by

SGT J.M. Kuijpers

Military Police Newsletter, Issue 21 of March 1973

On 10 October 1972, No.1 Section of 1 DIV Pro Coy, departed Holsworthy NSW for the sunshine state, to be detached to the Medium Tank Trials Unit based at Sellheim Army Camp which is located 14 Miles South of Charters Towers.

On trial are two American M60 tanks and two German Leopard ARV. These vehicles are being tested by "B" SQN of 1 Armoured Regiment to find a suitable replacement for the Army,s ageing Centurian tank.

Phase 1, 2 and 3 of the trials were carried out at Puckapunyal. Phase 4 in the Charters Towers and Hughendon areas, and consisted of the hot and dry ability tests. Phase 5 is to be held and completed in the Tully and Innisfail area during the period Jan - Apr 73.

Provost work with this unit consisted mainly of road movement control, as the vehicles to which tracks are fitted with rubber pads to avoid damage to the roads were moved along public roads for distances up to a 165 miles. These moves were controlled and assisted by two Military Police landrovers and 3 MP motorcycles. Also personnel were provided to control traffic and block off roads, whilst the tanks were conducting speed trials. Day and night patrols were carried out in Charters Towers and Hughendon. A close liasion had been set up with the civilian Police of both places.

On 20 December 1972 our contingent of one SGT and 10 CPLs returned to Sydney by air on a well earned break in cool climate and are to be replaced by No.2 Section of our Company early in January.