4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - September 2018 Edition

however this changed as perception grew that the war was being lost and conscripts were increasingly being deployed, killed and wounded. For many of those returning from Vietnam the public anger regarding this country’s involvement in the conflict was personal. Many were shunned and disrespected by elements within the community. Through the efforts of Vietnam Veterans and their families, the public conscience eventually came to understand that these men and women had been in Vietnam on the direction of their government and were doing their duty. As an act of national recognition, in 1987 Prime Minister Bob Hawke declared the 18th of August each year would be known as Vietnam Veterans Day. There are many Vietnam Veterans who call the Mid North Coast home and I have spoken to a few to get their thoughts on Vietnam Veterans Day. Mr Wayne Mason of Stuarts Point, a former National Serviceman served in Vietnam as an Infantry soldier. He considers this day is a time to remember all of those who served and did their duty, irrespective of their views on the conflict. Mr Bill Shepherd of Nambucca Heads, says he does not think back fondly on his time there but remembers those who were killed in action. Mr Brian Duncan OAM of Nambucca Heads, served in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), on the first large deployment of combat troops to Vietnam. He says this day provides comfort to many veterans as it demonstrates they are now accepted and respected by the Australian public. Each of the three Veterans had a different experience on their return to Australia. Mr Mason recalls arriving back in Australia very late at night and generally being shielded from public view, possibly to avoid protesters. Mr Shepherd remembers being shunned by one RSL Sub Branch on one occasion as the ‘old and bold’ did not consider Vietnam a war, then being overwhelmingly welcomed by another RSL Sub Branch. During a welcome home parade for 1 RAR in 1966, Mr Duncan was witness to the much-documented actions of a young lady covering herself with red paint and smearing it on the battalion’s commanding officer. In response to a question I posed to these gentlemen regarding their advice to veterans returning to Australia from recent conflicts, their response was similar. They recommend accepting any help available, that is intended to assist with integration back into the community, to understand there is help for you and to trust your judgement. Mr Duncan added it is important not to lose contact with your mates who had been through the experience with you, as it is often they who can best understand issues you may be having and be able to lend a helping hand. I thought it was a very good article and decided to share it with you. There were photos in the original article, but I have not included these. An interesting post script is that I worked in the same building as Bill Shepherd in my final years in the Army back in 1999 at Puckapunyal and ran into Bill again at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club a while back. It has been great to hear from a few ‘Old Boys’ including a couple of new ones. From Terry Hills Hi Peter, Please include me on your mailing list. My personnel details are; Joined 105 Battery 4 Fld Regt RAA early 1967, transferred into 108 Bty (with Daryl Cooper and Les (LW) Renton.) Served with 108 and HQ Bty SVN 67-69. Rear party with Coop and LW at Wacol while the Regt was moving into new Bks in Townsville. Served in Singapore (with Coop and Lw) in 108 Bty 69-71. Served with 107 Bty in Townsville and on secondment to TTU with RACT. Served with 10 Med Regt Geelong. Served with 111 Ad Bty (LT) and 110 AD Bty. Served