In 1966 the government realised that country lads who lived away from major centres, where there was a CMF ‘Drill Hall’, could not take up the option of serving in the CMF for six years in lieu of going in the Ballot, so each mainland state raised a ‘Special Conditions’ Infantry Battalion. Each CMF ‘Nasho’ had to serve 33 days a year, minimum, for those six years. The days could be done in a 33-day block, or a split into two periods of 16 and 17 days. Victoria’s ‘Special Conditions’ Battalion was 22 RVR. Tasmanians trained with 22 RVR. Originally 22 RVR was based in Richmond, in Melbourne, but held its two annual camps at Puckapunyal. However, in 1969 22 RVR moved into a permanent home at ‘S’ Block, Puckapunyal, just across the creek from C Company, 2 RTB. 22 RVR closed in June 1975. Scheyville graduates Paul Ford and Neil Leckie both served with 22 RVR Post-NS.
In 1988 an Ex 22 RVR Association was formed. The association still runs and holds an annual weekend on, or about, 22 October each year.
This year the annual weekend will be held in the Geelong area. The association is looking for a Guest Speaker for its dinner on Saturday 21 October. It would be good to have a Scheyville graduate, especially one who served on and attended the nearby Queenscliff Command and Staff College, as the Guest Speaker.
Anyone who would like to take on this task, please contact Neil Leckie on 0400 573 802 or at nkaleckie@optusnet.com.au
Dinner will be provided for any Guest Speaker and his partner.
