D'Arcy 4th Div AIF/Ribbons attached to certificate/LHS - Victory medal Ribbon 1914-18 & RHS - British War Medal Ribbon 1914-20"Darcy Archibald Williams"/3363 Gunner 110th Howitzer/Served with honour and was disabled in the Great War/Honourably discharged on 14/06/17/(signed) George R I (for George V, George Rex Imperator, King George V

Folded like a square that wraps around a match box preventing crushing. WWI patriotic. One side shows British soldiers loading & firing a heavy howitzer with a Union Jack behind them. Colour painted. Rear side has a photo of Old Elizabeth Street Melbourne. The spine bears an advertisement.Advertisement on spine: “Craig Williamson Pty Ltd, Melbourne Drapers & Complete House Furnishers, Utmost Value Always”accessory, matches, protector

Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of a group of seated camels next to two gun carriages in a barren landscape. Three soldiers kneeling behind each gun. More soldiers in background sitting on a hill. Handwritten in ink on the back - Cinema Film Service 5" Howitzer in action Zeitoun Feby 16.postcard, postcard, ww1, egypt, zeitoun, 5'' howitzer, camels

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, a digger throws away a spent shell casing at 103 Battery, on 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, 105mm howitzer, 1st atf base, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, 103 battery, phuoc tuy province, denis gibbons

This photo shows the gun at the entrance to the Greensborough RSL (Main Street Greensborough). It is a 25 pounder gun-howitzer, the standard British field gun of WW2, introduced here from 1940. We used them in great numbers, right up to the 1960s, and even manufactured them here, hence why every RSL seems to have one. Digital copy of colour photograph.greensborough rsl

The Ordnance QF 18-pounder was the standard British field gun of the First World War and was used by both British and Commonwealth Forces. It was horse drawn until the army replaced horses with motor vehicles in the 1930s. The gun was still in use with the Australian Army in the early days of WW2 until replaced by more modern 25 pounder gun/howitzers. Rimmed brass shell with iron and steel projectile.18 PR II M.A.C. 255 F BA 19816 1916artillery

Soldier's Pay Book belonging to WW1 Gunner Barry SEYMOUR 19825 108 Australian (Howitzer) Battery Born Box Hill Enlisted Melbourne 7/12/1915 aged 22 years 3 months Awarded Military Medal in 1918' Returned to Australia 22/7/1919 and Enlistment terminated 5/9/1919Brown canvas booklet with black writing and rising sun crest Australian Imperial Force Soldier's Pay bookgunner barry seymour, ww1, military medal, 108 australian (howitzer) battery

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, a digger reaches down to grab the spent shell casing, at 103 Battery, on a 105mm Italian Pack Howitzer during a fire mission from the 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.photograph, phuoc tuy province, artillery, 105mm howitzer, 1st atf base, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, 103 battery, digger, spent shell casing, 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 Operation Capital, Fire Support Base. 'Flinders', a Gunner, covers his ears at 'The Fortress' or 'Sandbag City' as 105mm (Howitzer) gun of 104 Battery fires in support of 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) elements operating in the Thua Tich area east of Phuoc tuy Province. (Circa October 1968)photograph, operation capital, fire support base flinders, 105mm howitzer, 104 battery, 4 rar nz, thua tich, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, 4 rar/nz (anzac), sandbag city, the fortress

This photo shows the artillery piece at the entrance to the Greensborough RSL (Main Street Greensborough). It is a Howitzer 25 pounder gun. It was the standard British field gun of WW2, introduced here from 1940. Australia used them in great numbers, right up to the 1960s, and even manufactured them here, hence why every RSL seems to have one. Digital copy of colour photograph.greensborough rsl

2nd Division Artillery Formed September 1915 and assigned to 2nd Division Subunits: 2nd Division Ammunition Column September 1915 - past November 1918 4th Field Artillery Brigade 23 September 1915 - past November 1918 10th Field Artillery Battery 11th Field Artillery Battery 12th Field Artillery Battery 104th Field Artillery (Howitzer) Battery 4th Brigade Ammunition ColumnPhotographic Print of 12th Battery Field Artillery France 1914 1918 in wooden frame under glassphoto artillery, 12 fab, raa 2nd division

