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 a white photograph of Diggers from A Company 8 RAR steady one of their wounded mates as he is winched out of the jungle for transport to 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau following heavy contact in the Hat Dich area north west of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat.photograph, a coy, 8 rar, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, hat dich, 1st australian task force, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, wounded soldier

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 taken at 12:22am on the 4th March 1969 at Tonkin Gulf, on board USS New Jersey. Military photographer, Denis Gibbons, fires a full salvo of 1900lb shells 29400 yards at a bunker complex in North Vietnam.photograph, uss new jersey, tonkin gulf, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, bunker assault

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 colour photograph of Hat Dich, South Vietnam, December 1969. Australian United Press International War Correspondent Denis Gibbons, in a night harbour position with members of the 8th Battalion from the Royal Australian Regiment, watches a medic burn contaminated dressings following the treatment of wounded diggers in a contact with the NVA/VietCong.photograph, hat dich, united press international, war correspondents - australia, 8th battalion, royal australian regiment, medic, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, 8 rar, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, (1961-1975). history- sources, nva viet cong

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 assembled Diggers at 1 Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, attending an open air multi - denominational church service conducted by Padres, from three religious donimations: Church of England, Catholic and other denominations.photograph, padre, 1 atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, non demoninational chapel, church of england, catholic, 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 the non-denominational chapel at 1st Australian Task Force Headquarters, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. The bell, located in the tower, was donated by war correspondant Pat Burgess - an Australian War correspondent, simply called "Burgess Bell" by all.photograph, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, non demoninational chapel, pat burgess - australian war correspondent, burgess bell, 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 congregation of diggers, following lesson being read by the Church of England Padre at the combined service in the non-denominational chapel. The Padre gave outstanding service to all spending as much time in the field as at Base.photograph, pardre, church of england, church service, digger, non demoninational chapel, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, padre, 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 four denominations of 1st Australian Task Force Padres conducting a combined service at the non-denominational chapel, whilst an Armoured Corps digger is engrossed in the service. All Padres were available to all units, 24 hours a day.photograph, 1st atf base, non demoninational chapel, padre, digger, armoured corps, 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 the Gibbons family, left to right: Stanley William Gibbons (son, father, grandfather), Denis Stanley Gibbons (son, father, grandson), in front Peter Denis Gibbons (son, grandson, great grandson), Robert William Gibbons (father, grandfather, great grandfather). Circa 1960.photograph, gibbons collection catalogue, stanley william gibbons, denis stanley gibbons, peter denis gibbons, robert william gibbons, 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 a Huey Gunship from the 1st Platoon 334th Armed Helicopter with its windscreen sprayed with mud from the explosion after firing two rockets into a VietCong sampan, loaded with explosives and ammunition attempting to enter South Vietnam down the Mekong River from Cambodia. The sampan was blown to pieces with all on board being killed and the force of the explosion pushing the nose of the helicopter upwards. nearly turning the aircraft over. The pilot had to fight the controls to regain a normal flying attitude.photograph, 1st platoon, 334th armed helicopter coy, huey helicopter, the playboys, mekong river, cambodia, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, vietcong, sanpan

