Military Artworks of the Royal Australian Engineer Corps by Ian Coate

The Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) provides combat engineering, construction and other technical support to the Australian Defence Force. One of the main roles of the Corps is to provide mobility and counter mobility capabilities to the Australian Army and its allies. This means enhancing the ability of friendly forces to move while denying movement to enemy forces. In order to provide these capabilities, engineers are required to conduct many tasks including penetrating minefields, locating and disarming booby traps, purifying water and building roads and bridges. The Corps also performs the majority of the Australian Army's demolition tasks and is trained to fight as infantry if needed. (Wikipedia) CLICK ON A ENGINEER ARTWORK BELOW FOR MORE DETAIL

100 Years of Engineering (Oil on Canvas)

The painting celebrates 100 years of Military Engineering. The soldiers in the foreground represent the evolution of the Australian Engineer Corp since Federation, all working together to reach the Corp's objectives. The red and blue bands represent the Engineers' Banner. The ghost images in the background depict the vast diversity of tasks performed. For more...

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Boring (Watercolour)

Shows the diversity of equipment at the Engineers' disposal. For more...

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Minefield (Watercolour)

Engineer uncovering a live mine. For more...

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Watson's Pier (Watercolour)

Celebrating the first construction at Gallipoli and the first Waterloo Dinner. For more...

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Where Angels Fear to Tread (Oil on Canvas)

Mine detecting in a chemically dangerous environment. For more..

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Sun, Surf & Soldiers (Watercolour)

Soldiers enjoying watermanship training. For more..

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The Engineer
By Ian Coate

In times of great adversity, when backed against a wall.
When soldier’s lives are on the line, there’s someone you should call.

When obstacles become too great, do not give in to fear.
Get on your two-way radio and call an Engineer.

They find a way to overcome all problems in their way.
Their skills of ingenuity will always save the day.

They’re soldiers with ability to think outside the square.
They’ll do the jobs that have the risks, which others wouldn’t dare.

They have a mind for making things that sets them from the rest.
And when it comes to breaking things, they’ve proved they are the best.

In battles past they’ve shown their worth - they’re cunning as a fox.
The way they overcome their tasks is quite unorthodox.

Their soldier skills are dinky-di - as good as any grunt.
When battle starts, they know their place – they’re always at the front.

So if you need a helping hand, there’s one you should implore.
The soldier from that canny place – the Engineer Corps.

And if you need a real good mate to join you for a beer.
You know the man to call upon - that’s right, the Engineer.

Acknowledgements

I would like to recognize the many people who have contributed to the creation of these artworks. The production of which is a collaboration of many minds and various talents - I am simply the monkey at the end of the brush.

The Engineers Series: Thanks to 13 Fd Sqn. A special mention to Mick Ryan, Paul Reimers, Eric Fleming, Brendan Sullivan, Eric Turner, Ashley Keatch, Dick Phillpot, Rick Gibbs, Julian Boland, Steve McGrattan, Jamie Villamagna, Jason Miller and the soldiers who modeled.

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