Image Gallery: June 2007
Funeral of Private Peter Gillson
15 June 2007
Private Peter Gillson's memorial service was held in Melbourne on 15 June 2007.
On 8 November 1965, during Operation Hump, the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) encountered a 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 repatriated. The Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has provided assistance in this mission.
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 Lance Corporal Richard Parker
| 20070615adf8239716_002 An Australian Army slouch hat is placed on top of Private Peter Gillson's coffin during his commemoration service at Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral. (Date taken: 15 June 2005) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_003 Private Peter Gillson's coffin is moved through Fawkner Cemetery by gun carriage and is escorted by current members of his old unit, 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. (Date taken: 15 June 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_008 A copper helicopter was placed on Private Peter Gillson's coffin. The Huey is one of the enduring symbols of the war in Vietnam. (Date taken: 15 June 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_009 Chaplain Ted McMillan reads a tribute to Private Peter Gillson, describing his life and the importance of him finally being home in Australia. (Date taken: 15 June 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_011 Peter Gillson's coffin is laid to rest at Fawkner Cemetary, his final resting place in Australia. (Date taken: 15 June 2006) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_014 Chaplain Ted McMillan reads the Prayer of Committal at Private Peter Gillson's graveside. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_015 The son of Private Peter Gillson, 2nd Lieutenant Robert Gillson and his step brother Craig Hawes, place flowers on Peter's grave. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_026 2nd Lieutenant Robert Gillson (centre) was a proud member of the bearer party for his father's funeral at St Paul's Cathedral. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_049 Mrs Lorriane Easton (widow of Private Gillson) and her son Mr Craig Hawes watch as Private Gillson's coffin leaves Saint Paul's for burial. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_069 Private Peter Gillson's coffin at St Paul's Cathedral. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070615adf8239716_070 A photo of Private Peter Gillson sits with his medals during his funeral. (Date taken: 15 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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