This Part contains works of fiction or part-fiction that are considered suitable for inclusion in that they illustrate RAR operations and attributes.

 

GENERAL

10 Battalion RAR

Veteranweb Network

A humourous, but accurate take off of the range of imposters wearing veteran paraphernalia including Service medals. 10 RAR is the name used for such people. Accessible at https://veteranweb.asn.au/news/10-battalion-rar/

MANSFORD, George – The Mad Galahs

George Mansford 1999

ISBN: 0646380044

346 pages.

The author enlisted as a private and retired 40 years later as a brigadier. Half of his service was spent in the battalions of the RAR. The Mad Galahs weaves historical fact into a stirring tale of Australian Infantrymen at war generally in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

PARRY, Bill – A Walk Through Life

Winston Oliver Parry 2001

ISBN: 0957951302

200 pages.

The story of Jack Rand a soldier of 35 years, based on the author’s experience in the RAR.

JAPAN AND KOREA 1946-53

COURTNEY, Bryce – Brother Fish

Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Melbourne, 2004

ISBN: 0670042080

842 pages.

The story of a 3 RAR soldier captured in Korea who survives

internment with the help of an black American serviceman fellow-captive. Their bond of friendship survives beyond the war and captivity together, and later in a white Australia (Tasmania) where the two are re-united after the war.

HARRIS, AM  – Grains of sand: the brutal dynamic novel of a desperate commando mission

Cassell & Co, Sydney, 1969

ISBN-10 : ‎0304930776

ISBN-13: ‏ 978-0304930777

176 pages.

A fictional story of a special forces patrol operating behind enemy lines in Korea.

HARRIS, AM – The tall man

Cassell & Co, Sydney, Sydney.1958

ASIN‏: ‎ B007L3Z7U2

194 pages.

Fictional story of patrolling behind enemy lines in Korea to gather intelligence. Multiple publishers.

HOLLAND, DJ – The dead, the dying and the damned

Cassell & Co Ltd, London, 1956 also Corgi Children’s, 1976

ISBN-10: 0552101001

ISBN-13: 978-0552101004

451 pages.

Novel about the Korean War. While a true story, the characters are functional. Describes the defence of The Hook until the Armistice from the point of view of the soldiers and their immediate commanders. Australians involved included 2 RAR in a battle also known as the Battle of Samichon which is now an RAR battle honour.

SOUTH EAST ASIA 1950-current

(includes Malaya, Borneo, Singapore & Malaysia)

BRADDON, Russell – When the enemy is tired

Sphere Publishing, London, 1969 (Multiple different publishers)

ISBN 10: 07221544984

ISBN 13: 9780722154984

233 pages.

Fictional novel centred on an Australian officer (Major Anthony Russell) captured by the Chinese Communists. Book addresses how the enemy might have handled POWs and engaged in associated psychological warfare. No Australia was really a POW in the Malayan Emergency, or any other time post-WW II in that theatre.

VIETNAM 1962-1975

BARNES, Michael John – Now and forever – never walk alone in the dark

Assassin Publishing, San Fransisco, 2023

ISBN: 9780994323842

Illustrated; 50 pages.

A graphic fictional novel containing a series of short stories that deal with tragedy and the grief that follows. While fiction, it includes several RAR characters and experiences that may be readily related to.

BISHOP, Daryl A – Operation Snakebite

Sidhata Books and Print, Glen Waverley, VIC, 2021

ISBN: 9781925707519

TBA pages.

A fictional novel based on a National serviceman, Tom Duncan, who was a changed man when he returned from Vietnam. His father, a successful New England fine wool producer, stating that he’d not have the family’s good name tarnished any more, banishes his second son to the god-forsaken country west of the Bogan River in northwest NSW after he’d fallen foul of the law one too many times. Far from being the intended punishment, Tom flourishes in the scrublands. When tragedy strikes, Tom acts compulsively, reverting back to a time in his past he had been convinced he’d left behind. When you tread on a snake you can expect to be bitten.

BOJTSCHUK, Ronald – Operation Sea Dragon

Ryebuck Publications, Nerang QLD, 1986

ISBN: 0646268627

180 pages.

Fictional story of Australians in Vietnam.

BRAMMER, Graham J – Uncertain fate: an SAS patrol in Vietnam

Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1998

 ISBN: 9781864487930

312 pages.

A fictionalised story based on real events. Refers to various RAR battalions in Vietnam.

CARROL, John – Token Soldiers

Wildgrass Books, Boronia VIC, 1983

ISBN: 090806909X

261 pages.

The myths of heroism and glory are made from pain, futility and death. This is

the side of war – the only real side, which soldiers have as memories, wounds and lasting bitterness.

