Hi Guys, wishing you all a Happy Anzac, enjoy your day & your time together. It will be 20 years this August since Ian passed but I'm sure he'll be marching with you in spirit. Thank you to you all.

For Alice ENGLISH, message posted on 23.8.2023 regarding contact with Colin Rewell,<br /> Please email me on dburrage@nor.com.au, or phone 0407002432 re Colin.<br /> I have contact with him, but need your contact details to allow him to reply,<br /> Regards, Dallas (Burrage)

Anzac Day March in Sydney - HQ1ATF and D&EPlatoon will meet about 9.15 AM<br /> outside SofitelHotel in Phillip Street. As normal we will be second to Zmarch in Vietnamcontingent afterAATTV.<br /> thanks and see you there.

Hi to All HQ vets.<br /> ANZAC Day 2024 March in Melbourne - keeping up the tradition of over 21 years, we will again be marching as a Unit in Melbourne under our Red Rat banner!<br /> Time: 0800 hrs<br /> Place: Note it's changed AGAIN! Flinders Street East corner of Swanston Street - outside Young & Jacksons Hotel opposite Flinders Street Station main entrance. No excuses for not knowing where to meet!<br /> After the March for refreshments - same venue as last year, Limerick Arms Hotel 364 Clarendon Street South Melbourne. All welcome.<br /> It would be really great to get a few more marchers to come along & join us this year!<br /> Ian Palfery<br /> Vic State Rep

I am enquiring on behalf of a Legacy widow. She has received her late husband's RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaves Unit Citation bar. Is she entitled to wear the bar with his medals?<br /> I have searched unsuccessfully all of the usual sites. Thanks Peter Johnston<br />  

Hi, I am hoping to get in touch (if he wants) with my cousin Colin Griffith Rewell he was in A squadron 3rd Cavalry regiment,no 5717670.  I used to be Alice Woodfield and a fair bit younger than he was.  I have very fond memories of him, as a little kid I loved when he visited or we visited him...my favourite person to visit!  As an adult I wished I saw more of him and loved the brief times catching up with him at my parents place.  He used to light up the room.  After some sort of family bust up he drifted out on our lives.  I have never ever forgotten him and frequently wondered how he was.  If he doesn't wish to get in touch, I respect that...but man, I would really love to touch base with him if possible.

For Rebecca ORMSTON. Your Dad's entry in the NRVV

Source: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1261962&c=VIETNAM

Veteran Details
Name ORMSTON, Andrew John
Service Australian Army
Service Number 1200596
Date of Birth 13 Jul 1946
Place of Birth SYDNEY NSW AUSTRALIA
Rank Corporal
National Service No
Corps Royal Australian Army Service Corps
Honours None for display

Unit History
Unit Name Start Date End Date
Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 15 Jul 1968 16 Jul 1969

April 25, 2023. Our Association will again March in Sydney.
Please ensemble in Phillip Street, out side front entrance of Wentworth Sofitel Hotel by 0930 hours, same as last few years. We are second in Vietnam contingent, behind AATTV.
Peter Dahl will lead as I will be out of Sydney

Hi all HQ 1 ATF vets,
As we have for the past 21 years in the Melbourne ANZAC Day March, we will be marching as a Unit again in this year's Melb March under our Red Rat banner.
Change of time & meeting point [again!]:
Time - 0830 hrs.
Place - Swanston St East side between Flinders St & Flinders Lane in front of the Matthew Flinders statue.
After March for refreshments: same venue as last year, Limerick Arms Hotel 364 Clarendon St, South Melbourne. All welcome!
Our numbers have been dwindling a bit over the past few years - it would be great to have a good roll up on ANZAC Day to join us in the March.
Ian Palfery
Vic State Rep

Sorry I forgot to add we are in Sydney

Hi I'm just reaching out as my son and I would like to march again this year. We were able to march 2015 in honour of my dad Andrew John Ormston who had passed away in 2014

I served in Vietnam in HQ.AFV Saigon from October 1967 to November 1968. Am wondering if anybody using this sight may have served there at the same time . cheers John .

I wad a founding member of 8 Bn at Enoggera after returning from Vn with 1 Bn - amongst the first 20 or so.
This is my first visit to the website; I find some of the text colours against background colours a bit difficult to read, unless page is magnified.
But a good read - and will be back.

Hey Guys,
It’s great to see you will be marching on Anzac Day this year. I hope you all stay well & free from that dreaded COVID
Have a Great Day. March with pride guys & I'm sure all of your past mates will be there with you in spirit. I know Ian always looked forward to your times together. We thank you all…🌹

Hi all HQ 1 ATF veterans,
This year in Melbourne ANZAC Day is finally back to normal so we will be marching under our banner again - this will be our 21st March! It would be great if as many marchers as possible can join us for this auspicious occasion!
Please meet at 0800 hours at SE corner of Swanston & Collins Streets [City Square side opposite Melbourne Town Hall] - look out for our Red Rat banner!
After March a change of venue for refreshments: The Limerick Arms Hotel 364 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne - can you believe our usual haunt for the past few years is closed on Anzac Day?!
Let's have a good roll up on Anzac Day!
Ian Palfery
Vic State Rep
Hq 1 ATF Assocn.

To all HQ1ATF and D&E veterans.
We will be Marching in Sydney on Anzac Day, 25 April 2022.
Come along and join us.

It’s 50 years today 14/10/2021 since my brother Ian “Postie” Barbato returned home from Vietnam. How many of you guys returned around the same time?

Apologies to all for this out of date Guestbook. There are/were more recent entries which have disappeared. When I queried this with the "Owners" of the Guestbook page they said they had been deleted. But not by us!!! It is what it is. Not recoverable.

