Association, or the RAA as it is familiarly called, actually date back to 1892 with the erection of the Bermuda Militia Act. Created as a measure of defense, the Act saw the formation of two militia units -- the Artillery and the Engineers, and subsequently led to the first training camp for the Bermuda Artillery Association some four years later. "The Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA) was first formed in 1896 as a result of the threat to world conflict and to Bermuda's security in 1894,'' explained Carlyle Crockwell, chairman of the RAA. "Its purpose was to operate the coastal defence facilities, previously manned by elements of Britain's Royal Artillery. It is from this date, that the Royal Artillery Association Bermuda branch declares a celebration of the centenary of the Bermuda Militia Artillery.'' As its name implies, the Royal Artillery Association is the regimental association of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. It is the second oldest British military service with the Queen as its patron while locally, the Governor serves as honourary president. "A contingent of the Bermuda Militia Artillery served in Europe, and it was they who successfully spearheaded the establishment of the RAA Bermuda branch,'' said Mr. Crockwell. "Its charter was granted May 26, 1920 by the Royal Artillery Branch in the United Kingdom. The Bermuda branch is committed to carrying into the future, that part of Bermuda's heritage and history, commemorating and remembering the Bermuda Militia Artillery.'' The purpose of the organisation, he said, is to provide a social and benevolent organ for gunners. "It's also to provide opportunities for (them) to meet. Thus its' aims are to promote Gunner welfare and comradeship. For a serving Gunner, Association branches can provide support during the difficult transition period into civilian life and thereafter, and the friendship of a caring group of people who understand his problems and will do their best to help him solve them.'' Membership was initially restricted to those who served with the Bermuda Militia Artillery from its inception in 1895 until its amalgamation with the Bermuda Rifles in 1965 which saw the formation of the Bermuda Regiment. "At that point in time, eligibility to become a member of the Royal Artillery Association ceased ,'' added Mr. Crockwell, "and the admission of new members in the Bermuda branch (was) limited only to those who have served with the Royal Artillery elsewhere...due to (that) charter, no resident of Bermuda by his or her local service could qualify to become a member of this Association. "The good news is that young Bermudians, in the future, will be able to join us. We have now gained the consent of the Home organisation to accept as full members, those Bermuda residents who have served with the Bermuda Regiment.'' Membership is now just over 200, said the chairman, the youngest possibly 50 years old. "We take a great deal of pride in those who went before us, but their numbers have dwindled. Our World War I veterans are now deceased although there are several living survivors of World War II. The majority of the membership is made up of those who served in the New Artillery from 1952 to 1965. Our current project is to ensure the continuity of the Bermuda branch. "From its inception, the Bermuda Regiment has assisted and supported our Association and it continues to do so. And for the Bermuda branch, the Amendment was most essential as the amalgamation of the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Rifles left (us) with a very limited number of candidates eligible for membership. The inclusion of the members of the Bermuda Regiment, provides a means through which the history, ceremonies and traditions of both regiments will be maintained and carried on (as we will be opening our doors to younger members). "Because we were a fully owned and locally supported facility... the Central body UK (allowed) for a revision in eligibility and to accept service in the Bermuda Regiment as criteria for full membership in the Bermuda branch of the RAA. "We have accepted the challenge of presenting before our newly-eligible and potential membership, an Association that may truly represent the contribution made to Bermuda by Bermudians, in service of our country. We believe that this effort could provide a centre point for those who have transited the Bermuda Regiment since its inception in 1965. At present, they have no such focal point.'' Based at the Island's eastern end, the RAA is located on the same property overlooking the St. George's channel where the first encampment of the unit took place.

Ground was broken for the building in 1963 and the structure was built and has been maintained by the RAA ever since. A conspicuous participant each year at Bermuda's Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph on Front Street, the Association also presents its own Remembrance Day Sunday Service on King's Square in St. George. It also owns the Saluting Guns now fired by the Bermuda Regiment during their ceremonies. Because of the rich history of the organisation, and the many sacrifices its members made for their country, it is hoped that all of Bermuda will help them celebrate their 100th anniversary, from tomorrow through Sunday, October 13. "They form part of a challenge to all, to recall and review the activities of our militia heritage which involved the parents, grandparents and great grandparents of most members of the Bermuda Regiment in recent times. The centenary embraces the continuation of the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Rifles (formerly known as the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps) as the foundations of the Bermuda Regiment 31 years ago. "As the association responsible for the historical preservation of the memory of the Bermuda Militia Artillery, it is our expectation that all of Bermuda will join in recognising the contribution of those men who served in that unit. The year 1996 will represent 100 years since their formation and we will spearhead the presentation of a BMA centenary which we expect will be supported by the entire community.'' PHOTO Above: Present chairman of the Royal Artillery Association (RAA) Carlyle Crockwell is hoping all of Bermuda, especially past and present members of the militia, join in the celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Bermuda Militia Association (BMA), forerunner to the Bermuda Regiment. Left: Members of the band of the Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA) during the Second World War. The Royal Artillery Association's (RAA) headquarters, located off Garrison Field, St. George's.

The Association is this week celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA), forerunner to today's Regiment.