Operation Hammersley , 10 February until 9 March 1970, was undertaken by a combined force of: C Company, 8th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8RAR); armoured personnel carriers from 3 Cavalry Regiment; tanks from 1 Armoured Regiment; sappers from the Royal Australian Engineers; a mortar section from 8RAR’s Support Company; air support, and even a Navy destroyer off-shore to provide gunfire support. The operation aimed to protect 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, at a quarry in the western foothills of the Long Hai hills. The Long Hai hills were a stronghold for the Viet Cong, who used the caves there as a bunker complex and had planted many landmines and booby traps in the area. Over two fierce weeks, 8 RAR carried out patrols and conducted ambushes, engaging VC troops and eventually capturing the bunker system. However, it was a costly campaign. In total, over 70 Australians were killed or wounded during the operation. The worst day for mine casualties in Australia's war in Vietnam occurred on 28 February 1970. It became known as 'Black Saturday". Nine members of 8RAR were killed and 29 wounded. This item is the Order of Service from the memorial service held at Nui Dat on 3 April 1970 to honour those killed at Long Hai. It was issued to the donor, National Serviceman G G Ravenscroft, who was serving in 1 Platoon, A Company 8RAR during Operation Hammersley, and received a minor shrapnel wound on Black Saturday. This was donated by Cpl (Temp) Geoffrey Grant Ravenscroft (3795037) who was a National Serviceman with the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and served in Vietnam with the 8th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment from November 1969 to July 1970Two typed A-4 pages that have been folded into booklet, now flattened and framed. Listed are the prayers, Bible readings and sermon given, along with the names of the 8 fallen soldiers, and the chaplains who officiated. See media for more information.8rar, long hai, long hai hills, black saturday, 1970, operation hammersley, ravenscroft, geoff ravenscroft, memorial service, c company, 8th battalion, the royal australian regiment, apc, 3 cavalry regiment, 1 armoured regiment, sappers, royal australian engineers, 17 construction squadron, viet cong, viet cong troops, nui dat, australian national serviceman, 1 platoon, a company, cpl (temp) geoffrey grant ravenscroft, 3795037

Item souvenired by Peter James Dodd No 217842 in South Vietnam. Refer 2436.2P for his service details.Menu, Christmas Dinner, folds in half. Cover is white with black & red printing re Menu for 17 Construction Squadron Group 1969. Inside details the Menu in black print, 2 pages.documents - menus, xmas, 17th construction sqd

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 Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron use a bulldozer and road grader to prepare the road surface for sealing. A truck carries away rock to be crushed, in a mobile crusher operated by the Unit, to be used for foundation fill, on the road.photograph, engineers, 17 const sqn, gibbons collection catalogue, d8 bulldozer, 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 an Engineer from 17 Construction Squadron operates a mobile crusher used to prepare rock material, of all sizes, for all types of foundation work used in construction projects throughout Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnamphotograph, engineers, 17 const sqn, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, mobile crusher, 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 Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron preparing the freshly graded road surface for sealing. The road was being constructed and upgraded between Dat Do and the Phuoc Tuy Province capital Baria. The Engineers were responsible for their own security.photograph, engineers, 17 const sqn, dat do, phuoc tuy province, baria, 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 Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron grade the road surface for sealing. The road was being constructed and upgraded between Dat Do and the Phuoc Tuy Province capital Baria. Engineers were responsible for their own security, during these operations.photograph, engineers, 17 const sqn, dat do, phuoc tuy province, baria, gibbons collection catalogue, dennis 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 with a mobile service unit from the Royal Australian Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. They are servicing a front end loader of 17 Construction Squadron, working on the road construction between Dat Do and the Phuoc Tuy Province capital Baria.photograph, raeme, 17 const sqn, dat do, phuoc tuy province, baria, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, diggers

Badge top - Red 17 surmounted by blue bear over the word INTERFET. Below - the words 'International Force East Timor/ Peace', surrounding - map of East Timor with dove of peace superimposed and below are the words '17 Construction Squadron' mounted on wooden plaque.Metal badge has the words 'Presented to Lilydale RSL/ by Sapper Megan White/ 2001

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 Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron, build a bridge across on of the many creeks and streams which had been previously destroyed by NVA/VietCong forces and some as long ago as the war with the French. These bridges were built with solid steel foundations.photograph, 17 const sqn, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, engineers, nva/vietcong, 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 an Engineering Officer supervising diggers from 17 Construction Squadron based at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, as they lay large drainage pipes along the roadway into Hoa Long village.photograph, engineers, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, hoa long, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, hoa long village, diggers, engineering officer, 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 the 1st Australian Task Force Commander (Aug 1969 - Jun 1970) Brigadier Stewart Weir MC, inspects a bridge built by 17 Construction Squadron over a creek northwest of the province capital Baria. The Engineers are fitting screens to protect the foundations.photograph, brig stewart weir, 1st atf base, baria, gibbons collection catalogue, 17th construction squadron, engineers, military cross, 1st australian task force, 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 Engineers, from 17 Construction Squadron, use a front end loader to deliver rock into a mobile crusher used to prepare fine rock material for all types of foundation work, used in construction projects throughout Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.photograph, engineers, 17 const sqn, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, front end loader, machinery