Hi All,
2017 Anzac Day March in Melbourne - HQ 1 ATF Group will be marching again, as usual, in this year's Melbourne March.
Unlike last year when Vietnam Veterans led the March, we are now back in our usual position - between AATTV and Armoured Corps!
Please meet no later than 10.00 am [1000 hrs Army time!] at the South East corner of Swanston & Collins Streets [City Square side opposite Melbourne Town Hall] - look out for our Red Rat banner!
Post-March lunch & refreshments will again be at last year's venue - The George, South Melbourne, corner Coventry & Cecil Streets South Melbourne.
All family, partners & friends are welcome to join us there.
I look forward to catching up with all who can make it on the day.
Best regards

Ian Palfery
Vic State Rep
HQ 1 ATF Assocn.

Hi Trying to contact Russell Couper, ex 4 Field Regt RAA Townsville, circa 1970 and ex Wesley College, Perth year of 1966.
Cheers

The 2016 Reunion held at Caloundra in QLD can be found on this site.
hq1atf.org/reunion2016

Still alive in qld

To all members.
The September 2016 RED RAT will be emailed and snail-mailed out next Monday 5 September 2016. It details some interesting stories and also the list of all 139 members/spouses confirmed for the October reunion. The RED RAT newsletter will also be found on this website.
regards.
john verhelst

Hi

I'm the daughter of Alexander Jakiel (passed away 2005) and of whom I miss deeply. Keep up the care and support to all the Vietnam Veterans.

For Peter Westcott.
I have responded to the affirmative.
jv

I would like to reproduce the map of Phuoc Tuy for a presentation about Long Tan at Anzac Square Brisbane

My name is Kevin Joss, I was a member of HQ 1 ATF LAD during the period Feb 68 to Feb 69. A check of your nominal roll does not any LAD members. Is there a reason for this? Kev Joss

Return to Australia - VV Bodies formerly buried in Malaysia & Singapore

From John Verhelst to ALL former HQ 1 ATF personnel.

Good evening everyone,
We have received news that the Repatriation Service for the Vietnam Veterans' and family members will be shown on ABC News Channel 24, on Thursday 02 June, at 10:30am AEST.

Others States should check their local time.

Further details contained in Media Release below.

Media Release - Minister for Veterans' Affairs 29 May 2016

Australia will welcome home 33 Australian service personnel and dependants, including 22 Vietnam

War veterans, on Thursday, 2 June in one of the largest, single military repatriations in this country's history.

The returning Australians, 21 Vietnam veterans, three servicemen and eight dependants, had been interred at Terendak Military Cemetery in Malaysia, with the single other casualty of the Vietnam War still interred overseas returning from the Kranji Military Cemetery in Singapore.

A military repatriation ceremony and private memorial service will be held at RAAF Richmond in Sydney on June 2, after two Royal Australian Air Force Aircraft C-17 Globe-master aircraft bearing the Australians land at about 10:30am.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Dan Tehan said bringing the Australians home was an important moment for the families and for the country.

The return of these Australians will bring closure to their families who have grieved for lost loved ones, Mr Tehan said.

They will be welcomed home with a respectful and dignified return to this country.

For every Australian this will be an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifice of all those who have died in service to their country.

Representatives of our Vietnam Veteran community will attend and for some of them this will be a particularly moving occasion as they served with the returning servicemen.

Mr Tehan said the Australian Government last year made an offer of repatriation to 36 families of Australians buried and Terendak and Kranji.

Several families made the decision not to bring their loved ones home, and I am sure Australians will respect that decision and appreciate it was not made lightly, he said.

At the conclusion of the private memorial service for the families, 33 hearses bearing the returning Australians will depart RAAF Base Richmond in a funeral procession at about 12.15pm and travel to the centre of Parramatta, arriving about 1pm.

The funeral procession will proceed via a green light corridor and under escort of the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with assistance from the Transport Management Centre.

Mr Tehan encouraged members of the public wanting to pay their respects to line the route of the procession.

It will travel from RAAF Richmond to Parramatta CBD via Church Street – George Street – Smith Street – Station Street – Parkes Street, where the public will be welcome to view the procession and pay their respects. Motorists using these roads at that time may experience some delays.

Re-interment services will then take place in every State and Territory, except Tasmania, over the following few weeks, in accordance with the families' wishes.

To all members.
The June 2016 RED RAT will be emailed and snail-mailed out next Monday 30 May 2016. It details some interesting stories and also the list of all 110 members/spouses confirmed for the October reunion. The RED RAT newsletter will also be found on this website.
regards.
john verhelst

Hi marching in Perth tomorrow hope yo see you there regards . blowfly

Hi guys,
Just want to wish you all a great Anzac Day, will be thinking of you all. Be proud fellas you deserve it.

Hi All,
2016 Anzac Day March in Melbourne - as usual, HQ 1ATF will be marching BUT as this year is 50th anniversary of Long Tan, Vietnam Vets have been given the honour of leading this year's March!
SO we need to assemble MUCH EARLIER than usual & at a new forming up point - meet at 8.30am [0830 Army time!] at Fed Square corner opposite Flinders St. Station in front of the Info Booth & look out for our Red Rat Banner!
Post- March we have booked a new venue - The George South Melbourne corner Coventry & Cecil Streets, South Melbourne (which is a block further up Coventry Street from our recent years venue) to which all family, partners & friends are invited to join us.
On such a significant occasion, where Vietnam Vets are to lead the March, it would be great to get a big turnout of HQ 1 ATF personnel for this year's Anzac Day in Melbourne.
I hope as many of you as possible can make it for the March this year & I look forward to catching up with all who do.
Best Regards
Ian Palfery
Vic State Rep.
HQ 1 ATF Association

Sydney Anzac Day March.
Yes the hq1atf banners will be there on the day, in the city.
Please read the SMH to ascertain the exact March route as George Street is closed.
So we will meet about 10 AM corner Bligh/Bent streets as usual.

