Launceston Regiment, 1860-1960An unbroken lineage of the Launceston Regiment can be traced to 1878, with the formation of the Tasmanian Volunteer Rifle Regiment with four companies in Hobart and two in Launceston. Although1878 is recognized as the beginning of Infantry in Tasmania, various units had existed in Northern Tasmania, dating from the Launceston Volunteer Rifle Corps in 1860. However, due to public support and Government funding waning, they were all disbanded by 1868. To provide the reader with some background knowledge and appreciation of the formation of Colonial development, a brief account of this period has been included. This history of the 'Launceston Regiment' is focused on the period from 1860 to 1960. There were many changes in title, with various sub units located in the North and North West of Tasmania. On the 1st July, 1960, the Tasmania Regiment was created due to a reorganisation of the CMF, whereby the 12th Infantry Battalion was reduced to become: A Coy, (The Launceston Company) and the 40th Battalion reduced to become B Coy (The Derwent Company). The content of this publication is presented in chronological order and is supported by black and white or coloured photographs, maps, plans, documents and tables. Where possible all photographs include the names of those depicted. Many photographs have not been previously published and are placed to support and enhance the text. Many quotations from newspapers and official government documents have been quoted ver batim. |
