A poster information board, white text on black, for cartoon in 5RAR display.

On the 4th May 1966, the majority of 5RAR C Company (1st tour) arrived at Vung Tau South Vietnam on board the converted aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, The following day they were ferried ashore on American landing crafts. As they approached the beach, they heard an order that has remained with them until this day. "Fix Bayonets!" Had Vung Tau been over-run by Viet Cong? Should we put a round up the spout? Then again, did we even have a round to put up the spout? Q-Sgt Bob Trenear heard the order with dismay and stated "Fix Bayonets, bloody hell I packed mine in the bottom of my pack!" This was supposed to be a secured area. The Americans (who were working on the beach) thought it a great joke with comments such as "Put those pig stickers away before you hurt yourselves". Unfortunately, this isn't the original cartoon. However Richard Martin created a new one in 2012 and donated it to the Company's Mushroom Club. The original cartoon was published in an Australian newspaper in 1966. As this is a part of the Company's history it would be great appreciated if anyone having information or an image of the original cartoon to contact the 5RAR Association through their Website www.5rar.asn.au

5 rar association, cartoon, poster, information board, vung tau, hmas sydney, sgt bob trenear, bayonet, richard martin