This Part lists audio products including music/songs. Researchers will also be aware that, increasingly, published books are also available in audio format. It is advised that researchers Google any book of interest listed in other Parts of this Bibliography and examine each sellers’ offerings for audio copies of products.
GENERAL
Australian Army Band Corps – The Royal Australian Regiment 1948-2008 Celebrating 60 years
Commonwealth of Australia (Australian Army Band Corps), Canberra, 2008
AABC 04/2008. Thirty-one music track CD including all RAR marches, and those of the “feeder” organisations incl School of Infantry, Army Recruit Training Centre (aka 1 RTB), Royal Military College, Officer Cadet School, Officer Training Unit, and the Last Post, Reveille and Rouse.
Australians at war film archive
UNSW, Canberra
This is a University of New South Wales (Australian Defence Force Academy) site which allows access to 288 (as at 28 Nov 20) war veterans who are filmed in interview talking about their experiences on operational service. At time of access, this included 110 RAR individuals we speak about a range of post- WW II deployments. Accessible at http://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au/aawfa/search-result?items_per_page&f%5B0%5D=-1&keywords=RAR&op=Search&form_build_id=form-EA6duim3wA8MiAhjRauiUAclN_q-iShY4X-dgTCL2GI&form_id=aaw_search_search_form , the researcher can them use a range of search options including by name, by war/unit/deployment to tap into rich oral and visual history. Over time, this source of oral history will grow.
Australian War Memorial – Salute to the Aussie digger
AWM, Canberra, 2004
AWM B02209/AAB-8002
A Fund raising initiative in favour of Legacy, this CD features narratives by Jack Thompson AM and General Peter Cosgrove AO, MC with music tracks performed by the Australian Army Band Sydney.
DRINKWATER, Lawrence
Sunshine Coast Council
Oral interviews, 2001.
Heritage Project.
Lawrence Drinkwater joined the Army in June 1957. He served in in Malaya during The Emergency as a rifleman in 2 RAR. He later deployed to South Vietnam with the 6 RAR in 1966 and was a rifle section commander at the Battle of Long Tan. He left the Regular Army in 1969 and served for many years after in the Army Reserve reaching the rank of sergeant. Accessible at https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Stories/War/Veterans-Voices/Lawrence-Drinkwater
DUSTY, Slim – Tribute to the Australian Military Forces
Song – Youtube, 2007
EMI records, 4 minutes 45 seconds
A tribute song to all generations of Australian Defence Personnel. Includes many AWM and private images of RAR troops including Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIYrbMH9kMo&fbclid=IwAR3UjCtPhLUQ4e1_YSRZFBpxFTAjrPi8StgKX4KX6chKwJTONG9WpKx9Mco
HARTIGAN, Brian (Editor Contact) – Life on the line; our veterans, their stories
CONTACT website
Podcasts of a range of veterans’ stories, ranging from WW II to current times. Constantly being added to. Accessible at
https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/our-veterans-their-stories/ nd select from the names and image which ones are of interest to the researcher.
HUSBAND, James (Jim), BEM
Sunshine Coast Council
Oral interviews, 2001.
Heritage Project.
Jim Husband a Vietnam and Korean veteran and former RSM 6 RAR, is featured in two successive interviews with Vietnam veteran Gary McCay on 29 May 2001. He also served with 2 RAR, AATTV and 7 RAR. Accessible at https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Stories/War/Veterans-Voices/James-Husband
Hughes, AO, DSO, MC – James Curnow – Major General
UNSW Canberra, 2003
Video 41 mins 05 secs.
Australians at war film archive interview with Hughes who served in 3 and 4 RAR. Accessible at https://australiansatwarfilmarchive.unsw.edu.au/archive/1109
KERNAGHAN, Lee – Live to Ride
Song
ABC Music, Sydney, 2019
This sound track, off the CD Backroad Nation, addresses veterans from post – WW II conflicts including Afghanistan and Vietnam, who return to develop a passion for veteran motorcycle cameraderie, a phenomenon to which many RAR members can relate.
