G’day all, this email is more for our NSW/ACT members, but others might be in the area on 3 Sep 23 and wish to attend.

Another ‘service’ relating to the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War.

All replies//questions/acceptances direct to Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Motorcycle Club Australia Southern Tablelands Chapter at  [email protected]

FROM:   Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Motorcycle Club Australia Southern Tablelands Chapter, 22 Gulson Street, Goulburn, NSW, 2580

Dear 6 RAR Association Members,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It is with great pleasure that the Southern Tablelands Chapter extend this invitation to you and your members for our upcoming memorial function of a fallen Vietnam Veteran, Wally Buckland, a local of Goulburn, who fought in the Battle of Long Tan. Wally served in 1RAR, 3 RAR and 6 RAR during his military career.
As you know, 2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of Australian troops in the Vietnam War conflict. We have a long history as a motorcycle club which was formed by those who returned from Vietnam to establish the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club – Australia. As veterans we also share a collaboration and partnership with your association, and we would be honoured if you would join us in our commemoration of Wally Buckland. Our function will be held on 09 September 2023 at our clubhouse located at 22 Gulson St, Goulburn, and will include a wide range of activities and events that we believe will be of great interest to your members.
Some of the highlights of the evening will include a keynote address from our President on behalf of Wally and our chapter members.

We would be delighted if you and your members could join us for this exciting event. Please let us know by 31 July 2023 if you will be able to attend, and how many members you will be bringing with you.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and hope to see you at our reunion function.
Sincerely,

Michael Wilson,

President, VMC Southern Tablelands Chapter – secretary[email protected]

Details for Tony’s funeral are:

Date: 7/7/2023
Time: 10.30am

Graveside Service Location: Wagga Wagga Lawn Cemetery

Service Location: St Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Wagga Wagga

A funeral service for the eternal repose of Anthony Pratt’s soul will be held at St Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Church Street, Wagga Wagga on Friday, 7th July 2023, commencing at 10.30am.

Following prayers, the funeral cortege will proceed to Wagga Wagga Lawn Cemetery, Brunskill Road, Lake Albert.

In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted on behalf of the Riverina Cancer Centre at the Cathedral.

Serving members are requested to wear uniform and ex-service members to wear medals. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

For those unable to attend, Anthony’s family invite you to view the service via livestream at: www.alanharrismcdonald.com.au

Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one.  Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.

LEST WE FORGET

Allan Whelan
Secretary

Sadly, we have received word that, Snow ROYAL, passed away on 27 June 2023 after a battle with cancer.

Snow was the batman to a number of 6 RAR CO’s and may have served in South Vietnam with 5 RAR.

Funeral information is:
•    Time/Date:    10am Thursday 13 July 2023
•    Location: White Lady Funerals,
•    Address: 270 Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove
•    Live Stream link: To be Advised
•    Dress:   Medals to be worn.

Condolences to Snow’s children Troy, Brad and Kirsty.

Please join with us in offering our deepest sympathy to those who will mourn the passing of a loved one.  Another 6 RAR family member, taken too soon.

LEST WE FORGET

Allan Whelan
Secretary

We regret to inform you that our good friend Bill Cantwell passed away yesterday (26/6). He was a lively character who was well-known at the Repat gym and will be missed by many. In memory, we thought it was important to share an insight into Bill’s life. Barry Jones has kindly passed on his story to share with our members.

ED: Tomorrow I will post Bill’s address to his old high school quite a few years ago. Bill was a veteran of the Battle of FSB Coral.

Jim Box, Secretary of the 105 Battery RAA Association, has advised that a funeral service for the late Ernest James (Ernie) Bradley is to be held on Thursday 29 June 2023 at 1200 hours. Location is the Centenary Memorial Gardens Chapel, 353 Wacol Station Rd, Sumner, Qld 4074.

The service will be conducted by fellow Gunner and Chaplain, Ray Chapman who served with Ernie in 105th Battery during their first tour of duty in Vietnam.

RIP Ernie Bradley

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer

FYI…..from Lyle McGrath…………….. rest in peace Dennis.  Our ‘Mumbles’ as he was affectionately known served in 5 Pl, 4RAR on the Bn’s second tour in 1971.

Dennis Passed away on the 23^rd  June 2023 from liver cancer. Dennis wishes no Funeral Service.

No other details to hand.

LEST WE FORGET

Sincerely,

Wendy M McLean

Secretary

We have received advice of the death during the night of 21 June 2023 of Roger Cassell Boness. He was 77. Roger was a National Serviceman who served in 106th Field Battery, part of 4th Field Regiment in Vietnam from May 1967 until February 1968. Roger had a long battle with Prostate Cancer. No funeral details known at this stage.

RIP Roger Cassell Boness

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer

My apologies re the date of death for Roger James Hanlon. It should read 20 June 2023 and not 29 June.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Kind regards

Peter

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer

We have received advice of the sudden death of Ernest (Ernie) Bradley on the evening of 18/19 June 2023. He was 79.

Ernie served two tours of Vietnam firstly with 105th Field Battery and 1st Field Regiment from September 1965 until September 1966 and again with 1st Field Regiment from January 1969
until February 1970.

Ernie was a Life Member of the 105th Battery RAA Association. He had been involved in a motor vehicle accident prior to his death.

RIP Ernest (Ernie) James Bradley.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer

We have received advice of the death on 29 June 2023 of Roger James Hanlon. He was 76.

Roger was a National Serviceman and served as a command post signaller with 105th Field Battery in Vietnam from February 1969 until February 1970. Roger was a double life member of the 105th Battery RAA Association and active in reunions and activities of that association.

RIP Roger James Hanlon

Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer