Great Stand Easy Area. On Wednesday 16 April 2003, Dave Quirk succumbed in his fight against a re-emergence of the cancer with which he had battled several years ago.
A young Dave Quirk joined A Field Battery, 1st Field Regiment RAA from the 12th National Service Battalion in the mid 1950s and served with them in Malaya from 1957 to 1959. Soon after returning to Australia, he took his discharge in the rank of bombardier. However, the smell of the cordite was in his veins and he re-enlisted in the early 1960s. Rising to sergeant, he again served with A Field Battery on active service, this time in Vietnam during 1971 and 1972. This was the era of section gun positions and as a very experienced and energetic Sergeant Operator Command Post Field (TARA Sergeant) he provided great strength and leadership. Dave was honoured by being selected, along with Al Green, for a brief respite from Vietnam to return to Australia as escort to the Queen's Banner that was presented in Sydney on 1 August 1971.
After completing the Canadian Master Gunners' Course, he returned to an Assistant Instructor-in-Gunnery posting at the School of Artillery, North Head Manly. The proof world then benefited from Dave's knowledge and experience when he became Master Gunner at the Proof and Experimental Establishment, Port Wakefield. After commissioning through the PSO system, he returned to Port Wakefield as a Proof Officer.
Major David Quirk concluded his military career as a recruiting officer in Brisbane, hanging up his spurs in the early 1990s and like so many of us, he retired in South-East Queensland.
Vale David Quirk - a soldier, officer and Gunner who will not be forgotten. |
