As you already know, the original Long Tan Cross, erected by 6 RAR on the 3rd anniversary of the Long Tan Battle, is being loaned by the Vietnamese government to the Australian War Memorial.   Harry Smith has advised   “I have been told the AWM LT Cross display will be on the afternoon of the […]

Click here or on the image to open this pocket guide issued  to USA personnel during the Vietnam War  

An Australian special forces soldier on his seventh tour of duty has been shot dead in Afghanistan while hunting an insurgent leader. The 40-year-old Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) soldier’s death is the 33rd Australian fatality in Afghanistan since the war began and the first of 2012. Chief of the Defence Force David Hurley said […]

Searching, I worried somehow he was lost to me, That in this place, there may be nothing of him. But there; the name, his rank, a number, The regimental badge, that awful date, A simple plaque, a wooden stake, Beside a sapling.   It was a smaller grove, a little distant, Though that would not […]

I have lived and worked overseas for many years, mainly in Cambodia, and am back briefly in Australia.   One of my current trades is poetry and I composed two pieces relative to the Memorial Walk a few years ago.   One More Plaque   Late sunlight filters through the trees, Across bronze plaques beneath, […]

Old soldiers were on parade and the ranks thinning fast Soon there were but a few and then the very last Now is the time to reflect on this unit’s life To salute history created during bloody strife It’s warriors served from the Mekong Delta to the DMZ Sometimes alone, often in groups of two […]

Given we are soon to commemorate 100 years since ANZAC, it begs the following question. Why can’t our nation have such a forest of trees?  It would seem appropriate to include a history trail commencing at the entrance to such a living memorial.     A FOREST FOR OUR FALLEN Many of our youth in […]

The soldiers were on parade rehearsing and all had gone well Then the command to advance in review order was yelled The long line marched 15 paces and without any orders, halted It was to demonstrate discipline and that no one had bolted The ultimate example of military good order and cohesion Alas, Private Dodger […]

Was it so long ago when we seemed immortal and soldiered together Sent to train at Canungra in all sorts of miserable weather Ambushing, attacking and defending by day and by night Being toughened up by experts and learning how to fight Running, jumping, shooting, yelling and always trying to be best Preparing for Vietnam […]

For Moff, a true blue mate and Digger.   A reinforcement arrived to join our happy band A smart arse who never tried to understand Such was his manner he was given the thumbs down His presence caused friction and certainly lots of frowns So we turned to our hero, Moff, who was surely one […]