Andrew Sniedze: Nick Chizmesya – National Service 1954
Posted on: Mon 4 Jan 2021
Nick, son of a migrant family in Renmark SA, was called up to the 16 National Service Training Battalion at Woodside in 1954, and from there to B Coy, 10 Battalion.
A Brigade strength exercise at Lincoln Gap camp in 1955 saw 10 Bn there alongside 27 Bn, 43/48 Bn, plus 13 Field Regiment with 25 pounder field guns, and 3rd/9th Light Horse (South Australian Mounted Rifles). Nick’s National Service training included night patrols along Sturt Creek, and using the Dean Rifle Range.
90yo Andrew’s interview with 85yo Nick gives us a seldom heard insight to an important era in our Military history. An Australia long gone.
Interviewer Andrew Sniedze
Photo: Woodside, SA. 1954. Lieutenant General Sir Sydney (S. F.) Rowell, Chief of General Staff, inspects National Servicemen on parade. AWM
