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 7 RAR Fire Support Base, housing the Battalions direct artillery support, 106 Battery. The Fire support Base also contained the Battalions Mortar Platoon, while the guns and mortars were "in the open", the Battalion elements were in the "scrub. (Circa May 1970)photograph, 7 rar, 106 field battery, gibbons collection catalogue, fire support base, mortar platoon, artillery support, 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 oblique view of 7 RAR Fire Support Base, housing the Battalions direct artillery support, 106 Battery. The FSB also contained the Battalion's mortar platoon. The guns and mortars were 'on the open' and the Battalion elements can be seen, under cover, in the 'scrub'. (Circa May 1970)photograph, 7 rar, fire support base, 106 field battery, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, artillery support, mortor platoon

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, South Vietnam, 1969. A 105mm artillery piece fires 'Fleshette' and 'Cannister' rounds on 'open sight' at NVA/VietCong, wave attacks against Fire Support Base Anderson. This type of action was also used at Fire Bases Coral, Balmoral amd Coogeephotograph, phuoc tuy, gibbons collection catalogue, 105mm artillery, fire support base anderson, fire support base - coral, fire support base balmoral, fire support base coogee, 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 Gunners of 1st Field Regiment, RAA, at the 1ATF Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam, break open boxes of 105mm artillery shells and prepare and repack them for a parachute drop to 101 Battery at Fire Support Base Discovery. (Circa November 1969)photograph, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, 101 battery, 105mm artillery, fire support base discovery, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, parachute drop

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 coloured photograph of A Gunner of 104 Battery Royal Australian Artillery at Fire Base Betty, mans the observation tower constructed in the Fire Support Base. the tower maintained a vigil on probing attempts by NVA/VietCong and assisted incoming helicopters druing Tet Offensive 1969photograph, 104 battery, raa, fire base betty, nva/vc, long bien, tet offensive, 1969, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner, royal australian artillery, fire support base, nva/vietcong, helicopters, 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 a RAAF Caribou aircraft of 35 Sqn attempts to paradrop 105mm amunition to an Australian Fire Support Base north west of the Task Force Base. The parachutes obtained from the US forces failed to open causing each pallet to explode on impact.photograph, caribou, raaf, 35 squadron, gibbons collection catalogue, royal australian air force, 105mm artillery, fire support base, 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 Gnr Jim Dunn, 104 Battery Royal Australian Artillery, carries a 105mm shell to the gun at Fire Support Base "Betty". The battery was in action against NVA/VietCong sappers attempting to breach the giant US Army Supply Depot at Long Binh in Bien Hoa Province during the Tet Offensive 1969.photograph, 104 battery raa, gnr jim dunn, nva/vc, long binh, bien hoa province, tet offensive, 1969, gibbons collection catalogue, 105mm artillery, fire support base betty, nva/vietcong, us army supply depot, royal australian airforce, 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 coloured photograph of A US Army CH47 Chinook medium helicopter carries ammunition and supplies to A Battery 2/35th US Artillery, attached to the Australian Artillery Regiment, at and Australian Fire Support Base Ben Hoa province during the 1969 Tet Offensive. The battery was operating North West of the 1ATF Base. The battery was supporting 4 RAR/NZ.photograph, chinook, 2/35th us artillery, 4 rar nz, australian artillery regiment, fire support base, tet offensive, 1969, 4 rar nz, 1 atf, gibbons collection catalogue, us army ch47 chinook, ammunition and supplies, a battery, australian fire support base, 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 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Fire Support Base 'Betty', housing the battalions direct artillery support 104 Battery. FSB 'Betty' was located in Long Binh Province when the Battalion was engaged in the protection of the giant Ammerican Supply Base, in the area. (Circa March 1969)photograph, fire base betty, 4 rar nz, 104 battery, long binh province, american supply base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, 4 rar/nz (anzac), fire support base betty

Plastic fawn woodgrained framed colour photo of Sgt. Al Green giving the order to fire artillery in support of 3RAR - Operation Biar Patch llA Field Battery FSB Ziggie - Mat 1971 Sgt Al Green Firing in support of 3RAR - Op Briar Patch lla field battery, fsb ziggie, sgt al green