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 (Circa November 1966) Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron boring for water at Nui Dat, the recently formed 1st Australian Task Force Base, Phuoc Tuy Province. The rapidly developing base was suffering from a lack of the most basic commodities, including water.photograph, 17 const sqn, 1 atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Cpl. Ronald Warren Ellis, EM (VX502517) was born in Brunswick in 1927. His family moved to Lara when he was young, and his schooling took place at the Lara State School. After finishing his education, Ron took up employment at Sims Coopers in Corio. Ron was enlisted in the second AIF at Melbourne, and posted to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Greta west of Newcastle, NSW. After 3 months training, he was sent to the Service Corps Training Centre for driver and maintenance training in Ingleburn, south of Sydney. When this course was completed, Ron was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps as a driver motor vehicle with the 2nd AIF. Rons service with the AIF lasted 425 days, when he was then transferred to the Interim Army for a further 309 days. The duration of his service was in NSW. Ron was discharged from the Army in Melbourne on the 4th of May 1948. In 1957, Ron enlisted in the CMF and served with 22nd Construction Squadron for 17 years with the last 5 as a Corporal, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal for long service and good conduct.Brown canvas booklet that is folded into three. Licence gives details of Army number, name, rank and type of vehicle that is able to be driven. Licence has been issued to Private Ronald Warren Ellis on 24/01/1948. No. 258778 Army No. V?SOL517 Rank: Private Name in full: Ellis, Ronald Warren Unit: Transferred to (unit): Having passed the prescribed tests ... authorised to drive... types of ... vehicles within the Commonwealth of Australia and Territories. Signature of Driver: drivers licence, australian military forces, army, private, ellis, ww2, wwii, world war two, second world war

This photo is from 1917 and is of Private Harry Groves (standing) with his cousin Arthur Whitter (seated). Private Groves was the Uncle of Ron Ellis, who was a Lara Sub-Branch member. Cpl. Ronald Warren Ellis, EM (VX502517) was born in Brunswick in 1927. His family moved to Lara when he was young, and his schooling took place at the Lara State School. After finishing his education, Ron took up employment at Sims Coopers in Corio. Ron was enlisted in the second AIF at Melbourne, and posted to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Greta west of Newcastle, NSW. After 3 months training, he was sent to the Service Corps Training Centre for driver and maintenance training in Ingleburn, south of Sydney. When this course was completed, Ron was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps as a driver motor vehicle with the 2nd AIF. Rons service with the AIF lasted 425 days, when he was then transferred to the Interim Army for a further 309 days. The duration of his service was in NSW. Ron was discharged from the Army in Melbourne on the 4th of May 1948. In 1957, Ron enlisted in the CMF and served with 22nd Construction Squadron for 17 years with the last 5 as a Corporal, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal for long service and good conduct. This photo represents the connection that Lara RSL members and their family members have to the conflicts that Australia has been involved in over time. Photograph of Harry Grove (standing) with his cousin Arthur Witter (seated) - France 1917. The black and white photo is framed within a wooden frame, and above it is a piece of paper with details about the photo written in red texta. The photo is black and white, and in the bottom right corner in pencil is written: Sincerely Yours, Arthur. The remainder of the text extends under the frame, but looks as though it says: Arthur, France. world war 1, ww1, wwi, photo, family, private, corporal

National Serviceman Sapper Brian Leonard Smart served in 17th Construction Squadron, Vietnam, from 3 March 1968 until 4 March 1969. Small pewter tankard with personal engraving. No embellished, it is smooth and plain with a handle that is squared at the top.3791450/SPR B.L. Start/9 troop/19081/Vietnamtankard, 9 troop, 1968, vietnam, b l start, b start, service number 3791450, sapper, 17 construction, 17th construction

Blue and red ceramic bear from 17 Construction Royal Australian Engineers. Bear's left paw has RAE cap badge attached. Painted inscription - 17 Construction "A Little Bear will Fix It" Vietnam "66-71"On tail - Hand painted L. Healey17th construction squadron, bear

A Copy of an Extract from 17 Construction Sqn RAE Routine Orders: The letter is from the people of Tam Phuoc expressing their thanks to the commanders and all drivers and crews of the 17th Const. Sqn Land Clearing Team and the 3rd Cav Det attached to the Land Clearing Team for clearing the land for their village.17th construction squadron, 3rd cavalry regiment, land clearing team, tam phuoc, viet cong, village chief, tran van pho, nguyen van duong, vo van hanh, truong van vang, tu van my, pham an tuong