non-fictionCreated for the family reunion of the Smethurst family in 1986smethurst family

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 Maj Neville Smethurst MBE 2IC of the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1970-1971) at Ambassador Harry's residence in Saigon. Maj Smethurst has just refused to accept the presentation of the "Polar Medal" from the Ambassador, telling him he was going to receive it back in Australia with his wife and family present. The Ambassador conceded and the medal was put away. Maj. Smethurst then told of his experiences on Antarctia to the assembled embassy officials, while enjoying some champagne cocktails with some delicious "finger food". After spending a pleasant night in Saigon Maj Smethurst returned to Nui Dat.photograph, nui dat, saigon, ambassador harry, maj neville smethurst, gibbons collection catalogue, polar medal, mbe, member of the order of the british empire, 7th battalion, royal australian regiment, 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 Maj Neville Smethurst MBE 2IC 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1970-1971) at Ambassador Harry's residence in Saigon. Maj Smethurst has just refused to accept the presentation of the "Polar Medal" from the Ambassador, telling him he was going to receive it back in Australia with his wife and family present. The ambassador conceded and the medal was put away. Maj Smethurst then told of his experiences in Antartica to the assembled embassy officials, whie enjoying some chanpagne cocktails.photograph, saigon, 7 rar, maj neville smethurst, polar medal, ambassador harry, gibbons collection catalogue, mbe, member of the order of the british empire, royal australian regiment, denis gibbons