Dviets visiting Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) Kapooka, 2002Records some Diamond Valley Sub Branch members, 2002.Photograph, Diamond Valley members at ARTC, Kapooka, 2002DViets "Back To Basics; Kapooka ARTC, November 2002.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Colour print of W3 class tram No. 661 at the intersection of Victoria St and Brunswick St, being transported from Malvern Depot to Preston Workshops. This tram was acquired by the Museum in 1976 - see reference. Has the Salvation Army Training building in the background. Photographer unknown, date early 1976.Yields information about transporting W3 class tram 661 to Preston Workshops for on-sale to the BTPS.Colour print - on plain papertramcars, tram 661, victoria parade, btps, w3 class

This item was donated by Major John Boyd Healy who served with the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. He did two tours of duty. August 1962 to September 1963 with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) and from June 1965 to June 1966 with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.Newspaper article titled, NZ Pride which says the Diggers have a proprietary pride in the artillery battery. This item is on page fourteen of Personal Collections 5 1961-1975 -- artillery operations, chaplains, newspaper clippings, major john healy, royal australian infantry corps, 1st battalion, the royal australian regiment, healy john boyd, padre, gerald anthony cudmore, cpl lex mcauley, 335092

Used by Army in training and during service to put inside a sleeping bag, or instead of a sleeping bag in the heat.Khaki coloured rectangular nylon bag secured on one side by four press studs.CONLONS Australia, 1971, 8465-66-011-5816 (broad arrow)sleeping bag, personal equipment, conlons, geelong rsl, army, vietnam

Licences were for Murray Stanley Metherall No 35455. Serving in the Australian Army Educational Corps Murray was the only such person to serve in the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. As a Capt age 44 years he served in Vietnam as Adjutant with AATTV/HQ AFV (Army) from 29.1.68 to 21.1.69. He would catch rides by Jeep, truck, aeroplane, with Americans, by any means to all the outposts in Vietnam where the “Team” served delivering mail and pay. .1) Army cinematograph operator's license made of brown printed fabric. .2) Army drivers license made of brown printed fabric..1) & .2) “Australian Military Forces”documents, licenses, drivers, cinema, aattv

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 the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment excercising with the Army physical training instructor Sgt Rob Fulton, on the flight deck of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney. Sgt Fulton remained on board and returned home with 8 RAR.photograph, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, sgt bob fulton, vung tau ferry, 8 rar, hmas sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, diggers, physical training

Montagnard people were the indigenous non-Vietnamese ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Australian Army Captain Barry Petersen was sent to Vietnam in 1963 as part of the elite Australian Army Training Team to train Montagnard rebels in how to deal with the guerrilla tactics used by Viet Cong insurgents. The laplap is an integral part of the traditional ceremonial costume of various Montagnard groups, particularly the Rhade tribe, with whom Petersen lived and worked, learning their language and wearing their traditional clothing.Top and shawl black. Embroidery and weaving in white, red and ocremontagnard, ceremonial costume, laplap, loincloth, petersen, barry petersen, rhade, rade

General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'South Vietnam'. Awarded to Army and Air Force for service of 30 days or more, not necessarily continuous , in South Vietnam between December 1962 and May 1964 inclusive, or one sortie or more into South Vietnam by RAAF air crew personnel in direct support of operations. Members of accredited philanthropic organisations serving with the Army - the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association and Campaigners for Christ - were also eligible. Only 68 clasps were issued and all went to members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV)General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'South Vietnam'. Round silver medal with green and dark blue ribbonElizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina FD South Vietnamreplica medal, general service, south vietnam, aattv

Australian Army Band Corps musician training information for applicantsColour cover with 2 typed sheets of information for applicantsarmy school of music, simpson army barracks

A VALE notice in the Bulletin on 1 February 2017 about the life of Legatee Colin Bannister. Legatee Bannister was a legatee for 40 years (1976-2016) Colin graduated the RMC Duntroon as an infantry officer and his active service included two year in Malaya with 3RAR in 1957-59 and two tours in South Vietnam, in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team and in 1969 as GS02 (Ops) HQ of 1st Australian Task Force and the Australian Force Vietnam. He attained rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He joined Peninsula Group, Melbourne Legacy in 1976, and served as its president in 1985. He passed away on 17 November 2016.A tribute to a long serving legatee.Bulletin article on the death of Colin Bannister in 2017.vale, colin bannister

In 1954 National Services Trainees trained at Puckapunyal.Series of 8 small black and white photos of Tanks parked or in trainings at Army base Puckapunyal in 1954. All are labelled and attached to a piece of A.4 paper.All labelled Army Tanks or Centurion Tank, Puckapunyal 1954.photographs, puckapunyal, tanks