PHILLIPS, Major General (Retd) AO, MC – Oral History Transcript
National Library of Australia, 2007
Sound recording interview by Terry Colhoun. Major General Peter Phillips talks about his early life including attending Royal Military College, Duntroon; Army postings, training, promotions; Malayan Emergency (1957-1959); his duties with Government House and units around the state; his marriage; “Pentropic” Infantry Battalion; service in Vietnam; being awarded Military Cross (MC); the U.S. style fighting in Vietnam; working in Infantry Personnel Commander 3RAR, in Canberra; support for Commonwealth Games; difficulties of army lives on families; appointed Officer in Order of Australia (AO); Defence Housing Authority; his RSL involvement and other post-service service including; National director of recruiting to counter declining RSL membership (1991); changes from traditional membership qualifications; review of national constitution and annual conference of sub-branches; National President (1997) following period as Chairman of National Veterans affairs committee; debate on ANZAC Day future; Victorian Government Legislation for ANZAC Day; ANZAC Dawn Service in Canberra; the RSL’s future., Phillips discusses National Council to recognize Battle for Australia; RSL and care of aging veterans; assistance from federal government; Forces Advisory Committee on Entertainment (FACE); RSL Constitution; youth suicide, family support, after Vietnam; Gold Card; first official visit to Japan by RSL National President; Japanese veterans visiting Balikpapan denied joint visit with Australian vets; Changi Chapel; Ex-POW’s & Reconciliation; national veterans shrine at Chidorigafuchi Park, and Yasakuni Shrine, Hiroshima; Japanese worked with UN and Australia in East Timor; changes in attitude to wreath laying on Australian monuments; Republican debate; his post-national presidency activities; working with General Peter Cosgrove; his wife and family; visits to Vietnam; forgiveness of former enemies and Christian faith. Location: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-21886776carpet.
Lieutenant Colonel James Curnow Hughes MC as the lieutenant colonel Commanding Officer 4th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment/New Zealand (ANZAC), South Vietnam 1971, interviewed by Lieutenant Colonel Robin Morison
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 1971
2 hr 54 min audio.
Hughes speaks of the build-up of 4th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment and its deployment to South Vietnam; Operation Hermit Park, 14 June-27 July 1971 and Operation Iron Fox, 28 July-5 August 1971, both astride the Phuoc Tuy-Long Khanh provincial border, NNW of the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat; other operations in which the battalion had contacts with the enemy. Accessible at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C88265
Queensland Pop Orchestra – ANZAC Day Tribute
YouTube, songs, 2020
Twelve different artist’s work supported/played by the orchestra which cover most of Australia’s wars, a strong focus on more recent deployments. RAR personnel can be seen and many identifiable in the war footage/stills. Everyone to deploy will relate to this tribute.
ROGER, Graham – They Answered the Call
CD of war songs
AM0012; released by Austrak Music
At least two tunes of the 18 on this disk refer to the RAR: Battle of Long Tan, and Battle of Coral. Several others are timeless and apply to everyone including the experiences of those who served in the RAR.
Up close: Conversations with modern veterans
Australian War Memorial
Podcasts of varying lengths.
A site at which an ever-expanding number of veterans are able to be heard recounting their stories of life in the ADF. Many are RAR members. Accessible at https://link.chtbl.com/UpClosePodcast
WINTER, Alan – Our Country’s Call
Song and poem
Innovat Media, Sunshine Coast QLD, 2014
Music and lyrics of this song by Winter are put o music by the Sunshine Coast Concert Band. DVD contains a sung audio-visual version and also a narration of the poem version. Includes imagery from Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan in which RAR personnel are identifiable. A patriotic song; available on DVD from www.dfwa.org.au
JAPAN AND KOREA 1946-53
KERNIGAN, Lee – We heard a bugle play
ABC Music, 2015
Song
Off the Spirit of the Anzacs album, this one is about a soldier of 3 RAR in Korea, including his experiences in the Battle of Pakchon.
SOUTH EAST ASIA 1950-current
(includes Malaya, Borneo, Singapore & Malaysia)
Moreton, Tom (Producer) – BORNEO 1964-1966: Australia’s Secret War With Indonesia
ABC National Podcast, Date TBA
Audio only
Radio Presentation on the nature of secrecy under which this deployment occurred and the war fought. Copy held in RARA (QLD) library.
