Image Gallery: June 2007
Operation Aussies Home
05 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 were 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 were repatriated to Australia on a Royal Australian Air Force C-130, 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 Australian.
Read media release: Repatriation of the remains of Lance Corporal Parkers and Private Gillson
| 20070604adf8239716_083 The bearer party (front left to right) Corporal Krekob, Private Zimmerman, Corporal Reynolds, Private Olds, Private Cotterill, Private Hamblin, lead by Regimental Sergeant Major Vandanhurk. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_084 The bearer party (front left to right) Corporal Krekob,Private Zimmerman, Corporal Reynolds, Privates Olds, Private Cotterill, Private Hamblin, lead by Regimental Sergeant Major Vandanhurk. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_140 The diggers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment watch over the coffins. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_143 The Australian Army Land Commander, Major General Mark Kelly, addresses the family and friends of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker at a moving ceremony in Vietnam. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_151 Army Padre, Chaplain Ted McMillan hold a eucalyptus branch brought from Australia as a reminder of the sacrifice made and of the home they loved. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_161 The family of Peter Gillson (L-R): Robert Gillson, Mrs Lorraine Easton and Craig Hawes. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_184 Private Mark Zimmerman (1RAR), part of the bearer party during the repatriation of missing Australian servicemen in Vietnam. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_187 Private Gillson's medals were displayed next to his coffin for a ceremony held in Vietnam prior to his return to his family in Australia. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_188 The coffins of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker on the tarmac at Hanoi International Airport. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_194 Coffin of Lance Corporal Richard Parker at Hanoi International airport Vietnam. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070604adf8239716_196 The farewell ceremony at Hanoi International Airport Vietnam for Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker. (Date taken: 04 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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