Historical information

Local tailors made these jackets with variations of the city name on the back: Vung Tau, Saigon, Vietnam. This item was purchased and worn by Lance-Corporal Ronald J Stibbe of the Royal Australian Engineers, who served in 1st Field Squadron in Vietnam from 21 Oct 1966 until 10 Oct 1967.

Physical description

Black cotton souvenir jacket with collar and front zip closure. On the back is a map of Vietnam with cities labelled, all in coloured embroidery. Above and below the map is white lettering. The upper sleeves of the jacket are embroidered with a dragon, whilst the front of the jacket features an embroidered tiger head and good luck symbol. It is lined with white silk.

Inscriptions & markings

Adhesive tag "RJ Stibbe" Embroidered On back -
'WHEN I DIE I'LL GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE / I'VE SPENT MY TIME IN HELL / SAIGON'. Below the map embroidered in white the lettering, 'VIET NAM - 66 67'.