Showing 238 items
matching 1 rar
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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Tinkler, 1/08/1968 12:00:00 AM
... August 1968. Members of 102nd Field Battery RAA and 1 RAR.... Members of 102nd Field Battery RAA and 1 RAR receive communion ...Mounted black and white photograph. Phuoc Tuy Vietnam August 1968. Members of 102nd Field Battery RAA and 1 RAR receive communion during a mass conducted by Chaplain John Tinkler at a fire suport base Pine NW of Nui DatAWMTHO/68/0747/VHphotograph, 102 field battery, raa, 1rar, chaplain, nui dat, chaplain, phuoc tuy province -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Telephone Exchange
... VIC, mans the A Coy 7 RAR telephone exchange at 1 ATF Base Nui... Newhaven gippsland Photograph Pte Jack Higgins 7 RAR 1 ATF Nui Dat ...A black and white photograph of Pte Jack Higgins, Chelsea VIC, mans the A Coy 7 RAR telephone exchange at 1 ATF Base Nui Datphotograph, pte jack higgins, 7 rar, 1 atf, nui dat -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Operation Caroline
... A Coy 7 RAR 1 ATF Nui Nghe Mountains Operation Caroline Gibbons ...A black and white photograph of a tired and dirty Pte Jack Higgins about to enjoy a peeled orange while his boss Maj Jake O'Donnell MC, A Company, 7 RAR (1967-1968) watches his company file back into lines upon return to the 1 ATF Base at Nui Dat following the completion of Operation Carolinephotograph, pte jack higgins, maj jake o'donnell, a coy, 7 rar, 1 atf, nui nghe mountains, operation caroline, gibbons collection catalogue, military cross, nui dat -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Operation Caroline
... A Coy 7 RAR 1 ATF Nui Dat Operation Caroline Nui Nghe Mountains ...A black and white photograph of the batman, tired and dirty Pte Jack Higgins enjoys a peeled orange, while his boss Maj Jake O'Donnell MC, A Company 7 RAR (1967-1968) watches his company file back into lines, upon return to the 1 ATF Base, following the completion of Operation Carolinephotograph, pte jack higgins, maj jake o'donnell, a coy, 7 rar, 1 atf, nui dat, operation caroline, nui nghe mountains, gibbons collection catalogue, military cross -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Operation Caroline
... Newhaven gippsland Photograph Pte Jack Higgins A Coy 7 RAR 1 ATF ...A black and white photograph of the batman Pte Jack Higgins, Chelsea, Victoria, A Company, 7 RAR(1967-1968) files back into lines upon return to the 1 ATF Base, Nui Dat following the completion of Operation Caroline, a search and destroy mission, in the foothills of the Nui Nghe Mountains.photograph, pte jack higgins, a coy, 7 rar, 1 atf, nui dat, nui nghe mountains, operation caroline, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Operation Caroline
... A Coy 7 RAR 1 ATF Nui Dat Nui Nghe Mountains Operation Caroline ...A black and white photograph of a tired and dirty Pte Jack Higgins about to enjoy a peeled orange while his boss Maj Jake O'Donnell A Coy HQ 7 RAR watches his company file back into lines upon return to the 1 ATF base at Nui Dat on completion of Operation Caroline a search and destroy mission. (1967-1968) (note there is not text at the bottom of the photograph)photograph, pte jack higgins, maj jake o'donnell, a coy, 7 rar, 1 atf, nui dat, nui nghe mountains, operation caroline, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Poster - Poster, Information Board, 5 RAR 1969 - 1970 (1st Tour)
... Newhaven gippsland 5 RAR 1 ATF Viet Cong Phuoc Tuy Province Nui Dat ...An Poster, Information Board of The 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment ("Battalion") were the leading element of the First Australian Task Force (1 ATF) and stationed in vietnam from 1966 - 1967. The Battalion's task was to break Viet Cont control over the central region of Phuoc Tuy Province - an area that communists had freely operated in since 1945. Commencing of the 24th May 1966, the Battalion conducted its first operation codenamed "Hardihood". Their objective was to sweep and clear areas of the north and east of Nui Dat to a distance of 5000 meters, then create a defensive position to enable 1 ATF to establish an operational base.5 rar, 1 atf, viet cong, phuoc tuy province, nui dat, nui thai vai mountains, 274 vc regiments, 275 vc regiments, military awards, rj o'neill, operation canberra, operation queanbeyan, operation hardihood, poster, information board -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, Soldiers Memorial Museum, "FRANCIS WILLIAM (Dinky) DEAN BEM" 1943 - 1975, 2021
