Oral history interview with Sergeant Sebastian Hardie of the Australian Army and Force Operating Centre Battle Sergeant with the Multinational Force and Observer group (MFO) in 2019.

Oral history interview with Sergeant Sebastian Hardie of the Australian Army and Force Operating Centre Battle Sergeant with the Multinational Force and Observer group (MFO) in 2019. Interview by Dr Aaron Pegram of the Australian War Memorial at ‘The Billabong’ – the Australian contingent quarters at Forward Operating Base – North (FOB-N), El Gorah, Arab Republic of Egypt, 8 November 2019. Topics include: Growing up in Kyogle and Byron Bay NSW, motivations for enlisting in the Australian Regular Army, specialising as a gunner in the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, posting to 1 Regiment in Brisbane, roles and responsibilities as a gunner, training and familiarisation with both the L119 105mm Howitzer and M198 155mm Howitzer, training in Colchester UK with British Army (2009) and deployment to Afghanistan with 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery (7 PARA RHA) under the auspices of Operation Herrick (2010), gun detachment structure (G Battery) and full integration with British troops, nature of operations in Helmand Province, recollection of first fire mission, tempo of operations, returning home to Australia after 14 months overseas, post-deployment decompression, return to regimental life in Australia, instructor posting to School of Artillery at Puckapunyal, posting to 4 Regiment in Townsville and experiences during Operation Queensland Flood Assist as a new platoon sergeant (2019), MFO deployment, role and responsibilities as Force Operating Centre Battle Sergeant, working with coalition partners within MFO, plans upon returning home, lessons learnt and application at home posting, thoughts on the Australian War Memorial and future displays.