CLANCY, Bernard – Best we forget

Indra Publishing, Australia, 1998

ISBN: 0958771898

390 pages.

Fictional story based on a character called Donkey Simpson, a typical young Australian, who are a conscript sets out on an adventure to Vietnam. A horror story laced with black humour. Modelled on an RAR soldier.

COTTONE, David – Vietnam… Viet-Bloody-Nam

P.I.E. Books, Chelmer QLD, 2015

ISBN: 9780992529314 (pbk)

270 pages.

A novel about two friends – one a volunteer and the other a conscript, who serve together in Vietnam. The author explores the various experiences and tolls that the Vietnam war in particular took, including how many of the returning soldiers were treated at the time.

COURTNEY, Bryce – Smokey Joe’s Café

Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Ringwood VIC, 2001

ISBN: 014029807X

Glossary; 237 pages.

A fictional account of the remnants of a platoon that fought at Long Tan and their exploits on their return to Australia to save a young girl from death.

CUNNINGHAM, John – The way the dice fall

Zeus Publications, Burleigh QLD, 2006

ISBN: 1 921118 86 5

Bibliography; 242 pages.

Fiction based on a group of young soldiers serving in an RAR battalion in Vietnam. Mentions several real RAR individuals in the Acknowledgements,

DENNIS, DJ – A Day at a Time: a Vietnam Diary

University of Queensland Press, St Lucia, 1992

ISBN: 0702224421

Map, photos;161 pages.

The story of one day at war. It is based on interviews and D.J Dennis’s own wartime diary. It tells of young men fighting an unpopular war, pitting their high-spirited indifference against fate and military authority.

FOLEY, Col – Cut off

Booktopia Publishing, TBC, 2019

ISBN: 9781925230697

474 pages.

Fictional story written by a 7 RAR veteran of Vietnam about (US) soldiers cut off and their bid for escape and survival.

FRAZER, Michael – Nasho

Aries Imprint, Melbourne, 1984

ISBN: 0959269924

Glossary; 296 pages.

The author was a National Serviceman between 1969-1971 and during that time he spent 253 days in Vietnam.

KHAN, Adib – Homecoming

Harper Collins, Australia, 2003

ISBN: 0732277086

432 pages.

Fictional story about a Martin Godwin who is a man alone: divorced, in an uneasy relationship with his son, and with complicated guilty feelings towards his lover, he is also a veteran of Vietnam and haunted by his memories.

KLEMM, Barry – Running dogs

Black Pepper Publishing, North Fitzroy VIC, 2000

ISBN: 1876044314

173 pages.

Fiction set largely in 1967-8 and based on 7 RAR, telling of Australians in the Vietnam War, dealing with ambushes, attacks, pressure, and loyalty. Tells of the way in which the stress and tension of war affects the soldiers and their relationships with each other. The author served in Phouc Tuy province, South Vietnam, during the time when the novel is set.

KRASNOFF, Stan – Freefall

USQ Press, Toowoomba QLD, 1992

ISBN: 094941459X

Glossary, maps; 189 pages.

The wives and children of Vietnam veterans may find in these pages some idea of the trauma their husbands and fathers faced in Vietnam, and some

explanation of why so many veterans who left Australia as typical young men, were somehow different men upon return after their Vietnam experience.

McAULAY, Lex – When The Buffalo Fight

Century Hutchinson Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney, 1980

ISBN: 0091690218

236 pages, glossary

Fiction based on fact. The story is based on author’s service with 1RAR in South Vietnam during 1965-1966. Multiple editions.

McKENNA, T. P. – Vietnam: We Fought and Served: what price courage,

valour and honour?

Seaview Press Henley Beach SA, 2000

ISBN:1740080726

Short stories set in South Vietnam involving the Australians.

METZENTHEN, David – Dreaming the enemy

Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 2016

ISBN: 9781760112257

Written specifically for young 15-18 year old readers, this book addresses the Vietnam War.  Fictional work, it focuses on two characters, one from each side. It can be safely assumed that both are combatants. Researchers will readily associate these experiences and the aftermath as the two veterans come home to many that RAR veterans and others will have had.

MORRISSEY, Di – Monsoon

Pan McMillan, Sydney, 2007

ISBN: 9780330424011

453 pages.

A fictional story about Sandy Donaldson who has been working for a volunteer organisation in Vietnam. As her contract nears its end, she is reluctant to leave so she invites her oldest friend, Anna, to come for a holiday and discover its beautiful tourist destinations. During their travels, they meet Tom, an old Australian journalist who plans to report on the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Tom who tries to persuade Sandy’s father to return to Long Tan and settle the ghosts that have haunted him for 40 years. But the girls are reluctant, swept up in their own concerns, relationships, and a business deal that has the potential to go horribly wrong. References to 6 RAR.