The Boer War was fought from 1899 to 1901.Black and white printed photo montage of Officers who served in the South African Forces during the Boer War. Portraits are supplemented with views of: Modder River, Ladysmith, Railway Bridge of Tugela, 4.7 naval gun, Royal Horse Artillery, Johannesburg Fort, Howitzer Gun, Field Artillery. The poster produced as an advertising medium for Wills Tobacco and Cigarettes using the Transvaal Series of cards.boer war, south african war, armed services, lord roberts, weapons, alfred milner, cecil rhodes, w.p. schreiner, w. hely hutchinson, w.p. symons, general mildyard, a. hunter, holled smith, dick-cunnynghame, f. roberts, charles warren, brabazon, a.g. wauchope, kelly-kenny, hector mcdonald, baden-powell, lord methuen, f. carrington, n.g. lyttleton, f. howard, j.d.f. french, w.f. gatacre, h.s. rawlinson, eyre crabbe, alderson, kekewich, a. fitzroy hart, g. white, lord kitchener, lord dundonald, plumer, h.m.l. rundle, w.h. mackinnon, h.e. colville, f. forestier walker, r. clements, redvers buller, h. chermside, g. lyttelton

Many photos throughout the book illustrate a large collection of WW1 guns. Presented to Australian towns.Cover - hard cardboard, dark blue buckram with white print on spine. Dust cover - red, white, dark blue & beige print on front & spine. Front - colour photo of a British heavy gun in action. Back - colour photos of a German 150 mm Howitzer with long barrel, dark blue background. 94 pages, cut plain white paper, illustrated with black & white photos.books, trophies

The Ordnance QF 25-pounder was the major British field gun and howitzer during the Second World War. Many Commonwealth countries used them during WW2 and Australia produced the guns at General Motors Holden. They were renowned for their rapid rate of fire and when firing at maximum range (12,253m -13,400yds) one gun could have up to 5 shells in the air at once. In North Africa during WW2, they were sometimes called upon to act as anti-tank guns. A shortened and lightened version of the gun was made in Australia and used in jungle operations.Steel conical projectile25 PR MK 1 L35 ME 11/54

Gilbert Noah Turner enlisted in the 3rd Reinforcements 8th Batt AIF on 23.11.14 No 1605. Embarked for overseas 19.2.15. Landed Gallipoli 8.5.15. Transferred to 60th Batt 24.2.16 then 25th Howitzer Bde 27.3.16 and finally 45th Batt on 2.6.16 as No 1410. Awarded Military Medal on 22.2.17. WIA 3.6.17 GSW to face and chest. WIA 2nd occasion 5.5.18 Gassed and then shortly after he got Pnuemonia. Discharged from the AIF 30.3.19. He enlisted again in WW11 on 12.8.41 No V18372. He served in Australia only and on discharge on 29.11.45 he was serving in 12 Garrison Battalion. Refer 1294P, 1039P, 1173.Medal set, court mounted, set of (6) re G Turner. 1. Military Medal. 2. 1914-15 Star. 3. War Medal 1914-1919. 4. Victory Medal. 5. War Medal 1939-45 6. Australian Service Medal.1. Military Medal is stamped "Duplicate". 2, 3, 4. "1410 Cpl G Turner 8 Bn AIF" 5, 6. "V18372 G Turner"medals, military, bravery

By referring to Cat No 7237.2 will bring all items associated with Thompsons.1. Single sheet of paper. From Thompson's Engineering & Pipe Co Ltd to Ordnance Factory Maribyrnong. A/c Ministry of Munitions. Titled - mechanical tests - Test on 25 PDR Breech rings. Rings NR (1790-1793). Dated 26 March 1943. 2. Tensile tests on material for 95 (loose) Barrel forgings for 25 PDR Gun Howitzers. From Thompson's to Commonwealth of Australia - Ministry of Munitions. Barrel 14236/1 (Y2) - Barrel 635/3 - Dated 18 Feb 1942.1. Top has name "Mr. Johnson" written. In the middle is an unidentifiable signature dated 26-3-1943. Bottom has (??) Martin. 2. At bottom signed off by (??) Martin.25 pdr, thompson's castlemaine, ordnance factory maribyrnong.

