| |
|
Brig Andrews, a 1957 graduate of RMC Duntroon, has held a wide variety of command, regimental and staff appointments. A qualified pilot, he flew operationally with 656 Lt Ac Sqn in Malaya, Brunei and Borneo. He was Battery Commander 161 Bty in Vietnam, Brigade Major 28 Commonwealth/ANZUK Bde in Singapore, and Chief of Staff Royal Fiji Military Forces. He also served as the Director Royal New Zealand Artillery for two years and attended Staff College, Joint Services Staff College and the National Defence College, Canada. He commanded 2 Task Force and NZ Land Forces in 1985-86 before his last appointment as Head of NZ Defence Liaison Staff in London. Brig Andrews assumed the post of Patron on 1 Jan 1999 in succession to MajGen Ron Hassett, and was succeeded in November 2003 by Col Don Kenning. He has also been Colonel Commandant of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, assuming the appointment in succession to Brig Geoff Hitchings, CBE, on 1st April 1998. It gives me great pleasure to introduce the first contribution to the Old Comrades' website and also to pay tribute to those persons who made this trial possible. I am particularly happy, as are most members, that information about Old Comrades will now be readily accessible both here and overseas. It is hoped that this exposure will in turn encourage greater membership and participation. It is likely that in this first trial year there will be technical 'blips' or human 'hitches' but bear with us while these are ironed out as we become more familiar and experienced. In a year's time the system will be reviewed and its future decided. In South Vietnam I was privileged to serve with Angus Rivers (the sponsor of this website) who proved to be a first rate forward observer. Later in the 1980s Angus was instrumental in introducing computer systems at HQRA which greatly assisted all aspects of operational and logistical staff work. The results were outstanding. Angus is now married to Catherine (whom I have met once only) and she is no less technically capable than her husband. We are indeed very fortunate in having her as our website manager. Last, but by no means least, I wish to thank our Secretary, Jim Ross, for accepting the challenge, tying up loose ends and for leading our Association forward in this area. On behalf of the Old Comrades I say thank you to Angus and Catherine for designing this website and resolving other associated issues and enabling it to happen. I hope the establishment of this website will be of benefit to all who use it and at the same time enhance the objectives and the reputation of the Old Comrades' Association. Jan 1999
|
