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8 Petroleum Platoon 9 Petroleum Platoon 1 Petroleum Company |
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A Forum for comments, idea’s, Event updates or just to talk about anything that takes your fancy is available at http://www.forumage.com/?mforum=8petrolEUMpl
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Pet Ops—Making sure the other bugger doesn’t walk |
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To Contact |
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Email: ray.hutchinson@petops.com |
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8 Petroleum Platoon, RAASC was the first Petroleum Unit of the modern army and was easily recognised by the ‘8 Ball’ symbol as seen on the front of the vehicle above. Raised in 1960 and based at Puckapunyal it originally consisted of four members including the OC. One of those members, Barry Beckerley was possibly the first qualified Petroleum Operator and went on to become the units Training Sergeant during the Vietnam War era. More about that later in Barry’s own words. This is one of the aims of this site—to record the history of Petroleum operators and the trade in which they work for the army. It is dirty and dangerous work with members going that extra yard to ensure the military can meet the demands within the many theatres it operates often at some personal risk to themselves. Also this is one way we can provide the recognition they deserve. In many cases they are aligned with combat troops, especially Armoured, involved in protection and patrols around bases, carry out their duties 24 hours a day yet still participate in security piquet's to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Fire protection forms part of their duty with one memorable event in Vietnam and the members of the various units have spent more time in combat area’s than many combat troops due to differing rotational rosters and lack of qualified replacements. They have even, from time to time, confronted the enemy with other units but they have receive no special acknowledgement for their services. Recently this has changed and the badge on the right of screen above is the emblem of the Military Petroleum Trade. One of our current serving members will help out with the history behind the badge. So welcome and we hope you enjoy the visit. |
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Home of all Petroleum Operators |