... through to 1975. Two photographs in colour taken at 1 RAR Reunions... in colour taken at 1 RAR Reunions. This framed photographic ..."FRANCIS WILLIAM (DINKY) DEAN BEM" Refer to Cat. No. 124.2 for Service History.Photograph collection white paper facsimile copy of eleven photographs. Nine photographs, in black and white, from World War Two through to 1975. Two photographs in colour taken at 1 RAR Reunions. This framed photographic collection is used for display purposes along with a framed document. Frame, black plastic frame, with glass front and MDF board back.framed accessories, photographs, biography, francis william (dinky) dean bem -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Record, 1952
... Museum Label reads: "Donated by "Harry" H W Smith 1 RAR Assult... reads: "Donated by "Harry" H W Smith 1 RAR Assult Pioneer ...78 rpm radio recordVictor Co of Japan Ltd Yokohama (JVC) #V40256 - Ka-ka Museum Label reads: "Donated by "Harry" H W Smith 1 RAR Assult Pioneer Purchase 1952 Hiro-Japan - "Korean War" Australia United Nations Force" -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, SELARANG BARRACKS, 1970
... 1. Photo of 1 RAR on parade for Trooping of the Colours.... 'Changi Prison 1970 Singapore'. 1. Photo of 1 RAR on parade ...Various photos of Selarang Barracks in Singapore in 1970. Some aerial and some ground level views. Refer items in Collection of LLoyd Farrell. Refer Cat 7889P.1. Photo of 1 RAR on parade for Trooping of the Colours in 1970 at Selarang Base in Singapore. Covering 'A' 'B' 'C' and Admin Company. 2. Extended portrait photo of the Parade Square and buildings of Selarang Base, Singapore in 1970. 3. Aerial photo of Selarang Barracks from a distance. 4. Aerial photo of Selarang Barracks 1970. 5. Aerial photo of Changi Prison 1970 in Singapore.Written on back. 1. "1 M1+" 2. Selarang Barracks 1970 occupied by 1st RAR. 4. 'Selarang 70'. 5. 'Changi Prison 1970 Singapore'.photograhs, changi, selarang, 1970, lloyd farrell. -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Flag, 173rd Airborne Brigade (US)
... 173 AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) US ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP... ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP BIEN HOA 1965-1966 On May 5, 1965 ...173 AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) US ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP BIEN HOA 1965-1966 On May 5, 1965, the Brigade deployed to South Viet Nam as the first US Army ground combat unit in that war. Upon arrival, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) and a battery from New Zealand (161Royal NZ Artillery) were attached to the Brigade -- making the 173d Airborne the only multi-national combat unit in the war. Initially headquartered in Bien Hoa, the Brigade operated in the four provinces around Saigon. (Xuan Loc, Long Khanh, Phuoc Long & Phuoc Tuy), but (in its roll as a "Fire Brigade") also went to the Central Highlands (Pleiku / Kontum) to fight Viet Cong. The 173d also conducted constant operations against the southern stronghold of the VC Main Force in the legendary Iron Triangle in War Zone D. The brigade was organized as a balanced airborne combat force consisting of two infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, a support battalion, an engineer company, a cavalry troop, an armour company, and a headquarters company. Upon activation, it became the first and only separate airborne brigade in the United States Army. This was the beginning of a long series of "Firsts" for the Brigade. On 5 May 1965, it became the first US Army ground combat unit committed to the war in South Vietnam, where further organizational changes were to take place. Australians attached to the Brigade were: 1st Battalion, of the Royal Australian Regiment (I RAR) and support troops of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (1Troop), 105 Field Battery Royal Australian Artillery, 161 Field Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 3 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers, 161 Reconnaissance Flight, Royal Australian Army Air Corps, 1st Australian Logistical Support Company. The Brigade's two infantry battalions, the First Battalion of the 503' Infantry (1/503`d) and the Second Battalion, of the 503`d Infantry (2/503`) and the attached Australians of 1 RAR constituted the infantrymen available to the Brigade. Their mission was to protect the Bien Hoa Air Base and to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. This was in fact the first operational ground force formed under the ANZUS Defence Treaty. ANZUS was a mutual defence treaty signed in 1951 between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. In 1965 the spirit of this treaty appeared as 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) a tri-national brigade. The only such tri-national fighting force formed during the Vietnam War. On deployment to South Vietnam in 1965, 1 Troop A Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment was part of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade combat group. Flag, two colours divided vertically, hoist half mid blue, fly half red. Badge of 173rd Airborne Brigade (730 x 490 mm) in centreflag, 173rd airborne, south vietnam -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET AND NAME BADGE, Post WW2
