First a Grunt, then a Bluebell
Joined July 1962. Reservist (known as CMF - Citizens' Military Forces) then ARA (Australian Regular Army). Grunt until 1965. Got tired of all the foxhole digging, walking and nights in the donga. Tranferred to RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) - callsign Bluebell, and off to flying school to learn about choppers as an airframe fitter. I was a grunt at heart, so when the Grey 8 (Eighth Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) were looking for an Armourer on their return from Malaya before their first tour of Viet-Nam, I transferred. In country October, '69. My mate got whacked in Dec, '69 and I've never got over that. Stayed in country when 8RAR went home (RTA) and did a lot of time in Vungers (Vung Tau), Saigon, Hue, Hua Long and other interesting shell pocketed locations with EIS Team doing inspections and such like stuff. 1971 returned to an Australia I was ashamed to call home. Medics threw me into a psych ward for tests and observation and in 1972 kicked me out of the military as I was; "No longer suited to be a Soldier." Few years ago, was awarded some damn medal and a Citation for my service. I threw them away. Got full TPI (Totally and Permanently Disabled) Special Rate Payment and full medical, but I question why I'm still here and bein' a grumpy ol' Vet. I guess my story is yet to be told I reckon.