NAGLE, William – The Odd Angry Shot

Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1975

ISBN: 0207131538 (hbk) 0207131546(pbk)

98 pages.

This is the author’s account of his participation as a professional soldier in a

discredited war (Vietnam).

O’CONNOR, Mary-Anne – War Flower

Harlequin, Sydney, 2017

ISBN:9781489241146

No Index or references, 208 pages.

A fictional and stylised romance set in the Vietnam era involving twin sisters and one of their loves, a soldier who deploys to Vietnam. Indicative of the lifestyle and relationships involving many RAR men of the time.

POLLARD, Rhys – Ambush

Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 2002

ISBN: Not identified

161 pages.

Author spent eight months in Vietnam in 1968 as a national serviceman. Fictional novel set in an RAR battalion in Vietnam.

POLLARD, Rhys – The cream machine

Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 2002

ISBN: 0207124957

161 pages.

Fictional novel set in an RAR battalion in Vietnam. Author spent eight months in Vietnam in 1968 as a national serviceman.

ROONEY, Roger – True North

Volcano Mountain Publishing, Australia, 2018

ISBN: 9780648249214

Maps, illustrations, Index; 289 pages.

Story of LT Jack Burns (RAR) in the AATTV and a North Vietnamese Army female soldier Tran. Although fiction, it covers much of the war to which RAR veterans say they can relate.

ROWE, John – Count Your Dead: A Novel of Vietnam

Angus & Robertson (and others), Sydney, 1968, 2003, 2006 ISBN: 0207950229

ISBN-10: 0975086049

ISBN-13: 978-0975086049

223 pages.

A fictional novel of the Vietnam war by a Vietnam veteran, based primarily on an American officer and his difficulties dealing with (what he terms) the senseless destruction approach taken by the Americans. A useful source which illustrates both the destruction and the psychological impact many RAR veterans will relate to.

RYAN, Jim – An Aussie pledge

Oracle Press, Montville QLD, 2000

ISBN: 1876494352

251 pages.

Fictional novel set in the Vietnam war, involving a typical young infantryman sent off to the war.

RYAN, Merv J – Vietnam Conscript

Access Press, Northbridge WA, 1992

ISBN: 0949795674

261 pages.

The author served in the Vietnam conflict and has drawn on his knowledge and experience to present this powerful story of two young men, one militant and aggressive, the other basically a pacifist, who are conscripted and sent to fight in the jungle.

SABBEN, Dave – Through Enemy Eyes

Allen & Unwin Australia, Sydney, 2005

ISBN: 1741145619

Index, maps, bibliography; 380 pages.

Based on detailed research by Dave Sabben, one of the 6 RAR Australian platoon commanders in the Battle of Long Tan. A fictionalised account

of the events leading up to the battle as seen through VC and NVA eyes.

TWIST, Jack – The mutiny at Long Phuoc Hai

Self-published, online, 2024

ASIN: B0B8H96D9W

215 pages.

A fictional novel of five young friends who are all called up at the same time and end up in Vietnam. One becomes the platoon commander in an RAR setting. As Australia’s involvement in the unpopular war winds down, tensions build until a point where the four refuse to obey a vital order from their officer.

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)

FRANCIS, Josh – Pegasus

Red Diamond Publishing, Canberra, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-6487025-0-4

130 pages.

Story of Zach Kryton, a former paratrooper (3 RAR) and intelligence soldier who is called out of forced retirement to assist with a murder case in East Timor. A fiction tale that leverages real world events and geographical locations frequented by RAR units during historical operations.

FRANCIS, Josh – Phoenix

Red Diamond Publishing, Canberra, 2020

ISBN: 9-780648-702528

134 pages.

The conclusion to the Zach Kryton introductory story, a fictional former paratrooper (3 RAR) and intelligence soldier who is called out of forced retirement to assist with crime fighting. Kryton and his team form unlikely alliances as they close in on the rogue group creating havoc across the Pacific. Kryton winds up in New York City, where the origin of the conspiracy is finally uncovered.

FRANCIS, Josh – Poseidon

Red Diamond Publishing, Canberra, 2020

ISBN: 978-0-6487025-1-1

127 pages.

The continuing story of Zach Kryton, former paratrooper (3 RAR) and intelligence soldier who is called out of forced retirement to assist with crime fighting. A fiction tale that leverages real world events and geographical locations frequented by RAR units during historical operations.

and the sequel to Pegasus. Kryton and his team deploy into the heart of the Pacific, chasing the people responsible for an assassination attempt on the U.S. president.

IRAQ 2003-09 and 2014–ongoing

Nil entry

AFGHANISTAN 2006-2021

Nil entry

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)

Nil entry