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55041 Jeffrey Ronald WILLIAMS
HQ 1 ATF 14 May 66 to 13 Feb 67
Passed away Friday 9 July 2010

LEST WE FORGET 

Note: All reunion details have been moved to the events page


MEDALS FOUND
I am involved with the Moama R&SL Sub-Branch.
We have had a set of Medals handed in and would like to have them returned to the their owner or a family member.
Medals awarded to 2410458 Bruce Ernest Brown
2 Tpt Pl Vietnam 10 Oct 67 to 20 May 68.
If you can assist.
Contact Terry Veness 03 54809293 or Email: Tveness@bigpond.net.au

LOOKING FOR A MEMBER
Trying to track down one your Corps members, Phil BERTUCH (3798322 Vietnam 1971).
Phil was the inaugural president of VVAA Vic, and I would like to involve him in our 25th Anniversary activities this year.
Last heard of in QLD.
Perhaps the old boy RAASC network can trach him down.
If so, the message is please contact Bob Elworthy 0402106262 or email: sthelena@bigpond.com 
re VVAA Victoria activities this year.
Regards and thanks Bob Elworthy

MEMBERS GONE WALKABOUTS

Do you know the whereabouts of the following members:

HARVEY  Keith & Suzanne Det 1 Comm Z Postal 70/71 ex 1 Sun Court BANKSIA BEACH, QLD 4507

Please contact Rob Lowe Email: relowe@iprimus.com.au

URGENT HELP REQUIRED WITH A DVA CLAIM

Seeking 32709 Albert Donald GRIFFITHS ex HQ AFV Sep 71 to Dec 71.
Urgent contact requested to assist RAASC veteran in a disability claim to DVA.
Please contact Peter LANGFORD Email: peterlangford@internode.on.net

Urgently seeking 2787251 Thomas Benjamin MULLEY RAASC RAASC
HQ AFV Jan 68 to Jan 69.
Tom was driving the bus when VC came alongside on a motorcycle and attached a leather attache case full of explosives to a window
of the bus.  The device was dislodged from the window by WO2 Don ANDREWS and rendered inactive by hiting the road.
Tom's assistance is required in a disability claim to DVA by an Australian soldier who was a passenger on the bus - the incident
occured on 12 November 1968.  Please contact the association Secretary Paul CURRAN
on (03) 97203860 - or email raascvva@eftel.net.au 


86 Transport Vietnam Reunion Geelong 2010
 
After a very successful 2008 Fremantle, the 2010 Geelong Reunion has been planned and organised.
We have had a large response to our Registrations however there are still some members that have not indicated their attendance or not.
The organising Committee need to know from those members not yet registered of their intention to attend or not.
This is required to enable us to finalise bookings for caterers, accommodations, transport and merchandising issues.
If you have misplaced the registration Form then another can be gained from the website
at www.86transport.org or email the Secretary at rob.bradbery.86tpt.reunion2010@gmail.com
The Reunion Committee has worked hard to prepare a memorable Reunion not to be missed!

Tour to China in May 2010

After the great success of the Grocers and Gunners tour to Vietnam in August, Phil Brookes (HQ AFV 68/69)
is leading a tour to China in May 2010.
This tour coincides with world expo in Shanghai.
The tour is fully inclusive and escorted and five star all the way.
You will visit Shanghai, Xian (terracotta Warriors, Beijing and fascinating Yunnan Province bordering Vietnam and Burma.
Also included is a five day cruise on the Yangtze River.
For further details see the November 2009 newsletter or contact Phil on 0418 719 166 or email brookes1@bigpond.net.au
An article on the Grocers and Gunners tour is in the November newsletter.

