Charlie Company continues regiment’s legacy

On November 1, 1970, soldiers from Charlie Company, the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), stepped foot in Malaysia to support the inaugural rotation of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB).

On February 21 this year, soldiers from Charlie Company, 1RAR, deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth, continuing the legacy of the rifleman who preceded them.

Rotations were first established to provide security for the Butterworth Air Base, a vital installation for the Royal Australian Air Force and other friendly forces.

Over the years, the three-month rotation has evolved to highlight infantry foundational skills and foster international collaboration.

Officer Commanding Charlie Company Major Lindsay Pritchard said the rotation was important exposure for his soldiers.

“The initial deployment of Charlie Company 55 years ago was in the operational environment, and since then we’ve transitioned to a training and partner engagement-focused activity,” Major Pritchard said.

“We build the team from the bottom up; individual soldier skills, up to company level operations. Incorporating everything from small arms, rifles and machine guns up to high-explosive anti-tank weapons.”

The company spent more than two weeks at PULADA Combat Training Centre, progressing from section to platoon live-fire activities in dense vegetation, developing into combat team exercises, integrating with high explosives.

RCB 147 was a new experience for Lance Corporal James Windsor, Section Commander of 9 Platoon, who said PULADA was a tough challenge, but a highlight for many.

“Compared to Townsville, the jungle in Malaysia is unforgiving, from insects to torrential rainfall,” Lance Corporal Windsor said.

“The section attacks can be chaotic, trying to keep the section in line and all situated while everyone’s blood is pumping and hearts are racing; it requires a lot of awareness on the ground to get the job done.

“A lot of these boys are very new to the battalion, so it has been a highlight for their career so far, a great experience to get away from home and operate in a new environment.”

For the remainder of the rotation, training will transition to the urban environment, including engagement with military partners from the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“It’s a privilege to carry the torch for Charlie Company and continue the commitment that the Australian Army has established here in Malaysia,” Major Pritchard said.

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