... was the longest serving member of 1 RAR, he had a final posting to RMC... of the R.A.R. He then served with 1 RAR in Korea 7.4.52 to 28.2.53 ....1) The first medal on the left is the BEM. There are 9 clasps denoting overseas service and 3 clasps denoting Long Service. Francis William (Dinky) Dean enlisted in the 2nd AIF No VX93960 on 16.12.43 age 18 years. He went on to serve with the 2nd/2nd Pioneers in the islands ending up on Morotai at wars end. At the end of 1945 while still overseas 3 new Battalions were formed for service wth BCOF in Japan. They were the 65th, 66th and 67th Bn’s made up from 3 Aust Divisions 6th, 7th and 9th. Frank was one of the first to sign up in the 65th Bn with same Regt No. They moved to Japan in early 1946. While still in Japan in 1947 there was a period called the Interim Army while the 65th, 66th and 67th Bn’s were designated 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bn’s R.A.R, Aust Regular Army. His Regt No changed to 3742 and the 65th became the 1st Batt of the R.A.R. He then served with 1 RAR in Korea 7.4.52 to 28.2.53, 3.3.54 to 24.3.56. Malaya during the Emergency/ Confrontation Oct 1959 to Oct 1961. Vietnam 1.6.65 to 7.6. 66, 18.3.68 to 11.2.69. Malaya 1969-70. Frank was discharged from the Army on 19.12.1975 with the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant with a total of 32 years service. He was the longest serving member of 1 RAR, he had a final posting to RMC prior to discharge. BEM (British Empire Medal) For service in Korea. BCOF (British Commonwealth Occupation Force Japan) RAR ( Royal Australian Regiment) RMC (Royal Military College Duntroon) In 2004 Frank was the guest of honour at the new Coral Lines Lavarack Barracks Townsville, a street was named “Dean drive” after him. Frank passed away on 11.2.2005 age 79 years. .1) Medal set, miniatures, brass plate mounted, set of (16) re F.W Dean BEM. .2) Name badge - battalion badge for unit associations. Black plastic backing with pin, black name on gold background. .2) "Frank Dean 1RAR"numismatics, medals, military, badges, metalcraft -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Support material for the 5 RAR display at the NVVM
... Contains 1 diagram of 5 RAR display at the museum, 1 USB... 1 diagram of 5 RAR display at the museum, 1 USB stick ...Contains 1 diagram of 5 RAR display at the museum, 1 USB stick containing photos and documents and 2 acrylic very large logos for 5 RAR.5 rar, national vietnam veterans museum -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - 6th RAR plaque
... with the writing "Presented to 1 RVR From 6 RAR SGTs Mess 1982... with the writing "Presented to 1 RVR From 6 RAR SGTs Mess 1982 ...Dark colour metal unit badge on the centre of the plaque with the writing "Presented to 1 RVR From 6 RAR SGTs Mess 1982" in the bottom centre of the plaque. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Stickers
... 1 Porky seven RAR Reunion - Red and gold 1 Vietnam... Veterans Of America 1 Porky seven RAR Reunion - Red and gold 1 ...1 Porky seven RAR Reunion - Red and gold 1 Vietnam Veterans of America - blue and white (torn in half) 1 Australian Vietnam forces 1962-1962-79 round red and white 2x RAR stickers-badge emblem - skippy black and whitestickers, 7 rar, australian vietnam forces, vietnam veterans of america -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Heavy Machine Gun Fire
... Atherton' 10 December 1969. 1 Platoon, A Company, 8 RAR, 1 Platoon... December 1969. 1 Platoon, A Company, 8 RAR, 1 Platoon diggers go ...A black and white photograph of Contact, contact, Contact, late afternoon, Platoon strength North Wet of 1ATF 'Operation Atherton' 10 December 1969. 1 Platoon, A Company, 8 RAR, 1 Platoon diggers go to ground under fire from heavy machingun, automatic weapon, rifle and RPG fire.photograph, 1 atf, operation atherton, 1 platoon, a coy, 8 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, machine gun -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, M60 Return Fire
