This is the action-packed story of an Australian Infantry battalion during operations in South Vietnam in 1969. The Battalion is the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment on their second tour of duty in South Vietnamaustralia. army. royal australian regiment. battalion, 1st, royal australian regiment, 1st battalion

This is the action-packed story of an Australian Infantry battalion during operations in South Vietnam in 1969. The Battalion is the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment on their second tour of duty in South Vietnamaustralia. army. royal australian regiment. battalion, 1st, royal australian regiment, 1st battalion

fictionAn extraordinary book, one that re-creates the Vietnam battlefield in such visceral terms that those who served there will find themselves transported back in time.united states. army. infantry division, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - united states

An extraordinary book, one that re-creates the Vietnam battlefield in such visceral terms that those who served there will find themselves transported back in time.united states. army. infantry division, 25th, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - united states

Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book

The L1A1 SLR rifle was the first 'best friend' for infantry and other elements of the Australian Armed Forces; the rifle was the closest focus for troops during training and drill.The L1A1 SLR rifle was often the survival factor for troops in a combat situation hence it was treated reverently by the soldier and kept in best working order even in extreme circumstances.LiA1 SLR Rifle. Known as the L1A1 SLR (Self Loading Rifle) and is known for is straightforward fieldstripping and robust nature. The L1A1 is the British version of the Belgian FN FAL rifle. The L1A1 is a reliable, hard-hitting, gas-operated, magazine-fed semi-automatic rifle. The weapon was extensively used by the Australian Infantryman. The L1A1 SLR rifle was the initial general issue to infantrymen and other elements of the Armed Forces. L1A1 SLR (Self Loading Rifle) Type: Battle rifle Wars: Cold War, Vietnam War, Falklands War Designed: 1951 Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale (FN) Number built: Over 1 million Weight: 4.0–4.96 kg (8.8–10.2 lb) Length: 1,090 mm (43 in) Barrel length: 533 mm (21 in) Cartridge: 7.62 mm NATO Rimless Calibre: 7.62 mm (.308 in) Action: Gas and return spring operated, tilting block Rate of fire: 20 rounds/min semi auto Muzzle velocity: 823 m/s (2,700 ft/s) Effective range: 600 m (656 yd) Feed system: 20-round detachable box magazine Sights: Aperture rear sight, hooded post front sight Accesaries bayonet, sling, grenade launcher, telescopic sights Serial No. AD8100176vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea South East of the Australian Task Force Base, at Nui Dat, gently place their wounded mate Private Ken Mathieson on the ground as they wait to be picked up be an American Dustoff helicopter.photograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, gibbons collection catalogue, pte ken mathieson, australian task force, nui dat, dustoff, helicopter, diggers, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black ans white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea, south East oof the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, carry one of their wounded mates Private Ken Mathieson into an American Dustoff helicopter for casevac to hospital.photograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, dustoff, gibbons collection catalogue, australian task force, helicopter, diggers, wounded servicemen, denis gibbons, nui dat

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of Major Harry Smith MC, Officer Commanding, D Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, at the Battle of Long Tan, Phuoc Tuy Province, 18/08/1966, directs a resupply during Operation Portsea March 1967photograph, operation portsea, d coy, 6 rar, major harry smith mc, gibbons collection catalogue, military cross, battle of long tan, phuoc tuy province, the royal australian regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photographic image of the original D Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).plaque. This plaque was designed by 2Lt Dave Sabben Officer Commanding, 12 Platoon, D Company, 6RARshield, d coy, 6 rar, 2lt dave sabben, 12 platoon, gibbons collection catalogue, 6th battalion, plaque, the royal australian regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Australian and New Zealand Military Police regularly checked out the premises along the street of bars at Vung Tau Those establishments involved in shady trading were placed off limits. Some Vietnamese bar girls were notorious for fleecing Diggers of money.photograph, military police, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, new zealand military police, vietnames bar girls, diggers, vietnamese bar girls, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a medic attached to 161 (Indep) Recce Flt administers vitamin pills to children during a Medcap conducted at Xuyen Moc after the township had been cleared of VietCong forces by 5 RAR. photograph, 161 reconnaissance flight, xuyen moc, 5 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, medic, viet cong, vietnamese children, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of an American Red Cross girl commonly called 'Doughnut Dollies' by American G.I's talks to a crippled Vietnamese street child. The boy walked on his knees aith the aid of crutches as his legs were permanently bent behind him, yet he was quite a jovial characterphotograph, american red cross, doughnut dollies, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese children, american g.i's, wounded children, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a RAAF Medical Officer assisted by an RAAF Medic assess a young Vietnamese boy born with his ears deformed, during a Medcap at Bong Son Island off the coast of Vung Tau. The boy was taken to Vung Tau where surgeons rectified his problemraaf medics, bong son, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese children, raaf medical officer, medcap, wounded children, bong son island, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a digger 'Vietnamese Linguist' attached to 1st Australian Task Force, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, studies NVA/VietCong documents captured during a battle in the Hat Dich area, a major NVA/VietCong infiltration route, South West of the Australian Task Force Basephotograph, vietnamese linguist, 1st atf base, nui dat, nva/vc, hat dich, gibbons collection catalogue, australian task force, documents, phuoc tuy province, nva/vietcong, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection A black and white photograph of two Vietnamese attand an English class at Phuoc Tuy Province headquarters compound situated at Baria. The class was being taught a linguist/teacher from the 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit stationed at the Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province.photograph, 1st australian civil affairs unit, 1st atf base, nui dat, baria, vietnamese linguist, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese people, phuoc tuy province, english classes, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection A coloured photograph of Maj John Donohue Officer Commanding The W.H.A.M. program (1966-1967) a civil affairs program to assist the local Vietnamese population in the Australian area of influence, talking with the Phuoc Tuy Province Chief's wife during the opening of a dispensaryphotograph, maj john donohue, wham program, 1st australian civil affairs unit, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese people, phuoc tuy province, phuoc tuy province chief's wife, denis gibbons, dispensary