From 1909-1929, all boys 12-14 yrs and men 18-20 were required to enrol for army training only for domestic service. In 1939 all unmarried men aged 21 yrs were required to register for 3 months training for service in Australia and its territories. This was expanded in 1942 when all men 18-35 yrs and single men 35-45 yrs were required to register for the CMF (Citizens Military Force) Many of these then volunteered for the regular army during WW2. However the biggest National Service intake occurred between 1951 and 1972 as a reaction to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Initially this required all 18 yr olds to complete 176 days of military service. Then in 1964 the lottery system was invoked.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2002. Walking proud: these men were part of the July 9, 1957 national service intake chosen by ballot. The men are pictured at Puckapunyal army camp. Photo supplied by Ernie Hartland.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

All three men had a long association with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. John Neale served in RAN during WWII; post war he joined 8/13 VMR as a trooper in 1948. He rose through the ranks to command the regiment in 1972-76, and later became Honorary Colonel. Ron Almond served in WWII; following the war he joined the Regular Army and served several postings to the Cadre Staff of 8/13 VMR including a post as Regimentla Sergeant Major. He also served with the Australian Army Training Team in South Vietnam. Bill Woolford served in the Royal Marines in WWII; post war he migrated to Australia joining the Victoria Police and was posted to Wodonga. He joined 8/13 VMR and served as Squadron Sergeant Major 'A' Squadron.Colour photograph of Colonel John Neale and former 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers Ron Almond and Bill Woolford at Buna Barracks 29 April 1990neale, almond, woolford, vmr, albury, aattv, buna barracks

A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Thomas Colin Bannister (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1985). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. Colin graduated the RMC Duntroon as an infantry officer and his active service included two year in Malaya with 3RAR in 1957-59 and two tours in South Vietnam, in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team and in 1969 as GS02 (Ops) HQ of 1st Australian Task Force and the Australian Force Vietnam. He attained rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He joined Peninsula Group, Melbourne Legacy in 1976, and served as its president in 1985. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Colin Bannister a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee Colin Bannister - President 1985.past presidents, colin bannister

Uniform re Bertram Charles (Bluey) Addington. Initially enlisted No S5269 on 20.4.1942, discharged as a Pte on 13.5.1943 in 4th Bn Volunteer Defence Corps. Re enlisted No 140422 on 25.5.1943 in the RAAF, discharged 5.5.1948 with the rank of Cpl in Laverton Transit Departure and Reception. At some point enlisted in the Army No 41843 and served Vietnam in Aust Force Provost Corp from 19.4.1967 - 19.4.1968, Aust Army Training Team Vietnam 4.8.1970 - 14.10.1971. Awarded U.S Army commendation for Service, Vietnam Armed Forces Honor medal 2nd class. Service ribbons on jacket. 1. British Empire medal. 2. British War medal 1939 - 45 3. Aust Service medal 4. Vietnam Campaign Medal 5. Long Service and good conduct Medal 6. South Vietnam Campaign Medal. .1) Jacket, woollen. Four breast pockets. The top two pockets are held shut with a button. Has woven WO1 metal badges. There are four brass buttons holding the front shut. It has a detachable collar system (white). The collar badges are a laurel wreath, topped with a crown and 2 crossed swords in the centre. The motif on the buttons is similar, but, without the wreath it has a ribbon bar with six medals. .2) Trousers, woollen. Black with white stripe down each leg. .3) Swagger stick. Dowel with woven leather cover.ww2, vietnam war, passchendaele barracks trust

This shield bears the emblem of Australian Army 2nd Recruit Training battalion, raised at Puckapunyal (Vic) to provide basic training for the Second National Service Scheme which was in place during the Vietnam War. It operated from 1965-1973.Wooden plaque with bronze metal insignia of 2 Recruit Training Battalion. Crown on laurel wreath around number 2 with 2 crossed boomerangs below. 2 RECRUIT TRAINING / NULLI SECUNDUS2 recruit training battalion, vietnam, training, 2nd recruit, puckapunyal, conscription, national service

