Image Gallery: June 2007
Richmond repatriation for Operation Aussies Home
06 June 2007
On 8th November 1965, during Operation Hump, the1st 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 will be 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.
Operation Aussies Home, supported by the Australian Government, recently commenced digging in Dong Nai Province of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and uncovered what appear to be human remains. The recovery and repatriation of the remains of fallen Australian service personnel is of great importance to Defence, the Australian Government and to all Australians.
Read media release: Repatriation of Lance Corporal Richard Parker and Private Peter Gillson
| 20070606adf8239716_002 The Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules crew from 73 Squadron, responsible for the delivery of the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker to their families in Australia. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_010 The family Private Peter Gillson stand together at the conclusion of the welcome home ceremony held at RAAF Base Richmond where they where joined by friends and veterans. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_015 Members of the forensic team involved in the recovery and identification of remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker in Vietnam. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_037 The family of Private Peter Gillson watch as his coffin is driven past an honour guard formed by Vietnam Veterans. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_048 Vietnam veterens pay their respects to their fallen comrades, Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker, at a repatriation ceremony held at RAAF Base Richmond. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_052 Major Jack Thurgar and former Regimental Sergeant Major-Army Wally Thompson form part of the honour guard for the hearse carrying Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_063 Veteran members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Vietnam, carry their fallen mates to the hearse. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_072 Vietnam veterans became very emotional as two UH - 1H Iroquis Helicopters flew over at the repatriation ceremony. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_090 The coffins of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker at RAAF Base Richmond for their repatriation ceremony. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_092 Vietnam veterans proudly attended the repatriation service for their fallen mates. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_101 Both fallen soldiers where posthumously awarded the United States Meritorious Unit Citation and the Infantry Combat Badge. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_106 The 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) formed the bearer party during the return of the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker to their awaiting families. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_108 Private Peter Gillson's coffin at rest during the service at RAAF Base Richmond, Sydney. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_112 Australian Army Land Commander, Major General Mark Kelly AM, addresses families, veterans and officials during the repatriation ceremony at RAAF Richmond. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_114 The Royal Australian Air Force's C-130 Hercules touched down at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney in front of family and friends for the repatriation service of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_116 A Royal Australian Air Force Hercules carried members of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) and the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker to the repatriation ceremony at RAAF Richmond. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_119 Members of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) were the bearer party for the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_123 Vietnam veterans turned out in force to welcome home their comrades who were lost in Vietnam for 42 years. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_140 The 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) form the bearer party returning the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker to their families in Australia. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_142 The 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) formed the bearer party and the 3rd Battalion, the honour guard in Richmond, during the return of the remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker to Australia. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_154 Vietnam veterans stood proud at the repatriation service for remains of Private Peter Gillson and Lance Corporal Richard Parker. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_160 Private Peter Gillson's and Lance Corporal Richard Parker's repatriation service at RAAF Base Richmond. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070606adf8239716_163 One of many Vietnam veterans who found the repatriation service very emotional. (Date taken: 06 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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