SASR 60th Anniversary
Courtesy of SAS Historical FoundationSASR Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Published - 02 October, 2024
“Approval is given for the raising of the Special Air Service Regiment and the disbandment of 1 SAS Coy RAR, on 4 Sep 64. …” AHQ 580/R1/7 of 10 Jul 64
SASR was established on 4 September 1964, marking the 21st anniversary of the Lae/Nadzab landings in New Guinea during World War 2 – the first combined operation of Australian sea, land, and airborne forces.
For 60 years, individuals and force elements from SASR have served on combat, peacekeeping, and peace enforcement operations throughout the world.
SASR’s reputation as a first-rate Special Forces unit is forged by the exceptional quality and professionalism of its people – ordinary Australians with the dedication and strength of character to achieve extraordinary things.
60th Anniversary Artwork: A Tribute to SASR's History
To commemorate SASR’s 60th Anniversary, the SAS Historical Foundation commissioned an artwork and a sculpture.
The artwork was created by the Foundation’s recently appointed Artist in Residence, Major S, and depicts SASR soldiers from the Borneo, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan campaigns supporting each other in action at a critical moment of decision – whether to fight or extract. The backdrop is the Stirling Ranges in the south-west of Western Australia, where a part of the SAS selection process has been conducted over many years.
The sculpture, created by former SASR member Ian Young and is a representation of SASR’s parachute wings. The piece is an accompaniment to a previous sculpture of the SAS cap badge also by Ian. The wood used is a combination of jarrah and pine, salvaged from the SASR Officers’ and Sergeants” Messes, which were demolished as part of the Campbell Barracks refurbishment in 2012-14.