4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Newsletter - June 2024 Edition

On a separate issue, I have not been able to track down our Old Boys banner in Brisbane. Originally held by Brian Swift who handed over to the late Arthur Burke for safe keeping several years ago. My inquiries to date have all come to a dead end and no banner. If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated. From Andrew Murray back on 3 May 2024 I have just returned from a 3 week visit to Vietnam and Cambodia, travelling with APT Tours. Not sure what to read into this, or if I believe in coincidences or whatever. However, I left Vietnam, via Saigon on the 11 March 1971 and returned to Vietnam, Via Hanoi on 11 March 2024, exactly 53 years to the day later!!! The trip started in Hanoi where we overnighted before a 2 night detour to the mountain town of Sapa, up near the Chinese border. 5 hour bus trip each way which was adventurous as the initial bus broke down on the way up to Sapa and we were transferred to a commuter “Sleeper” bus for part of the journey while our bus was repaired and caught up with us. A sleeper bus has beds rather than normal seats. A different and interesting way to travel. After Sapa we returned to Hanoi for 3 nights and did the usual touristy things. A highlight was visiting Train Street where houses, shops are built right up to the rail line. When the train passes through you can reach out and touch it (if so inclined) as it squeezes through the narrow space. Would not be allowed in this country due to OH&S rubbish. After Hanoi we bussed down to Ha Long Bay and did a 2 night cruise around the bay. Very good but bay clouded in fog for entire time. Not like the tourist photos but fog gave the bay a different feel. It was then a Vietnam Airlines flight to Da Nang and a 2 night stay in Hoi An. A short bus ride up to Hue before flying on to Ho Chi Min City. Still Saigon to me. This part of trip was in Central Vietnam and in area of former DMZ. Our two day stay in Saigon included a day trip to Baria and the Nui Dat area, including the Long Tan Cross. This was one day of the trip that I had trepidations about but all went reasonably well. The whole area has changed and it was like going to a place for the first time. Visited SAS Hill which is now a quarry, as is The Horseshoe. Luscombe Airfield is now a rural road and generally covered by trees and vegetation. Visited the Long Tan Cross where a small and sincere service was conducted by our tour guide. Another vet and myself were asked to place a bouquet of flowers at the base of the cross in a touching and memorable moment. Baria is now a small modern city. After Saigon we embarked on a 7 day Mekong River cruise to Cambodia, through Phnom Penh and eventually arriving in Siem Reap, the last sector being a 5hr coach trip. Visited Anchor Wat and other temples in Siem Reap before returning home after a good 28 day trip. Cheers Andrew Murray