4/3 RNSWR at Holsworthy Barracks. During 2006, agreement was reached with 1/15 RNSWL to use Lancer Barracks for Officer Training.

Colours

The Regiment was first presented with Colours on 27th October 1963 on the University of New South Wales Oval at Kensington  by the Governor of New South Wales, Lieutenant General Sir Eric Woodward KCMG, KCVO, CB, CBE, DSO. The Queens Colour is Australian National Flag but gold fringed and embroidered in the first quarter with St Edward's crown below which is the unit title in gold within two gold rings . The Regimental Colour comprises of a gold fringed dark green field embroidered with a centrally placed crest of the University of New South Wales. The crest is surrounded firstly with the unit title in gold within two gold rings on a red background then a wreath of wattle surmounted by St Edward's crown. New Colours were presented at a Regimental Colours Parade on 22nd August 1998 at Victoria Barracks, Paddington by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, AC, KBE to replace the originals, which had been damaged with age.

Awards

Lieutenant Thomas Noel Heath Stretch MC & Bar Sword of Honour Award:
The most outstanding UNSWR SCDT who graduates from Duntroon each year will be awarded the Unit "Sword of Honour". It is awarded on the basis of highest, most consistent standards in both barracks and field environments. All of their time at UNSWR and on PT GSO FAC courses is considered in the awarding of this prize, through an appropriate weighting system.

L.V. Tolnay Trophy:
The best field performer from UNSWR throughout their FAC "A" series modules is awarded the trophy donated by Captain Louis Tolnay, a highly decorated UNSWR officer from the 1950s, who's illustrious previous military service was in the Axis forces during WWII as Colonel Tolnay of the 2nd Hungarian Panzer Grenadiers.

C.C.R. Hoeben Shield for Contribution to UNSWR:
Awarded in consultation with the UNSWR association, this is awarded on the basis of the most generous contribution to the Regiment throughout the previous year.

Regimental March

"Blue Blood"

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( From : defence.gov.au and UNSWR Association records , the Defence page appears to be offline as of 25 Aug . )