Charles Umphelby began his military career at Warrnambool Garrison in 1884. In 1885 he was appointed Lieutenant in the Victorian Permanent Artillery. He succeeded Major Daniel in command of Queenscliff Fort in 1890. He went to England in 1889 and was attached to the staff of Major-General Clarke. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Umphelby was a Special Service Officer attached to the Censor's Department in Cape Town. He then went to the Howitzer Division of Lord Methuen's force at Modder River. Charles was wounded during the fight at Driefontein, 10 March and died 12 March 1900. He was married to the daughter of Thomas Austin, owner of Barwon Park near Geelong. They had two daughters.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".charles umphelby, warrnambool garrison, victorian permanent artillery, major daniel, queenscliff fort, major-general clarke, cape town, howitzer division, lord methuen, modder river, dreifontein, thomas austin, barwon park

9 Rectangular black & white photos of various groups of members of the AIF during WWI. Photography: .1) One of our big guns, 10" Howitzer gun on the Somme in France. .2) Names Cotton Osmond, Drury & Chris. .5) St Power AT, Sgt Whelan F, L/Sgt Bruce DD. .6) L Bryant, WBT Maysey, Richards AJ, Wilson LR, Ronald AF, Jamieson D, Bohun CA. .7) Lt Heathcote, Lt Taylor, Lt Rider, Lt Smith, Lt Hutton, Lt Foster, Lt Ridgway, Cap Fitzgerald, C & ? Burison, Lt Hier, Lt McNichol.Various names written on the rear.documents-postcards, military history, photography-photographs, passchendaele barracks trust

Photos were issued as collectable cards with funds raised going to fund the War Memorial.Collectable Black and white photos from Magpie Cigarettes with ads on back in brown writing. 1. Preparing a Bangalore torpedo to cut wire. 2. Australian Camel Corps going into action. 3. "We fought to the bitter end." 4. A typical Flanders Battlefield. 5. Support moving up to Idiot Corner. 6. A gigantic crater at Ypres. 7. Aust. 9.2" Howitzer in action Ypres. 8. Helping his wounded enemy Messines. 9. Old barracks at Ypres. 10 Warships of the desert Palestine (Camels). 11 Aust. Camel Corp going into action. 12. Uncomfortable dugouts in Ypres. 13 Empire Defence Series cards showing Australian Light Horsemmen. Description of each card as above.collectable cards, official war photographs, ww1

Official War Photographs series published by Magpie Cigarettes.magpie cigarettes, official war photograph, war memorial funds, ypres, bangalore, menin road, armentieres, howitzer, kandahar, 4th division, camel corps, bois de crepy, villers brettoneux, albert cathedral, hellfire corner, flanders, messines, pozieres

In May 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, led by Australian Captain J White, 11th Mobile Strike Force Company (MSF) occupied an old French fort on a hill named Ngok Tavak tasked with improving allied intelligence-gathering capabilities in the area. However, with enemy activity increasing, on May 4th, 44 US Marines, 35 CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defence Group) and two 105mm Howitzer field guns arrived as reinforcement from the Special Forces base at Kham Duc. By May 9th, Captain White’s company numbered about 200 men. Although in a good defensive position, coming towards them was the Iron Brigade of the 2nd Division of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). At 03:00 on May 10th, the attack on Ngok Tavak began. The NVA, led by Major Dang Ngoc Mai, poured through the entrance at the eastern wall quickly occupying most of the fort. By midday the next day, Captain White had lost 40 Nung soldiers and 11 Marines with over 70 others badly wounded. Realising he could not withstand another attack, Captain White decided to abandon Ngok Tavak. Once the wounded were evacuated, Captain White ordered strike aircraft to blast a ‘corridor’ through the surrounding enemy cordon using napalm. By early afternoon, what remained of the defenders escaped through the ‘corridor’ and helicopters eventually flew them to Kham Duc. Colour image of edge of Ngok Tavak fort with soldiers sitting on & walking around sand-bagged foxholes. Jungle & mountains in background.battle of ngok tavak, john white

