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Barry Lansdown with children, Nicholas, Julian, and Marina. Photo supplied
A unique reunion brought together eight former members of a Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) B Troop at the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch on Saturday, 19th September, to celebrate the 80th birthday of local identity Barry Lansdown.
B Troop served as a frontline Counter Terrorism Response Team in 1982, with the former members gathering in Cardwell to reminisce about their time together and the experiences they shared as young men.
Barry was Troop Sergeant and second-in-command during their 12-month cycle with B Troop, and reflected on the strong bond formed between the Navy and Army personnel.
He recalled how the two groups “integrated perfectly” and worked together as one team.
“Not Army, not Navy, just B Troop,” Barry said, describing the team as harmonious and the period as “the highlight of my career”.
Of the 25 operators pictured in the original Troop photograph, four went on to become Regimental Sergeant Majors, many became Warrant Officers Class 2, while one became a Brigadier and another a Commodore.
The eight former B Troop members who attended the reunion each indicated that Barry had played a significant role in their careers through his inspirational leadership.
The strength of the friendships formed during their training was evident as the group shared memories of their time serving together.
A small memorial service was also held at the Cardwell Memorial in honour of a B Troop member who died during training while the team was serving together.
The service provided an opportunity to remember those who did not return and the role the men held as a Counter Terrorist Response Team.
Barry’s 80th birthday was also a family occasion, with his son Nicholas travelling from Canada, son Julian from Townsville and daughter Marina from New York attending the celebrations.
Lest we forget.
Contributed with thanks by Cardwell RSL President, Robert Lang. Edited by Victoria Velton.
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