Image Gallery: June 2007
Operation Aussies Home
04 June 2007
On 8th November 1965, during Operation Hump, the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) encountered a well dug-in Viet Cong force. After a savage fight, 1RAR was forced to withdraw leaving two of their soldiers, Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker, on the battlefield.
For nearly half a century, Private Gillson was listed as missing presumed dead and Lance Corporal Parker, killed in action, body not recovered.
Due to the efforts of many individuals and the organisation "Operation Aussies Home", supported by the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force, the remains of the two have been located and recovered. The Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has provided assistance in this mission.
The remains of the two Diggers will be repatriated to Australia on a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules, escorted by serving soldiers from 1RAR and representatives from the Army History Unit and Operation Aussies Home.
Four Australian servicemen are still missing in Vietnam. The identification and repatriation of the remains of fallen Australian service personnel is of great importance to the military, the Government and to the people of Australia.
Read media release: Repatriation of the remains of Lance Corporal Parkers and Private Gillson
| 20070603adf8239716_008 Vietnamese officials oversee the arrival of an Australian Hercules which will carry the remains of Australian personnel lost during the Vietnam war, as they are repatriated back to Australia. (Date taken: 03 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070603adf8239716_039 A Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules on the tarmac at Hanoi Airport in Vietnam, delivering members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) who will form the bearer party to return the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker to their families in Australia. (Date taken: 03 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070603adf8239716_052 A Hanoi airport official watches a Royal Australian Air Force Hercules on the tarmac at Hanoi Airport. The Hercules is in Vietnam to repatriate the remains of two Australian soldiers missing for more than 40 years. (Date taken: 03 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070603adf8239716_077 Mrs Lorraine Easton (Private Gillson's widow), her son and Army Reservist 2nd Lieutenant Robert Gillson and Mr Craig Hawes arrive in Vietnam International Airport in Hanoi. (Date taken: 03 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070603adf8239716_078 Minister for Veteran Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, the Honourable Mr Bruce Billson is greeted by the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Mr Bill Tweddell on the tarmac at Hanoi International Airport, as part of the official party for the repatriation of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker. (Date taken: 03 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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