Image of LCH vessel Balikpapan in transit to Vietnam during the conflict. Ordered in 1969, Balikpapan entered service with the Australian Army Water Transport Squadron in late 1971. Image donated by J D Giste, who was a cook on the HMAS Sydney in 1965.A coloured photo of a heavy landing craft (LCH) vessel marked L126 at sea, set against a yellow sky.john dennis giste, r62365, balikpapan, vietnam, navy

This item contributes to an understanding of those involved in the war in Vietnam. It was donated by John Dennis Giste, Service No: R62365, was a cook on H.M.A.S Sydney 27/05/65 - 26/06/65 and 16/09/65 - 20/10/65.A colour photograph of personnel on H.M.A.S Sydney watching the unloading off army equipment such as jeeps and trucks to shore. giste, cook, r62365, hmas sydney

Reginald Charles ALLARDICE enlisted first in the CMF on 10.8.1940 age 21 years Regt No V40236. During this time he applied to join the RAAF so was discharged from the Army on 21.5.1942 as a Pte in the 24/39th Bn. Two days later he is in the RAAF as a Trainee Aircrew WEF No 418577. On 31.12.1942 he is listed as a LAC (Leading Aircraftsman. Ongoing training sees him at Benalla, Mallala in SA, Mt Gambier, Pt Cook, Camp Miles Standish USA. Finally he is stationed in England at Pembroke with 461 Sqd RAAF with the rank of Sgt on 10.10.1943. This was a Sunderland Sqd which was a large long range patrol Flying Boat. The unit was mainly Australians from many nations. He rises through the ranks to T/F/Sgt, Officer, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer and last Flight Lieutenant on 10.3.1945. He is discharged from the RAAF on 7.12.1945 at RAF Station Beecles Suffolk England. 461 Sqd was a Coastal Command unit mostly involved in submarine detection and hunting in the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay. They were involved in the D Day landings. The Sqd lost 20 aircraft to enemy action and accidents. A total of 86 Sqd members were lost of which 64 were Australian.Medals, individual with ribbons re R.C.Allardice. (1) 1939 - 45 Star, original not engraved. (2) Atlantic Star, original not engraved. (3) Defence Medal. (4) British War Medal 1939 - 45. (5) Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. (.3, .4, .5) “418577 R.C.ALLARDICE”medals, campaign, service, world war2

This item is part of a collection donated by Pte Neil Ernest Swainston (3801127) who was called up for National Service but was only in the Australian Army from 24 Apr 71 to 20 Oct 72 a total of 183 days. Reason for Pte Swainston’s discharge: Having completed the prescribed period of service in the ARAS (NS). During service Pte Swainston did 5 months with Recruit and Corps Training and regimental and rifleman duties with Infantry until his discharge.Two-part perforated document from Department of Labour and National Service signed by P H Cook, Secretary, bearing Registration Number 21765955. Addressed to Mr N E Swainston, 37 Leamington St, Reservoir, Victoria and date stamped 18 Feb 1971. This typed pro-forma document is a call-up notice instructing the receiver to appear at the Combined Services Recruiting Centre, 301 Flinders Lane, Melbourne at 7:30 pm on 25 February 1971 to appear before a medical board. Reverse side of document advises what to take to the appointment, what actions the receiver should take, and advises that failing to comply with the notice is an offence under the National Services Act.conscription, call-up, medical, swainston collection, australian national serviceman, pte neil ernest swainston, 3801127, recruit and corps training, rifleman

Merton Charles WILLOUGHBY VX54056 enlisted on 24.4.41 in the 2nd AIF aged 37 years. Posted to Pioneer Wing 23.6.1941, graded Cook Group 2 in 2/2nd Pioneer Bn. Embark for the Middle East 2.11.1941 disembarking 4.11.1941, relinquishes Group 2 Cook position, embark for Batavia 18.2.1942, reported Missing in Action Java then Missing POW 7.3.1942, recovered POW Siam 20.8.1945, embark from Singapore 29.9.45 disembarking Australia 17.10.1945, discharged from the Army 1.3.1946. With the entry of Japan into the war the 2/2nd Battalion embarked from the Middle East for Australia but was diverted to defend Java with 7th Division elements under what was called “Blackforce”. Some 800 where taken POW and 258 died in captivity. Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) re M.C Willoughby. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. The Pacific Star. 3. British War Medal 1939-1945. 4. Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45"VX54056 MC Willoughby"medals, military, history