Australian Army sappers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment prepare Elanora Bridge for demolition with high explosive during Exercise Terrier Walk at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. Photo by Corporl Nicole Dorrett.

Bridge demolition a real blast

01/05/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1603 Views 0 Comments Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Sappers from 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment made, and demolished, history on Exercise Terrier Walk by destroying Elanora Bridge in Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

CAPTIONS: Australian Army sappers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment prepare Elanora Bridge for demolition with high explosive during Exercise Terrier Walk at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. Story by Captain Cody Tsaousis. Photos by Corporl Nicole Dorrett.

Supported by elements from the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 14 Troop (7 Squadron) conducted the first live bridge demolition activity by a combat engineer squadron in about 15 years.

Corporal Matthew Kenny, of 14 Troop, said it was a great experience and everyone was excited to be part of it.

“Everyone knew it was a unique opportunity, and we were really pleased to be given the chance as a reward for our efforts throughout the exercise,” he said.

It took about seven hours and 190kg of explosives to prepare and destroy the bridge, following initial reconnaissance and demolition calculations.

The bridge was built by sappers in 1991 and has been maintained by them ever since.

Corporal Kenny said the moment wasn’t lost on the soldiers from 14 Troop.

“We knew the bridge was built in 1991 so it was older than most of us,” he said.

“Our previous operations sergeant was involved in the construction of it and told us a few stories about how it was built, so it was cool to also become part of that history.

“It’s something we’ll remember for a long time.”