In 1954, as the defeated French forces left the State of Vietnam, Ngô Đình Diệm, a devout Roman Catholic, became the first prime minister. In 1956, a government-controlled referendum determined that South Vietnam should become a republic rather than stay under the control of Emperor Bảo Đại (who was living in Cannes, on the French Riviera). Ngô Đình Diệm appointed himself the first President of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). He then appointed his younger brother, Ngô Đình Nhu, to be his chief advisor and head of both South Vietnam’s secret police and its largest intelligence agency. During 1963, a campaign of civil resistance led by Buddhist monks protested religious discrimination. The government’s brutal treatment of Buddhists convinced many that Ngô Đình Diệm should go. While the United States publicly denied playing any part in the 1963 coup that overthrew Diệm, it was revealed that American officials had met with and encouraged the generals who planned the coup. Both Ngô Đình Diệm and his brother, Ngô Đình Nhu, were executed on 2 November 1963. 1st elected president of South Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem. 1st president vietnam, ngo dinh diem, republic of vietnam, south vietnam, assassination, execution

Andrew John BALSILLIE MBE, JP. Jack as he was known enlisted in the Australian Army near the end of WWII No 31224 age 16 years. He then served in Malaya 1959 - 1961then Vietnam with the rank of Captain with 1st Aust Task Force HQ Light Aid Detachment (LAD) 7.5.1969 - 7.11.1969, HQ Aust Force Vietnam Army component 8.11.1969 - 7.5.1970. He retired with the rank of Major in 1985 after 40 years plus. He was awarded an MBE in 1969 for his services to the Australian War Memorial. Elected to Committee Bendigo RSL 1988 - 1993 with Snr Vice President 1989 - 1993, re-elected 1999 - 2000. Re-elected again in 2002 as Snr Vice President. He was elected to Bendigo City Council 1990 - 1993 serving as Mayor in 1993. .1) Bush hat, floppy, khaki canvas, belonged to Major J BALSILLIE. .2) - .4) Gauze wound dressing in brown cotton pack, 2 rolls per pack. .5) Neck cloth, green cotton..1) Inside hat: Maj J Balsillie. .2) - .4) Labelled: First Field Dressings.headwear, medical dressings

A VALE notice in the Bulletin on 1 February 2017 about the life of Legatee Colin Bannister. Legatee Bannister was a legatee for 40 years (1976-2016) Colin graduated the RMC Duntroon as an infantry officer and his active service included two year in Malaya with 3RAR in 1957-59 and two tours in South Vietnam, in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team and in 1969 as GS02 (Ops) HQ of 1st Australian Task Force and the Australian Force Vietnam. He attained rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He joined Peninsula Group, Melbourne Legacy in 1976, and served as its president in 1985. He passed away on 17 November 2016.A tribute to a long serving legatee.Bulletin article on the death of Colin Bannister in 2017.vale, colin bannister

A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Thomas Colin Bannister (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1985). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. Colin graduated the RMC Duntroon as an infantry officer and his active service included two year in Malaya with 3RAR in 1957-59 and two tours in South Vietnam, in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team and in 1969 as GS02 (Ops) HQ of 1st Australian Task Force and the Australian Force Vietnam. He attained rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He joined Peninsula Group, Melbourne Legacy in 1976, and served as its president in 1985. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Colin Bannister a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee Colin Bannister - President 1985.past presidents, colin bannister

The 2002 Chief of Army's Military History Conference.Vietnam was Australia's longest war, and among its most controversial and devisive.australian army, vietnam war, 7th battalion, the royal australian regiment, 2nd battalion royal australian regiment, 1st battalion rar, australian task force - vietnam, anzac battalion, president kennedy, us military