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Framed photo of VVAA (Vic) Sub Branches assembly at The Shrine, Melbourne, in August 2016 at the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Historical record of some of the Vietnam Veteran Sub Branches in Victoria as at August 2016.

Framed photo of VVAA (Vic) Sub Branches assembled at The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 at the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Vietnam Veterans Day - 18th August 2016. 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veteran sub branch, long tan day

Framed photo of VVAA (Vic) Sub Branches assembly at The Shrine, Melbourne, in August 2016 at the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Historical record of some of the Vietnam Veteran Sub Branches in Victoria as at August 2016.

Framed photo of VVAA (Vic) Sub Branches assembled at The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 at the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Vietnam Veterans Day - 18th August 2016. 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veteran sub branch, long tan day

This item has been in use since WW2 and has been a critical tool of the Royal Australian Engineers and others in that time.

Given the wide range of uses of various gauges of wire to 'hold things together', and to repair maintain equipment, the wire cutter is of high significance as an important tool for a wide range of Service personnel but in particular, for engineers.

Iron wire cutter, suitable to cut up to a heavy gauge wire. The item unfolds for usage and folds up when resting.

D of D with small indecipherable markings.

vietnam, vietnam war, engineers, tools, equipment

Historical record of opportunity for National Servicemen to enter Officer Training.

Significant in respect of training opportunities for National Servicemen to escalate their rank whilst performing their National Service..

Paper booklet, one sheet, double sided of yellow paper with black text throughout.

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES sits below the Rising Sun logo; headline text is NATIONAL SERVICEMENT, OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE AS OFFICERS

diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, vietnam war, national service, officer training

An award illustrating that the Sub Branch demonstrates an interest in cadet programs at local schools.

The Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans has support and encouragement to students in the Diamond Valley region and this is substantiated by its assistance in the cadets program purchasing equipment.

Mahogany coloured wooden Appreciation Award; with school crest and motto ' adelis usque ad mortem' front and centre then a light metal plate on the base with engraving.

TO THE DVIETS IN APPRECIATION FOR YOUR SUPPORT MAY 2021

diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, ivanhoe grammar school, cadets

The wallet was issued to some Australian soldiers in Vietnam and its waterproof characteristic was essential in a very wet environment.

Significant to the soldier as it protected largely, irreplaceable documents and/or pictures.

Made of a flexible plastic material, colour is Olive Drab and has sufficient capacity to carry smaller documents and protect same from moisture.

Printed onto the item: V44/Made in Australia/1945/D, arrow upwards symbol D/F, arrow upwards 12.

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The miniture ribbon bar is generally worn at formal dress functions after 6.00 pm.

The ribbon bar is one of several awards to members of the Australian Defence Forces who served in the Vietnam war during the period 19620 to 1973.

Colours of the ribbon: (1) representing the flag of the Republic of Vietnam - three central pin stripes of red on a yellow background, and, (2) representing the Australian Army, Navy and Airforce - red, dark blue and light blue.

vietnam, vietnam war, awards, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

An Australian Government sponsored detailed description of the Battle of Fire Bases Coral/Balmoral - an important Australian battle in the Vietnam War.

A detailed but easy to read recount of a major Australian battle in the Vietnam War.

Thin book, very dark in color for front and back covers; front cover shows soldier on watch, back cover shows (in negative) two soldiers jumping into shallow dugout.

Vietnam 1968/The Battle of Fire Support Bases Coral/Balmoral.

vietnam, vietnam war, battle, coral/balmoral, diamond valley vietnam veterans, fire support base

The plaque is a clear indication of the respect and gratitude of members of Australian Armed Forces of the RAAMC who served with devotion during the Vietnam war.

The RAAMC teams saved many lives and mended many soldiers often working under difficult circumstances and with limited available timeframe to perform their duties.

Polished timber plaque with smaller shoulder flashes and badges of Royal Australian Army Medical Corp across the top of the plaque and then with larger shoulder epaulettes and uniform sew-on badge across the middle of the plaque.

In Regognition Of All The Doctors And Nurses That Served In Vietnam. They Fought To Save And cared For The Wounded.

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, medical, mackay vietnam veterans qld

Booklet detailed general information for US Forces in Vietnam and, often this information was imparted onto Australian Forces.

Some elements of the General Information form the conditions under which Australian Forces lived and served whilst in Vietnam.

Green light cardboard cover with black text and logos on front cover; a map showing Saigon and surrounds on back cover.

Three logos: Military Assistance Command, Vietnam; MAAG-Vietnam; U.S. Navy, Headquarters Support Activity, Saigon

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, us forces

Trenching tool was an intrinsic part of the soldiers kit in the field.

