Recent news
Historical Arms & Military
Society of Tasmania
Patron - Peter Hodge - RFD RETD
Sub Committees
Historical Military Vehicle Group (HMVG)
Military Research Group (MRG)
Military Model Making (MMM)
Historical Military Re-enactment Group (HMRG)
Women at War (WAW)
HAMST Mainland trip 2026
Last weekend six HAMST members visited the Belgrave RSL "Running Rabbits" in Victoria. Leigh had organized a personal tour of the museum which was fantastic. The museum was informative and very well presented. Hugh thanks to staff for looking after us for an hour or so. The following day we visited the National Vietnam museum at Philip Island. Wow!!, the displays staff and presentations were sensational and well worth the visit. One of the highlights was meeting a US Vietnam Veteran and sharing stories with their family. Massive thanks to Richard for organizing the weekend, this is the third annual trip and we are all looking forward to next years planning. Leigh will present a detailed PP of the adventure at our January 27 meeting.
Shannon's Motor Bike Spectacular
Yesterday Noel and Steve visited the motorcycle display at the Hobart wharf. As HAMST supplied some militaria to support this event it was great to see the military bikes displayed with our items. Although the display was sponsored by Shannon's all proceeds went to the Variety club for their fund raising. It was a fantastic display with hundreds of bikes on display and well worth a visit. Noel was keen to take several home!!
Bunnings Fathers Day Event
Once gain we were privileged to be invited to the annual Bunnings Mornington Fathers Day Event. This event is held annually to recognize and support Dads and their kids with several hands on activities throughout the store. Our vehicles were able to provide an interesting backdrop to the event allowing our members to chat with dads and kids about military history and all HAMST has to offer. Huge thanks to our members involved as it was a very cold wet and windy drive, especially in those vehicles with no doors!! However we were welcomed with open arms and well looked after by Bunnings staff. Thanks everyone.
Generous Donation
Yesterday Barry and I headed to Bruny Island to collect a complete Blitz diff assembly and a number of tyres that have been generously donated by HAMST member Bob Adams. It was great to catch up with Bob, have a coffee and reminisce over his years of HAMST Presidency and long term membership. The donation was greatly received and the parts will be invaluable in the future to ensure our Blitz stays in great condition. Thanks Bob and Barry for a very enjoyable day.
HAMST Clubroom Working Bee
Yesterday around a dozen members attended the clubrooms and worked tirelessly completing some much needed repairs around the clubrooms. A huge thank you to all those who created some time and helped out during he day. We were able to repair flooring, door locks, toilets, vehicle servicing, painting, cementing pathway repairs and re categorising of our extensively library. It was a busy but fun day with a fantastic group of members. Thanks to all.
HAMST Bunnings BBQ 2026
Another fantastic HAMST Bunnings BBQ at Mornington. As always it was a very busy day to ensure our customers were served promptly and with a smile. The team worked tirelessly as always heaps of fun and laughs as members shared all that HAMST has to offer with customers which included moments of reflection as military history memories were retold. Huge thanks to the Bunnings Mornington who are a fantastic team to work with.
ANZAC Day 2026
On behalf of the committee, a huge thank you to all who supported ANZAC Day 2026, either at official HAMST events or individually. Our three main events were the Lenah Valley Family day, wreath laying at Glenorchy and our main event, the North Hobart ANZAC Day match. Members and vehicles supported this event with a static display and vehicles. For those who attended North Hobart this was truly a fantastic event, we were very well looked after with refreshments while enjoying the game from the members' stand. Although this year our support for this day was a little different from feedback, all the community groups really appreciated our presence and I'm guessing we will again be swamped by invitations next year.
WAR Animals Remembrance Campbell Town
Once again members supported this important remembrance event. This year the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club did a fantastic job organizing and running the event. The stories and reflections of our loved animals was emotional and it was a privilege for members to be part of this day. The trip home resulted a honey pot of military goodies which were great finds and made for a fun day with members and all our military friends from around Tas.
