Important tool especially for infantry and used for range of purposes while in the field.Machete was a versatile tool for soldiers but infantry in particular. It assisted with negotiating through thick scrub, various cutting usages; also assisted, with shovel, in digging usages. Machete: metal blade, wooden handle with wrist strap; sharpening stone; canvas holder for machete with pouch to contain sharpening stonevietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

A pictorial representation of the 18 troops Killed In Action on the 1969-1970 Tour of 8th Royal Australian Regiment.Especially significant to balance of members of 8RAR, 1969-1970 but additionally to all Vietnam Veterans and families.Poster, Rectangular, includes: 18 caracatures of troops of 8RAR 1969-1970 KIAEighth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment VIETNAM 1969 to 1970. From an original oil painting (c) Derek Walshvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Commemorative Plaque � 50th Anniversary, Long Tan Battle.A significant visual statement of the veterans creed to remember comrades-in-arms and comrades fallen. Rectangular shape, polished wood; gold lettering text, shield for each of three arms of the Defence Force that served in Vietnam: Army, Navy and TBA. Long Tan cross placed centrally on the plaque.Vietnam. To All Those Who Served and To Those Who Did Not Return. Lest We Forget.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, mackay vietnam veterans qld

Example of Army of South Vietnam issue backpack.An example of equipment as issued to Army of South Vietnam.South Vietnamese Army Backpack. Canvas; comprising straps, backpack and pouchesNilvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, south vietnam army

This stone plaque was presented by DViet member Bill Hey on behalf of Mackay Vietnam Veterans in 2016.An emotive record of Naval service in and around the waters of Vietnam.A stone rectangular plaque representation of the Royal Australian Navy Service in Vietnam. Prominent cable and anchor as Centre Piece with a listing of the names of various Navy craft which served in and around Vietnam waters.Plaque is headed "R.A.N. In Vietnam" with two side columns recording the names of various craft then "To All Who Served" near the base of the plaque followed by three more names of crafts who served.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, ran, mackay vietnam veterans qld

Certificate of Authenticity confirms that the item is no. 119 of no more than 1,000 issued.A limited number of this item has been released.The medallion is minted from brass alloy and finished in highly frosted and polished silver, over-printed with a full colour image from the painting "Signals in Vietnam" by Ken McFadyen. The medallion is 50mm in diameter and 4.5mm in thickness. Number 119 of a guaranteed limited release of no more than 1,000 individual medallions.A description of the medallion including a Certificate of Authenticity.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The medallion pays respect to the sacrifices made by the units in Operation Bribie on 17th February 1967.The medallion takes its place amongst similar medallions and other commemorative items that revert to particular instances or event in Vietnam during the war.Two medallions showing front and reverse faces of a medallion issued at Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, 2014 National Congress, hosted by Macarthur Sub Branch. Front face shows an APC with text on upper edge: "Phouc Hai-South Vietnam" and text on bottom edge: "Lest We Forget"; the two text lines are joined by leaves. Text in the middle of the face: "In memory of the sacrifice made by 6RAR & A Sqn 3 Cav Regt Operation Bribie 17th Feb 1967. The reverse face has the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia logo in the middle, with the motto: "Honour the Dead but fight like hell for the living" underneath; two sprigs of leaf cradle the logo and motto.Front face shows an APC with text on upper edge: "Phouc Hai-South Vietnam" and text on bottom edge: "Lest We Forget"; the two text lines are joined by leaves. Text in the middle of the face: "In memory of the sacrifice made by 6RAR & A Sqn 3 Cav Regt Operation Bribie 17th Feb 1967. The reverse face has the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia logo in the middle, with the motto: "Honour the Dead but fight like hell for the living" underneath; two sprigs of leaf cradle the logo and motto.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Common cigarette lighter amongst Australian Servicemen; facilitated calming within stressful situations ie smoking eased stress and fatigue.This lighter will have memories of great significance and feeling with soldiers who had used it after very stressful situations - it would have served to facilitate relief and calmness when most needed including some giving emotional escape from immediate circumstances..Silver lighter with engravings: angel on front and text on back: Silver metal, rectangular shape; flip top.Front: Engraving of classic woman with bird in hand. Rear: Engraved text: Ba Ria Nui Dat 67-68; Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for I am the evilest son of a bitch in the valley"".vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