DVA CLAIM ASSISTANCE
Urgent Help Required

SEARCHING FOR VIETNAM POSTIES.
My name is Tony Loorham and I served with 1st Communication Zone Postal 
Unit in Saigon and Tan Son Nhut air base during the period of July 1971 
to Dec 1971. During that time I was involved in several incidents and I 
need help to convince the DVA that they occurred.
If there are any former 1 comm z posties/drivers who served in Saigon/Tan Son Nhut at 
that time could they please contact me via email or phone 03 5871 2242
any contact would be greatly appreciated.
Regards Tony

LOOKINF FOR A MATE

I am looking for a mate, Wayne Haines (hope the spelling is correct).
I last saw him in Randwick, he was with 88 Tpt Pl in 1970 but was sometimes attached
to 101 Transport.  He was from South Australia originally, I am note sure if he went to
Vietnam but would appreciate any information on him.
Please contact me Eamon Tansey Email

DVA CLAIM ASSISTANCE
Urgent Help Required

Frank Storer
85/86 transport Pl. April to November 1971.
Seeks witnesses to truck accident where engineers tarred the road and truck skidded hitting a large rock resulting 2 soldiers being thrown out of the cabin,
one suffered back injuries the other head and suspected internal injuries, this occurred North of the Binh Bah rubber plantation.
 
   Cpl King radioed Sgt Foreman to call for the medevac which he did - then he threw purple smoke to ID location,
CPL Kings radio call sign was seven four.
  Frank can not recall the exact date, therefore needs assistance in DVA claim to back up the event,
any witnesses to please ring Frank on 0358662950 or email leigh@japada.com.au

ANOTHER MATE LOCATED
Well done to all.
Peter Thomas

Looking for mate

18892 SGT Robin Andrew MOULE
Vietnam Service

Australian Force Vietnam Cash Office 
 21/05/1968  04/06/1969 
 
Visits
 29/10/1969 - 05/11/1969  
11/02/1970 - 21/02/1970 
 09/04/1970 - 16/04/1970  
 05/11/1970 - 10/11/1970 
07/04/1971 - 31/12/1971

 Rob took a commission and retired as a Major.
xxxxxxxxxx
Good Afternoon, my name is Peter Thomas
 
During the period 1972 to 1974, I served with 28 ANZUK Brigade HQ & Signal Squadron along with Rob.
I was in the British Royal Signals and we shared an office with a NZ Sergeant.
We had some really good times.   Since leaving in 1974 to return to the UK, I have lost touch with him.
I know he was married and had two children.   We would both be in our mid 20,s.
 
My son now lives in New Zealand and we are planning to visit there in January next year for a couple of months.
If I remember, his home town is/was Wallangarra in Queensland and in terms of distance a damn sight nearer than here!?
I would be really grateful if your association could help me to trace him so we can make arrangements to visit if that is possible.
 
Many thanks in anticipation 
 
Best regards Peter
 
(23986773 Sergeant P THOMAS. Royal Corps of Signals. Retd)

Email: Peter Thomas


Assistance with Book

By way of introduction my name is Barry Hampson. 
 
Recently I started researching each of the 521 Australian Service personnel (as recorded on the Australian War Memorial Honour Roll)
has having lost their lives in the Vietnam War, in the hope of one day of producing a book documenting and honouring their lives
and service in Vietnam, to try and ensure that generations will remember them.
 
I am writing to you in the hope that may be able to assist me, by possible advertising on your website and pass my details to your members
via the old boy network about what I am doing and that I would like to interview anyone who served with any of the
521 Australia’s who lost their lives in the conflict.
 
To give you a bit of my background, when I initially joining the Army in 1980, most of my all my Corporals, Sergeants,
etc were Vietnam veterans and also my father is a Vietnam veteran; as such I hold those  who have served in Vietnam with the utmost respect.
 
I am happy to discuss my research and my plans for the possible book with you at anytime, my  mobile number is 0424 750 943.
If you are happy to talk to me please email me back and I will ring you.
 
You can contact Rod White, of the 3RAR Association in NSW, rdw1788@gmail.com 
40 Gilroy Road Turramurra Sydney NSW 2074 – to confirm who I am and my research, if necessary.
 
