Image Gallery: June 2007
Funeral of Lance Corporal Richard Parker
12 June 2007
The remains of Lance Corporal Richard Parker were laid to rest with full military honours at the Woden Cemetary in the Australian Capital Territory on 12th 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 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 Australia.
Funeral of Private Peter Gillson
| 20070612adf8239716_004 The long journey home is finally over for Lance Corporal Richard (Tiny) Parker, who was laid to rest at the Returned Soldiers Section of Woden cemetery in Canberra today. A moving service was attended by Lance Corporal Parker’s family, members of his unit and the team from "Operation Aussies Home" involved with his repatriation. (Date taken: 02 August 2005) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_009 Many returned servicemen from Vietnam attended the funeral of Lance Corporal Parker at the Returned Soldier's Section of Woden Cemetery. (Date taken: 08 July 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_027 A lone piper plays the Lament, as the team from "Operation Aussies Home" place handfuls of Australian soil into the grave of Lance Corporal Richard Parker who is now home to rest in peace. (Date taken: 22 November 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_028 A prayer for the mateship was read by Mr Mike Waldron, (treasurer of the 1st Battalion Assoc) offering support and strength to the men that fought beside LCPL Parker that they may find a sense of closure with his final return for burial in Australia. (Date taken: 22 November 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_036 Mrs Wendy Mudford (widow of Lance Corporal Parker) placed his original Army slouch hat on his coffin and then received LCPL Parker's medals and the Australian flag that has covered his coffin since leaving Vietnam. Making the presentation was Brigadier Mark Bornholt. (Date taken: 01 December 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_047 The remains of Lance Corporal Richard Parker finally laid to rest in Australia. (Date taken: 08 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_049 Mr Trevor Hagan (Acting Platoon Sergeant on 8th Nov 1965) who has followed the repatriation of both Lance Corporal Richard Parker and Private Peter Gillson from Vietnam, shares the service history of Lance Corporal Parker. (Date taken: 09 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_052 The Minister for Veteran Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Mr Bruce Billson, MP, reads the Prayer for Australian Servicemen and Women at Lance Corporal Parker's funeral. (Date taken: 10 January 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_055 Mr Gordon Peterson, (Acting Platoon Commander, 8th Nov 65) reads a prayer for the families at this time of great emotion with the hope that they may find comfort and closure. (Date taken: 02 February 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_059 Mrs Wendy Mudford (widow of LCPL Parker) was comforted by her husband and very close friends throughout the service. (Date taken: 12 February 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070612adf8239716_085 Members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) formed the bearer party for Lance Corporal Richard (Tiny) Parker. (Date taken: 15 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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