This 1995 bottle of Port was issued in 1995 in a commemoration of the Australian Army Training Team Viet-Nam.Significant as it is one of a wide range of commemorative material for all the elements of the Vietnam War: all the Services involved, Units, Sub-units, battles and events. Individually and collectively, the commemorative material holds many emotions for all the participants and even their families in some cases.1995 Tauriga Port commemorating the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Very descriptive label comprising descriptive artwork and contents information. Bottle is 750ml caoacity.Label description: Gold in colour; AATTV Shield middle and centre with gold border, green background with red text on a gold background: AATTV, motto of Persevere, with crossbow. Top left and right corners are Colors Flashes; down left and right sides are representations of four Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the AATTV: WO2 KA Wheatley VC, Maj PK Badcoe VC, WO2 RS Simpson VC and WO2 K Payne VC; banner across the label just below the shield is gold with red text: Australian Army Training Team Viet-Nam. Below the banner is text line: 1995 Tauriga Port - gold lettering on brown background. Then follows some makers information: Robert Minnes Wines, Sturt Highway, Barmera, South Australia. 18.0% Alc/Vol. Produce of Australia 750ml.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, aatt

Commemorative Bottle of Red Wine issued at VVAA National Congress, Seymour, May 2015.Significant as a memory of the State Conference in May 2015.Commemorative Bottle of Red Wine issued at VVAA National Congress, Seymour, May 2015.Label comprises: Background of blue sky and gum tree. Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia logo is front and top of label; text beneath the logo is in upper case: "Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia National Congress, May 2015, Seymour, Vic". Below that text are two pictures of the Vietnam Wall in Seymour - the Honour Roll with an Australian Flag overlay and, the Long Tan Cross. Capacity: 750mm. At the bottom of the label is text: Hosted by the VVAA Victorian Branch and Mitchell Sub-Branch.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, vietnam veterans association of australia

A faithful model of an M60 machine gun, the prime heavy shooter of infantry sections.A faithful depiction of that weapon which was often crucial to survival in Contact circumstances.Wooden, metal and plastic model M60 machine gun on tripod.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

A faithful depiction of an M16 automatic rifle that gradually partnered the SLR rifle as the typical weapon for riflemen and other soldiers.The model represents the M16 automatic rifle that, with the SLR rifle, became the 'best friend' to many infantry soldiers and other elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam.The M16 rifle is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. Wikipedia Length: 38.81 in (986 mm) (M16A1); 39.63 in (1,007 mm) (M16A2); 39.37 in (1,000 mm) (M16A4) Caliber: 5.56 mm (.223 in) Designed: 1959 In service: 1964–present Muzzle velocity: 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s) (M855A1 round) Produced: : 1963–present; Sights: Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip; Front: wing-protected post; Various aiming opticsM16 automatic rifle; made of metal, plastic.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Helmet is an examples of equipment (clothing) issued to the soldiers of North Vietnam. It is unknown how it came into the hands of the lender.Significant in respect that the soldiers of North Vietnam were a respected foe and these items represent a tangible reminder of the enemy faced.Pith Helmet as issued to Army of North Vietnam soldiers, olive in colour with a North Vietnam star central to the front.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, north vietnamese army

TBAWeapons: an example of armanment rounds as issued in Vietnam war.MF84vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, weapons

Field cutlery for use on patrol.Such items had great relevance to soldiers whilst 'ón patrol'; they facilitated some comfort ie food in often strenuous and tiring circumstances and for many...was their first foray into cooking.Army issue of field cutlery set comprising knife, fork spoon with clip. Made of metal. Each piece is 160 longClip: 7360-66-014-47c7; fork: ca 66, dd; knife: spoon: mcl 171. vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

The pieces represent the type of cutlery utensils issued to Defence Forces over a wide range of conflicts.Significant in respect to being an example of the types of equipment etc that was used during many conflicts including (likely) the Vietnam War.Era of usage is undetermined. Cutlery set, for use in base, comprising knife, fork and spoon, made of metal. Given the different markings on the pieces and the different aging colours, it is likely that this is not a set but notwithstanding that appearance, they still represent the standard issue of cutlery to the Armed Forces for use 'ín base'.Both the fork and spoon have Rising Sun imprinted onto the handles; plus the fork has two half moon swirls at the end of the handles. The knife has a twin line border on the handle. Additionally, the fork has nickel and silver, sheffield england on reverse of the handle.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Souvenired flag as used by Viet Cong; unknown how it came into hands of the donor.A significant reminder of what enemy the Australian Defence Forces were up against.Viet Cong flag, made of cloth, looks 'hand made'. Dimensions are xxmm long and xxmm wide. Colours are equally red on top half with blue on bottom half; yellow text at top of the flag is Quyet Thang; a yellow star straddles the halfway line of the flag and has yellow 1969 below the star.Colours are equally red on top half with blue on bottom half; yellow text at top of the flag is Quyet Thang; a yellow star straddles the halfway line of the flag and has yellow 1969 below the star.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, viet cong