Communist Insurgency War
Wikipedia
20 minutes 20 seconds online Wikiaudio
Audio documentary about the CIW aka called the Second Malayan Emergency. Accessible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6BKOhqen9Q&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3a9rs_pLFbNBEibkLy7aGEQ3Xvh9ZPNUKSa8xwjWQqO61L_cTSEeWSs_U
Local veterans call for recognition in Malaysian war effort
Radio 5 MU
9-minute 27 sec radio interview
Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) veterans Les Smith and Keith Wood are interviewed by Jennie Lenman. Addresses the operational deployments of the RCBs during the Communist Insurgency in Malaysia 1968-1989 and the Government’s handling to date of claims for recognition as warlike service. Accessible at https://www.5mu.com.au/podcast-player/show/8116394-local-veterans-call-for-recognition-in-malaysian-war-effort/sa-today
WESTON Brian – RAAF Air Base Butterworth Malaysia Deployment
Radio interview with the retired AVM who served as a member of 75 Sqn 1970-72 and as CO 3Sqn from 1980 at Air Base Butterworth. Talks of families during the Emergency, the calculated risk of accompanied families, RMAF bombing CTs close to Butterworth in the 70s, and revetments to protect Mirages. Approx one hour interview; accessible at http://radioadelaide.org.au/2018/06/04/brian-weston-70th-anniversary-malayan-emergency/
The RAR provided the great bulk of the Rifle Company Butterworth one-three month deployments to protect the RAAF Assets, personnel and families during the period in question, starting on 1 Nov 70. Although the Second Malaysian Emergency/Communist Insurgency War ended officially no 2 Dec 89, as at July 2018, RCBs still rotate through Butterworth Air Base.
VIETNAM 1962-75
5 RAR Association – Lieutenant Colonel John Arnold Warr as the Commanding Officer 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, South Vietnam 1966-1967, interviewed by Major Lance Logan. AWM S03483
Warr speaks of the conduct of Operation Queanbeyan, a search-and-destroy operation in the Nui Thi Vai complex of Phuoc Tuy Province, 16-26 October 1966. Located at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S03483
5 RAR Association – Lieutenant Dennis Claude Rainer as Officer Commanding 10 Platoon Company 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, South Vietnam 1966-1967, interviewed by Major Lance Logan. AWM S03484
Rainer speaks of his role in Operation Queanbeyan, a search-and-destroy operation in the Nui Thi Vai complex of Phuoc Tuy Province, 16-26 October 1966. Located at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S03484
5 RAR Association – Captain Robert William Supple as the Assistant Adjutant 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (acting as the battalion air contact officer), South Vietnam 1966-1967, interviewed by Major Lance Logan. AWM S03487
Supple speaks of his role in Operation Queanbeyan, a search-and-destroy operation in the Nui Thi Vai complex of Phuoc Tuy Province, 16-26 October 1966. Located at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S03487
5 RAR Association – Lieutenant Michael Gunther Deak (AKA Baron Von Berg, Michael Gunther Joseph) as the Officer Commanding Anti-tank Platoon 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, South Vietnam 1966-1967, interviewed by Major Lance Logan. AWM S03488
Deak speaks of his role in Operation Queanbeyan, a search-and-destroy operation in the Nui Thi Vai complex of Phuoc Tuy Province, 16-26 October 1966. Located at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S03488
5 RAR Association – Lance Corporal Peter William Blanch and Private Bruce Hammond (Hubbard?) as members of C Company 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, South Vietnam 1966-1967, interviewed by Major Lance Logan. AWM S03489
Blanch and Hammond (Hubbard?) speak of identifying and defusing booby traps and mines in Operation Queanbeyan, a search-and-destroy operation in the Nui Thi Vai complex of Phuoc Tuy Province, 16-26 October 1966. Located at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S03489
5 RAR Association – Warrant Officer Class 2 James Atkinson as an administrative warrant officer 1st Australian Rest and Convalescent Centre, Private Russell Charles Briggs as a member of 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, Gunner Mervyn Douglas Nairn as a member of Detachment 131st Divisional Locating Battery and Private Robert John Stuart as a member of 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment, all South Vietnam 1966-1967, interviewed by Major Lance Logan. AWM S03482
Atkinson speaks of the facilities for soldiers at the Rest and Convalescent Centre, Vung Tau and the role of the Centre. Located at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S03482
BLUNDELL, James – Postcards From Saigon
xxxx
Song that refers to the Infantry in Vietnam (RAR).
Crews, AO – William James – Major General
Australian War Memorial
Oral history – interview of 10 mins 40 secs.
