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By Colonel R.
Wainwright (Retd) and Major A.M.F. Somerville
On 3 December 2006, when 5/7th Battalion, the
Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR) was delinked
and 5 RAR was again reformed in its own right,
the 5 RAR Association considered ways in which
the history of the Battalion's previous service
prior to 3 December 1973 and that of the
re-raised "Tiger Battalion" could be closely
aligned. This link to the original heritage was
considered important even though the history and
traditions of the "Tigers" had been maintained
during the 33 years of 5/7 RAR service. In
consultation with the Commanding Officer,
various options were investigated and it was
decided that the most appropriate was a
perpetual trophy that recognised the importance
of junior leadership in the Battalion. Both
Commanding Officers of the Vietnam era placed
great emphasis on junior leadership and there is
no doubt that the operational successes of 5 RAR
was very dependent on the ability, initiative
and professionalism of its junior leaders. That
situation remains just as vital today.
With the approval of Mrs. Shirley Warr, the widow
of COL John Warr, DSO (CO 5 RAR Vietnam 1966-67)
and Brigadier Colin Khan, DSO AM (CO 5 RAR
Vietnam 1969-70) the trophy was named The
Warr-Khan Trophy. It is presented annually to
coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of
Binh Ba (a regimental battle honour). The Trophy
is to be awarded to a corporal or below who is
recognised as having displayed the highest
qualities of leadership in the Battalion.
Platoon Commanders are not eligible for the
trophy as there is a separate award within the
Battalion for junior officers.
AWARDEES
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