... Atherton' 10 December 1969. 1 Platoon, A Company, 8 RAR, a 1... Newhaven gippsland Photograph 1 ATF 1 Platoon A Coy 8 RAR Operation ...A black and white photograph of Contact, Contact, Contact, late afternoon Platoon strength North West of 1ATF 'Operation Atherton' 10 December 1969. 1 Platoon, A Company, 8 RAR, a 1 Platoon M60 prepares to return fire from heavy machine gun, automatic weapon, rifle and RPG fire.photograph, 1 atf, 1 platoon, a coy, 8 rar, operation atherton, gibbons collection catalogue, m60 machine gun, digger -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - Presentation Plaque, 28 x Mixed Plaques (5 RVR, 3 RAR, etc)
... RVR + 22RVR + 8/7 RVR + 17 RNSWR + 58/32 CER + 1 RVR + 3 RAR... + PWLH + 1 CAV + VMR + 2/14 QMI + 7 RTR + 1 RVR + 1 RVR + 6 RVR ...Large presentation board consiting of 3 varnished horizontal timber panels with 28 presentation plaques affixed. The plaques affixed are (RMC MUR + 2 TG + 3 TG + 6 TG + PWLH + 1 CAV + VMR + 2/14 QMI + 7 RTR + 1 RVR + 1 RVR + 6 RVR + 3 RVR + 5/6 RVR + 22RVR + 8/7 RVR + 17 RNSWR + 58/32 CER + 1 RVR + 3 RAR + 5 RAR + 7 RAR + WO2 White + 5/7 RAR +6 RAR + 8/9 RAR + JTC)5/6 rvr, plaque, bhq -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book Patrolling & Tracking, Australian Military Forces - Patrolling & Tracking 1965, 1965 The Commonwealth Press
Australian Military Forces publication (Restricted)Booklet Australian Military Forces Marked with stamp 3 RAR Library Not to be Removed Notified in ARO's 31/1/1966australian military forces publication, patrolling ans tracking -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - BADGES, MOUNTED, C.1950
.1) Rising Sun badge with clasp/slide. .2) RAR shoulder flash(uniform acoutrement), white on red background; and King's crown embroidered above; .3) 'Commonwealth' badge; connected with R.V.HILTON...1) Rising Sun Badge - "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" .2) Shoulder Flash - "Royal Australian Regiment" .3) Embroidered Badge - "Commonwealth"badges-military, fabric -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW2
Leonard Edwin Bliss VX59955 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 22.7.41 age 19 years. At discharge from the Army on 5.12.45 he was a Sapper in 2/8th Field Company. He re enlisted later No 3/400361 and served with 3 RAR in Korea. After that he served with the 38th Batt North Victorian Regiment. Medal set, miniatures, court mounting, set of (9) Re L.BLISS. 1. 1939 - 45 Star 2. Pacific Star 3. Defence Medal 4. War Medal 1939 - 45 5. Australian Service Medal 6. Korea Medal 7. UN Medal with clasp "KOREA" 8. British commonwealth occupation forces medal Japan 9. Atomic tests medal 1952 - 1958medals, military, history, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER, VIETNAM, 3.8.1992
Letter written to Mrs Reidy by her son Paul's Section Commander BRUCE D SCOTT. It details the circumstances of PAUL REIDY'S death in Vietnam on 25.5.1969. It was during “Operation Reynella” around the Long Hai Mountains. Paul Francis Reidy No 3793403. A National Serviceman Paul served Vietnam first in 1 ARU from 24.2.1969 - 17.3.1969 and then posted to B Coy 9 RAR 18.3.1969 until his death. Bruce Donaldson Scott No 213485. Australian Regular Army served Vietnam first in 1 ARU from 10.3.1969 - 1.4.1969 and then posted to B Coy 9 RAR 2.4.1969 until being Medivaced home on 2.6.1969. 1 ARU (1st Australian Reinforcement Unit) 9 RAR (9th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment) Refer 1189.5, 2224, 2237.2P re Paul Reidy. Copy of typed two page letter on A4 paper from BRUCE D SCOTT to Mrs Reidy.documents - letters, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Weapon - CLAYMORE CLACKER, C.1960’s
Souvenired by Leonard John Young No 3793454 (National Serviceman) John served with the 8th Batt RAR in Malaya while training for service in Vietnam. He then served in A Coy 8 RAR Vietnam from 17.11.69 to 25.3.70 returning home then with the rank of L/Cpl as his 2 years service was due to finish..1) Clacker - the ignition system that sets off a claymore mine. .2) Cable - Part of a Claymore mine .3) Bag for carrying ignition system with green canvas carry strap..1) Firing Device Electrical M57arms - mines, military histoyr, claymore, clacker -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - CLEANING KIT M - 16, 1965-1975
Item issued to Anthony Richard Thomas No 3798215, served Vietnam with 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit (ARU) 24.12.1970 - 20.1.1970, 2 RAR 21.1.1971 - 1.6.1971.Cleaning kit for M-16 Armalite rifle. .1) 4 piece cleaning rod, 1 end unurled ( 3 of the pieces have a threaded end) .2) Wire bristle brush with two sizes. .3) Wire bristle brush for cleaning rag.cleaning kit, armalite, m - 16, thomas -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPES, 1) Postmarked 2 July 1966