Army Issue kit bag for carrying personal goods eg when re-posted; used by JP Redfern, National Serviceman 19** to 19** including his Vietnam Service.Personally significant to owner but with y a like significance to all soldiers who also used same type kit bag.Army issue Kit Bag, olive drab colour, made of light canvas material; with name and Service number.Name: Redfern JP; Service No. 3791313; yellow dash for colour identificationvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Soldiers required to take preventative measures to minimise contacting malaria and use of repellant onto clothing was critical.Equipment such as this item can have great significance to some soldiers.Empty small bottle of insect repellant, clothing: 3 fl. ozs; army green bottle.Usage instructions. Dept of Defence symbal.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

On base: 30-550-DEFA MF82 AUSvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, weapon

Amongst field kit, the sweat rag was every bit as important as other items - it served many purpose eg washer, towel, cleaning equipment, pillow, sun shade.Held in high esteem by the field soldier because of its efficient and many purpose usages.Field sweat rag for field soldiers made of soft absorbent material and suitable for a wide range of uses.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Dept of Defence issued equipment: torch.A significant memory for soldiers who had used this equipment.Army issue torch; drab green in colour but with two yellow bands around the stem. Label: Boniface; Markings: MX-99/U; Makers: Bright Star Trade marg Reg.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Dept of Defence issued equipment: trip wire for a wide range of usages including preventative, precautionary measures against enemy.Trip wire was an effective and valuable resource used by Australian soldiers for their protection and an advanced warning of enemy presence whilst in the field.Small cardboard roll of trip wire, attached to beige paper label with red text.IMPORTANT/ run wire through finger and thumb to remove kinks before use.trip wire, explosive device, booby trap, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, weapons

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The collage represents different elements of the Battle of Long Tan.The Battle of Long Tan is generally recognised as Australia's major battle in the Vietnam War; the the lingering memory and conclusive evidence of the courage of the soldiers in the battle holds great reverence amongst Vietnam veterans.Framed presentation of Long Tan story with 6 panels - 1 x text and 5 x photos - 4 x landscape, 1 x portraitText panel is a brief introduction of Long Tan story; 5 photos have short descriptive text.vietnam, vietnam war, battle of long tan, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Item has pictures of Long Tan and includes text describing in brief The Battle of Long Tan.The Battle of Long Tan is generally recognised as Australia's major battle in the Vietnam War; the the lingering memory and conclusive evidence of the courage of the soldiers in the battle holds great reverence amongst Vietnam veterans.Framed Presentation of the Long Tan story with 6 panels - 1 x text and 5 x photos - 2 x portrait, 3 x landscapeText panel continues a brief introduction to the Long Tan story; 5 photos have short descriptive textvietnam, vietnam war, battle of long tan, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The back pack and webbing was the infantry soldiers 'house on feet'; whilst on patrol, he carried all that was required for days/weeks at a time with some re-supplies during the course of time sometimes; it was common practice to slide into the backpack whilst prone on the ground and then slowly turn and rise to standing as the most convenient of loading up.Despite the effort required to patrol long distances with a heavy load, many soldiers had a close affinity with the backpack and webbing as it provided him with comefort and necessities during an Operation.Standard issue of infantry back pack and webbing kit for carrying of day-to-day needs whist on patrol or other duties. Contents included, but not limited to (and In no particular order): food, clothing, cooking utensils, water, spare ammunition, arms, maintenance tools, hootchie/mosquito net, personal items, machete; six pieces in total.Pic 01: Backpack Front Pic 02: Backpack Rear Pic 03: Belt with full compliments: ammunition pouch x 2, water bottle x 2, bumpack x 1 Pic 04: Bumpack in isolationvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

The waterproof jack was an essential component of clothing during the monsoon weather so to protect the soldiers comfort and health.The jacket provided protection and comfort during the daily downpours during the monsoon season.Water resistant jacket, Size M, camouflage colouring.Carry back shows the makers label. Additionally the label records the name and unit of a previous owner: Derek Welton, 1PL, HQ Coy.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

All seven items would have been used by Australian soldiers on a needs basis to keep their rifle in good working order.Although all seven items may have been used only infrequently in the field, they were crucial to keeping the rifle in good working condition when needed and so were instrumental in maximising the safebeing of the soldier whilst also permitting him to carry out his duties.All seven accessories required on a needs basis by soldiers to repair/maintain their L1A1 rifle. vietnam, vietnam war, weapons, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Trenching tool was an intrinsic part of the soldiers kit in the field.The tool was of vital assistance to the soldier in the field. Variously employed as a shovel or a pick to dig a trench, a toilet, drainage for rainwater, as a machete on occasions.Wooden handle with metal blade and spike; blade and spike swiveled out to be used but folded for carry. Some indecipherable markings but included a pointed arrow and some model or serial numbers.vietnam, vietnam war, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch