Officer celebrates 60 years in uniform

COLONEL Don Guthrie, the Honorary Colonel of the Natal Field Artillery, has just celebrated 60 years in uniform.

Colonel Guthrie reported for duty in Potchefstroom on 3 January 1956 after being called up by the then ballot system, as a member of the 2nd Field Regiment (NFA). He rose through the ranks to eventually command the Regiment in 1976 and underwent operational service for the first time in what was then South West Africa on several occasions.

After completing his term of office as commanding officer, Colonel Guthrie was posted to Natal Command as a Citizen Force officer, before succeeding Colonel F St G Tatham as Honorary Colonel upon the latter’s death.

Asked what his duties as Honorary Colonel are, he replied that he acts as an advisor and a consultant to the Regiment and its Commanding Officer.

The Natal Field Artillery was formed in 1862 and is the second oldest Reserve Force Artillery Regiment in South Africa (after the Cape Field Artillery).

The Regiment has participated in many campaigns during South Africa’s history and suffered a major setback on 24 June 1942, when the entire Regiment (RHQ, 4th 5th and 6th Batteries) was captured at Tobruk.

He has seen the Regiment undergo major changes, especially in its ordnance which is now the magnificent locally produced G6 Self Propelled Howitzer. Posts on the Gunners’ Association’s Facebook Page from former members of the Regiment have described Colonel Guthrie as a “true officer and a gentleman” and many have said what a privilege it has been to serve under him.

Colonel Guthrie is a chartered accountant by profession, is the trustee of several organisations and his interests include the outdoor life and birding. He is married to Moira, and they have a son and two daughters. Moira describes Don as her ‘soldier boy’ and has stood by him loyally during his record military career.