Vietnam War Archives - CONTACT magazine

Soldiers of the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, on parade with Army reconnaisance helicopters from 1st Aviation Regiment during the Battle of Binh Ba commemoration service held in Darwin. Story by Captain Nicholas Marquis. Photo by Corporal Madhur Chitnis.

Battalion marks Battle of Binh Ba anniversary

25/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 973 Views 0 Comments 1st Aviation Regiment, 5/7 RAR, Robertson Barracks, Vietnam War

Soldiers and officers of 5/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7RAR), commemorated the Battle of Binh Ba with a parade

From left, former crew members of Centurion 169041, Barry Hodges, Graham Munsell and Ray Arthur out the front of 1st Armoured Regiment at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph. Photo by Chris and Jan Fenton.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget

The story of Australia’s ‘atomic tank’

25/06/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1055 Views 2 Comments 1st Armoured Regiment, Centurian tank, RAAF Edinburgh, Vietnam War

It’s believed a Centurion tank sitting in front of the 1st Armoured Regiment is the only tank in the world

Fighterworld general manager, Air Commodore (retd) Jack Fanderlinden, right, listens as Wing Commander (retd) Hugh Holt recalls flying Hercules aircraft with him in 37 Squadron during the Vietnam War. Story by Flight Lieutenant Julia Ravell. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Fighter World recalls last RAAF boots on ground in Vietnam

08/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1156 Views 0 Comments Vietnam War

Only three RAAF aircraft were in Vietnam on Anzac Day 1975, just days before the Fall of Saigon. CAPTION: Fighterworld general

Lance Corporal (retd) Kevin Booth with his grandson Lieutenant Kaleb Booth, of the 10th Force Support Battalion, pose together after the Mandurah RSL parade. Story by Captain Joanne Leca.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Soldier returns home for Anzac Day

29/04/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 668 Views 0 Comments 10th Force Support Battalion, ANZAC Day, Vietnam War

On October 19, 1968, in the dense jungle of northern Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam, 2 Platoon had just set an

The replica Russian Mosin-Nagant sniper rifle on display during its unveiling at the Australian Army Museum of Military Engineering in Holsworthy. Story and photos by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

Australian Army History News Veterans

Tale of a sniper rifle has double-barrelled ending

21/01/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1494 Views 0 Comments 1RAR, Army Museum of Military Engineering, Bandiana, Holsworthy Barracks, Singleton, Vietnam War

Two Australian soldiers were killed and two wounded by sniper fire in the rice fields of Vietnam in January 1966.

Lieutenant Colonel Ben Watson appreciates a painting of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam with Veteran Dan Penman, right, at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. Photo by Private Andrew Shaw.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget

Important picture of courage and sacrifice

24/10/202426/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1259 Views 1 Comment 8th/9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Gallipoli Barracks, Vietnam War

Coinciding with its 50th anniversary, 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8/9RAR) has acquired the Bunker Assault painting, which marks

(L-R) Lieutenant Colonol Justin Meyer, Master Sergeant Emily Luzum, Debbie Wadwell and Group Captain Paul Jarvis with a shadow box for the Russell family, at RAAF Base Amberley, Qld. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photos by Corporal Brett Sherriff.

ADF People History

B-2 Spirit delivers important overseas mail

13/09/202415/09/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1149 Views 0 Comments No. 82 Wing, RAAF Amberley, RSL, US Air Force, Vietnam War, WWII

When sending important packages overseas, most people look for a fast and secure carrier – and no other provider can

Former Air Force Nursing Officer Val Lawrence, meets Warrant Officer Class One Darren Wasley at the War Veterans’ Home at Myrtle Bank in South Australia. Story by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel. Photos by Sergeant Murray Staff.

ADF People History Veterans

Nurse and rescued orphan meet 50 years on

16/07/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2443 Views 0 Comments Service Nurses, Vietnam War

After decades of war and with the imminent fall of Saigon in 1975, a humanitarian crisis was unfolding in South

Singer-guitarist Bill Waterhouse performs at the Majors Creek Anzac Day service. Story and photos by Corporal Luke Bellman.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Honouring shared history among the magpies – Anzac Day

02/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 830 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Vietnam War, WWI

The warble of magpies and chuckling of kookaburras filled the country air at Majors Creek as residents marched behind Australian

From left, Officer Commanding 17th Construction Squadron Major Lincoln Barbare, flag orderly Sapper Jack Miles, Major General Stephen Day and Squadron Sergeant Major 17th Construction Squadron Warrant Officer Class Two Taj Whelan with the returned flag at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Captain Evita Ryan. Photo by Warrant Officer Class Two Kim Allen.

