Chief of Defence Force Commemorates Centenary Celebrations

New Zealand Defence Force officers who are graduates of the Royal Military College in Duntroon, Australia, helped celebrate the college's centenary on the weekend of June 25-26.

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, said he shared the college's sense of pride and achievement. "This occasion will be celebrated by many in New Zealand as it represents yet another long-standing tradition between our two militaries".

Lieutenant General Jones is a former graduate of the college, and presented a painting to the college in order to mark the occasion. The painting is the work of New Zealand Army artist Captain Matt Gauldie and depicts graduating officers in the college's parade ground.

"Like any lasting relationship the foundation and shared bonds must be maintained. The Armed forces of Australia and New Zealand have had, and continue to have, a close and enduring relationship forged over many years in both good times and bad. It is hard to imagine a mission in the future where we would not stand together."

The Royal Military College was established 100 years ago on a former Canberra sheep station called Duntroon, with the first 10 Kiwi cadets marching into Duntroon in January 1911 alongside 32 Australians in the same intake.

Apart from an absence of 13 years between 1921 and 1934, New Zealand has regularly sent cadets to Duntroon, as well as contributing staff members, therefore ensuring that the New Zealand Defence Force has played a consistent role in the development of the College.

ENDS

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