Commanding Officer's Report 20 August 1966 to 1 Fd Regt RAA Nui Dat. Congratulating then on their performance and behaviour at the Battle of Long Tan and the effective employment of artillery in support (in white Australia Post Envelope)1x2 page laminated copy of message 1x2 page copy of messagelong tan, c.o.message

Black framed glass covered coloured photograph of a Chinook helicopter delivering artillery to Fire Support Base. Soldiers looking on, on open land with various supplies around them. Fire support base coral. May 1968CORAL BALMORAL COLLECTIONphotograph, chinook, fire support base, battle of coral-balmoral

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 oblique aerial view of the Australian Fire Support Base Harrison, Operation Pinnaroo. The FSB provided a battalions direct artillery and mortar support, to the infantry, on operations away from 1st ATF at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province. (Circa March 1968)photograph, fire support base harrison, operation pinaroo, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, denis gibbons, gibbons collection, fsb harrison

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 oblique aerial view of an Australian Fire Support Base at the base of the Nui Thai Van Hills. The FSB provided a battalions direct artillery and mortar support, when on operation away from 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province. (circa May 1969)photograph, fire support base, 1st atf base, nui thai van hills, gibbons collection catalogue, artillery, mortar, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, 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 Gunners at an Australian Fire Support Base building their sandbagged shelters against possible attack by NVA/VietCong mortar and rocket fire. The gunners became very astute at building their shelters as the artillery batteries moved in support of the infantry.photograph, fire support base, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, gunners, infantry

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 Gnr John Lyall with his opposite partners enjoy a game of euchre. The 104 Battery Gunners kept themselves busy in the 105mm gun position, in a state of readiness, to react to the call for supporting Artillery fire from Infantry Units. during a lull in action at 4 RAR/NZ Fire Support Base Betty during Tet Offensive 1969photograph, 104 battery raa, 4 rar nz, tet offensive, 1969, gnr john lyall, gibbons collection catalogue, long bien, gunners, royal australian artillery, denis gibbons, 4 rar/nz (anzac), fire support base betty, 105mm howitzer, infantry units

A press release from Melbourne Legacy in 1975 which relates the story of Brian O'Donohue who was to be president of Colac Legacy. The information was intended to be used by press and magazines etc. Colac was the first club to select a president that had done his war service in Vietnam. Brian started his National Service aged 20, at Puckapunyal and trained as an artillery signaller. He was posted to join the 104 Field Battery of 12 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam. For 9 months he was a member of a forward observation party which had the responsibility of calling artillery fire to support the operations of the infantry battalion with which it was working. Returning to Australia after a year. 'What he had seen and done in Vietnam, the tough times he had endured and the lighter times he had enjoyed with his mates, had made him conscious of the debt he owed to the families of those who not returned. So in 1971 he joined Legacy because he knew that Legacy helps dependants of comrades who served their country in war and who died on active service or subsequently.'A record of how Legacy promoted their work in the 1970s.Blue foolscap page x 2 with black type of a press release in 1975.Title 'A new era for Legacy'press release, promotion, brian o'donohue

The Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) is a corps of the Australian Army (although the word corps does not appear in their name or on their badge). The RAE is ranked fourth in seniority of the corps of the Australian Army, behind the Staff Cadets, Armoured and Artillery Corps. The Corps was formed by the amalgamation of the various colonial engineer corps of the States and territories of Australia in 1902[2] and since then has served in various conflicts including World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. The Corps has also served on numerous peacekeeping operations and is currently involved in the Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan. The RAE provides combat engineering, construction and other technical support to the Australian Defence Force. One of the main roles of the Corps is to provide mobility and counter mobility capabilities to the Australian Army and its allies. This means enhancing the ability of friendly forces to move while denying movement to enemy forces. In order to provide these capabilities, engineers are required to conduct many tasks including penetrating minefields, locating and disarming booby traps, purifying water and building roads and bridges. The Corps also performs the majority of the Australian Army's demolition tasks and is trained to fight as infantry if needed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_EngineersWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmRoyal Australian Engineers

German Luftwaffe (Land Forces) minefield warning flag from WWII.originally intended to be gas markers, rather than mines, but as it turned out, the use changed .they were mounted on a red metal pole & there were 12 to a set in a leather pack. This Flag was presented to the Treasurer of Waverley RSL. It is a souvenir from Bardia in Libya The Battle of Bardia was fought over three days between 3 and 5 January 1941, as part of Operation Compass, the first military operation of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War. It was the first battle of the war in which an Australian Army formation took part, the first to be commanded by an Australian general and the first to be planned by an Australian staff. Major General Iven Mackay's 6th Division assaulted the strongly held Italian fortress of Bardia, Libya, assisted by air support and naval gunfire, and under the cover of an artillery barrage. The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked at dawn from the west, where the defences were known to be weak. Sappers blew gaps in the barbed wire with Bangalore torpedoes and filled in and broke down the sides of the anti-tank ditch with picks and shovels. This allowed the infantry and 23 Matilda II tanks of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment to enter the fortress and capture all their objectives, along with 8,000 prisoners. In the second phase of the operation, the 17th Infantry Brigade exploited the breach made in the perimeter, and pressed south as far as a secondary line of defences known as the Switch Line. On the second day, the 16th Infantry Brigade captured the township of Bardia, cutting the fortress in two. Thousands of prisoners were taken, and the Italian garrison now held out only in the northern and southernmost parts of the fortress. On the third day, the 19th Infantry Brigade advanced south from Bardia, supported by artillery and the Matilda tanks, now reduced in number to just six. Its advance allowed the 17th Infantry Brigade to make progress as well, and the two brigades reduced the southern sector of the fortress. Meanwhile, the Italian garrisons in the north surrendered to the 16th Infantry Brigade and the Support Group of the British 7th Armoured Division outside the fortress. In all, some 36,000 Italian prisoners were taken. The victory at Bardia enabled the Allied forces to continue the advance into Libya and ultimately capture almost all of Cyrenaica. In turn this would lead to German intervention in the fighting in North Africa, changing the nature of the war in that theatre. Bardia boosted the competence and reputation of the Australian Army. Perhaps most important of all, it raised confidence in the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory around the world, which would lead to the Lend-Lease Act being passed in the United States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_BardiaCloth Flag bearing a skull and cross Bones on a metal spike mounted on a square varnished wooden basebardia, land mine, marker flag, minefield, mustard gas

On 23 April, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson, and the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, occupied prominent hills on either side of the seven-kilometre-wide valley, where a small tributary joined the Kapyong River. Also forward were headquarters units, tanks and artillery. The 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, were to the rear. Early in the evening, retreating South Koreans streamed past the Commonwealth position, with Chinese forces closely intermingled. Soon afterwards a platoon of American tanks supporting 3 RAR was overrun. The Kapyong valley was too large an area to defend with the forces available, and the brigade was spread very thinly. Throughout the night the Chinese repeatedly pressed the Australian positions, attacking in waves over their own dead and wounded. At dawn, A Company, under the command of Major Bernard "Ben" O'Dowd, found that the Chinese had infiltrated its position, but a counter-attack was able to eject them. Meanwhile B Company, which had spent the night on a hill near the riiver, discovered Chinese occupying some old bunkers on a small knoll. Hand-to-hand fighting ensued with grenades and bayonets. C Company, under the command of Captain Reg Saunders, was in position to reinforce both A and B Companies. "Major O'Dowd then directed the radio operator to contact anyone. The American 1st Marine Division answered but their operator refused to believe who our operator was speaking for. Major O'Dowd took the phone and demanded to speak to the commanding officer. The general in charge of the [Marine] division came on the phone and told O'Dowd we didn't exist as we had been wiped out the night before. Major O'Dowd said, 'I've got news for you, we are still here and we are staying here.'" Private Patrick Knowles, 3 RAR, on the morning of 24 April 1951 Fighting continued throughout the day with the Australians holding their positions, and the Chinese also engaging D Company. But late on 24 April, with their position now untenable, the Australians were forced into a fighting withdrawal down a ridge to the valley, where they rejoined the brigade. Their withdrawal was supported by New Zealand artillery from the 16th Field Regiment. Having found the Canadian position unassailable, the Chinese made no further attacks. By the afternoon of 25 April the road through to the Canadians had been cleared of Chinese and 2 PPCLI was relieved by US Army units. On Anzac Day 1951, the Australians rested after a long fight. Thirty-two Australians were killed and 53 were wounded for their part in stalling the Chinese advance and preventing Seoul from falling into enemy hands. Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his skilful leadership, and the Australian and Canadian battalions both received United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations for their part in the battle. http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/korea/operations/kapyong/Print of painting of action in Kapyong Korea in wooden frame under glassDonated by Frank Arnold on behalf of Korean Veterans Association of Australia inc.korea, kapyong, 3rar

Photo of Artillery Battery Gun Emplacement. Field gun supported with sand bag wall. Gun crew preparing site for action. Black & white photo mounted in black wooden frame with black border, cardboard backing, glass front. Front RHS bottom & back, LHS bottom: “No 53 stickers” Back LHS bottom: “Trust No 22”photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history, arms-ordnance, passchendaele barracks trust

Made by Cpl. Charlie Dawes 116777 R.A.A.F from parts got while serving at Goodenough and Thursday Isalnds WW2Miniature model of a WW2 era Lockheed P-38 Lightning twin engine aircraft mounted on a trench art ashtray made from various used munitions. This model was made during WW2 by Corporal Cyril 'Charlie' Dawes, RAAF service number 116777, from parts found whilst serving at Goodenough and Thursday Islands in the Torres Strait. The aircraft is supported by a 0.50 inch calibre bullet fixed to the inside of a section of an artillery case which forms the base. The base has three 0.303 inch calibre bullets attached vertically around the circumference and a metal matchbox holder with a RAAF hat badge insignia attached to the front. The items have been made from chromed metal materials. The RAAF was equipped with a small number of these aircraft, commencing in 1942, which were used for front line photographic reconnaissance duty. The first version of the Lockheed P-38 was introduced in 1941 by the USA Lockheed aircraft company as a heavy fighter.RAAF chrome cap badge (WW2 era with the kings crown)plane, trench art, ashtray

The Napoleonic Wars were a period of conflict from 1803-1815, caused by unresolved tensions following the end of the French Revolution. Coalitions of European powers fought against Napoleon Bonaparte and the French army, who were defeated at the Battle of Waterloo on the 18th June 1815, in Belgium. The conclusion of the battle would mark a period of sustained peace for Europe, that would bring with it cultural and technological innovation. This document in illustrative of the prize money awarded to different groups of soldiers following the Capture of Paris, separated into different classes. The first class consisted of General Officers, the second of Field Officers and Colonels, the third of Captains, the fourth of Subalterns, the fifth of Serjeants and the sixth of Corporals, Drummers and Privates. The Commander in Chief of the Army also received £61, 178/3/ 5 1/2. In addition to the money given to these classes, which approximately totaled £486,246 / 18/ 1 3/4, a total of £30,000 was paid to the Bank of England and £7,204 / 16/ 7 1/4 was paid to the Chelsea Hospital, to a grand total of £558,940/ 12/ 3. This money given to the Chelsea Hospital was part of the Army Prize Money Act 1814 (54th Geo. 3 c. 86, 14th July 1814), which when passed through parliament entailed that any prize money unclaimed or forfeited would be paid to the Chelsea Hospital. The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a charitable institution which provides support to war veterans and has existed since the reign of Charles II. The document goes into further details of the payments made to specific regiments, who include members of the British cavalry and artillery, rifleman, staff corps and foreign soldiers enlisted to aid with the campaign. The award of prize money following battle was meant to serve as an incentive for aggression and victory, in addition to helping deter looting of the deceased possessions. A paper watermark '1810' on the handwritten document suggests it is an original, and therefore was probably in the possession of a battle participant, most likely of a higher rank. The provenance of the document is unknown but one possibility is through former Ballarat School of Mines staff member Hester Darby, whose parents were Ernest Darby and Leah Hynam. Her maternal line boasted a Battle of Waterloo veteran. A number of handwritten pages 48 cm. x 34.5 cm. (slightly larger than A3) which has been folded in half, and in half again. When attempts were made to tape the torn document together, one page was taped in the wrong order. The top of the third page aligns with the bottom of the fourth page, the top of the fourth page with the bottom of the third. Corrections to this have been made in the transcript. DESCRIPTION ON DISCOVERY: "BALLARAT - Copy of an historic document of prize money paid after the battle of Waterloo and capture of Paris in 1815 has been found among old papers at the Ballarat School of Mines. The full amount of prize money was stated at "£558,913 10/10." Scores of regiments had their shares varying probably, according to the numbers. The document will be retained in the School of Mines Museum, ... (Age, 21 March 1941)The paper has an 1810 watermark on the paper as well as a watermark for S&C Wise. duke of wellington, waterloo, battle of waterloo, napoleon, napoleon bonaparte, british army, paris, darby, veteran, 1815, prize money, waterloo verterans, hester darby