Col Nevill Lewis Bland is found!!!
Thank you so much for every one who assisted in making contact with Nevill. Caught up with him yesterday and had a great chat.
Again, many thanks.
Kindest regards Pam

Happy New Year to all.
We are researching Kitchener House, Moorebank NSW (LMA), and seeking to contact a Col(?) Neville BLAND who may have resided in the house when it was the area commander's residence. It's a long shot but thinking it may be Neville Lewis BLAND.
Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated. Kindest regards Pam

50th Birthday @#@$

Just back from Darwin for the 10th Birthday of 104 Sig Sqn at the 1st Combat Signal Regiment (1CSR). 1CSR is not only home to 104 Sig Sqn and 105 Sig Sqn. Its Headquarter (HQ) Squadron has a historic link with HQ Company, 1ATF. During the war in South Vietnam, HQ Company suffered eleven KIA and a plaque to honour is at the front of RHQ. Also they had ACV 85C on parade under her own stream.1CSR (Home of 104 Sig Sqn).

worked with the G2 67-68 and liaison with 1ATF G2. Flew into Nia Dat a few times and had the Brigidiar and part of the task force as guests at II Field Force/ 219th MI Det after TET 68.

Just wanted to wish everyone a great time at the 50th Anniversary in Caloundra. Hard to believe Clarrie has been gone a year now except that the house is so quiet!! Take care & regards, Kay Hair

A note to all members and those having served with HQ1ATF. The July 2015 issue of the RED RAT will be emailed/sent to all members at the end of June. It will detail the REUNION, October 2016 which will be held at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
It will also be available on this web site.
The Reunion promises to be a great event.
regards. john verhelst

Been trying to contact David Johnston for few years--Last address Murrumbeena--vic--served HQ1ATF 1967--Hope someone (or David) can help--regards kev..........

Any Veterans who served under 181 days--please write to Richard Barry re his push to have the VietNam Medal awarded--His email-richyvon47@hotmail.com
kevL

Thank you John Verhelst
Thanks for your kind invitation John, maybe some time in the future
Frank Parisio

Hey Guys,
Wishing you all the very best for the Centenary Anzac Day 2015.
I hope you all have a Great Day. March with pride guys & I'm sure you will have all of your past mates there with you in spirit. I know Ian (Postie) always looked forward to your times together. We thank you all...

Di Louis (Barbato).

Frank. I do not think so. We hVe official marches and banners in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Come down to Sydney and join us.
Regards,
John verhelst, HQ1ATF Association

Brisbane ANZAC DAY march 2015.

I hope everyone is well and would appreciate some help, please.
Does anyone know if there is a Brisbane group for H Q Coy 1 ATF, march on ANZAC Day in the city.
If so, would you kindly send me the information as i would like to join in this year.
Thank you
Frank Parisio
H Q Coy Tpt 1 ATF.

Hi All,

This is the annual reminder that HQ 1 ATF will as usual be marching in this year's Centenary ANZAC Day March in Melbourne.
Please note the change to last year's arrangements - we need to assemble earlier at 10.00am sharp!
Meet at the usual forming up point outside the Athenaeum Theatre in Collins Street and look out for our Red Rat Banner!
It would be great to have a large turnout this year for the Centenary of ANZAC!
Post-March - same arrangements as past years upstairs at Golden Gate Hotel cnr Clarendon & Coventry Streets South melbourne - all welcome!
Any HQ 1 ATF members who are in, or can make it to, Melbourne on ANZAC Day are most welcome to join us for the March and to join us with family, partners & friends afterwards for the post-March get-together.
I look forward to catching up with all who can make it for the March this year!
Best Regards

Ian Palfery
Vic State rep.
HQ 1 ATF Association

HQ1ATF will be marching under its banner at the ANZAC Day parade/ceremony in Sydney on 25 April 2015. We will congregate at the corner of Bligh and Bent streets around 9 am. However please check the Sydney newspapers for any changes from the RSL as to Marching order.
Any direct descendants, ie children of deceased members of HQ1ATF are invited to join us however please ensure any medals are worn on the right side, not the left side.
Any questions contact me.john@jhconsult.com.au
Regards, john verhelst.on behalf of HQ1ATF Association.

Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with great sadness that I inform you of
the passing of:

1537 DIGHTON, Herbert Mansfield (Snowy)
HQ 1 ATF SVN 18/12/67 to 10/12/68

Snowy passed away March 2015 from cancer.
Funeral/Poppy Service details:
Great Northern Garden of Remembrance
1 Tallwood Dr
DECEPTION BAY QLD 4508
Medals to be worn.

Yours sincerely
Peter Thorne
Secretary
VVAA Queensland Branch (Brisbane North) Inc.
Phone: + 61 7 3285 4823
Mob: 0409 633 353

Hi my names Matthew Pericic, Im a current member of the RAN and have been for 6 years. My father is William Howard McGee, 2795365 Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 14/01/1971 to 14/10/1971. Im wondering if any of you will be marching in Sydney this year at the 2015 ANZAC Day March, as I will be marching with my Father and I know he would be amazed to catch up. Any information will be great. Im also going to convince him to go to your next reunion.. When I find out it will be Please get back to me. Cheers Matt

Peter Gillson and Tiny Parker are no longer MIA (8 Nov 1965).
They have been brought home by the AUSTMIA team led by Jim Bourke,
some years ago.

Hi my name is Rebecca Ormston, My dad was Andrew John Ormston service number 1200596. Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 15/07/1968 16/07/1969. Not sure if anyone here knew my dad. But would like to let you know that he passed away on the 14/05/2014. myself and son would like to march on Anzac day to honour him. As he told me he would never march because of the way the vets were treated when they come back. He told me the story that when he walked out of the airport he had red paint throwing on him.

Vietnam 1st Cavalry Division 1968-69 and 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) 1970-71
Have been plotting grids on the 1:50,000 series maps for 30 years now. Have read through
your war diaries and found some of your LZ, FSPB's. Does anyone have a complete list with
names and grid coordinates for the Australian Task Force & New Zealand? I tried to download
your maps to see if I could plot grids on my maps, but they would not download. In looking at the
maps, I noticed names like Wombat, Kiwi, Lyrebird & Paratus, were these FSPB's?

Any help would be appreciated - Don't want to leave you guys out of the Vietnam Maps
Don "SGT Snuffy" Smith
Recon Platoon, 1/52nd Infantry, 198th LIB, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal)

Message below from John Burrows - reference - Dave Kittyea's Memorial Service

To all,
Greetings and I hope that you are all well.
DAVID KITTYEA's memorial service is planned for this coming WED 24th SEP at 2PM.

I understand that it will be held in the Memorial Hall at MERRIDIN, final details yet to be confirmed.

Sorry I can’t be more definitive but I’ve been advised that a funeral notice is to be included in the WESTERN AUSTRALIAN Newspaper tomorrow with all details so I’ll be able to confirm information after that.

I’ve arranged a wreath from D&E Pl and will be passing on condolences on your behalf to the gathering on WED.

After WED I’ll also send a sitrep and copy of the notices in the paper etc.

Any queries please don’t hesitate to call.

Regards,

JOHN BURROWS.

Hi I am an ex 7RAR Pioneer (1st tour) and I have to inform you that a former comrade and member of 1 ATF HQ - Rudy Smith, passed away in the early hours of this morning 17th September 2014.

Hope that you and all are well.
The funeral and memorial arrangements for DAVID KITTYEA have yet to be finalised but some indication from his sister of what’s intended is as follows.
He is to be privately cremated in PERTH sometime in the next week or so.
His ashes will then to be taken to his home town of MERRIDIN where they will be interned alongside his brother in a private service in the local cemetery.
At some stage after that the local RSL and Vietnam Veteran group intend to conduct a memorial service/ get together of some sort to celebrate DAVID’s life.
We were all very humbled when our GOVERNOR GENERAL Sir PETER COSGROVE took the time to contact DAVID in his last days and then sent his commiserations and condolences to the family and extended them to those of us that knew DAVID after he had passed.
For those who aren’t aware DAVID was in D&E PL for about 2 months when Sir PETER was the PL COMD.
Its intended that if we from HQ Coy and D&E Pl want to participate in any way it will be with the local RSL group and the function that they intend to conduct.
A notice is being put in the paper today by the MERRIDIN RSL Sub Branch and I’ll be putting one in the paper on behalf of D&E PL tomorrow.
As things develop I’ll let you know any further details as they come to hand.
Please pass on this information to all those that you know would have known and served with DAVID.
Thank you, stay healthy, wealthy and wise.
JOHN BURROWS.

Hi All,
A sad message to let All Former HQ 1 ATF personnel know that David Ross "Dave" Kittyea, (ex 5716848), of Western Australia passed away at Hollywood Private, early evening of 09 September 2014.

Dave was a Machine Gunner, in D&E Pl, HQ Coy, 1ATF for his tour of South Vietnam.

See also scrolling message on the home page of this web site from John Burrows, his "Skipper".

Lest We Forget

Served in D&E Pl in Nui Dat 68/69 Tented with Kevin Waterfall(aka Warts) Does anybody know of his whereabouts Last known in Melbourne August 1969. Would like to make contact again. Put time in together in Sgt's boozer in HQ Coy. (Pully)

Hello all members.
The July 2014 RED RAT will be snail mailed and emailed out to members over the next 10 days. Don't forget we have a reunion in November in Launceston. Details also are on this website. So, if you have not yet confirmed, please do so.
regards. john verhelst (Ed).

Hi All,
A message to let All Former HQ 1 ATF personnel know that Clarence James "Clarrie" Hair, (ex 5713655), of Western Australia passed away at Joondalup Hospital yesterday morning after a long battle with chronic lung disease.

This would have been the morning of 20 June 2014, as the original e-mail message from Clarrie's wife, Kay, was time stamped " 21 June 2014 5:43:47 pm GMT+2".

Lest We Forget

I was in Vietnam for Anzac Day with Kevin Hatherley & Mick O'Byrne.
We went to the dawn service at Long Tan.
Ran in to a guy named John Martin who served after us with Peter Cosgrove's group (July 1969) onwards
He is keen to make contact with old mates. His e-mail is: john.martin1@hotmail.com
Please contact him if you know him. Thanks, DICKO

Hi Guys,

Wishing you all the best for Anzac Day 2014 on Friday my thought & prayers are with you all.
It will be ten years this August since Ian passed away, oh my, how time is flying by.

Regards
Di Louis

Blowfly - send your contact details to jeverhelst@gmail.com please.

ANZAC Day 2014 in Melbourne

Hi All,

Just the usual annual reminder that HQ 1 ATF will be marching as a Unit again in this year's Melbourne ANZAC Day March.

Same arrangements as last year - meet at 10.45am in Collins Street outside the Athenaeum Theatre & look for our "Red Rat" banner!

Afterwards at the same venue - Golden Gate Hotel, corner Clarendon & Coventry Streets South Melbourne.
Any HQ 1ATF members who are in Melbourne on the day are most welcome to join us for the March - and to join us with family, relatives, partners & friends afterwards for the post-March refreshments.

