Author Archives: admin

The RSM and CO of 7RAR presented a flag to the RARA SA on 14 December 2016.  This flag represents one of the 7RAR soldiers Killed In Action and was flown over the 7RAR base in Iraq during September 2016.

A number of photos to view, as ever, click on the photo to increase the size

Mike had this to say: ” Proud to speak to the 5 RAR Recon Platoon and then present the Student of Merit prize to Private Howard after the recent Recon Selection Course. Its great to see a young bright soldier like Private Howard who has only been in the Battalion for six months blitz the field.”    As always, click on the photo to enlarge.  

The RARA National Conference was held in Adelaide Monday and Tuesday 3 & 4 October. Here are a few photos of a number of the participants;  

An interesting article concerning Jock Buchan, KIA 11 December 1969, his ashes found in Scotland! You can read it here  Buchan Article ======================== Further to the above article, comments and a link from Paul Jackson, Jock’s Platoon Commander. Hi Fred,  What a special journey. It is hard to believe that after almost 50 years we have finally completed Jock’s story. We have come so far over the past year or so. A little over 12 months ago those involved in the action, Jock’s closest mates, did not even know where his body had gone after watching him being wrapped in a hutchie, tied on to a jungle penetrator and then … Continue reading →

Here is the final copy of  A DUTY DONE Addendum   The Addendum describes a number of new operations, including;  three by 1RAR in 1965 (Iron Triangle, New Life and Smash), two by 9RAR in 1969 (Matthew and Hat Dich), one by 5RAR in 1969 (Kings Cross) and the one by 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion on 17/18 August 1969 when the original Long Tan Cross was erected. It is necessary to have a copy of A Duty Done to read the Addendum. And here is a name index to be used in conjunction with the original A Duty Done A Duty Done Index of Names Here is the Price List for A Duty Done and … Continue reading →

If you have not visited this site yet, it is very interesting and has some current members of the RARA SA on it, including the President, Mike von Berg MC OAM and Robert “Dogs”Kearney. https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/

Chamberlain, Ernest: The Viet Cong D445 Battalion: Their Story (and the Battle of Long Tan). Vietnam Veteran and linguist Ernie Chamberlain has recently written and privately-published a book that would certainly interest all who served in Phuoc Tuy province during the Vietnam War. The core of the work is a translation of D445 Battalion’s history - as written by Vietnamese historians in 2004. In order to provide context – and to analyse and comment upon the Vietnamese writings, the book is comprehensively referenced. The comments cite a large number of captured NVA/VC documents – many not previously translated or available to researchers. Additionally, signals intelligence (SIGINT) material related to the Battle … Continue reading →

See attached photo of C Coy 7RAR with RARA SA Patron Laurie Lewis and A Duty Done Author, Fred Fairhead   C Coy 7RAR (002)

A very informative website with an interactive Roll of Honour Image Gallery that provides background information on the serviceman. http://vietnam-war.commemoration.gov.au/honour-roll/profiles.php#listing  

Please take the time to read this article which is primarily about Michael McKernan’s book, “When This Thing Happened”. The title defers to Michael Stawyskyj’s constant reference to the moment in Vietnam in 1969 – “When this thing happened”.  Michael Stawyskyj is the father of Joe Stawyskyj. a 5RAR digger serously wounded in 1969. Here is the link http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/postcolonial-blog/2015/nov/25/tell-me-more-michael-mckernan-youve-got-a-few-books-left-in-you-yet

A picture and a link to show what we have been up to at Emu Park. http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/photos/emu-park-anzac-memorial/30824/#/8 The image on the Digi-glass panel is taken from a painting of Australian diggers landing at Gallipoli. By matching up the horizons you can visualize the troops coming ashore.This shot is taken at sunrise and silhouettes the figures in the glass. The morning bulletin link has a series of pictures of the memorial precinct. regards Jack Parr.

Behind the Wire is an exhibition about Vietnam veterans, their jobs and their experiences, in their words.  You can view the website here http://www.behindthewire.com.au/