Remembering our Vietnam veterans

A LARGE Vietnam Veterans Day gathering at the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch on Monday reflected on the contributions of Australians, including many locals, in the Vietnam War. Held in the 2/24th Battalion function room at the Templeton Street RSL base, the service marked the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, and recalled the contributions of almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. Guest speaker at Monday's service was Russell Godde, who was posted to 17th Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers. His recollections brought nods of recognition from the gathering, as he spoke about his birth date being drawn out in the ballot for conscription to National Service. Russell recalled, just over 60 years ago in June 1965, reporting to the Wangaratta Railway Station to head to Seymour, and then to Puckapunyal for three months' basic training. Having just finished his plumbing apprenticeship, he was directed to the Royal Australian Engineers, and the School of Military Engineering, where he learnt "how to build things and then blow them up". An article in The Sun early the following year informed Russell and his fellow National Servicemen that Australia would be sending more troops to Vietnam, and 17th Construction Squadron was to be among them. He spoke about travelling to Vietnam aboard the HMAS Sydney (or Vung Tau Ferry), his squadron's involvement in a mortar attack at base camp at Nui Dat on the eve of the Battle of Long Tan, and what must have been a jolting return to Australia following 12 months spent in Vietnam - during which he had missed the arrival of his first daughter. "There was no debrief; we just came back and were expected to go back to where we were two years before," Russell said. "I didn't face the protests, though - they started after I got home." Russell said the memories of his two years of National Service were "still there even though it's 60 years ago". "It's great that it’s recognised with this day," he said. Several wreaths were laid during the service, which also included a reading of Wangaratta's Vietnam honour roll by RSL secretary Lieutenant Colonel Andy McDonell, recitation of The Ode by RSL president Lieutenant General (Retired) Ash Power, a minute's silence for the fallen, prayers from Fr Nathan Verallo, and the national anthem. The afternoon also included the drawing of a raffle for a 'Remember Clock' made by local veteran Peter Sedgwick using Tasmanian Lomandra timber. The raffle raised $2800 which will go towards the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch's veteran support efforts.

Remembering our Vietnam veterans

$50,000 grant to fuel Boys to the Bush programs

The season for giving Oak FM

'White Christmas’ comes early as isolated hailstorm tears through city

New café and catering operator appointed for WPACC

'Ripple effect' extends through latest course

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories