Showing 27 items
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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)Photograph, V.C.Political Cadre - PHAM VAN THAO
Framed photo of a political cadre (small photo inserted) RCO2923-ATF (not numbered) Rallier Phan Van Le and all his details on one side. On the other side is a confidential report, initial interrogation of detainee - Pham Van Tho surrendered to "A" FD BTY Section at FSB Centenary 10 Aug 1971.VC Pham Van Tho surrendered to "A" FD BTY Section at FSB Cenerary 10 Aug 1971.photograph, a fd bty, interrogation of prisoner, interrogation -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph
Cadre staff were regular soldiers posted to CMF Regiments for instructional purposes.Rare photo of the Cadre staff togetherBlack and White photograph of nine soldiers and one ' cut out ' being the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Cadre staff. All are dressed in summer wear ' greens ', berets, belts, boots and gaiters. All are wearing medals or service ribbonsCadre staff: Front: WO11 Ford,, RSM Harris, WO1 Richards. Rear: Cpl. Plunkett, WO11 Woods, WO 11 Davis, WO11 Twomey, SGT Harmer, Cpl Johnson. " -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionMenu
Army Reserve regiments had ARA officers and senior NCOs for training and administrative purposesMenu and Place mat for dinner at Commercial Club for the Cadre Club, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 16 October 1986.Both documents are extensively autographed by Cadre members and partners. -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph
A cadre staff of regular soldiers was posted to Army Reserve units to assist with training and administration. While many recruits could already drive when they joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles it took many hours of instruction and training before they were licenced to drive heavier, more complex army vehicles both on and off road and under combat conditions.Colour photograph of two members of Cadre Staff of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles during a driver training exercise 1986. camouflaged vrhicle in background." Corporal Potts, WO " Burnie " -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph - WO2 Don Fryer
The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of soldier in khaki drill shirt, ribbon bar, and beret. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." WOII Don Fryer, Cadre Staff, A Squadron"8/13 vmr, fryer, albury -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)Letter, La Thu Xuan - A Spring Letter, 1968 (estimated)
A letter from the Vietnamese Prime Minister is a general call for NVA/VC CADRE and soldiers on the other side of battle lines to arms. With Photograph of Prime Minister and Floral Picture.Recovered from an abandoned bunker systemvietnamese prime minister, letter, propaganda, psycological warfare, nva/vc -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPlaque - Almond plaque
Warrant Officer Class One Ron Almond served on the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles cadre staff before being posted as a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in 1969. There he was posted as adviser to 17th Armored Cavalry Squadron. He later returned to 8/13 VMR as Regimental Sergeant Major. The AATTV was a specialist unit of military advisors of the Australian Army that operated during the Vietnam War. Raised in 1962, the unit was formed solely for service as part of Australia's contribution to the war, providing training and assistance to South Vietnamese forces. Initially numbering only approximately 30 men, the size of the unit grew several times over the following years as the Australian commitment to South Vietnam gradually grew, with the unit's strength peaking at 227 in November 1970. Members of the team worked individually or in small groups, operating throughout the country from the far south to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the north. Later they were concentrated in Phước Tuy Province as Australian forces prepared to withdraw from Vietnam. It is believed to be the most decorated Australian unit to serve in Vietnam; its members received over 100 decorations, including four Victoria Crosses, during its existence. The unit was withdrawn from Vietnam on 18 December 1972 and was disbanded in Australia on 16 February 1973. A total of 1,009 men served with the unit over a period of ten years, consisting of 998 Australians and 11 New Zealanders. Representative of a connection between Australian Army Reserve and South Vietnam.Wooden shield with coloured plastic emblem mounted at centre and engraved metal plate below.Presented to / 8/13 VMR OR's Mess / By Ex RSM 8/13 VMR / WO1 Ronald M Almond / 17th Armoured Cavalry Sqn / Advisory team 116 / Republic of Vietnam / May 1969-May 1970military, cadre, aattv, vietnam, cavalry, armour, almond -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph - Cobram mess
Army Reserve regiments had ARA officers and senior NCOs posted to them for training and administrative purposes. The duration of the posting was usually two yearsRecords a presentation of memento in soldiers' messColour photograph of Lance Corporal Mahony, " A " Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles presenting a plaque to Cadre Staff Sergeant Whitney on his departure from Salamaua Barracks Cobram December 1987.military, mess, cobram, salamaua barracks, vmr -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, United Kingdom, UK War Office -Amphibious Warfare Handbook No.10a-The Organisation Employment and Training of Commandos 1951
A training publication used by training staff and cadre during the formation of the Australian post-war commando companies.AN A4 80 page Marked as "Confidential' and number 6078commandos, special operations, special forces, australian military -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph
Army Reserve regiments had ARA officers and senior NCOs posted to them for training and administrative purposes. The duration of the posting was usually two years.Four colour photographs taken at Buna Barracks Albury when Major Robert Morrison farewelled 4 members of the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Cadre Staff: Sergeant King, Corporal Greg Nye, Sergeant Jim Whitney and Sergeant Len Scott. -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph
In 1970s Army Reserve Units carried out their own recruiting and NCO training. RSM Kennard was a member of the 8/13 VMR Cadre staff.Fine study of Army Reserve soldiers at Albury 1970s.Black and White photograph of soldiers in two ranks with instructor in front" NCO Course, Albury, RSM WO1 Kennard " List of some members of squad follows. -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionBooklet - FSV armament
8th/13th VMR was equipped with M113 family of vehicles in 1970s - 1990s. Cp.G.Wynd was a cadre staff member training armoured fighting vehicle ( AFV ) crewmen M113A1 Instruction handbookSoft covered booklet with fabric binding strip " Royal Australian Armoured Corps Volume 3 - Armanent Pamphlet No.4 Fire Support Vehicle M113A1 ( FS ) 1971."" Cpl Wynd " on front covermilitary, tank, fsv, gun, vmr -
Bendigo Military MuseumPlaque - SOLDIER of the YEAR AWARD - 3MC Unit, Australian Army, 1981
Passchendael Barracks was the name of the Army Drill Hall, Mollison St. Bendigo. The Drill Hall was in use from 1916 - approx 2004.This is a mid size rectangular wooden board. In the center is a stylised shield with a R.A.C.T. Badge fixed onto it. Engraved on bottom of shield are the words; "Presented by WO2. Ft. Finnigan - A.R.A. Cadre 1980-1982. At the top of the board is a banner with the words "3MC Unit Soldier of the Year Award" On the board are 18 small shields. Eight are engraved, ten are blank. Names on Shield. 1981 - CPL P, Healy 1982 LCPL J.A. Slater 1983 LCPL G. L. Thomas 1987 LCPL T. Cole 1988 LCPL P. Shard 1989 PTE D. Belacic 1990 LCPL A. Roper CPL. M. P. L. Hennequinsoldiers, ract 3 mc unit, passchendaele barracks trust -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionFunctional object - Gong and gavel, 1984
Presentation to the Sergeants' Mess of 8/13 VMR by Cadre Staff member Sergeant RC Tetley when leaving the regiment at the completion of his posting. The presentation of a gift of this type was a common practice in regimental circles.A bespoke object with relevance to the character of an RAAC regiment using as it does a shell case from a fighting vehicle used by 8/13 VMR and indicative of business procedure in Mess meetings.Chairman's gong made of a chrome plated 76mm shell case suspended from a chrome plated metal frame mounted on a stained wooden base. Silver 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment hat badge is mounted on front side of base. Stained wood and chrome plated metal gavel sits on two rests on rear side of base. Small engraved plaque attached to base at rear.On presentation plaque: "Presented to 8/13 VMR Sgts Mess by 2782108 Sgt RC Tetley Dec 1984"; and markings on base of shell case: "76mm ARMD C PW 175 ME 1970"sergeants' mess, 8/13 vmr, tetley -
Orbost & District Historical Societycertificate, 1945
The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was an Australian air defence organisation of World War II.It was formed on 31 December 1941 to support the Royal Australian Air Force by sighting and observing aircraft over Australia.It swiftly established observation posts across Australia and provided information to the RAAF's regional air control posts. As the threat to Australia declined its role was expanded to include coast watching, assisting air traffic control and weather reporting. The corps was staffed by civilian volunteers and reached a peak strength of 24,000 personnel and 2,656 observation posts in 1944. After the end of the war the VAOC was reduced to a cadre in December 1945 and was disbanded on 10 April 1946. The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was an Australian air defence organisation of World War II. This certificate is a record of the participation of members of the Orbost district. Anita Armistead, wife of Francis Armistead had a son, Sydney, who served as a gunner in Malaysia during WW11.A certificate of service awarded to Mrs F. Armistead for being a volunteer in the Air Observers Corps. It was awarded on 20 Sept, 1945 for one year's service.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs F. Armistead by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officercertificate ww11 air-observers-corps -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionUniform - Victorian Mounted Rifles battledress
This uniform probably was worn by a cadre staff member posted to 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles to provide training to reserve soldiers. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Battledress jacket, trousers, shirt and tie with Warrant Officer Class Two rank insignia, Parachute qualification insignia, ribbon bar: General Service medal with Borneo bar, Vietnam medal, National medal and Vietnamese Campaign medal.military, vmr, uniform -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph
Eddie Lancaster was a member of the ARA Cadre Staff.Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Warrant Officer Class 2 Eddie Lancaster taken at Buna barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 30 November 1986, -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionHeadwear - Viet Cong helmet
Helmet of a type worn by soldiers the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, commonly known by Australians as the Vietcong, was an armed communist political organization in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Its military force, the Liberation Army of South Vietnam, fought against the United States and South Vietnamese governments during the Vietnam War, eventually emerging on the winning side. The LASV had both guerrilla and regular army units, as well as a network of cadres who organized peasants in the territory the Việt Cộng controlled. During the war, communist insurgents and anti-war activists insisted the Việt Cộng was an insurgency indigenous to the South, while the U.S. and South Vietnamese governments portrayed the group as a tool of North Vietnam. The helmet usually had a waterproof cover often with camouflage scrim.Representative if the uniform of the guerrilla forces opposing Australian forces in Vietnam.Sun helmet with red star mounted centre front.military, helmet, vietnam, vietnam war, guerrilla -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph - 'old' VMR soldiers
All three men had a long association with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. John Neale served in RAN during WWII; post war he joined 8/13 VMR as a trooper in 1948. He rose through the ranks to command the regiment in 1972-76, and later became Honorary Colonel. Ron Almond served in WWII; following the war he joined the Regular Army and served several postings to the Cadre Staff of 8/13 VMR including a post as Regimentla Sergeant Major. He also served with the Australian Army Training Team in South Vietnam. Bill Woolford served in the Royal Marines in WWII; post war he migrated to Australia joining the Victoria Police and was posted to Wodonga. He joined 8/13 VMR and served as Squadron Sergeant Major 'A' Squadron.Colour photograph of Colonel John Neale and former 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers Ron Almond and Bill Woolford at Buna Barracks 29 April 1990neale, almond, woolford, vmr, albury, aattv, buna barracks -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph - VMR Mess
Kurt Muller was a Sergeant Cook. He had WW11 service in the German Navy, and after migrating post war joined 8/13 VMR. Sergeants Scott, Perkins and Boogarde were ARA members of the Cadre Staff. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever. The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Sergeant Kurt Muller, Sergeants Scott, Perkins and Boogard at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former and serving members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November, 1986.muller, scott, perkins, boogarde, vmr, buna barracks, mess -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncPlaque - Plaque 2/23rd Battalion - Albury's Own
Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A wooden plaque in the shape of a shield commemorating the 2/23rd Battalion known as "Abury's Own". It incorporates a representation of the 2/23rd Battalion colour patch worn after the Siege of Tobruk. At top of plaque "2/23RD AUST.IN.BN./ALBURY'S/OWN"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncBadge - 2/23rd Battalion - Albury's Own, 1943
Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.Circular tin lapel button with pin back fastening. The front is made of paper and covered with clear plastic. The printed design on the front shows the post 1942 T-shaped colour patch of the 2/23 Battalion surrounded by the words "ALBURY'S OWN 2/23RD BN." There are 3 similar badges in our collection. Above colour patch "ALBURY'S OWN" Below colour patch "2/23RD BN."world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncPlaque - Albury's Own 2/23rd Batallion 9th Division
Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A plaque commemorating "Albury's Own" - the 2/23rd Battalion. It incorprates the Unit badge and a a list of battlefronts they served in as part of the 9th Brigade. The Latin in the centre of the badge translates as "I will either find a way or make one". In circular badge "ALBURY'S OWN/ 2/23 RD BN. AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM " On metal oblong "9th DIVISION /EL ALAMEIN -TOBRUK- LAE/ SATELEBERG - TARAKAN"world war 11, 2/23rd battailon, albury's own -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncMemorabilia - 2/23rd Battalion logo transfer on card
Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. This 2/23rd Battalion Association transfer has been laminated and attached to a card. This logo became the colour patch for the unit after their service in Tobruk. Below colour patch "2/23rd BATTALION ASSOCIATION/ BOX 551D, G.P.O. MELBOURNE"world war 11, rats of tobruk, 2/23rd battalion -
Waverley RSL Sub BranchVietcong Flag Type 5
The National Liberation Front Flags 1955-1976 The Viet Cong, or National Liberation Front, was the patriot/rebel army based in South Vietnam that fought the South Vietnamese government and the supporting United States troops during the Vietnam War (1959-75). They fought mainly as guerrilla units and rarely as regular army units. They also provided a network of cadre who organized the peasants against the government in the territory they controlled. The Viet Cong were closely allied with the government of North Vietnam. The group was formed in the 1950s by former members of the Viet Minh acting on orders from Hanoi. They proved highly effective against both ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) and later against the better equipped American troops. There were at least four types of flags, probably more, seen being carried by the Viet Cong. Type #1 had a small yellow star centered over a red and blue striped background, Type #2 had a larger white star centered on the red and light-blue striped background, Type #3 had either a large or small yellow star centered on a red and white striped background, and Type #4 had three vertical stripes of red/white/red with a small gold star centered on the white stripe. Like the early flags of the American Revolution, most flags were hand-made and each flag was a little different. Some examples of these variant flags also had Vietnamese text added to them. http://www.loeser.us/flags/cold.html#vietnamCotton flag with a red upper half and bluish lower half An Orange star is in the centre. The flag is very water damaged with extensive fading of the colour. It was initially difficult to differentiate between a Type 1, Type 3 and Type 5 flag vietcong, flag, -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental CollectionPhotograph - Centurion at Buna Barracks
The first British designed and made Centurion tanks arrived in Australia in June 1952. The first tanks went to the 1st Armoured Regiment, but as more tanks became available armoured regiments of the Citizen Military Forces received replacements for their aging General Grant tanks. The Centurion was a great improvement on the Grant with a bigger gun and the ability to fire accurately while moving. Serving soldiers of regiments such as 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles were converted to the new tank and National Servicemen received full-time training while at Puckapunyal. In February 1968, C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment, equipped with Centurion tanks was sent to Vietnam. This tank No 169073 was one of the twenty tanks which served in Vietnam. There were many doubters about the likely usefulness of the Centurion in the jungle and paddy field environment of South Vietnam. How would this very large tank perform? No one needed to have worried. The tanks performed magnificently and were treasured by the infantry with whom they operated. ‘Tanks save lives’ was the catchcry. Several Reserve officers were attached to the Squadron in Vietnam including Colonel John Neale and Major Gordon Cole. Following the Australian withdrawal, the tanks were refurbished and issued to Army Reserve regiments for training. Our tank was allocated to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. Together with the tanks came a crop of Regular Army Cadre staff and training reached a new peak. When the Centurion was superseded by the Leopard surplus vehicles were allocated to museums and regimental collections as trophy vehicles. Black and white photograph of Centurion Tank No. 169073 at Buna Barracks, Albury, home of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 1988.centurion, tank, buna barracks, albury, vmr -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Photograph, Col Frank Pearson
Francis Charles Pearson was born on 23rd August 1913 in Ballarat. During the course of his long life -he died just before his 96th birthday - he was a successful businessman, notably in the field of air conditioning, as well as a world renown farmer noted for his cattle breeding methods. This was in addition to a meritorious military career. Frank Pearson enlisted as a 16 year old cadet in 6 Field Company, Australian Engineers on 29 Jan 1930., CSM in 1935, he transferred to 2 Field Coy RAE on 1 July 1936. Next, he joined the cadre of 2 AA Searchlight Coy, RAE and was commissioned on 14 Oct 1939. That unit became 53rd AA Coy, providing personnel for 1/54 AA Coy late in 1939. Lt Pearson was was 2IC at this time. When the unit was mobilised on 14 Sep 1940, T/Capt Pearson was appointed OC. Seconded to the AIF on 14 May 1941 he was appointed to raise A Squadron, 2/6 Armoured Regiment, and once that was done, he raised B Squadron. Promoted temporary Major in June 1942 he served with the regiment in Stuart tanks during the difficult operations around Cape Endaiadere and Buna from October 1942 until April 1943. After return to Australia the regiment waited in vain for further operational employment. Frank Pearson was demobilised on 23 October 1945. With the raising of the Citizen Military Forces in 1948, Major Pearson was appointed 2IC 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. On 1 January 1953 he assumed command of 4th/19th Prince of Walers's Light Horse Regiment, a post he held until the end of 1956. After service in more senior postings he retired with the rank of Colonel on 24 August 1964. From then until just a few years before his passing, Colonel Pearson remained actively involved in the life of his regiment. Following a couple of less successful attempts to do so, he was instrumental in establishing the regimental museum, these days the Unit History Room. Undaunted by a continuing sequence of changing venues it is to his credit that the history of the regiment is not only preserved but readily available to today's members of the unit and the general public. Coloured photo of Colonel Francis (Frank) Pearson OAM ED. Mounted in wooden frame.frank pearson, photographs
