173 AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) US ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP BIEN HOA 1965-1966 On May 5, 1965, the Brigade deployed to South Viet Nam as the first US Army ground combat unit in that war. Upon arrival, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) and a battery from New Zealand (161Royal NZ Artillery) were attached to the Brigade -- making the 173d Airborne the only multi-national combat unit in the war. Initially headquartered in Bien Hoa, the Brigade operated in the four provinces around Saigon. (Xuan Loc, Long Khanh, Phuoc Long & Phuoc Tuy), but (in its roll as a "Fire Brigade") also went to the Central Highlands (Pleiku / Kontum) to fight Viet Cong. The 173d also conducted constant operations against the southern stronghold of the VC Main Force in the legendary Iron Triangle in War Zone D. The brigade was organized as a balanced airborne combat force consisting of two infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, a support battalion, an engineer company, a cavalry troop, an armour company, and a headquarters company. Upon activation, it became the first and only separate airborne brigade in the United States Army. This was the beginning of a long series of "Firsts" for the Brigade. On 5 May 1965, it became the first US Army ground combat unit committed to the war in South Vietnam, where further organizational changes were to take place. Australians attached to the Brigade were: 1st Battalion, of the Royal Australian Regiment (I RAR) and support troops of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (1Troop), 105 Field Battery Royal Australian Artillery, 161 Field Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 3 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers, 161 Reconnaissance Flight, Royal Australian Army Air Corps, 1st Australian Logistical Support Company. The Brigade's two infantry battalions, the First Battalion of the 503' Infantry (1/503`d) and the Second Battalion, of the 503`d Infantry (2/503`) and the attached Australians of 1 RAR constituted the infantrymen available to the Brigade. Their mission was to protect the Bien Hoa Air Base and to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. This was in fact the first operational ground force formed under the ANZUS Defence Treaty. ANZUS was a mutual defence treaty signed in 1951 between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. In 1965 the spirit of this treaty appeared as 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) a tri-national brigade. The only such tri-national fighting force formed during the Vietnam War. On deployment to South Vietnam in 1965, 1 Troop A Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment was part of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade combat group. Flag, two colours divided vertically, hoist half mid blue, fly half red. Badge of 173rd Airborne Brigade (730 x 490 mm) in centreflag, 173rd airborne, south vietnam

Medals awarded to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Two star and seven round shaped miniature medals all attached to various striped ribbons in one row mounted on black felt with large pin attached at rear.ww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Record of Service books issued to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Two brown cardboard covered books containing lined pages2/900269 Pte Taylor J N QX25010 Pte Taylor J Nww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Cigarette case belonging to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Square silver metal case with left side hinge. A small rising sun badge is affixed in centre on top cover.Australian Commonwealth Military Forcesww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Pack of playing cards belonging to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Light green cardboard packet containing playing cardsLucky Chips Playing Cardsww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Korean flag acquired by John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Large rectangular calico cloth with blue and red circle in centre and four groups of three short black lines in each corner. String attached to top and bottom left edge.ww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Red felt beret belonging to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Red felt beret with black lining and edged in black leatherSize 6 1/2 1952ww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Army slouch hat issued to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Khaki felt hat with rising star badge attached to brim turned up on right side. Dark and light blue diamond patch attached to hat band/pugaree.Dunkerley Ltd Akubra Size 6 1/2 Made in Australiaww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

The RSL membership badge issued to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.The badge is a symbol of readiness at all times to render service to the country and to former comrades. No wealth or influence can purchase the RSL badge which may be worn only by those who are members of the RSL.Shield shaped badge with crown on top. White enamel with blue circle in centre above red colour scroll. Soldier, sailor and airman depicted in centre circle.Reverse - 77211 Property of League ww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

Medals awarded to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Two star and eight round shaped medals all attached to various striped ribbons mounted on red felt covered board.QX25010 JN Taylorww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

The Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB) is a military badge and awarded to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.The Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB) is issued to Australian Defence Force personnel who have rendered warlike service. The badge enables individuals to display their involvement in warlike service while wearing civilian attire. It is worn when the wearing of service medals is not appropriate or possible. Brass badge features tri-services (with an anchor, wings and Rising Sun) surmounted by the crown, with a boomerang underneath with the text 'RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE' . The reverse of the badge has a pair of pin clips.Reverse -384439 - issued by the C’wealth Govt. 1945ww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr

The 4th and 17th Light Horse are ancestor regiments of the 4th/19th Prince od Wales's Light Horse RegimentWooden, shield shaped plaque on which is affixed badges of 4th Light Horse Regiment, 17th Light Horse Regiment, Royal Australian Armoured Corps, and 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment. It lacks the badge of the 19th Light Horse Regiment, but there is a place for it. Steel mounting hooks are screwed to the backOn back In white paint" "10 WAMI R-P" Scratched in: "4/19 PWLH SGTS MESS 97"

These trousers were owned by Matthew Calvitto. Matthew moved to Woodend with his family at the age of one. He commenced his career in the 56th Battalion Army Reserve unit. In 1999 or early 2000 he volunteered to join the regular Army. He was posted to the 6th Royal Australian Army Regiment, D company. His initial training was at either Shaulwater Bay or Conundra. After his training he served for 6 months in Timor, in either the second or third rotation. Matthew and the other members of the D Company received battle honours. Matthew was their forward scout, as well as a marksman, which you need to qualify for every year.As an item that belonged to Matthew Calvitto, a local Woodend veteran who received battle honour for his service in Timor, these trousers have social and historic significance. The provenance of the item is know as it was donated by family members. The item is also represenantive of a type of military shirt that was issued to Army personnel during the late 20th century. The item is also in very good condition. matthew calvitto, calvitto, woodend, 56th battalion, 6th royal australian army regiment, d company, timor, marksman