Interviewed by Terry Colhoun AM, in 2004, this interview focuses on General Crews’ role as President RSL elected in 2003. General Crews served with the RAR and refers to that in interview. Accessible at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1074229
BROWN, Wayne, MM
Sunshine Coast Council
Oral interviews, 2001.
Heritage Project.
Wayne Brown went to South Vietnam in May 1968 with 4 RAR and spent the majority of his tour as a rifle company corporal medic. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery when tending to casualties under fire.
Accessible at https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Stories/War/Veterans-Voices/Wayne-Brown
DOWSETT, Bill – Vietnam, a reporter’s war (S00260)
ABC, Sydney, 1975
Sound, 1 hr 55 mins.
Shortly after the surrender of the South Vietnam government in 1975 the ABC radio public affairs team produced a two-hour special on the war. ABC Radio Public Affairs Program; produced by Brian Furlonger and narrated by Bill Dowsett. Broadcast 14 May 1975 This is the audio version of that program. The RAR is mentioned in the context of the total Australian commitment. Audible version digitally available from https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/S00260/
EATON, John – John Eaton as a private rifleman B Company 1st Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), South Vietnam 1968-1969, recorded for Lex McAulay
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 1999
Audio-cassette and now digitised; 27 mins 10 secs.
Story of a Standing Patrol fight in which the interviewee was involved during Operation Rolling Stone on 23 February 1966. Can be accessed at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C87839
ELLIOT, Col – What Have You Done For Australia
xxx
Song based on the Vietnam War and the battalions.
GALLAGHER, Paul
Sunshine Coast Council
Oral interviews, 2001.
Heritage Project.
Paul Gallagher deployed to Vietnam as a rifle section 2IC with 8 RAR and saw active service in Phuoc Tuy Province for 12 months. He was discharged from the Army holding the rank of lance corporal on his return to Australia in January 1971. Accessible at https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Stories/War/Veterans-Voices/Paul-Gallagher
HAGAN, Trevor
Sunshine Coast Council
Oral interviews, 2001.
Heritage Project.
Trevor Hagan joined the Regular Army as a career soldier in 1959, serving for 24 years and attaining the rank of WO1. He saw active service in Malaya in 1960-61 and South Vietnam in 1965-66. He served in Malaysia in 1968-69 and then returned to Vietnam for a second tour in 1969-70. He was an infantryman with 1 RAR on his tours of Malaysia and a sergeant in a rifle platoon in 8 RAR for his second tour. He was lightly wounded in action during heavy fighting in 1969 and remained on duty. Accessible at https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Stories/War/Veterans-Voices/Trevor-Hagan
KERNIGAN, Lee and McCUNE, Lisa – The unbearable price of war
ABC Music, 2015
Song
Off the Spirit of the Anzacs album, this one is about the dustoff choppers and nurse support in Vietnam.
KERNIGAN, Lee – Tell Carmelita
ABC Music, 2015
Song
Off the Spirit of the Anzacs album, this one is about a forward scout at the Battle of Long Tan (D Coy) 6 RAR telling of his experiences that day.
KERNIGHAN, Lee – He’s one of us
Song, 2019.
About soldiers and their place in Australian society. Song specifically mentions many of the deployments that involved the RAR battalions.
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q20DUaIzYJg
LINDSAY, Dianne – Living in the Shadow of the Horseshoe
xxx
Song about the Vietnam war.
Major General Brian William Howard AO MC (Rtd) as the major Officer Commanding A Company 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), South Vietnam 1967-1968, interviewed by Lex McAulay
Australian War Memorial
Audio 47 mins
Interview by Lex McCauley , 1986
Covers (then) Major Howard’s experiences in Vietnam including the action for which he awarded the MC. Accessible at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1017413
McKay MC, Gary – After the blood cools: the warrior’s dilemma
2NM Breakfast show, 2022
Audio recording of 5mins 18 secs.