Thanking you in advance, hope to hear from you soon.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Barry

Email: bazz662@bigpond.com
 
website: www.barryhampson.com

Barry has had a computer problem/set back and if you have sent him an email would
you please re-send it to him again as all emails he had stored have been lost.


Vietnam Veteran Education Team

This is a team of dedicated veterans who travel Victoria talking to school students about Vitenam, their experiences,
and the futility of war.  As part of the talks and displays, memorabilia is used, and to this end we are looking for
genuine items for display.  The items can either be donated or placed on loan to the team.
Please contact the Webmaster if you require further details. Email
Visit the website at: www.vicnet.net.au/~vvaaeduc

LOOKING FOR VETERAN

Would anyone having knowledge of the following person contact Bill Kidd on jfkwheels@hotmail.com
or in turn have the person contact me direct;
 
2782340 John Lewis Williams
Army Catering Corps
85 Transport Platoon Vung Tau and HQ 1st Logistic Support Group Vung Tau
16/04/67 - 02/04/68.
 
I have not had contact with JW since Anzac Day 1968 and would like to catch up with him as would a
number of other Detachment 86 Transport Platoon chaps.
 
Kindest Regards
Bill Kidd
former T/Corp Detachment 86 Transport Platoon 1967-68 

LOOKING FOR MATES
  
55709 Graeme Park
86 Tpt Pl 13 Jan 70 to 14 Jan 71

My name is Mrs Kylie Wood. I am one of Graeme's daughters.
I am currently trying to organize his 60th birthday for 2010.
My father has not had the easiest of times since Vietnam including recently having multiple heart attacks,
many knee problems, ankles, not to mention as I am
sure many have many depression issues. 
 
I would like to give him the greatest party he will remember and show him how much people admire and care about him.
If you know of anywhere that I can get information in regards to the 86th transport platoon
and anyone who was there with him I would be
Eternally gratefull!!!
 
Kind Regards
Kylie Wood
If anyone out there knows Graeme please contact Kylie Email: woodywoodz@bigpond.com 


Army Museum Bandiana 

I am the Registrar of the Army Museum Bandiana and fellow Vietnam Veteran (2 AOD 69-70 & 71-72).
The Army Museum Bandiana is the home of the RAASC/RACT collection and as such we are looking for photos
of vehicles being used in Vietnam.
I have located one photo of the Mk 5 Compactus by Raymond Norman Power on the Australian War Memorial web site
but the quality is poor.
Could you please ask your members if they have any photos or memorabilia that they are willing to donate to the Museum,
in particular the MK 5 Garbage truck.
If members don't wish to donate photos, could we borrow them for copying and then return them to members.
 
Regards
Kym Lambert Email:kym.lambert@defence.gov.au

Posted 19 Mar 09

Grocers and Gunners Vietnam tour in August 2009

Phil Brookes, ex RAASC (HQ AFV 68/69),RAAOC and a member of our Association,
is leading a tour to Vietnam in August 2009.
This tour is four/five star all the way, fully escorted and all inclusive.
A highlight will be the visit to Long Tan on Vietnam Veterans Day.
Bookings are filling and there are around 10 places left.
Detailed information is contained in the February issue of Playtime.
Contact Phil for further information email brookes1@bigpond.net.au phone 07 33412 732 or mobile 0418 719 166.

New book based on Australians in Vung Tau in the mid 1960s - early 1970s

A new book on the Australian involvement in Vietnam - from an unusual angle - surfing.
"Charlie Don't Surf, But Aussies Do " by Stuart Scott.  ($30 plus $5 postage).
If you ever saw Vung Tau, 1ALSG, the Peter Badcoe Club or the back beach, then there might be something in this for you.
Some great photos and interesting stories on the Badcoe Club etc from a surfing perspective and about life at
Vung Tau for those posted there of just visiting.