Look forward to catching up with all who can make it for the March this year.

Best Regards

Ian Palfery
Vic State Rep
HQ 1 ATF Association

Just a short note to every to stay strong Iam trying to get to TASMAINEA for November all the best BLOWFLY

Hello all

I have a battle jacket dated 1968 once belonging to Major Ian Stuart Power, Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 09/11/1966 - 03/11/1967.
The jacket has Royal Australian Regiment shoulder flashes and a 3 medal riband (General Service Medal 1918-62. Vietnam Medal and Vietnamese Campaign Medal). No lanyard to determine which battalion.

http://www.vietnamroll.gov.au/VeteranDetails.aspx?VeteranId=1279856

Please, any additional information on the good major would be greatly appreciated

Thank you greatly

Rod Chandler
rmc49@hotmail.com

Hello all members and families.
Don't forget that our Association's reunion takes place in Launceston 8/12 November 2014. So register your attendance now and bring some family along. Full details on this website or in your RED RAT sent every four months.
jv- editor

Pickette, Lindsay Winston (HQ 1ATF Jan - Dec '67) Deceased.
Lindsay's sister has approached the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans hoping to find out some information on his service in Vietnam, before she travels there next year.
Anyone out there who served with him?
Cheers,
Booka

Hello all members- a note to remind you that the next RED RAT newsletter will be sent out by email on 5 Novemberand snail mail shortly thereafter. It will detail the November 2014 Reunion in Tasmania.
Also for interested folk, a copy will be added within the pages of this website about that time also.
regards. john verhelst/ RED RAT Editor.

Hello all

I have a battle jacket dated 1968 once belonging to Major Ian Stuart Power, Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 09/11/1966 - 03/11/1967.
The jacket has Royal Australian Regiment shoulder flashes and a 3 medal riband (General Service Medal 1918-62. Vietnam Medal and Vietnamese Campaign Medal). No lanyard to determine which battalion.

http://www.vietnamroll.gov.au/VeteranDetails.aspx?VeteranId=1279856

Please, any additional information on the good major would be greatly appreciated

Thank you greatly

Rod Chandler
rmc49@hotmail.com

A short time ago Kerry Broomham (1RAR) passed away . Some years ago he
was horrified to find a Vietnam veteran’s medals in a Pawn shop so he bought them with the thought of returning them some day. He never got around to it. Graham Ross (5RAR) is now tasked with finding the veteran. He made an enquiry at DVA and was told he was alive but moved around a bit, they can’t give any further information. The veteran’s details are 1201500 John Gordon Davidson, his DOB is 5-11-48; he served with 17 Const Sqn 1969-70.
If you know John’s whereabouts please email Graham Ross at
janross@bigpond.net.au

Vale:
John Bede McEwen
2782851
8 January 1945 - 22 June 2013.
D&E 13 June 1966 to 6 September 1966
6 RAR 7 September 1966 to 14 June 1967
Lest We Forget

Hello all - a note to remind all members that the next RED RAT newsletter will be sent out by email and snail mail by mid July. It will detail the November 2014 Reunion in Tasmania.
Also for interested folk, a copy will be added within the pages of this website about that time also.
regards. john verhelst/ RED RAT Editor.

Thanks Di. yes time goes on for all of us. Ian is remembered by us all - he was my "favourite" Postie during our time together in 1970/1971.
Dougie Lawrence is holding the banner on Thursday morning and hopefully many of our HQCoy/D&E vets will be there.
Thanks for your posting.
kind regards. john v

2013 is here already. My thoughts & best wishes are with you all at this time, I hope you all have a great Anzac Day. Cherish the good memories you all shared, Ian (Postie) will be with you all in spirit.
Regards
Di Louis

ANZAC DAY . 2013- Sydney
Meeting up for the March at the usual place- just after 9 RAR, in Bent Street. Our new banner will be present.
Doug Lawrence is the MC. He can be contacted on 0416 114 664 in case anyone has some questions.
regards.
john verhelst

ANZAC Day 2013 - Melbourne

A quick note to confirm that HQ 1ATF will be marching as a Unit again as usual in this year's Melbourne ANZAC Day March.
Forming up arrangements are back to the old format this year - meet in Collins Street outside the Athenaeum Theatre at about 10.45 am where we will have our "Red Rat" banner unfurled.
Afterwards at the Golden Gate Hotel cnr Clarendon & Coventry Streets South Melbourne.
Any HQ 1 ATF members in Melbourne for ANZAC Day this year will be most welcome to march with us - as are all family, relatives, partners & friends to join us afterwards for post-March refreshments.
Hoping for a good rollup this year!

Best Regards

Ian Palfery
Victorian State Representative
HQ 1 ATF Association

From Mick Kramer.
G’Day John,

I am currently at the university (USQ) In Toowoomba. I have to pay for accommodation at the Uni, but all fees and books are paid for by DVA. I was studying by correspondence and this worked OK. I decided to up the ante and finish off the studies by the end of this year by doing class attendance. I will end up with the Associate Degree of Civil Engineering. DVA has helped both with the correspondence course and with this one by paying for fees and books because my treating shrink wrote a letter stating that study, in particular home study was an ideal treatment for PTSD. If anyone wants to write to me, my postal address is Michael Kramer, USQ, McGregor College, Room C15, Locked Bag2, Darling Heights Qld 4350. Those who want more information can either use that medium or else email me at kramercad@bigpond.com or w0084331@umail.usq.edu.au either one of these will contact me.