Author Gary McKay is interviewed about his book which includes the actions in 1971 where, as OC 11 Platoon, D Company 4 RAR, he was awarded the Military Cross for actions during the Battle of Nui Le. Accessible at https://www.2nm.com.au/podcast-player/show/8070041-gary-mckay-after-the-blood-cools/2nm-breakfast
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Brian Heath from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty
S06122 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Norm Newell from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06123 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Ross Horne from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty
S06124 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Bob Forshey from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06125 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Paul King from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06126 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Don Gordon from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06127 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Ken Clements from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06128 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with John Polkinghorne from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06129 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Keith Walker from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06130 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Rick Cross from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06131 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Heinz Grabowski from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06132 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben -Interview with Terry Dineen from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06133 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Trevor Carter from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06134 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with John Graham from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06135 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Vince Thompson from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06136 (AWM designator)
2018
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Nick Friend from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06137 (AWM designator)
2018
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Michael Kinsella from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06138 (AWM designator)
2018
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Renzo Battaglia from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06139 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Barry Corse from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06140 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with John Sykes from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06599 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben – Interview with Victor Adams from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06600 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Ben -Interview with Elizabeth (Biff) Ward from 2 pl A Coy 2RAR 1967/8 tour of duty (S06601 (AWM designator)
2019
Morris, a Vietnam veteran himself, interviews other Vietnam Veterans for a thesis at University of Wollongong. Audio recordings; likely to be digitised and available online or on disk when requested from the AWM.
MORRIS, Russell – Rachel
Columbia, Written by Raymond Froggert, 1970
Song.
Although not specifically mentioning South Vietnam, this song was produced by Morris at the time of that war in recognition of the conscripted colleagues and others who suffered. Classic anti-war song. Refers to a military nurse dealing with the wounded, including civilian casualties, through letters home to her parents, protesting the futility of war. Gives an insight to the tragedy of war faced by combatants and civilians alike. Instrumental in the eventual Vietnam Veterans’ Welcome Home Parade of 1987.
PHILLIPS AO, MC (Rtd) – Peter Raymond – Major General as the major Officer Commanding D Company 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), South Vietnam 1967-1968, interviewed by Lex McAulay
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 1986
Audio cassette (AWMS03192) 33 mins 2 secs.
Interviewed by Lex McAulay about the Battle for Coral-Balmoral in AO Surfers in May-June 1968. Also accessible at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1020213
RODGER, Graham – Fifty Thousand Sons of Australia
Song, 2016
Coming home from Vietnam and the Welcome home parade. At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXllyBhxojw . From the album They answered the call.
ROWE, Normie – Compulsory Hero
Song, 2019
Written by Garry Frost
Includes images of RAR Vietnam veterans and covers the general experiences of the Vietnam War. See at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIBk0P7MiKY
ROWE, Normie – It ain’t changed much
Song, 3 mins 49 secs
Off the Missing in action album. About a young man comparing his service to that of his grandfather, a Vietnam experience had by all RAR and other veterans.
ROWE, Normie – Missing In Action
Song, 5 mins 49 secs
Although Normie served with 3 Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam, his song refers to the RAR troops he was often supporting and transporting on the battlefield.
ROWE, Normie – Smiley
Song, 3 min, 41 secs
Off the Missing in action album. About a young man off to the ‘Asian war’, a Vietnam experience had by all RAR and other veterans.
ROWE, Normie – Still in Saigon
Song 3 mins 38 secs
Off the Missing in action album. About a young man home from the war, but who’s mind is still ‘in-country’, an experience had by many RAR and other veterans.
ROWE, Normie – What’ve you done for Australia
Song – 5mins 24 secs
From the Missing in Action album
About the Vietnam War and the experiences of its veterans to which all RAR will readily associate.
SCHUMANN, John – I was only Nineteen (A walk in the Light Green)
Universal Music Publishing, 1983
Song; multiple artists.
The true story of the characters and events surrounding the 6 RAR mine incident, a tune regarded by many as the epitome of the war for men on the ground in South Vietnam.
The 10 ten Vietnam war songs: a playlist for veterans
Thirteen media
Website which, although American, lists the ten top songs of the Vietnam era as voted such by the veterans themselves. This site includes ‘click on’ video of all ten songs. Accessible at https://www.thirteen.org/blog-post/top-10-vietnam-songs-veterans-playlist/
The Battle of Nui Le, 1971
Living history
Podcast, 1hr 24mins 25 secs
(Then) 2nd Lieutenant Gary McKay is interviewed about his military service, focussing on the actions in 1971 where, as OC 11 Platoon, D Company 4 RAR, he was awarded the Military Cross for actions during the Battle of Nui Le. Accessible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-SmFDRXKhw
PEACE KEEPING & PEACE MAKING OPERATIONS
(Somalia 1992-93, Rwanda 1994-95, Cambodia 1994-95, Papua New Guinea 1946 to 1975, East Timor 1999-2012, Bougainville 1994, The Solomon Islands 2000 -2008, all remaining deployments not covered by UN or above (Rhodesia, Uganda)
Nil Entry
IRAQ 2003-09 and 2014–ongoing
One Australian’s war on terror – Major General John Cantwell
Podcast
1 hr 5 mins 30 secs
Recorded on 16 Oct 12 at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance, A compassionate and deeply human account of one man’s tour of the War on Terror: from cheating death in a minefield, to calling home while under rocket fire in Baghdad. Provides a rare Australian perspective of the war in Iraq that many RAR deployees can relate to; Cantwell served in 1991 with the UK forces, then with the Australians in 2006 and 2010, the last as Force Commander. Accessible at https://www.shrine.org.au/one-australians-war-terror-major-general-john-cantwell
AFGHANISTAN 2006-ongoing
Anonymous – Australian Army tribute video (Afghanistan)
YouTube tribute, 2014
5 minutes 31 seconds
A tribute to the 41 Afghanistan veterans killed in action as at 2014; many were RAR members. Images put to music. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpIPU1NqG0Y
DUSTY, Slim – Tribute to the Australian Military Forces
Song – Youtube, 2007
EMI records, 4 minutes 45 seconds
A tribute song to all generations of Australian Defence Personnel. Includes many AWM and private images of RAR troops including Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIYrbMH9kMo&fbclid=IwAR3UjCtPhLUQ4e1_YSRZFBpxFTAjrPi8StgKX4KX6chKwJTONG9WpKx9Mco
KERNIGAN, Lee – I will always be with you
ABC Music, 2015
Song
Off the Spirit of the Anzacs album, this one is about an Infantryman in Afghanistan, and his worries and thoughts about his girl, home and his mates in the field, mentioning locations all such vets will know.
MANIATY, Tony – Shooting Balibo: Blood and memory in East Timor
Bolinda Audio, MP3 Una Edition, 2012
ISBN-10: 1743110138
ISBN-13: 978-1743110133
Audio book.
Coverage of aspects of the deployment to East Timor including to Balibo where some RAR sub-units rotated. Author was there in 1975 when journalists were executed.
SMITH, Fred – The Dust of Uruzgan
2010
Song
Captures the essence of operations in Afghanistan, particularly the IED threat and patrolling every RAR member to serve there will remember well. Smith served two tours of duty in a civilian capacity. Words and UTube viewing readily available.
The commando’s father with Doug Baird
YouTube
Podcast that is also in video format – 38 mins10 secs.
The story of Corporal Cameron Baird VC, MG both an RAR and 2 Commando Regt member. Partly narrated by his father Doug. Baird was awarded the 100th VC for action on 22 Jun 13 in Afghanistan. He was killed in action. Accessible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fIIMIpRxxE
HUMANITARIAN/DEFENCE AID TO THE CIVIL COMMUNITY
(Civilian Humanitarian Disaster ops (incl Darwin 1975 and other cyclones and floods, overseas eg PNG, Indian Ocean, and lately, Border Operations, and DACC (non-disaster) eg Olympics and Commonwealth Games and other government support eg APEC, G20)
BULLARD, Steven, Dr – In their time of need: Australian overseas emergency relief operations, 1918-2006
Podcast 44 mins 15 secs
Dr. Steven Bullard draws on the research undertaken for his book and explores the responses to calls for emergency relief assistance in our region, examines how the changing capacity of the Australian Defence Force has affected its ability to respond, and highlights the varied experiences of the men and women of the defence force, police and other government organisations who have served on these missions. RAR personnel have been involved in many of these operations. Accessible at https://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/news-events/podcasts/audio/5669/their-time-need-australias-overseas-emergency-relief-operations-1918
FUTURE/NEXT
HEDDERMAN, Billy – Unbowed: a soldier’s extraordinary journey back from paralysis (audio interview)
RTE Radio 1 broadcast
27 mins 45 seconds.
The story of an ex-Irish Army officer with service in Chad, Bosnia and the Middle East who then joined the Australian Army to serve with 6 RAR. Includes the account of his partial recovery from paralysis. Audio interview at https://www.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/html5/#/radio1/21415151 to support the book listed in Part 3