Rev Alec Pederick (1902 - 1972). Trained at Queen's College. Commenced his ministry at Zeehan, Tasmania in 1927. In 1929 he went to Rabaul P.N.G. and to Piniqidu in 1931. Returning to Australia in 1933 was appointed to Beaufort Circuit and then to the Methodist Home Missions Department. Served as a Chaplain in the A.I.F 1942 - 1944. After discharge from the army Rev. Pederick resumed working with Home Missions, becoming General Superintendent and residing at “Otira”, the Home Mission Training College in Kew, at which he was also principal. President of Conference in 1955. Died 19 August 1972. Rev Andrew J. Pearce (1912 - 1986) Entered the Salvation Army Training College in 1934. Joined the United Aborigines Mission and served 2 years in Oolea and 10 years in Finnis Spring. Returned to Victoria in 1950 and was appointed by the Methodist Church as a Home Missionary at Lancefield. Accepted as a candidate for the ministry in 1952 and appointed Probationary Minister to Colac (Elliminyt). Ordained in 1958 and served 7 years as Secretary of the Home Missions Department (1957 - 1864), 6 years as Chaplain of the Royal Melbourne and Royal Children's Hospitals (1964 - 1970) and 7 years in the Footscray Yarraville Circuit (1970 - 1977. Retired in 1977. B & W photograph of the Revs. Alec W. Pederick (seated) and Andrew J. Pearce (standing) in the office of Otira Home Missionary Training College.alec pederick, methodist, minister, home missions, overseas missions, chaplain a.i.f., otira, president of conference, andrew pearce, salvation army, united aborigines mission, methodist, minister, home missionary, secretary home missions department, chaplain royal melbourne hospital, royal children's hospital

Rev Alec Pederick (1902 - 1972). Trained at Queen's College. Commenced his ministry at Zeehan, Tasmania in 1927. In 1929 he went to Rabaul P.N.G. and to Piniqidu in 1931. Returning to Australia in 1933 was appointed to Beaufort Circuit and then to the Methodist Home Missions Department. Served as a Chaplain in the A.I.F 1942 - 1944. After discharge from the army Rev. Pederick resumed working with Home Missions, becoming General Superintendent and residing at “Otira”, the Home Mission Training College in Kew, at which he was also principal. President of Conference in 1955. Died 19 August 1972. Rev Andrew J. Pearce (1912 - 1986) Entered the Salvation Army Training College in 1934. Joined the United Aborigines Mission and served 2 years in Oolea and 10 years in Finnis Spring. Returned to Victoria in 1950 and was appointed by the Methodist Church as a Home Missionary at Lancefield. Accepted as a candidate for the ministry in 1952 and appointed Probationary Minister to Colac (Elliminyt). Ordained in 1958 and served 7 years as Secretary of the Home Missions Department (1957 - 1864), 6 years as Chaplain of the Royal Melbourne and Royal Children's Hospitals (1964 - 1970) and 7 years in the Footscray Yarraville Circuit (1970 - 1977. Retired in 1977. B & W photograph of the Revs. Alec W. Pederick (seated) and Andrew J. Pearce (standing) in the office of Otira Home Missionary Training College.alec pederick, methodist, minister, home missions, overseas missions, chaplain a.i.f., otira, president of conference, andrew pearce, salvation army, united aborigines mission, methodist, minister, home missionary, secretary home missions department, chaplain royal melbourne hospital, royal children's hospital

Part of the Neil Ernest Swainston Collection, a set of National Service Documents from call-up notice to Certificate of Discharge.This soft-covered yellow pocket book is an example of those issued to all National Servicemen sent to Vietnam. Thirty-six pages long, this 3rd edition was published in June 1969 by the Commonwealth of Australia. Contents cover general information such as an overview of the organisation of the Army; details about training, transfers and conditions of service; guidance about military courtesy, dress, writing home and badges of rank.national service, army, conscription, vietnam war, swainston

Warrant Officer Class One Ron Almond served on the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles cadre staff before being posted as a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. There he was posted as adviser to 17th Armored Cavalry Squadron. He later returned to 8/13 VMR as Regimental Sergeant Major. The AATTV was a specialist unit of military advisors of the Australian Army that operated during the Vietnam War. Raised in 1962, the unit was formed solely for service as part of Australia's contribution to the war, providing training and assistance to South Vietnamese forces. Initially numbering only approximately 30 men, the size of the unit grew several times over the following years as the Australian commitment to South Vietnam gradually grew, with the unit's strength peaking at 227 in November 1970. Members of the team worked individually or in small groups, operating throughout the country from the far south to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the north. Later they were concentrated in Phước Tuy Province as Australian forces prepared to withdraw from Vietnam. It is believed to be the most decorated Australian unit to serve in Vietnam; its members received over 100 decorations, including four Victoria Crosses, during its existence. The unit was withdrawn from Vietnam on 18 December 1972 and was disbanded in Australia on 16 February 1973. A total of 1,009 men served with the unit over a period of ten years, consisting of 998 Australians and 11 New Zealanders. Representative of a connection between Australian Army Reserve and South Vietnam.Wooden shield with coloured plastic emblem mounted at centre and engraved metal plate below.Presented to / 8/13 VMR OR's Mess / By Ex RSM 8/13 VMR / WO1 Ronald M Almond / 17th Armoured Cavalry Sqn / Advisory team 116 / Republic of Vietnam / May 1969-May 1970military, cadre, aattv, vietnam, cavalry, armour, almond

