Duke Of Edinburgh Trophy

A team of twelve Gisborne territorial soldiers, representing the 1st Battalion of the Hawkes Bay Regiment, recently contested the annual Duke of Edinburgh Trophy competition.

The trophy, which is competed for by 19 units throughout the British Commonwealth, requires the teams to take part in five special practices, testing their fitness, stamina, and marksmanship.

An independent umpire, Lieutenant R. D. Hillyard, recorded the local team's results, which have been sent to Buckingham Palace for judging.

In 1961 Gisborne acquitted itself extremely well by claiming the prize for the top territorial team in the competition.

Two soldiers leap over a six-foot wall while taking part in the obstacle-submachine gun section of the competition.

Members of the team shooting at the Sponge Bay rifle range

Team members Captain T. H. Hegarty, Lieutenant R. W. Hardie, Sergeant P. J. McQuillan, and Private W. Town sprint down the range for a sub-machine gun shoot

Stepping it out on the five mile forced march, which was completed in 50min.

Staff Sergeant B. Te Puni and Lieutenant Hillyard keep a close eye on the stop watches.

Members of the team are from left, standing: Sergeant P. J. McQuillan, Private D. Tarre, Lance-Corporal T. Springgay, Private K. White, Staff Sergeant L. A. Watson, Lance-Corporal F. Ward, Lance-Corporal P. A. Huhu, and Lieutenant R. D. Hillyard (umpire). Sitting: Private W. Town, Lieutenant R. A. F. Aitken, Captain T. H. Hegarty (leader), Lieutenant R. W. Hardie, and Sergeant R. O. Jones.

Sergeant R. O. Jones was the first man home in the three mile track race with a time of l6min.7sec.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 114 : December 5, 1963

Duke Of Edinburgh Trophy