Australian Army History News

Flag flies again after 55 years

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1427 Views 0 Comments 17th Construction Squadron, Vietnam War

Fifty-five years after a 17th Construction Squadron flag supposedly ‘blew off’ a flag pole in Nui Dat, at the 1st

Aunty Rubena and Uncle Gorge Anderson visit the RAAF Security and Fire School Headquarters at RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks.

ADF People History Veterans

Uncle George remembers

20/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2027 Views 0 Comments Indigenous, RAAF Amberley, Vietnam War

It was a visit to remember for Indigenous Elder Uncle George Anderson, as he took part in the Commanding Officer

Major Mark Moloney (retd) received a Medal for Gallantry on September 12, 2023 for his actions under hazardous conditions in Vietnam at the 'Battle of the Bunkers', on February 7, 1968. Story and photo by Private Nicholas Marquis.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Veterans

Veteran finally recognised for ‘battle of the bunkers’

22/09/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2073 Views 0 Comments 7th Battalion RAR, Vietnam War

Under intense gun fire and with 27 shrapnel wounds from exploding rocket-propelled grenades in his back, Major Mark Moloney (retd)

Flight Lieutenant Garry Cooper (retd) during the Vietnam War in front of a US Air Force O-1 Bird Dog. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks.

ADF People History Veterans

A historic bird: flying with a Vietnam War pilot

11/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2936 Views 0 Comments AWM, Forward Air Controllers, US Army, Vietnam War

The South Vietnamese sky was a smoky orange as dusk approached in July of 1968. The buzz of a United

Soldiers of 6RAR and members of the Long Tan Veterans Association light a candle during the Battle of Long Tan service held at St John's Cathedral. Story and photo by Captain Cody Tsaousis.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News Veterans

Mutual appreciation by young and old on Long Tan Day

23/08/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1654 Views 0 Comments 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Gallipoli Barracks, Long Tan Day, Vietnam War

Soldiers of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), joined Vietnam War veterans to commemorate Long Tan Day in Brisbane on

"OPERATION TANAGER" PIC BY CPL JASON WEEDING PIPERS AND SOLDIERS OF 6RAR PARADE BEFORE A REPLICA CROSS OF THE ONE USED IN THE 1969 VIETNAM SERVICE AS THEY AWAIT THE START OF THE LONG TAN DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE HELD NEAR BALIBO, EAST TIMOR. THE PARADE CONFIGURATION RE-ENACTS THAT OF THE ORIGINAL.

News Veterans

60th anniversary of Vietnam War

17/08/2022 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2785 Views 1 Comment Vietnam War

Tomorrow, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Australia will pause to recognise the men and women who served in the Vietnam War,

National President of the AATTV Association Colonel (retd) Kerry Gallagher, left, and President of RSL Queensland Major General Stephen Day unveil the Operation Reunite memorial at Kokoda Barracks. Story by Captain Ashlea Tighe. Photo by Signals Christopher Kingston.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget News

Marking 60th anniversary of AATTV

12/08/202214/08/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 3128 Views 0 Comments AATTV, Kokoda Barracks, Victoria Cross, Vietnam War

One of the most highly decorated units of the Vietnam War celebrated the 60th anniversary of its formation with a

Air Force aviators form a guard of honour for Air Commodore (retd) Lyall Klaffer at his funeral service in Adelaide. Story by Flight Lieutenant Nat Giles. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Sam Price.

ADF People History

Distinguished fighter pilot farewelled

10/12/202117/12/2021 Posted by Mike Hughes 1802 Views 0 Comments Korean War, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No. 75 Squadron, No. 77 Squadron, Vietnam War

Former fighter pilot Air Commodore (retd) Lyall Klaffer, who achieved several firsts in the Royal Australian Air Force, was farewelled

Ian cavanough – Vietnam War emotions buried deep

CONTACT BLOG SPOT Ian Cavanough

Chapter 47: May I be a little self indulgent?

19/05/201822/01/2023 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3605 Views 2 Comments NVA, Phuoc Tuy, VC, Vietnam War

Six months ago I decided to put pen to paper, so to speak, to write about my experiences as a

Some of the hundreds of attendees at the Vietnam Veteran's Day service on Anzac Parade.

Australian Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Veterans

Service for Coral and Balmoral 50th anniversary

10/05/2018 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2942 Views 0 Comments Fire Support Base Balmoral, Fire Support Base Coral, Vietnam War

Veterans and supporters will gather in Canberra on Sunday to attend a national service to recognise the 50th anniversary of