What I thought I knew about the Viet Nam War didn't even come close to scratching the surface of what the Viet Nam experiece really was all about for my father (Gary McKay) and his fellow veterans... After going to Viet Nam with hem, I felt I finally understood him a little better. (this is by Kelly McKay) 1961-1975 -- vietnam, southern -- battefields, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- personal narratives, australian, veterans -- travel -- australia -- vietnam, gary mckay, 2lt tim fischer, 1 rar

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 1st ATF Artillery Intelligence Officer Sgt Paul Butcher (from Doncaster, Vic) watched by Capt Tony Easton (from Kirribilli, NSW) pound a stake into an impact area of a NVA/VietCong 107mm rocket after an overnight attack by enemy gunners on the 1st ATF Base (29th March 1969).photograph, sgt paul butcher, capt tony eaton, 1st atf base, artillery intelligence officer, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, 107mm rocket, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

In the Vietnam conflict, Australian troops used these multi-purpose ropes to aid travel in the jungle at night or when crossing rivers, to join together with poles as stretchers, and to secure prisoners.Dark green rope assembly: single leg, cotton/jute. Rope is coiled with a loop at each end. Single loop at one end and a double loop at the other end.vietnam, toggle rope, military equipment, rope

This airline ticket is typical of those issued to Australian Defence Force personnel traveling to Vietnam. This particular item was issued to Corporal Peter Stanley Sims, Service no: 44304, who served in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) from24 September 1969 until 24 September 1970. Printed Qantas ticket and foolscap information sheet. Yellowed paper with red printing on the front of the ticket and black printing on the bottom half of the reverse. The information paper is yellowed with age and printed in black. There are 6 paragraphs detailing instructions for the armed forces when arriving in Vietnam.Qantas/charter passenger ticket and baggage check. In blue pen on the back "Tong Doe Phuory Cholou" handwritten.airline ticket, qantas, information page, traveling to vietnam, peter sims oam jp, nvvm

The Huey (Iraquois) helicopter was the major travel mode for Australian troops during the Vietnam War.Troops in the Vietnam War relied heavily upon the Huey helicopters and their crews for transport, resupply, medivacs of the wounded or killed and fire support.Framed picture of Huey helicopter flying over South VietnamPlate describing donor; signatures of crew.vietnam, vietnam war, helicopter, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

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 drilling for water at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phouc tuy Province. The Engineers prepared to install sealed water pipes to carry ground water to the base water purification works, already under construction. (Circa November 1966)photograph, 1st atf base, engineers, 17 const sqn, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, 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 the 1st Australian Task force Commander (Aug 1969 - Jun 1970). Brigadier Stewart Weir MC (centre of the group) inspects a new bridge built by Australian Engineers from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, South Vietnam.photograph, brig stewart weir, engineers, 1st atf base, nui dat, 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 Lt Phil Hills and his team driving a landrover towing a mist generator to decontaminate the village of Long Dien, Phouc Tuy Province. A severe outbreak of Dengue Fever had occurred in the village and the Province Chief had requested assistance.photograph, lt phil hills, 1st australian field hygiene unit, long dien village, phuoc tuy province, dengue fever, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, province chief

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 United States Army Chinook medium helicopters wait on Kanga pad at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, to move an artillery battery to form an operartional fire support base. Each Chinook was able to move one full detachment. (Circa June 1967)photograph, kanga pad, 1 atf base, chinook, united states. army, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base, 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 Sergeant D.N. Cook, Assault Pioneer Sergeant Support Company 4th Battalion/New Zealand (ANZAC) (June 1968 - May 1969). Sgt Cook is the only man in the Australian Army allowed to grow a beard, granted by Lord D'Isle when he presented 4 RAR/NZ with their colours.photograph, 4 rar nz, lord d'isle, gibbons collection catalogue, assault pioneer sergeant, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, sgt d.n. cook, 4th battalion, 4 rar/nz (anzac)

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 gun crew member of the 103 Battery, reseting his gun during a fire mission in support of infantry operating on a search and destroy mission, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam (Circa 1967). The digger is wearing ear plugs for protection against the sound of the gun.photograph, artillery, 103 battery, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, photographer, vietnam war, 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 platoon commander with 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, radioing map reference corrections to the forward artillery observer attached to his company Headquarters, NVA/VietCcong, during a search and destroy mission.photograph, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, platoon commander, search and destroy mission

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 of 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment watching as the courtiers of 'King Neptune' during the 'crossing of the line' ceremony on board the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney taking the 9RAR for service in Vietnam, and move in procession to the 'King's Throne'.photograph, 9th battalion, 9 rar, vung tau ferry, hmas sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, kings throne

