The 6 RAR Association

Membership of the association is open to all who have served in or with 6 RAR at any time and we welcome new members. Click the image on the left border to print an application form or e-mail the Secretary to join the Association. Subscribe to 'Stand To', our quarterly newsletter- stay informed about reunions, read your mates letters, in '6 Battalion Lines'- send your own story or photograph. 'Stand To' needs you. It's your call - subscribe now, $75.00 for 4 issues each year until June 2011 or tell us why you are not subscribing.

Sample issue May 2011 here (.9Mb)

What's new! What's Happening! (click below)

6 RAR Mascot

In 1975 the CO of the Battalion ordered the Bn 2IC to obtain a 'Blue Heeler' as the unofficial Battalion Mascot. The 2IC purchased MA001 Pte Ridgeliegh (Blue) for a total of $30. On 28th Oct '76 'Blue' was accidentally run over and the Battalion was left without their mascot. In 1978 the next 'Blue' was given to 6 RAR by 8/9 RAR during an exercise in Shoalwater Bay as somewhat of a joke given the Battalion did not have a mascot. A wretched old dog was obtained from the local pound by the 8/9 RAR Padre at a cost of $1.50 and promptly named "Wart" by the troops. The dog was left as a surprise gift in the dug-in command post during a 'relief in place' activity. The CO at the time, LTCOL Mick Harris,MC, kept the animal and on return to barracks, ordered the dog cleaned, wormed and marched in as the Battalion's mascot. In 1981 a new dog was brought into service with the Battalion, "PTE Saltwood Sharaz Jasmine" (alias Blue). There have been six Australian Cattle dogs in the role of 'Battalion Friend' with the current being a healthy male who has been with the Battalion since November 1998.

On 31 July 2006, 'Blue Dog' was given his official mascot status by Army Headquarters and officially registered as MA444 Private Ridgeliegh Blue II. He was promoted to Lance Corporal by LtCol Scott Goddard on 6 June 2007 and then to Corporal by LtCol Jason Blain on 6 June 2008.

Regrettably Cpl Ridgeliegh Blue passed away on
19 October 2011.

Disclaimer:

The webmaster and committee accept no responsibility for any accidental misrepresentation or factual errors which may inadvertently appear in this web site. Comments by contributors reflect their own views and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the 6 RAR Association Committee or it's members.