Kind regards – Mick Kramer OMIEAust. (Officer Member Institution Engineers Australia)

Note from Michael McCarthy 3 Jan 2013
G'day John,
>> THANKS for the Red Rat report on the recent reunion & DVD (which I'll digest later). Much appreciated.
>> Helene & I relocated to Cairns FNQ last December and are enjoying the change back to where we lived 1985-90. I have maintained our eMail address rommel@brisnet.org.au and welcome any correspondence from fellow D&Eers including The Editor & Treasurer (GRIN). Our postal address is:
>> MV & JH McCarthy
>> 4-6 Tolson Close, BRINSMEAD, Qld., 4870
>> Mobile: 0414 251 785

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Michael Hilary Travers who enrolled in 1966 and is a Vietnam Veteran? I would appreciate any information as to his whereabouts. We were very close and sadly, I lost contact with him around 1992. Mike joined IBM following his return from Vietnam and then spent some time in QLD working with a mining company.

Hello all Veteran's who were at the Merimbula Reunion/ November 2012.
Your DVD of the event will be mailed out early next week to your respective home address.
regards.
john v

G'day John, Great effort by all at Merimbula, my first away gig after first timer in Busselton WA. Hadspen looks like a good choice for 2014, my wife should make this one as Tassie has been on our to-do list for some time.
Can you provide me with the email for Michael & Lyn Love, I have some happy snaps of him in 1969. Cheers, "Kochie", (as in Scotch, not "Cosh"! :-) to All.

Hello all - some photos and a full report on the Merimbula November 2012 Reunion is now on our website.
Happy reading.
john v

Congratulation and thanks to John and Helen, and their able support crew for putting on a reunion to remember. Fabulous organisation, great location, terrific people, and a varied and interesting program. Well done to all who contributed to this fabulous event. Roll on Tasmania in 2014!!!!

any Det 1 Div Int Unit goys out there

Hello all - as at 23 October we have a total of 143 attendees coming to the Merimbula reunion - 76 Vets and 67 partners.
Well done. regards. john v

VALE: MALCOLM ANDREW TAME.
Further to our Home page. Malcolm died on 3 March 2012 from Pancreatic Cancer.
His Army No. was 17575 and he served as (Temp) Captain AACC in Nui Dat - 4 May 1966 until 4 May 1967.
An original and a decent bloke. RIP Malcolm. We will toast you at the Merimbula Reunion.

As of today, 30 August 2012, All D&E Platoon, HQ Coy, 1 ATF soldiers, who died in South Vietnam no longer have "Missing Next Of Kin". All diggers have had NOK found for them, and the V.V.E.C. project is equipped to write to these NOK. Here's hoping all the relevant records are correct.

Thanks to those dedicated people in England who helped locate NOK for Michael Pommy" Towler. Without you, I'd be pushing it still.
My regards to all
Eddie t

Seeking Assistance: Call for Photos of Vietnam Veterans, who died in South Vietnam, from NOK

Planning is now underway for the Australian contribution to the Vietnam Veterans Education Centre (VVEC). The Centre, to be located underground on the Mall in Washington D.C, adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial better known as "The WaH” will tell the story of the Vietnam War.

The VVEC will tell the story of the Vietnam War and is planned to open in 2015. Within it, Australia's story will be told alongside that of the United States of America. The Australian Government has made a significant commitment to ensure that the service of our Vietnam veterans will be recognized in the VVEC, and to ensure that when Americans and others visit, they will also learn of the contribution that Australia made to the Vietnam War.

The VVEC will be a centre for both education and commemoration. It will not only be a building for people to visit, but it will also include extensive Internet based media, that may be viewed from anywhere in the world.

The central feature of the VVEC will be a "Wall of Faces," essentially a photographic Roll of Honour, featuring a photograph and some details of each of the Australian and American service men and women who died in the Vietnam War.

The Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) is currently searching for the families of those who died in the Vietnam War, in order to obtain suitable photographs to be included in the "Wall of Faces." In July 2012, OAWG wrote to 143 known next of kin, seeking their agreement to the display of a suitable photograph and service details of their family member on the "Wall of Faces."

To date, the OAWG has received overwhelming support for the project in the responses received.
If you are able to assist in this search for the families, or you possess a photograph of a Vietnam serviceman whose name appears on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial, please email the OAWG at VVEC@dva.gov.au. Alternatively, please pass this request on to others who may be able to assist. Our aim is to ensure that our Vietnam War Dead are properly recognized in the VVEC. Any assistance you can provide would be gratefully received.

While enlistment photos are available for most of these men, OAWG preference is for other, better quality images. These may be from prior to enlistment or taken whilst in service, in uniform or civilian dress. Each family's preference for the image of their serviceman is our first consideration. All photographs provided to OAWG will be treated with care and respect, and will be returned to the owner as soon as is possible.
There are two D&E Platoon soldiers who still have no known Next Of Kin. These two are: Arthur Ruduss, died 12 June 1966; and Michael Towler, died 12 June 1971. Arthur Ruduss had family, (?sisters) in Melbourne,Victoria. Michael Towler was from England, and to my knowledge no NOK in Australia.

But if anyone can help, please contact the Vietnam Veterans Education Centre (VVEC) email adress shown in the body of this message.

All other D&E platoon soldiers, who had no known NOK have been taken care of.

regards to all Platoon embers

Eddie.

Been receiving the newsletter for years-finally may get to the reunion in november--HQ1ATF VietNam March 67-August 67-Appreciate the hard work by some in keeping things going-
7RAR -dec65-aug66--

Hello Everyone.
100 days to our HQ1ATF Association reunion at Merimbula.
110 people confirmed and paid.
We need 150 to make it a great event so please, members, register now.
The details are on this website.
regards.
john v

Sorry I assumed I had sent it. dannybux3@gmail.com

Please take note of my email address. Cheers Danny

Hi Everyone
This year, this Vietnam Veterans Day, aka Long Tan Day, marks the 50th anniversary of the commencement of Australia's involvement in the war in Vietnam.