See the web site at www.charliedontsurf.com.au 

For details, email: charliedontsurf@y7mail.com 


BOOK ABOUT VEHICLES & ARTILLERY

My name is Mike Cecil, and I'm Head of Military Heraldry and Technology at the Australian War Memorial.
I'm currently working on a book about the vehicles and artillery that Australians took to,
and used in Vietnam (so I'm not focusing on the vehicles we hired from USMACV,
although they do get a passing mention).
The book will draw upon the existing AWM photographic collection which, as I'm sure you are aware, is extensive.
However, my research shows that there are a few vehicles used in Vietnam that we don't seem to have descent images of,
or any images at all in a couple of cases.  I'm therefore particularly interested in tracking down images of:

(1)    The Bedford 24/40 Buses used around Vung Tau. Finished in gloss deep bronze green with gloss white roof.
All I have is two shots, neither of which is much use:  one bus in the distant background, and another mostly obscured by some
politician who seemed to be of far more interest to the photographer than the bus!! (Can't understand why….)
(2)    Holden Staff cars and station wagons used in Saigon area (again, deep bronze green with white gloss roof).
I have one B&W image taken dockside at Saigon, which will suffice, but a couple more colour shots would be very useful. 
(3)     Ford Falcon ute used in Saigon
(4)     Ford Fairlane Staff Cars used by COMAFV. There were two: delivered to Vietnam in 1971.
(5)    Ford or International CL type 2 ½ ton 4x2 trucks: two are evident on the deck of HMAS Sydney on their way to Vietnam.
I have no information about them or their use, so if anyone can assist it would be great.
They MAY, of course, be part of an aid shipment and therefore of no relevance to this book. 
(6)    The International F1 Garbage Truck with the Evans Brothers rubbish compactor, used at Nui Dat,
and now preserved at the Army Museum Bandiana. I have two shots, again, neither are much use but I'll use them if
I cannot get anything better: one in the background of a convoy move to Vung Tau in late 1971,
and another, partially obscured, in the background of the vehicle park at Nui Dat.
(7)    In 1967, 102 Fd Wks installed an Armour Protection Kit (APK) onto a single 5 Coy International No1 Mk3 GS 4x4 2 ½ ton Cargo truck.
I've seen a couple of images of it in the transport yard at Vung Tau, but the Memorial does not have any images in the collection.

If anyone has original slides or 35mm negatives of any of the above,
I'd appreciate talking with them with a view to organizing a copy for the AWM collection.
I can be contacted initially by email at: mike.cecil@awm.gov.au and/or krystii@krystiimelaine.com

Thanks, your assistance is much appreciated.
I'm hoping this publication, which should be out later this year, will fill in a few gaps.
The Australian Army took a wide variety of equipment to Vietnam, and I hope to make mention of most if not all of the vehicles and artillery in this book.


URGENT HELP WITH DVA CLAIM

Bill Blackmore 2 Tpt Pl Apr 69 to Apr 70.
Seeking unit members to assist in disability claim with DVA, in particular, require witnesses to attest to
viewing enemy and local KIA bodies on the road ????
Requires help with dates, names, places etc.
If you can assist Bill please ring him on 03 5678 8251

SEARCH FOR MEMBER

I am searching for an old member of 8 Petroleum Platoon - 44856 Edward Bayne. 
Eddie was last heard of in South Australia but I have lost contact with him. He served in Vietnam between Nov 1969 and Oct 1970. 
Anyone with any information please contact me via email rayhutchinson@optusnet.com.au or 0418 549 162
 Regards
Ray Hutchinson

Plaque Dedication & Reunion AWM Canberra 2010
 
The Supply Platoons association, on behalf of all RAASC Vietnam Vets, has been working to lay a RAASC plaque at the Australian War Memorial.
The Commemorative Plaque Laying and Commemoration weekend will run 25-28 Mar 2010 and you are all invited to this one and only commemoration.
 
This is going to be the reunion of all reunions, with around 3,500 RAASC personnel who served in SVN.
In all probability you will run into a digger you did corps training with, and haven't seen for over 40 years.
 
