The guest speaker was Tim Holmes. Holmes, originally from the UK, came to Australia with his parents and served in the Australian Army from 1979 to 1986.

He returned to the UK and in 1986 joined the Parachute Regiment.

His tours of duty took him to the US, Canada, Belize, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Germany, Italy, France, Poland, Latvia, Norway, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Afghanistan and at home tours in Northern Ireland.

The tours of duty around the world involved training foreign troops, assisting law enforcement, peace keeping and active conflict with aggressive forces.

The members were given an insight to operations in Afghanistan viewing a short recording of live action footage. That particular footage was Holmes' last active service.

Holmes was asked what equipment a paratrooper would be required to carry on themselves going on an active service jump.

After a list of equipment was given, a paratrooper may carry nearly their own weight onto the aircraft.

The smallest troopers would be given heavier weapons to make up the weight of the others. Once out of the door, the drop could be around 30 seconds in order to get the troops on the ground as quickly as possible.

Holmes served 21 years in the Regiment and attained the rank of Colour Sergeant. On being demobilised in 2007 he returned to Australia to eventually settle in Goulburn where he now calls home.

The Rotary Club is extremely grateful to Holmes for coming along and helping the Club with its Anzac Day commemorative meeting.