The tool was of vital assistance to the soldier in the field. Variously employed as a shovel or a pick to dig a trench, a toilet, drainage for rainwater, as a machete on occasions.

Wooden handle with metal blade and spike; blade and spike swiveled out to be used but folded for carry.

Some indecipherable markings but included a pointed arrow and some model or serial numbers.

vietnam, vietnam war, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

All seven items would have been used by Australian soldiers on a needs basis to keep their rifle in good working order.

Although all seven items may have been used only infrequently in the field, they were crucial to keeping the rifle in good working condition when needed and so were instrumental in maximising the safebeing of the soldier whilst also permitting him to carry out his duties.

All seven accessories required on a needs basis by soldiers to repair/maintain their L1A1 rifle.

vietnam, vietnam war, weapons, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The waterproof jack was an essential component of clothing during the monsoon weather so to protect the soldiers comfort and health.

The jacket provided protection and comfort during the daily downpours during the monsoon season.

Water resistant jacket, Size M, camouflage colouring.

Carry back shows the makers label. Additionally the label records the name and unit of a previous owner: Derek Welton, 1PL, HQ Coy.

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The back pack and webbing was the infantry soldiers 'house on feet'; whilst on patrol, he carried all that was required for days/weeks at a time with some re-supplies during the course of time sometimes; it was common practice to slide into the backpack whilst prone on the ground and then slowly turn and rise to standing as the most convenient of loading up.

Despite the effort required to patrol long distances with a heavy load, many soldiers had a close affinity with the backpack and webbing as it provided him with comefort and necessities during an Operation.

Standard issue of infantry back pack and webbing kit for carrying of day-to-day needs whist on patrol or other duties. Contents included, but not limited to (and In no particular order): food, clothing, cooking utensils, water, spare ammunition, arms, maintenance tools, hootchie/mosquito net, personal items, machete; six pieces in total.

Pic 01: Backpack Front Pic 02: Backpack Rear Pic 03: Belt with full compliments: ammunition pouch x 2, water bottle x 2, bumpack x 1 Pic 04: Bumpack in isolation

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

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 Vietnam

Plate describing donor; signatures of crew.

vietnam, vietnam war, helicopter, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Item has pictures of Long Tan and includes text describing in brief The Battle of Long Tan.

The Battle of Long Tan is generally recognised as Australia's major battle in the Vietnam War; the the lingering memory and conclusive evidence of the courage of the soldiers in the battle holds great reverence amongst Vietnam veterans.

Framed Presentation of the Long Tan story with 6 panels - 1 x text and 5 x photos - 2 x portrait, 3 x landscape

Text panel continues a brief introduction to the Long Tan story; 5 photos have short descriptive text

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The collage represents different elements of the Battle of Long Tan.

The Battle of Long Tan is generally recognised as Australia's major battle in the Vietnam War; the the lingering memory and conclusive evidence of the courage of the soldiers in the battle holds great reverence amongst Vietnam veterans.

Framed presentation of Long Tan story with 6 panels - 1 x text and 5 x photos - 4 x landscape, 1 x portrait

Text panel is a brief introduction of Long Tan story; 5 photos have short descriptive text.

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Comprehensive book about Australia's participation in the Vietnam war from the (then) South Vietnamese perspective. Also pays homage to the 521 Australian Soldiers killed in Vietnam during the war.

A significant and comprehensive description of gratitude from the (South) Vietnamese community in Victoria, Australia; detailing the 521 Australians killed whilst in Vietnam and the special place these soldiers hold in the hearts and minds of the local Vietnamese community.

Hardcover book

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Item is part of soldiers clothing kit and proudly identifies the wearer as 'Australian'.

As with all items of kit and clothing, these items can have lasting memories for the soldier.

Army shoulder attachment 'Australia' x three. Top two are identical: heavier duty material backing; silver text. 3rd is on a lighter duty material with gold text.

'Australia'.

diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, uniform

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Brian Rennie, Service No. 312641

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Kenneth Frank Mathieson, Service No. 37175

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Robert Tom Convery, Service No. 38627.

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran .

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Francis Lindsay Raffen, Service No. 4186

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

John Milton Rands, Service No. 2787069.

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Dennis Lindsay Brooks, Service No. 3787889

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Bryan Francis Fitzpatrick, Service No. A34167

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam Veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Robert Leo McNab, Service No. 39354

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran..

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.

Peter Raymond Gillson, Service No. 37857

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.

A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.

White cross with name and service number with a red poppy attached.

John Noel McCarthy, Service No. 3112702

vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch