Invercargill Charter Parade by 4 OSR

Words and photos by John Cosgrove

Otago and Southland - the maroon and gold versus the blue and gold.

It has been well documented over the years about the great spirit of inter provincial rivalry that has existed between these two great southern states of New Zealand, usually played out on the sporting fields by teams of tough and unforgiving but fair-minded sportsmen and women hailing mainly from rural stock.

4 O'Sth Charter parade through the streets of Invercargill 16 - 18 July 2010

It is also well known that these two provinces have also joined together on many occasions to play an integral part in the military history of New Zealand. Since its inception 150 years ago, the 4th Otago Southland Battalion Group has served with honour and distinction in many of the New Zealand Army's campaigns over the years with its many soldiers earning the highest accolades for their valour.

As part of the continuing sesquicentennial celebrations of the unit, the second round of celebrations kicked off in Invercargill over 16-18 July.

On the Friday evening 200 old soldiers, former members of the units attached too or involved with the Battalion Group over the years responded to the call and paraded at a function held at the new Invercargill Army Centre in Fox Street. They were later joined by nearly 70 TF soldiers hailing from Oamaru, Dunedin, Palmerston, Cromwell, Queenstown, Balclutha and Invercargill.

At noon the following day and despite a bitingly cold southerly, these soldiers paraded through the CBD of Invercargill for the anniversary Charter Parade accompanied by the Battalions Pipes and Drums and several vintage military jeeps, Land Rovers and an M113 APC.

After the reaffirmation of the Charter and a review by the Mayor of Invercargill Tim Shadbolt, the parade completed a march past in review order and later attended a medal presentation for eight soldiers who had recently returned from overseas deployments.

That evening a full military ball was held at the Ascot Park Hotel with more than 230 people attending to renew old acquaintances and retell war stories.

The next morning members of the units and old friends returned to the Invercargill Army Centre for a barbeque brunch and a chance to reflect on their service memories as they viewed the many old photos and historical displays on show.