non-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2

Could be towed by a truck or carried in or under a Chinook heleicopter. They were often ferried to remote hilltops to create firebases to support ground troops. Range 11,000 metres. Maximum fire rate of ten rounds per minute, sustained fire three rounds per minute. Superior to M101A1.towed howitzer, artillery gun, m-102 105mm, model

Index, bib, ill, p.241.non-fictionIn 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, a Special Forces Company, under the command of an Australian Army Captain, supported by a Marine artillery detachment, occupied an old French fort, on a hill known as Ngok Tavak. The circumstances of the battle that ensued, and the subsequent retreat from Ngok Tavak, left in their wake issues that cried out for resolution for decades after the event. A number of American bodies were left where they had fallen during the battle, and another American, the nephew of Katharine Hepburn, went missing. After speaking extensively to the battle survivors and loved ones of the American warriors, and searching through accounts from official reports that included Vietnamese documents, eyewitness statements and war diaries, Bruce Davies has pieced together the evidence that will bring resolution to the questions that still haunt many of those connected to the battle. A story that needed to be told for the veterans who survived and for those who did not, for their families and for the sake of history. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cooper (Retd), Australian Infantry, South Vietnam 1971-72vietnam - history 1945-1975, vietnam - special forces

Lone Pine was an action that featured one of the most famous assaults of the Gallipoli campaign. The attack was planned as a diversion for the Australian and New Zealand units that were to breakout from the Anzac perimeter by capturing the heights of Chunuk Bair and Hill 971. At 5.30 pm on 6 August 1915, the Australian artillery barrage lifted and from concealed trenches in no man’s land the 1st Australian Brigade charged towards the Turkish trenches. The troops paused on reaching the Turkish trenches, finding that many were covered by timber roofs. Some fired, bombed and bayoneted from above, some found their way inside and others ran on past to the open communications and support trenches behind. Others advanced as far as "the Cup" which was where Turkish support units were located and from where the Turks counter-attacked. By nightfall, most of the enemy front line was in Australian hands and outposts had been established in former Turkish communication trenches. The Australian Engineers dug a safe passage across no man’s land so that reinforcements could enter the captured positions without being exposed to Turkish fire. Having captured the Turkish trenches, the Australians now tried to hold what they had taken while the Turks desperately and determinedly tried to throw the Australians out. From nightfall on 6 August until the night of 9 August a fierce battle ensued underground in the complex maze of Turkish tunnels. The Australians succeeded in drawing the whole of the immediate Turkish reserve. Six Australian battalions suffered nearly 2,300 killed and wounded at Lone Pine. Seven Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest number ever awarded to an Australian division for one action.(http://www.awmlondon.gov.au/battles/lone-pine)Entrance to a tunnel at Lone Pine, Gallipoli. gallipoli, world war one, tunnel, mmm

Black and white Photograph of Gunner Charlie Hayden and Mike Longley preparing shells for firing at Fire Support Base Betty in Long Binh Province in March 1969photograph, royal australian artillery, long binh

In May 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, a Special Force Company under the command of an Australian army captain, supported by a U.S. Marine Marine artillery detachedment, occupied an old French Fort on a hill known as Ngok Tavak.australia. army training team, vietnam., united states. marine corps -- history -- vietnam war, 1961-1975, battle of ngok tavak