Hobart Cenotaph 100 years
This week our Vice President Andy Hammond
represented HAMST and supported the RSL by laying a wreath celebrating the 100 years of the Hobart Cenotaph.
HAMST Bunnings BBQ - Mornington
Saturday, our sensational HAMST Bunnings team manned the BBQ at Mornington. (Tas) As always its a very busy day and our team worked tirelessly to ensure customers were served promptly and with a smile. Although a busy day it is always heaps of fun and laughs as members shared all that HAMST has to offer with customers with moments of reflection as military history memories were retold. Huge thanks to the Bunnings Mornington crew .
MILCOLT Militaria & Heritage Fair - Deloraine
Last weekend HAMST members attended the fair at Deloraine. The weather, grounds, setup and the organizing was fantastic and much appreciated by attending exhibitors and the public. The fair displayed many historical vehicles and memorabilia and it was an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends and make new ones. Thanks to MILCOLT members for organizing such a successful weekend, we will definitely be back next year.
HAMST Women At War Presentation
Recently our Women at War sub group was invited to give a presentation to the Glenorchy Heritage Centre on WW1 nurses and the Australian Land Army. Our ladies gave a detailed presentation of the history of both to the group that was well received. It is encouraging that more and more the society is being asked to be involved to local groups and community events . thanks to Kim & Bernadette
HAMST "Home Front" Christmas Dinner
Each year the committee hosts a Christmas dinner at the clubrooms. This year we remembered the home front and the meals were based around dishes of 1940s. "Wow" what sensational meals our members created based around this theme for the dinner and I thank you all so much for all your efforts. We had around 35 attend with prizes, gifts and military quizzes, all part of the evening. On behalf of the committee I thank you all so much for another fantastic night with friends, meeting new friends and heaps of laugh's. On behalf of the committee I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year with family and friends as we look forward to 2026. Kind Regards, Steve (President)
HAMST Spitfire Restoration Project visit
After many months of research Richard was able to track down Rod in southern Tasmania and organize a visit to his Spitfire build project for members. The project is truly an incredible achievement as Rod has built the plane from scratch and has plans for its first test flight in the near future. It was a real privilege for Rod to give up his time to give us a detailed tour of project.
Remembrance day 11th November 2025
Although the weather wasn't ideal HAMST members once again represented the society by firing the 25 pounder and presenting wreaths during the ceremony. It was a privilege to spend a few minutes remembering our service men and women and the sacrifices they have made for us all.
The gun crews professionalism, timing a safety was perfect as were our WW1 nurses in their full uniform, your volunteering and enthusiasm was very received during the ceremony.
ANZAC Day 2025
It was once again an absolute privilege for HAMST members to be part of this important commemorative event in Hobart. We were able to supply several vehicles and for the first time a WW2 BSA motor bike to lead us into the parade. Our veterans on board the DUKW had an excellent viewing platform during the parade. Special thanks to all our new drivers and supporting crew who participated on the day, your involvement this year what much appreciated especially by the congratulating crowds along the way. Once again our Women at War ladies presented a wreath during the service. Thanks to all.
Commonwealth day Reception
HAMST Annual Trip - Australian War Memorial & Annex
Each year HAMST members have the opportunity to travel to the mainland for a military event. This year we were privileged to attend the AWM and Annex (storage area). It was an incredible few days where members attended two guided tours. The first, the AWM annex, generally not open to the public, which was packed with thousands of military items being researched for placement within the museum at a later date. The second was the museum where our tour guide focussed on our Tasmanian military history. One of the highlights was two of our members laying a wreath representing HAMST at the Last Post Ceremony, very moving!! This trip was truly a fantastic couple of days and our tour guides had an incredible knowledge to share. 2026 were planning a trip to the Tamora air show in NSW - so start saving!
Once again it was a privilege for HAMST to be formally invited to his event at Government house. Our President, Secretary and wives enjoyed the company of all who attended and an inspiring presentation from our Governor, The Hon Barbara Baker.