With this in mind I understand that a service has been arranged at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne to mark this special anniversary.

The 18th August 2012, is a Saturday this year.

I am wondering what the Victorian branch of HQ 1 ATF Association is going to do in relation to this anniversary?

It is planned to gather around our banner at the Shrine in Melbourne, or are we simply going to let it pass without remembrance?

I know of at least country based sub branch of VVAA that is arranging for the free return busing of their local VVs from their local area to the Shrine in Melbourne.

These arrangements are to cover the Veteran and one person nominated by the Veteran, whilst additional seats will be available at a cost of $20.00 per person.

So veteran mates, friends, and other Victorian veterans, are we going to gather under our banner at the Shrine on 18 August 2012?

Let me know your thoughts

regards to all

eddie t

Hi Ross - There are quite a few K Graham's listed in Qld - White pages. Hope to get to Re-union at Merrimbula in November. On ANZAC Day I attended the Australian Memorial Service in France this year. I must acknowledge John Verhelst for his tireless contibutions to this site.

Wow!!! another year has passed & we are back to April again. Wishing you all, all the very best for Anzac Day & again I know my dear brother Ian (Postie) Barbato will be with you in spirit.
Regards
Di Louis

Hi all - ANZAC DAY in Sydney. Doug Lawrence has the banner as I will overseas for a few weeks.
Meet at normal place in Blight Street.
regards.
john verhelst

Ross- Ken Graham not on our list. Send me your email address and you will go onto our data base. My details are at www.hq1atf.org
Regards,.
john verhelst

Have just discovered the web site and the association's details, thanks to Chris Bean from SA. I look forward to formally joining the association. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Ken Graham from Qld who also served with HQ 1ATF 1970. I look forward to attending reunion later this year. All the very best. Ross

Hi to All, I was with 6RAR 1966-67, 1ARU September 1970 to April 1971 then HQ 1ATF April-December 1971. My book about my times in Vietnam, "We Band of Brothers - A True Australian Adventure Story" is available for download from AMAZON - also see my website at http://webandofbrothers.tripod.com
All the best for the forthcoming reunion.
Cheers,
Brian

Hi there. My good mate Gary Franklin was killed in a motor cycle accident friday the 17th feb 2012 near Beaudesert Qld. His funeral will be at his home 75-77 Berry6man Crt Hoya Qld on saturday the 25th Feb 2012. I post this message for anyone who may have known Gary. He was with HQ Coy 1 ATF tour apr 68 to apr 69. Regards Warren

Hello all- 30 people registered and paid for November's reunion at Merimbula.
We have just had confirmation that Normie Rowe will be guest at our 9 November private dinner at the Merimbula RSL Club.
regards and keep the bookings rolling in.
john v

Hello all - all the best for the Festive Season to HQ1ATF Association members and your families (and also guests to this page).
May 2012 bring true all your wishes.....
See you in Merimbula on Thursday 8 November..
regards, John v / President, 2012 Reunion Committee.

Hello all - all is going well for the November 2012 Reunion and Merimbula is going all out to make us feel welcome.
Please start sending your details to us so that we can keep an update on those couples (or singles) attending,
Regards. john v

Count me in I shall be there. Mo 0864545111

D445. Hi All, I served with 1 Div Int, then was LO in Baria before a second "luxury" posting at the Embassy. Just discovered your site ! Last month, I published a limited edition, and not-for-sale book: The Viet Cong D445 Battalion - Their Story; and I placed it on the Internet as "free to read" (Long Tan is at pp.39-48) see: http://www.scribd.com/doc/62621973/The-Viet-Cong-D445-Battalion-Their-Story

Hi, my uncle is WO2 Tracey Merrell who was in Nui Dat in Vietnam . As I do not have many photos of my uncle I was wondering if anyone had any pictures they could send me. He was given leave from the Army in 1977 to give my mother away at her wedding, but was killed in a car accident 4 weeks earlier. I would really love a picture of him. I too am a defence spouse now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

VALE: Ian Goodman.
Ian, of Boolaroo in NSW passed away on 25 July 2011. I have been advised by his wife Wendy, and do not have any more information.
regards, john v

VALE: Neal Cremen.
With regret, I am advised by Dougie Lawrence that Neal passed away two days ago: Thursday 2 June 2011. His funeral will be held in Richmond, NSW, next Friday 10 June at 10 AM.
regards.johnv

We remember the 5 diggers who were killed on 12 June, 40 years ago. We also will remember D&E's first casualty, Arthur Ruduss, also killed on 12 June, 1966. Lest we forget.

It will be 40 years on the 12th of june since 5 of our mates were killed in action. They will never be forgotten. Kind regards to the survivers. Yours sincerely, Richard Stott.

Hello all - the nxt issue of our Red Rat will be available online (here) late June. For those of you without email address, it will come via snailmail - for those of you without email or normal address, you can read it on our web site.
Please do email me with your current email details if you currently receive the Red Rat by snail mail. It will save us all a few dollars.
regards.
john verhelst: email: hq1atf2012@jhconsult.com.au[

Just wanting to wish you all my best wishes for 2011 Anzac Day. I am sure my dear brother Ian (Postie) Barbato will be with you in spirit.

Di Louis

I regret to advise that the Courier Mail today carried the Death and Funeral Notice of 14968 LTCOL Brian Desmond GOODWIN (Retired) RAR, Late of Mooloolaba, Qld. Brian passed away on 3 April 2011, Privately Cremated 7 April 2011. Brian has two tours of Vietnam:
3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment 13/10/1964 22/10/1964
Headquarters, 1st Australian Task Force 14/05/1966 20/04/1967

Lest We Forget!!

