Historical information

On 24 May, 1966, Private Errol Wayne Noack (Service no: 4717546) became the first Australian National Serviceman to be killed in the Vietnam War. Serving with the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, he was shot during Operation Hardihood, just 10 days after arriving in South Vietnam. His body was repatriated for a full military funeral and his death caused many protests in Australia.
This is part of a collection donated by Walter Noack (Errol's father) via Pte Grant Wynward Collins (Service no: 4717477) who was a good mate of Errol’s and with him at his death.

Physical description

A black and white photograph of Private Errol Noack in uniform in front of a garden. He has his hands behind his back and feet apart. This was taken on his last day in Adelaide before deployment. Top left corner on white reads Pte. Errol Noack - 24.5.1966. This photograph is mounted on black cardboard.

Inscriptions & markings

On the reverse reads: Arthur Stone, Victoria Hotel, Hindley St.