Masonic Apron of
COL Ives
Founder of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps

Service History of COL Ives

COL Ives was a well-known member of the Australian Armoured Corps and spent most of his service with the Armoured Corps. He had a very close association with the establishment of the Armoured components of the AIF, and, after World War II, the Australian Regular Army.

On the decision, prior to World War II, to put tank training in the Australian Army on a more satisfactory and enduring basis a Royal Tank Corps Warrant Officer armoured vehicle instructor were recruited from the Royal Tank Corps Schools at Bovington, England. Warrant Officer Ives, a specialist in driving and maintenance was elected and arrived in Australia in mid 1938. His first task was Warrant Officer instructor with the Light Tank Company at Randwick, New South Wales, where Mk 6A Light Tanks were soon delivered. He was transferred to the newly raised 2nd Light Tank Company in Caulfield, Victoria as the Instructor.

COL Ives next appointment was to the instructional staff of the newly established Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Balcomb, NSW in 1940. He was Commissioned T/QM and H/Lt in May 1940 and promoted T/Capt in January 1941. During World War II, he was to become and Instructor and Chief Instructor of a number of Army, Divisional and Brigade AFV Schools. He also had service with 2/10th Armoued Regiment AIF.

Immediately following the war, he was appointed chief instructor of the Armoured which was located at Puckapunyal, Victoria. He then raised and commanded the 1st Armoured Car Squadron RAAC. This unit was raised for and served as a unit of the Australian Occupation Forces in Japan. It was from this unit that the 1st Armoured Regiment, RAAC was formed.

After World War II, COL Ives commanded the 1st Armoured Regiment, RAAC from July 1949 to February 1951. He was appointed Commanding Officer of the 14th National Service Battalion and in July 1952 Chief Instructor Apprentice School.

Presentation of COL Ives Masonic Apron

At the March Regular Meeting of The Army Lodge, WBro Stuart Bryan presented COL Ives Masonic Apron for safekeeping until an RAAC Lodge may be formed. Accepted by the current WM, WBro MAJ Ian Upjohn (RAAC), the Apron will be worn by the newest Master Mason of the RAAC. Currently, CAPT Will Anderson (RAAC) wears the apron.