Hi guys, would like to hear from anyone that was there (nui dat & vung tau) Jul 71 to Feb 72 use to man the front gate at Vung Tau. Came home on the ship HMAS Sydney. Good way to get home.
Anyone know the whereabouts of Graham Ashby cpl, would like to catch up.
kindest regards
Patrick

Hi
I am currently in the process of updating the list "HQ 1 ATF Veterans who have died since RTA". If you have any details of HQ 1 ATF diggers who have died recently would appreciate those details so that I can add them to the list for the web page.
regards to all
Eddie T

Vale Jack Carter
A short note to all to say that Jack Carter's funeral service was well attended by his mates and others of the Veteran community, who knew him, and widely by his family and friends.He will be missed by us all.

Eddie Tricker

Just a note to let the WA guys know whats happening for Anzac Day.
We form up near Anzac House on Adelaide Tce 9am-9.30 look out for the HQ banner.
After the march I have arranged for us to meet back at the 43BELOW BAR
on Barrack St they have applied for early open licence
Its not far from the corner of Adelaide Tce so not far to walk
Hope to see a good rool up and will post more info when i get it

Regards to all Tom May

Vale Jack Carter.
Jack passed away on Friday March 11 and was actually in hospital to have a sleep apnea test, to sort out his breathing difficulties prior to him commencing treatment for another condition. He took a sudden turn for the worst, and sadly not long after, passed away. I know he will be sadly missed by us all and will be remembered for his jovial wit and keen sense of humour.

Our thoughts are with Jean, and children Michelle, Cathy, Mandy and Owen and families.

For those that may want to, or are able to, attend his funeral, it is to be held in the Renowden Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale on Friday March 18, 2011, commencing at 2.15pm.

RIP

Ps my email address is djchawk70@live.com

I have been doing some research of my family history, and i am trying to find my birth father. His name is Barry Hodgson and he served with 1st ATF between 20/10/71 and 26/2/72. I was born on 7th October 1970. If anyone has any contact or information about Barry,I would really appreciate you passing on my details to him or maybe let him know i would like to meet him.please bear in mind that barry's family may not know about me or his circumstances, therefore i would suggest discretion.

Just to let all know that the WA association is now being run by Tom May and Richard (sailor) Barron.
Tom and Sailor will be arranging details for the Anza day march.

Contact emails for the above are :-

thomasmay08@gmail.com
rbarron@bigpond.net.au

Hi all - further to email / message of 17 January - for ANZAC Day in Sydney, we will meet up about 10 AM, cnr, Bligh and Bent Streets Sydney.
regards.

Check the site regular, or so I thought until I saw the new guestbook. Had a great time at the renunion , tks to the organisers. Caught up with some old mates I hadn't seen since that other life. What happened to all the old guestbook entires? Are the tucked away somewhere??

A note to remind all members of the HQ 1ATF Association that the banner will be at the Sydney ANZAC day march: 25 April 2011.
regards. john v

Was very pleasantly surprised to see a photo of my father in Vietnam (the only one I've seen). It was purely by accident that I found it as the photo caption has been misspelt as Lt Kamanek (should be Lt Kamenek). Even though I can't see his face in the photo, I recognise him by his stance. Like many vets, he didn't talk much about his time over there and that may account for the lack of photo's I have. Now that he's passed, I'd be interested to know if more exist.

Regards
Mick Kamenek

This is an excellent historical website that I have been fortunate and privilaged to find (courtesy of Eddie Tricker).
More Brits ought to have a look at this and remember what a huge contribution and sacrifice Australian forces have made to restoring peace to the planet.
Thank you.

I am trying to contact Kerry Murtagh was wondering if anybody has his email, worked with him in the Pilbara in the 80's. Thanks.

Haven't been here for yonks.
Wanted to catch up on the guest book entries, but see they've all disappeared presumably due to the change over from one company to another.

Bit late for christmas wishes, but you all have a safe, healthy and prosperous new year.

Just like to take this opportunity to wish all who served in D& E Plt a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year

Regards

Phil Harrington

To all those who attended the 2010 reunion in WA, thanks for making the effort. It turned out to be a great reunion with several, first timers attending.
It was a bit of a task at times to arrange the reunion, but with 20 odd years under my belt doing very similar things (but only bigger) everything turned out tikityboo. Many thanks to my committee for ensuring we finished up in front financially and I look forward to attending the 2012 reunion at Merimbula. For those who are wondering what a reunion is like...wonder no more because they are a great way to renew old friendships and make new ones.
Make a effort to attend in 2012 and you won't be disappointed.
Merry Xmas to all members of our association.

Regards to all
Rod Barrett
Ex President 2010 reunion committee

Merry Christmas to all.

I will take this opportunity to wish one and all, particularly those Veterans who served with me, a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2011. Eddie Tricker

HQ1ATF; 2012 Reunion; Merimbula 8/12 November 2012
VENUE; Merimbula Beach Holiday Park, 2 Short Point Road, Merimbula, NSW 2548
www.merimbulabeachholidaypark.com.au
(P); 02 6499 8909 (F); 02 6495 3381

Reunion Email; hq1atf2012@jhconsult.com.au

Just advising that this is a new Guestbook. The company that ran our old one sold the rights to another company, who then decided not to continue providing the service. They also failed to notify the users, so we have been running around to find a replacement.
This one is fancier, but it seems to be working ok. I hope users will find it useful. Any comments, either positive or negative should be forwarded to me at hq1atf@hotmail.com