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 the drilling for water at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phouc tuy Province. The Engineers prepared to install sealed water pipes to carry ground water to the base water purification works, already under construction. (Circa November 1966)photograph, 1st atf base, engineers, 17 const sqn, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 the 1st Australian Task force Commander (Aug 1969 - Jun 1970). Brigadier Stewart Weir MC (centre of the group) inspects a new bridge built by Australian Engineers from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, South Vietnam.photograph, brig stewart weir, engineers, 1st atf base, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 Lt Phil Hills and his team driving a landrover towing a mist generator to decontaminate the village of Long Dien, Phouc Tuy Province. A severe outbreak of Dengue Fever had occurred in the village and the Province Chief had requested assistance.photograph, lt phil hills, 1st australian field hygiene unit, long dien village, phuoc tuy province, dengue fever, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, province chief

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 United States Army Chinook medium helicopters wait on Kanga pad at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, to move an artillery battery to form an operartional fire support base. Each Chinook was able to move one full detachment. (Circa June 1967)photograph, kanga pad, 1 atf base, chinook, united states. army, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 Sergeant D.N. Cook, Assault Pioneer Sergeant Support Company 4th Battalion/New Zealand (ANZAC) (June 1968 - May 1969). Sgt Cook is the only man in the Australian Army allowed to grow a beard, granted by Lord D'Isle when he presented 4 RAR/NZ with their colours.photograph, 4 rar nz, lord d'isle, gibbons collection catalogue, assault pioneer sergeant, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, sgt d.n. cook, 4th battalion, 4 rar/nz (anzac)

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 gun crew member of the 103 Battery, reseting his gun during a fire mission in support of infantry operating on a search and destroy mission, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam (Circa 1967). The digger is wearing ear plugs for protection against the sound of the gun.photograph, artillery, 103 battery, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, photographer, vietnam war, 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 platoon commander with 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, radioing map reference corrections to the forward artillery observer attached to his company Headquarters, NVA/VietCcong, during a search and destroy mission.photograph, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, platoon commander, search and destroy mission

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 of 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment watching as the courtiers of 'King Neptune' during the 'crossing of the line' ceremony on board the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney taking the 9RAR for service in Vietnam, and move in procession to the 'King's Throne'.photograph, 9th battalion, 9 rar, vung tau ferry, hmas sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, kings throne

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 young Vietnamese girl prepares a pineapple for a serviceman on the sand at Back Beach, Vung Tau. The young girls carried two large baskets, on a pile of pineapples, which were very heavy for such a small slip of a girl.photograph, back beach, vung tau, vietnamese children, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 Gunners of 101 Battery, 1st Australian Field Regt RAA at Fire Support Base "Baton", east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam. They are softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry Units heliborn assault against the NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion. (Circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base baton, nva/vc, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, gunners

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 Sergeant Fred J Roberts 22, Nowra, NSW, of 3rd Special Air Service (SAS) Squadron 1st Australian Task Force Base. At the time he was advised of his receipt of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). Sergeant Roberts, was married with one daughter.photograph, sgt fred roberts, 3rd special air service squadron, 1st atf base, distinguished conduct medal, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 musicians at the official Sep-Oct 67 Melbourne Concert Party: John Farrar, Douglas Owen, Peter Robinson, Grahame Thompson and Terrence Walker entertain the Diggers from the newly erected entertainment facility, the Luscombe Bowl at 1st ATF, Nui Dat.photograph, musicians, melbourne concert party, john farrar, douglas owen, peter robinson, grahame thompson, terrence walker, 1st atf base, nui dat, luscombe bowl, entertainers, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, 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 French Renault 8 taxi operating in Saigon. These little cars were the backbone of the Vietnamese taxi fleet. They would be in varying degrees of maintenance and it was not uncommon to get into one to find a great gaping hole beneath your feet.photograph, renault 8, taxi, saigon, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, 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 the American 7th Fleet Battleship, the USS New Jersey operating on the "Gunline", Tonkin Gulf, North Vietnam. During 'Operation Sea Dragon' they open fire on land targets thirty miles inside North Vietnam. The one (1) ton shells had a special 'rocket assist'.photograph, us 7th fleet, uss new jersey, tonkin gulf, gunline, operation sea dragon, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, north vietnam

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 the American aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, on station with the U.S. 7th Fleet in the Tonkin Gulf, North Vietnam. Aircraft from the carrier maintained round the clock bombing raids on North Vietnam.photograph, uss enterprise, tonkin gulf, aircraft carrier, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, u.s. 7th fleet, bombing raids, north vietnam

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 the Australian Army Landing Craft the Vernon Sturdie or 'The Ace of Spades' as it makes its way up the Mekong River towards Long Binh to deliver American tanks to the Vietnamese Army. The Ace of Spades worked extensively in the Mekong Delta area.photograph, landing craft vernon sturdie, the ace of spades, mekong delta, long binh, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, vietnamese army

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 photograpf of two of the three Dunne brothers in service, one in the RAN and one in the Army meet on the deck of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydneygibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, dunne brothers, royal australian navy, australian army, vung tau ferry, hmas sydney

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 at 103 Battery Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, July 1966. He fires a 105mm Italian Pack Howitzer during a fire mission from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.photograph, artillery, 103 battery, phuoc tuy province, 105mm howitzer, 1st atf base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, digger

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 Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, July 1966. Diggers at 103 Battery load a 105mm Italian Pack Howitzer during a fire mission from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.photograph, artillery, phuoc tuy province, nui dat, 103 battery, 105mm howitzer, 1st atf base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers

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 Corporal teacher/linguist with the 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit, conducting a class in English for Vietnamese girls who are hoping to get work at Australian and American Military Bases. The classes were conducted at the Phuoc Tuy Province capital of Baria.photograph, 1st australian civil affairs unit, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, baria, vietnamese linguist, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, vietnamese girls, american military

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 the Australian Army Landing Craft 'Vernon Sturdie' moving into the congested Saigon-Long Binh dock to unload American tanks and other vital war equipment for the South Vietnamese Army. The docks area was constantly cluttered with shipping unloading war materials.photograph, australialanding craft vernon sturdie, saigon, long binh, south vietnam army, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 Indonesian Naval training ship, cutting across the bow of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney as she moves through the Sunda Strait on the way to taking 9th Battalion to Vietnam. The sailing vessel repeatedly cut back and forth across the Sydney's bow.photograph, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, sundra strait, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, indonesian naval training ship

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 the fully laden Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney containing 9RAR vehicles and equipment, making way towards Vung Tau, South Vietnam for a battalion change over and to deliver much needed war supplies to the Australian Force, Vietnam.photograph, vung tau ferry, hmas sydeny, 9 rar, vung tau, australian force vietnam, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

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 Private G.L. Condon, 7 Platoon, Charlie Coy 4th Battalion/New Zealand (ANZAC) stopping for a short rest while patrolling in Bien Hoa Province on 'Operation Federal'. Pte Condon is carrying an Armalite rifle and an M79 grenade launcher (June 1968-May 1969).photograph, pte g l condon, 7 platoon, c coy, 4th nz battalion, operation federal, bien hoa province, armalite rifle, m72 rocket launcher, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war