To get on board, let us have your contact details asap which can be sent to PO Box 214 Calwell ACT 2905 or
emailed to dabblers1@bigpond.com and we will keep you informed as planning develops.
 
RAASC Vietnam Supply Platoons Association 
On behalf of all RAASC members ”

LOOKING FOR A OLD MATE

I am looking for 5411493 James Richard Robinson  (Jim).
We joined the Army on 2 Feb 65 in Perth.
I was best man at his Wedding Perth 66.
Jim went to the Infantry Center, due to an eye sight problem he transfered to RAASC.
Heserved with % Coy RAASC Nov 68 to Mar 69 then HQAFV Mar 69 to Dec 69.
I was with 3 Cav and have not seen him since.
Does anyone know of his whereabouts.
Regards Steve Cameron.
Email: spcameron4@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR A MEMBER

My name is George Alan Simpson and I am trying to locate Capt Alan George Grant Smith.
Details and story as follows:

I served with 8 Coy R.A.A.S.C/R.A.C.T at that time in Hampstead Barracks in South Australia from 1969 until April 1974
when I was discharged with the rank of Sgt and my family and I left to go to South Africa.
Most of the time I served, Capt Alan George Grant Smith was our 2 i/2.  I have tried many times to contact Alan and his wife but have had no luck.
  
I know that if you have his address etc you could not give it to me but I ask that if you have these details
could you please pass on my details to Alan and Susan as I would like to get in touch again.

My details are:
450965 George Alan Simpson
38 Harbour Tower. Trinity Green.
Gosport. Hampshire.
P.O.12 1 H.D.

Hoping for a favourable reply. I thank you for taking the time to read this
Yours sincerely 
Alan Simpson

Another success story via the old boy net. Alan has found the Captain

Looking for a RAASC Soldier

Family member seeking contact details of Kevin John Whiteford
ex BCOF and 26 Tpt Platoon Malaya 1955-57.
Last known to be residing in the Philippines, is also alleged to have some part of running an RS&L group in the Philippines.
All assistance appreciated.
Any info to Garry Burgoyne Email: geearbee@iinet.net.au 

Looking For 86 Tpt Pl Members
 
Sue Jones - widow of Russell JONES 86 Tpt Pl 67/68
would appreciate contact with the following 86'ers
who served with her late husband:
 
Tony MONKS - believed to have moved from Tasmania
to the Gold Coast.
 
Dave JEFFERY - Last known area of abode Albany W.A.

Sue can be contact via her daughter at email: crazybilljones@hotmail.com

LOOKING FOR A VIETNAM VETERAN

Seeking the where abouts of 216292 Phillip Neal EDWARDS ex 86 Transport Platoon Singapore 1971-73.
Air Dispatch South Vietnam 1967-68.
Please contact Gordon Marquett..email gandpmarquett@tadaust.com.au
Phone: 02 6766 5924

LOOKING FOR A VIETNAM VETERAN

My name is 44282 Graham Francis Michell.
I am trying to locate 44429 Michael LEE who served with 52 supply platoon Vietnam 10/09/1968 to 17/09/1969 
I have been told that Michael may have passed away.
If anyone can assist me in locating Michael I would be only to pleased to supply my address.
 My phone number is 07 3809 2571 so that you can verify that this is not an enquiry that will cause Michael any distress
or you can Email at austmanice@bigpond.com
Hope you can assist, thanks 
Graham Michell 

LOOKING FOR A VIETNAM VETERAN

James Patrick DALEY - HQ AFV 69/70 - RAASC
originally from DEE WHY NSW.  
Please contact Garry CHRISTIAN on email :mrcsnr4@hotmail.com 

For all interstate and country members, remember if you are every in Melbourne please give a member
of committee a call and we will arrange for you to have a quiet drink and meet other members of the
association, remember the door is open and the light is always on.



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