In May 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, led by Australian Captain J White, 11th Mobile Strike Force Company (MSF) occupied an old French fort on a hill named Ngok Tavak tasked with improving allied intelligence-gathering capabilities in the area. However, with enemy activity increasing, on May 4th, 44 US Marines, 35 CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defence Group) and two 105mm Howitzer field guns arrived as reinforcement from the Special Forces base at Kham Duc. By May 9th, Captain White’s company numbered about 200 men. Although in a good defensive position, coming towards them was the Iron Brigade of the 2nd Division of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). At 03:00 on May 10th, the attack on Ngok Tavak began. The NVA, led by Major Dang Ngoc Mai, poured through the entrance at the eastern wall quickly occupying most of the fort. By midday the next day, Captain White had lost 40 Nung soldiers and 11 Marines with over 70 others badly wounded. Realising he could not withstand another attack, Captain White decided to abandon Ngok Tavak. Once the wounded were evacuated, Captain White ordered strike aircraft to blast a ‘corridor’ through the surrounding enemy cordon using napalm. By early afternoon, what remained of the defenders escaped through the ‘corridor’ and helicopters eventually flew them to Kham Duc. Colour image of U.S. soldiers disembarking from a helicopter in a clearing in the jungle. Foreground is rear of two soldiers watching. Background is mountains.united states - marine corps, battle of ngok tavak, john white, ngok tavak

The pencil sketch from which this photo was taken had been hidden from view from 1919 - 1996 when it was located behind a framed photo retrieved from the Surrey Hills Bowling Club at the time of its closure. The sketch had been used as backing when photo framed in 1919. Jocelyn Hall gave the original to great nephew, [name TBC], who was a pharmacist at the Mont Albert tram terminus at the time. Initially the subject's identity was not known. A scribbled name 'Walduck' on a different photo finally resulted in the identification as John Robert Gray, who died 1917. He was engaged at the time of enlistment and after his death his fiancee did not marry. He attended Surrey Hills Primary School and was a salesman at the time of enlistment on 9 May 1916. He embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 3 October 1916. His AIF papers list his mother as his next of kin, both resident in Suffolk Road, Surrey Hills. He was a gunner in the Howitzer Brigade 120. He was Killed in Action on 21 June 1917 and was buried at Bapaume Australian Cemetery (Row C, Grave NO. 5), France. It is believed that the sketch was made prior to him going overseas to France. John Robert Gray was the eldest son of Emma (nee Beckett) and John Gray. His father John Gray was "actively associated with all movements for the benefit of neighbours and fellow citizens". [Quote from the official tribute on his death in 1909.] He was very active in the Surrey Hills Progress Association in the early 1900's. The rotunda built in the Surrey Gardens by the Progress Association in 1912 was dedicated to him. He married Emma Beckett in 1888 at 'Guildford Villa' in Essex Road, the Beckett home. They are listed in both the 1903 and 1906 electoral rolls in Arundel Crescent; his occupation is given as bootmaker. The Alan Holt property register identifies this as 24 Arundel Crescent, known as 'Tumberumba'. John and Emma had a large family: (Gunner) John Robert Gray (1888, Surrey Hills - 21 June 1917, France) Benjamin Walter Gray (1890, Surrey Hills - 1949, Heidelberg) Herbert Harry Gray (1892, Surrey Hills - 1959, Queensland) William Beckett Gray (1897, Surrey Hills - 1899, Surrey Hills) Norman Douglas Gray (1901, Surrey Hills - 1947, Sydney) Evelyn Lizzie Gray (1906, Surrey Hills - 1983) Evelyn married Reginald Roberts and donated a number of photos to the collection. Both the Beckett and the Gray families were important in the early history of Surrey Hills. This is the only known image of John Robert Gray in WW1 uniform.A black and white photo of a hand-drawn image of a young man in uniform.world war, 1914-1918, (mrs) emma gray, (miss) emma beckett, (mr) john gray, walduck family, (mr) john robert gray, (mr) robert gray, world war, 1914-1919, surrey hills bowling club, bapaume australian cemetery, france

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