Letter written by Pte David John Thomas, born Bendigo 18.1.1945, enlisted in the Regular Army No 38712, posted to 6th Battalion RAR in D Coy, posted as service in Vietnam from 8.6.1966, KIA in the Battle of Long Tan South Vietnam on 18.8.1966. An Official Commemoration service was held at the Kangaroo Flat cemetery lawn section Grave 5125. Letter written to N McCaw in Bendigo. Refer Cat No 1957.1) Envelope with address, five cent postage stamp and two ink stamps. .2) .3) Two page letter. .4) .5) Two unused, unmarked air mail envelopes issued by Australian force Vietnam..1 Handwritten on front "Air Mail Forces Mail / N McCaw / 86 McKenzie Street / Bendigo / Vic / Australia". Also has two ink postmark stamps, Stamped “2JY66”letters, envelopes, long tan -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Photograph, CAMS Cause
Cameron Stewart Baird, VC, MG was a soldier in the Australian Army who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in the Australian honours system. Cameron enlisted on 4/1/2000 and was posted to the 4th Battalion (Commando) RAR now known as the 2nd Commando Regiment. He was deployed on 7 operations including Operation TANAGER - Timor Leste in 2001 Operation BASTILLE and FALCONER - Iraq in 2003. Cameron resigned from the ADF in 2004 re enlisting in 2006 and again posted to 2nd Commando Regiment. In 2007 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed on Operation SLIPPER - Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry. In 2008 he was promoted to Corporal and deployed again on Operation SLIPPER in 2009 2011 and 2013. He was killed in action on 22 June 2013 and was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions in the Khod Valley Uruzgan province AfghanistanCorporal Baird is the 100th Australian to receive a VC since the award was first created by Queen Victoria in 1856. Brown timber frame and dark green mount containing photograph of soldier alongside poem with image of Victoria Cross medal in backgroundCAMS Cause - Commando for Lifecameron baird, victoria cross, medal for gallantry -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Painting, Corporal Cameron Baird, VC ,MG
Cameron Stewart Baird, VC, MG was a soldier in the Australian Army who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan. Cameron enlisted on 4/1/2000 and was posted to the 4th Battalion (Commando) RAR now known as the 2nd Commando Regiment. He was deployed on 7 operations including Operation TANAGER - Timor Leste in 2001 Operation BASTILLE and FALCONER - Iraq in 2003. Cameron resigned from the ADF in 2004 re enlisting in 2006 and again posted to 2nd Commando Regiment. In 2007 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed on Operation SLIPPER - Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry. In 2008 he was promoted to Corporal and deployed again on Operation SLIPPER in 2009 2011 and 2013. He was killed in action on 22 June 2013 and was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions in the Khod Valley Uruzgan province AfghanistanBrown timber look plastic frame containing watercolour painting in the image of a commando soldier. signature left bottom corner Henk Artplaque - Corporal Cameron Baird, VC ,MG cameron baird, victoria cross -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Memorabilia - Replica Service Medals, In Memory of John Dalton Burke, Approximately 1998
ContextualNine (9) Campaign Medals and Three (3) additional badges 1. 1939 - 45 Star 2. Burma Star 3. Defence Medal 4. War Medal 5. Australian Service Medal 6. Australian Active Service Medal 7. Korea Medal 8. United Nations Service Medal 9. Vietnam Medal 1. Leaf shaped badge attached to Korea Medal 2. Sword surrounded by leaves 3. Wing shaped cloth badge They are mounted in a frame.In Memory of John Murray Dalton Burke who served as 424506 POFF J.M. Burke RAAF 1942-1945 237656 Lt Col J.M. Burke RAR 1941-1974 Patron 1978-1988 & Hon. Life Member RAR Assn. (Vic Branch) "Lest We Forget"replica medals, korea medal, burma star, 1939-45 medal, defence medal, australian service medal, australian active service medal, united nations service medal korea, vietnam medal, royal australian regiment association, rar association -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Book, Lt. Col. (Ret) Fred Fairhead et al, A DUTY DONE( A summary of 3RAR ops in Vietnam 1965-1972)
isbn: 978 0 9924704 1 8 -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
soft cover non-fiction book, In Good Company, 1987
Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book