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea South East of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, carry one of their wounded mates Private Ken Mathieson, to be picked up by and American Dustoff helicopter for casevac to hospital.photograph, 11 platoon, 6 rar, d coy, operation portsea, pte ken mathieson, gibbons collection catalogue, australian task force, nui dat, dustoff helicopter, diggers, wounded servicemen, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of Major Harry Smith MC, Officer Commanding, D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, at the Battle Of Long Tan, Phuoc tuy Province, 18/08/1966, assisted by his company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2, Chris Pope, directs a resupply during Operation Portsea, South of the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam,March 1967photograph, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, major harry smith mc, wo2 chris pope, gibbons collection catalogue, military cross, 6th battalion, battle of long tan, phuoc tuy province, 1 atf base, nui dat, the royal australian regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Long Xuyen, IV Corps, South Vietnam 1969. Children suffering schrapnel wounds are nursed anything up to four to a bed in Long Xuyen Hospital, under the care of an Australian Civilian Surgical Teamphotograph, long xuyen hospital, australian civilian surgical team, gibbons collection catalogue, iv corps, vietnamese children, wounded children, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of the Staff of Benh Vien Le Loi hospital stand to attention at the front of the hospitalphotograph, benh vien le loi hospital, medical staff, stand to, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a digger from 1st Australian Field Hygiene Unit attracts an audience of interested children as he fills his backpack spray unit to spray the general areas at Long Dien Village during an outbreak of Dengue Fever. photograph, 1st australian field hygiene unit, long dien village, dengue fever, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese children, digger, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - Trapong, Quang Ngai Province April 1967, 2 Corps. An Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) advisor WO2 Keith "Windy" Windbank talks to a village girl, Hanh, who had lost her right eye and part of her nose by artilleryphotograph, trapong, quang ngai province, aattv, 2 corps, wo2 windbank, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese children, wo2 kieth "windy" windbank, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), wounded children, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection A black and white photograph of a Vietnamese Linguist from 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit stationed at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, condusts a mixed adult English class for Vietnamese at the Province capital compound at Bariaphotograph, 1st australian civil affairs unit, 1st atf base, nui dat, vietnamese linguist, baria, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese people, phuoc tuy province, english classes, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Australian and New Zealand Military Police leave the Palace Bar following and inspection for unauthorised trading practices, particularly alcohol sales. MP's were also very vigilant in the pursuit of drug dealers.photograph, military police, palace bar, gibbons collection catalogue, new zealand military police, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of an Australian Intellegence Interpreter attempts to decode NVA/VietCong message left carved into a tree trunk, at a bunker complex, captured by 1st Australian Task force Infantry elements. The message was somewhat garbled, and probably in some form of code.photograph, military intelligence, gibbons collection catalogue, nva/vc, 1st australian task force, infantry, australian intellegence interpreter, nva/vietcong, bunkers, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - One of the many duties carried out by the Australian Military Police at Vung Tau was the security and protection of the two Australian Naval Supply vessels, The MV Boonaroo & MV Jeparit, whilst on this duty the MP's had to look out for attack from water and land.photograph, vung tau, military police, supply ship, hmas boonaroo, hmas jeparit, gibbons collection catalogue, australian naval supply vessels, mp's, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of two Military Police on security and protection duty on board a Navy Supply vessel tied up at the wharf at Vung Tau Harbour react to some locals on the wharf acting suspiciously.photograph, vung tau, military police, hmas boonaroo, hmas jeparit, gibbons collection catalogue, vung tau harbour, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of Denis Gibbons interviews Cpl Normie Rowe of B Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, in the Press Centre Studio at 1st Australian Task Force Headquarters, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. Normie had risen, through the ranks from trooper to corporal during his time on active service in Vietnam.normie rowe, denis gibbons, 1st atf base, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, b squadron, 3rd cavalry regiment, press centre, phuoc tuy province, cpl normie rowe, entertainer

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of plain clothes Military Police with the aid of two female Vietnamese interpreters study confiscated and captured documents. Counterfeit military documents, such as leave cards and PX cards were much sought after by the local population.photograph, military police, counterfeit documents, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese interpreters, px cards, denis gibbons