From the Swainston Collection, a set of documents and medals from a National Serviceman. The Australian Defence Medal recognises Australian Defence Force personnel who have completed either an enlistment period or four years service after 3 September 1945.

This is an example of the Australian Defence Medal for which all Vietnam veterans were eligible.

Cupro-nickel Australian Defence Medal plus miniature of same, attached to red and white striped ribbons with black edges to represent the colours of the Flanders poppy, symbol of the Anzac spirit. Three red stripes signify Army, Air Force, Navy. Striped ribbon bar with pins forms part of set. Covering letter addressed to N E Swainston, dated '27 April 2011'. The information card about symbolism of medal and original hard black case complete the set. Front shows Commonwealth Coat of Arms surrounded by the words 'THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL'. Reverse bears "FOR SERVICE' plus Crown of St Edward within a wattle wreath.

'3801127 N E SWAINSTON' engraved around bottom edge of large medal.

medal, defence medal, honours

Part of the Neil Ernest Swainston Collection, a set of National Service Documents from call-up notice to Certificate of Discharge.

Pocket books such as this were in use for the entire Vietnam War. This is an example of the documentation provided to all conscripted soldiers.

This soft-covered yellow pocket book is an example of those issued to all National Servicemen sent to Vietnam. Thirty-six pages long, this 3rd edition was published in June 1969 by the Commonwealth of Australia. Contents cover general information such as an overview of the organisation of the Army; details about training, transfers and conditions of service; guidance about military courtesy, dress, writing home and badges of rank.

national service, army, conscription, vietnam war

Bought by Phil Rogers, Australian Army no. 2790936 during his time of service in South Vietnam (1969-1970) to celebrate the birth of his son.

Donated to the museum by the serviceman himself. This commemorative jacket demonstrates the poignant personal sacrifices made by those in service as significant family events continue at home in their absence.

Child's bomber-style jacket made of khaki camouflage print polyester, hand embroidered. Purchased in South Vietnam in 1969 by Phil Rogers, Army No:2790936, B Company 6 RAR, and posted home on the birth of his son Brett 31/08/1969.

Back: My daddy is in Vietnam. Vung Tau, 69-70, Viet Nam plus a labelled map of Vietnam. Sleeves: Golden dragons Front: Tiger's head, Crossed South Vietnam flag and USA flag.

commemorative clothing, children, family, vietnamese craft

This is a diorama of the U.S. 29th infantry taking fire near a bunker complex near the Cambodian border during the Vietnam War.

A diorama of the U.S. 29th Infantry taking fire near a bunker complex near the Cambodian border.

display equipment, models

The Bell Sioux was used as one of the primary equipment of the 161 Reconnaissance flight. Every major Australian unit in Vietnam would have utilised their services.

The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine light observation helicopter made by Bell Helicopters.

This helicopter includes a full set of Australian Army insignia and carries the A.A. Serial No. A1-406.

military equipment, helicopters

Between 1951 and 1956 the Canberra Bomber was used for high altitude, high speed, tactical research. It was flown consistently for twenty years by the RAAF and was used in the Indonesian confrontation and the Vietnam War.

The bomber being restored is the oldest surviving complete Canberra. This plane flew continually from 1951—1973 and was used in both Malaya and Vietnam. It is one of three bombers bought from England before production began at the Government Aircraft Factory at Fisherman's Bend. The plane has the oldest known Rolls Royce Avon engine, being serial number 2.

The Canberra is a first-generation jet-powered light bomber which could fly at a higher altitude than previous bombers. It was Australia's first jet bomber. The plane is undergoing restoration at the museum.

Serial No. A84-307

aircraft, bomber

Between 1965 & 1972, twenty-year-old Australian males had to register for National Service. The ballot was held twice a year and the marbles, which bear numbers that represented birth dates, were used in a barrel to determine who would be called up. The stick was pushed into the barrel and whichever ball lodged in the head of the stick was drawn. Men born on that date were thereby called up for National Service.

National Service was a hotly debated issue. These ballot balls were the items at the centre of the argument. The peace movement in Australia was opposed not only to Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, but also to conscription of young men into national Service.

The cabinet contains the stick and some of the marbles that were used in selecting birth dates to decide who would be called up for National Service from 1965 to 1972.

national service, ballot, conscription

The Wessex was used between 1964 and 1984 by the Australian Navy in Australia and Oceania.

Manufactured in Britain from a USA design, the Wessex was jet powered (Napier Gazelle), a multi-role helicopter used in air sea rescue, anti-submarine, ambulance, troop and freight carrying. Dependent on the mission profile, the aircraft carried a crew from three to five including two pilots.

Includes a full set of Royal Australian Navy insignia and carries the Serial No. N7-221 and Navy Side No. 31.

helicopters, military equipment

There were hundreds of kilometers of tunnels and the Viet Cong used them for living and sleeping quarters, hospitals, arms factories and storage depots.

Diorama of Viet Cong tunnel system over four levels in cut away aspect

Brass plaque - Manufactured by members of the North West Sub Branch Education Team. P. Austin, J. Forster, M. Zukowski, G .O'Donovan. Presented to the VVAA Museum by the members of the North West Sub Branch, Melbourne. Vietnam Veteran's Association of Australia.

diorama, tunnels, tunnel rats, viet cong, cu chi

After 2 years of negotiation between VVAA Representatives and the US Army, the Huey Cobra has landed in Melbourne. The exercise needed the support of our local Member, Mr. Greg Hunt, to ‘clear the way ‘ through the Customs and GST minefield. The helicopter, valued at $7.9 million is complete with full armaments and was brought to Museum standard while ensuring that no weaponry could ever be reactivated. The Museum paid for the helicopter to be ‘brought to museum standard’. This meant in part that the weaponry was rendered innocuous and various structural members were weakened to ensure that the craft would never fly again. Fortunately the alterations are not apparent to the display, and while there are two other Cobras in Australia, this is the only one with full armament.

A heavily armed ground attack helicopter used by the U.S. Army in Vietnam to support Australian & U.S. army ground operations. In addition to the M197 three barreled 20mm gatling gun, it carried eight anti-armour missiles and forty eight 2.75mm unguided air to ground rockets. This particular aircraft served in Vietnam from 1968 until 1971 and was damaged twice in combat.

The aircraft is currently finished in a low visibility all-over mid green which includes the full US Army insignia and carries the Serial No. 69-15092

helicopters, bell, weaponry, cobra, us military equipment, gunship