1.) Pamphlet, folding, printed in red showing rates of weekly pay in pounds / shillings / pence, from a Band Boy through to a Warrant Officer Class 1. .2) Pamphlet, folding, printed in red detailing 4 year Army Apprenticeships, conditions, rations, training, pay, medical, dental,amenities, sport..1) Printed in red on front: “AUSTRALIAN REGULAR ARMY, WEEKLY RATES OF PAY” Bottom R: “Rising Sun badge” .2) Printed in red on front: “ARMY APPRENTICES' SCHOOL” “Details of Conditions of Entry. How to learn a trade The Best Way”pamphlets, army apprenticeship, rates, conditions

Black & white photo of a group of 16 Australian Soldiers, taken in Bendigo. Black print identifies company & troops. Mounted on heavy fawn coloured cardboard.In black print above photo: “A COMPANY - NO 4 SECTION 3rd AASC, CAMP, BENDIGO” In black print below photo:BACK ROW L-R: R J Smith, L C Polgaise, H Jobling, L G Gilliam, H C Jones, H H Major, R B Ennis CENTRE ROW L-R: S H Mounsey, H Hore, Cpl F G O'Leary, Sgt O R Hamilton, Cpl P J O'Leary, J Kirby, F L Jeffery FRONT ROW L-R: D J McPherson, W R Larke” On back: Bill LARKE Murphy St Bendigo joined the Army Training Camp at Racecourse Bendigo in June 1940. Started as 3rd Australian Army Supply Service Corp. Changed to 2/32 Training Battalion (a camp was opened at Showgrounds Bendigo but closed down later). 2/32 T Battalion became 2/22 Training Battalion, they marched out of Racecourse Bendigo to Puckapunyal and became 4th Anti Tank Regiment.photography, aasc, bendigo

The Postmaster-General's Department (P.M.G.) of Australia was created in 1901 with Federation taking control over all six Colonies (States) Postal and Telegraphic services within Australia to form the national Postal and Telegraphic services within Australia. The Department was administered by the Postmaster-General. This manual was produced as a syllabus of training for Army Personnel units in P.M.G's Department schools.In war times the postal organisation was a vital link between the services, the community and overseas centres. The Postmaster-General's Department co-operated with service departments in the installation and operation of radio, telephone and telegraph systems. Its laboratories also designed, developed and manufactured vital defence equipment. This item reflects that contribution and history.A 31 pp buff colored book with orange cloth binding. Black print on the front cover - a oval shaped logo with Post Office Communication Australia around a small sketch depicting Mercury, the messenger of the gods below an Australian coat-of-arms. Below that is the title,"COURSE OF TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION TELEPHONY 1".manual-telephony postmaster-general's-training-department instruction-book communications

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak

The kit bag was used by James Thomas Alfred Ralph, who was born in South Australia on 25 September 1897. He enlisted for service in the First World War on 17 May 1918 in Adelaide with the Australian Medical Corps General Reinforcements. He was allocated the service number 20568 and embarked from Adelaide on the HMT Gaika on 6 August 1918. He arrived in London, England on the 13 October 1918 and allocated to the Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot. He transferred as a medical officer to the 1st Australian Hospital (Hayfield?) on 2 December 1918, and was attached to the 1st Australian Army Hospital (Sutton Vale?) in January 1919. He returned to Australia in Febuary 1920 on the Cape Verde as nursing staff. He was discharged from service in Adelaide on 17th March 1920.Tan coloured canvas kit bag used by a member of the Australian Army Medical Corps during World War 1. The tubular kit bag has 12 brass eyelets placed around its opening, and is reinforced with a second layer of canvas at its base. The kit bag has a side stitched seam, stiching around the base and top opening. A circular lightweight tan canvas flap is stitched to the top opening at the side seam.On the side if the kit bag is a red cross on a white background, surrounded by a circular yellow line. It also has the numbers 20568, with the words JAS.T. A. RALPH, A.A.M.C, A.I.F., AND 4.M.D. The base of the kit bag has a map of Australia in black ink, with 4.M.D printed in black ink above the map. "Sth. Aus." and numbers "20568" are printed in black ink over the map of Australia. The marking 'broad arrow' is printed in black ink on the inside of the top opening.world war one, kit bag