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 young Vietnamese girl prepares a pineapple for a serviceman on the sand at Back Beach, Vung Tau. The young girls carried two large baskets, on a pile of pineapples, which were very heavy for such a small slip of a girl.photograph, back beach, vung tau, vietnamese children, 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 Gunners of 101 Battery, 1st Australian Field Regt RAA at Fire Support Base "Baton", east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam. They are softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry Units heliborn assault against the NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion. (Circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base baton, nva/vc, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, gunners

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 Sergeant Fred J Roberts 22, Nowra, NSW, of 3rd Special Air Service (SAS) Squadron 1st Australian Task Force Base. At the time he was advised of his receipt of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). Sergeant Roberts, was married with one daughter.photograph, sgt fred roberts, 3rd special air service squadron, 1st atf base, distinguished conduct medal, 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 musicians at the official Sep-Oct 67 Melbourne Concert Party: John Farrar, Douglas Owen, Peter Robinson, Grahame Thompson and Terrence Walker entertain the Diggers from the newly erected entertainment facility, the Luscombe Bowl at 1st ATF, Nui Dat.photograph, musicians, melbourne concert party, john farrar, douglas owen, peter robinson, grahame thompson, terrence walker, 1st atf base, nui dat, luscombe bowl, entertainers, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, 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 French Renault 8 taxi operating in Saigon. These little cars were the backbone of the Vietnamese taxi fleet. They would be in varying degrees of maintenance and it was not uncommon to get into one to find a great gaping hole beneath your feet.photograph, renault 8, taxi, saigon, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, 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 American 7th Fleet Battleship, the USS New Jersey operating on the "Gunline", Tonkin Gulf, North Vietnam. During 'Operation Sea Dragon' they open fire on land targets thirty miles inside North Vietnam. The one (1) ton shells had a special 'rocket assist'.photograph, us 7th fleet, uss new jersey, tonkin gulf, gunline, operation sea dragon, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, north vietnam

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 American aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, on station with the U.S. 7th Fleet in the Tonkin Gulf, North Vietnam. Aircraft from the carrier maintained round the clock bombing raids on North Vietnam.photograph, uss enterprise, tonkin gulf, aircraft carrier, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, u.s. 7th fleet, bombing raids, north vietnam

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 Australian Army Landing Craft the Vernon Sturdie or 'The Ace of Spades' as it makes its way up the Mekong River towards Long Binh to deliver American tanks to the Vietnamese Army. The Ace of Spades worked extensively in the Mekong Delta area.photograph, landing craft vernon sturdie, the ace of spades, mekong delta, long binh, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, vietnamese army

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 photograpf of two of the three Dunne brothers in service, one in the RAN and one in the Army meet on the deck of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydneygibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, dunne brothers, royal australian navy, australian army, vung tau ferry, hmas sydney

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 digger at 103 Battery Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, July 1966. He fires a 105mm Italian Pack Howitzer during a fire mission from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.photograph, artillery, 103 battery, phuoc tuy province, 105mm howitzer, 1st atf base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, digger

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 Province, South Vietnam, July 1966. Diggers at 103 Battery load a 105mm Italian Pack Howitzer during a fire mission from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.photograph, artillery, phuoc tuy province, nui dat, 103 battery, 105mm howitzer, 1st atf base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers

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 Corporal teacher/linguist with the 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit, conducting a class in English for Vietnamese girls who are hoping to get work at Australian and American Military Bases. The classes were conducted at the Phuoc Tuy Province capital of Baria.photograph, 1st australian civil affairs unit, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, baria, vietnamese linguist, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, vietnamese girls, american military

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 Australian Army Landing Craft 'Vernon Sturdie' moving into the congested Saigon-Long Binh dock to unload American tanks and other vital war equipment for the South Vietnamese Army. The docks area was constantly cluttered with shipping unloading war materials.photograph, australialanding craft vernon sturdie, saigon, long binh, south vietnam army, 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 an Indonesian Naval training ship, cutting across the bow of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney as she moves through the Sunda Strait on the way to taking 9th Battalion to Vietnam. The sailing vessel repeatedly cut back and forth across the Sydney's bow.photograph, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, sundra strait, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, indonesian naval training ship

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 fully laden Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney containing 9RAR vehicles and equipment, making way towards Vung Tau, South Vietnam for a battalion change over and to deliver much needed war supplies to the Australian Force, Vietnam.photograph, vung tau ferry, hmas sydeny, 9 rar, vung tau, australian force vietnam, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war