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 colour caricature of Denis Gibbons, by William E Green (Weg) of the Melbourne Herald newspaper during his visit to the 1st Australian Task Force Base in Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam in April 1967.WEG.'67/MELBOURNE/HERALD. Noi Dat!/South Vietnamweg (william e green), 1 atf base, press centre, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, herald, melbourne, 1967, drawing, caricature, 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 caricature of Denis Gibbons, by William E Green (Weg) of the Melbourne Herald newspaper during his visit to the 1st Australian Task Force Base in Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam in April 1967.WEG.'67/MELBOURNE/HERALD. Noi Dat!/South Vietnamweg (william e green), 1 atf base, press centre, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, herald, melbourne, drawing, caricature, 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 a RAAF 'Slick' Huey helicopter at the 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, preparing to lift out a Special Air Services patrol for insertion into the jungle somewhere in Phuoc Tuy Province. On this occassion, the operation was supported by US Huey 'Cobra' Gunships.photograph, raaf, huey helicopter, 1st atf base, nui dat, special air service regiment (australian army), phuoc tuy province, us huey 'cobra' gunships, 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 a Huey helicopter Gunship from the 1st Platoon 'The Playboys' 334th Armed Helicopter, peeling off to attack sampans entering South Vietnam, from Cambodia, down the Mekong River. The gunships hunted in flights of three with the 1st Platoon the first unit in the US Army to get helicopter gunships, followed by Huey 'Cobra' Helicopter gunships.photograph, 1st platoon, 334th armed helicopter coy, cambodia, mekong river, huey 'cobra' helicopter, us gunships, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, the playboys, us 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 photograph of Lt Kevin Peacock, a fixed and rotary (helicopter) wing pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flight, stationed at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. Lt Peacock was one of a very few with 'duel' pilot qualifications.photograph, lt kev peacock, 161 recon flt, 1st atf base, 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 2Lt Terry Ellis a rotary wing (helicopter) pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flight, at 1st Austrralian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, South Vietnam. Striding with purpose out to his aircraft to commence a mission in Phuoc Tuy Province.photograph, 2lt terry ellis, 1st atf base, 161 recon flt, 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 a medic aboard the American 'Dustoff' Huey helicopter guiding the makeshift stretcher, containing wounded VietCong, being lifted by Pte L Grygierczyk, Maj J.J. Lakey and Pte J Korn following the successful ambush by 11 Plt, D coy 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC).photograph, huey helicopter, dustoff, viet cong, pte l grygierczyk, maj j lakey, pte j korn, 11 platoon, operation lavarack, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded viet cong soldier, d coy, 6 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 Huey 'slick' Helicopters from 9 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, loaded with seven fully equiped infantry soldiers plus the four RAAF crew, heading for a landing zone in Phuoc Tuy Province at the start of another Australian search and destroy mission.photograph, huey helicopter, raaf, 9 squadron, phuoc tuy province, infantry soldiers, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, raaf crew, 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 RAAF Huey 'slick' Helicopters transporting Diggers from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, to their drop zone to commence operations. The machine gun depicted in the forefront of the photograph is a 7.62mm belt-fed weapon.photograph, huey helicopter, raaf, 1 atf, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, m 60 machine gun 7.62, 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 Huey 'slick' aircraft from the RAAF's 9 Squadron, winching a wounded Digger from 8 RAR during 'Operation North West' of the Australian Task Force. The Huey helicopter in its many forms was the close support aircraft for the troops on operations in Vietnam.photograph, 9 squadron, raaf, 1 atf, nui dat, 8 rar, digger, operation north west, huey helicopter, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded soldier

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'. This is the aft view.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'. This is the aft view.photograph, 7th fleet, uss new jersey, operation sea dragon, tonkin gulf, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, gunline, 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 on board the American Aircraft Carrier, USS Kitty Hawk, attached to the 7th Fleet operating in the Tonkin Gulf, North Vietnam. Aircraft from the Kitty Hawk, with aircraft from two other carriers, conducted around the clock missions over North Vietnam.photograph, uss kitty hawk, 7th fleet, tonkin gulf, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, north vietnam

Miniature Medal Set belonging to Keith Cooper, No. 3798359. Part of the Cooper Collection.Court mounted set of six miniature medals. Back has brass pin and catch. Medals in order L-R: Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Vietnam Clasp, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Defence Force Service Medal with two service clasps, Defence Medal, Anniversary of National Service Medal, Vietnam Medal with clasp. cooper collection, keith cooper, medal set, 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 naval ground crew preparing a Sea King helicopter for a Anti-submarine flight around Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney. Sydney had entered Vietnamese waters and went on full alert as it headed for Vung Tau with the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.photograph, sea king helicopter, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, navy ground crew, vung tau

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 Ambassador to South Vietnam, Mr Ralph Harry, inspecting a front-end loader at Phuoc Tuy Province Capital, Baria prior to a handing over ceremony of the machine and other equipment to the Provincial Chief Lt Col Nguyen Ba Truoc.photograph, mr ralph harry (australian ambassador to south vietnam), phuoc tuy province, baria, provincial chief lt col nguyen ba truoc, 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 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

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 D154, a Darling Class destroyer called Duchess built for the Royal Navy and loaned to the Royal Australian Navy as a replacement for HMAS Voyager. She was purchased by Australia in 1972 and is seen here escorting HMAS Sydney to Vung Tau, Vietnam.A black and white photograph of the D154, a Darling Class destroyer called Duchess built for the Royal Navy and loaned to the Royal Australian Navy as a replacement for HMAS Voyager. She was purchased by Australia in 1972 and is seen here escorting HMAS Sydney to Vung Tau, Vietnam.photograph, d154, hmas voyager, hmas sydney, vung tau, duchess, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, darling class destroyer, royal australian navy

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 destroyer HMAS Hobart under the command of Captain Guy Griffiths with American destroyers attached as a flotilla, sailing in line as they engage North Vietnam shore batteries and SAM missile sites while on the 'Gun Line' of 'Operation Sea Dragon'.photograph, hmas hobart, tonkin gulf, 7th fleet, operation sea dragon, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, gun line, capt guy griffiths, american destroyers

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