Military service is in Carl Christie’s blood.
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The 78-year-old from Ashtonfield, who spent most of his working life serving his country, has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for service to military history preservation and to the community.
While he officially retired 20 years ago, the former Major is still working, this time in a voluntary capacity for his beloved Fort Scratchley.
Born in Wyong and bred in Newcastle, Mr Christie moved to the Maitland area with wife Coral 24 years ago.
His curriculum vitae is impressive, with years of military service from age 18 when he had to register for National Service.
He trained at Ingleburn in Sydney and served with the field artillery for 25 years. In 1960, he was posted to Fort Scratchley as section commander and also served three years as troop commander.
This story cannot do justice to Mr Christie’s military record, which is vast and varied.
When he retired he joined the historical society at Fort Scratchley and held a number of positions on the committee and is currently vice president and events co-ordinator.
He also spent 31 years working as the secretary of the Royal Australian Artillery Association Newcastle sub-branch.
He is a qualified electrician and electrical engineer and spent time working on the Department of Railways as an electrical mechanic before moving to the State Electricity Commission.
“I still love working at Fort Scratchley and looking after various things and events that come up such as the one we have planned Monday for the Queen’s Birthday,” he said. “We will be firing six guns.”
Mr Christie is surprised with his medal and said he normally likes to do behind the scenes work. “I’m normally in the background. I never want to push myself forward but I am quite happy to receive this award,” he said. “I think my biggest achievement, or what I am most proud of is being the commanding officer at Fort Scratchley, the last commanding officer there before it closed the fort to the army,” Mr Christie said. “I’m really astounded by this award but at this stage I accept it with great honour,” he said.