18 June 2024
Concurrent 21-gun salutes roared across Australia's largest cities on June 8 to celebrate the birthday of King Charles III.
Salvos began firing in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart as midday approached, with blank rounds from the gunlines echoing across each city every 10 seconds.
It took three-and-a-half minutes to complete the salute, finishing with a stream of smoke.
In Sydney, 7th Battery troop commander Lieutenant Calvin Zeng was proud to be able to be a part of the salute.
“Gun salutes have been used in the military for centuries now, originating as a form of celebration or a sign of trust, both at sea and on land,” Lieutenant Zeng said.
“Being given the opportunity to undertake the role of a ceremonial gun position officer has been quite the honour; it’s a task that is rather unique.
“Most reserve officers will only have this opportunity once or twice throughout their career. This is my first, but I’m hoping there’s more to come.”
The salute attracted a crowd of several hundred.
Born and raised in Western Sydney, Lieutenant Zeng has been in the Army Reserve for four years and was pleased to see Sydneysiders stop and take an interest in the salute.
“The conduct of these salutes are a critical part of our corps’ ceremonial commitment to the Australian Defence Force and wider community,” Lieutenant Zeng said.
“Sydney Harbour is quite an impressive location to conduct a salute and the King’s Birthday provides us a chance to display a ceremonial component of our duties as gunners.”
More than 40 soldiers from 7th Battery supported the activity.
“The salute today consists of four ceremonial M2A2 gun detachments, as well as a troop of general duty personnel,” Lieutenant Zeng said.
“It has been an incredible and busy year working with the Regiment.
“It was definitely a team effort executing this task. All members involved with the planning and conduct of today’s salute should be proud of what they’ve achieved.”
This year, 9th Regiment has supported Australia Day, Anzac Day and the King’s Birthday with 21-gun salutes across Australia.
