15 Jan 1937 – 10 Aug 2023
We have received advice of the death on 10 August 2023 of David Thomas Floyd, OAM. He was 86. David served with ‘A’ Field Battery in South Vietnam from February to October 1971.
A Memorial Service will be held in the East Chapel of the Mt Thompson Crematorium at Holland Park on Thursday 24 August commencing at 2.00pm.
RIP David Thomas Floyd.
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
Sadly, we have received word that, Harry SMITH, passed away on Sunday 20 August 2023 at the Buderim Private Hospital, after a short stay. Harry had not been well for some months and had to be hospitalized.
As we all know, Harry was OC D Coy at the Battle of Long Tan, and served in 2 RAR during the Malayan Emergency, 1 CDO Regt & PTS plus other units.
Funeral information, including Live Streaming details, are still being finalized and will be provided once we get them.
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
Email: [email protected]
Lieutenant Colonel Harry Arthur Smith SG, MC, born on July 25, 1933, and passing away at 1600hrs on August 20, 2023, was a distinguished former high-ranking officer within the Australian Army. His notable service encompassed the Malayan Emergency as well as the Vietnam War. One of his most prominent roles was as the Officer Commanding D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (D Coy, 6 RAR) during the pivotal Battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966.
Born in Hobart, Tasmania, on July 25, 1933, Harry Smith’s journey in the military began after his time as a National Serviceman. He subsequently joined the Australian Regular Army, successfully completing his training as a second lieutenant at the Officer Cadet School, Portsea. His initial assignment was with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in 1955, where he contributed to operations during the Malayan Emergency from 1955 to 1957.
Between June 8, 1966, and June 14, 1967, Harry Smith, then holding the rank of major, took on the role of Officer Commanding D Coy, 6 RAR. On August 18, following intense mortar shelling of the Australian base at Nui Dat the preceding night, units from 6 RAR were dispatched to locate the involved Vietnamese units. Leading a group of 105 soldiers from D Coy and a 3-man NZ Artillery Party, Harry Smith embarked on a patrol. At 3:15 pm that day, while navigating a rubber plantation at Long Tan, their path intersected with a heavily reinforced Vietnamese force of regimental size (consisting of the Viet Cong 275th Regiment, supported by North Vietnamese Army 806 Battalion, D440, and D445 Battalions). This Vietnamese force aimed to advance on the Australian base. Simultaneously, a monsoon struck, further complicating the situation. Nevertheless, Harry Smith’s adept leadership enabled his forces to repel the attack, all the while coordinating artillery support from Australian, New Zealand, and United States units stationed back at Nui Dat.
During the Battle of Long Tan, D Coy suffered 18 casualties and had 24 soldiers wounded. Despite these losses, under Smith’s strategic command, the company successfully defended against a numerically superior enemy force. The engagement resulted in the confirmed death of at least 245 Vietnamese and an estimated 500 wounded. Notably, records discovered in 1969 indicated that around 800 enemy combatants had been either killed or succumbed to their injuries. The valiant efforts of 9 Delta Company men were recognized with gallantry awards, although many of these awards were downgraded from their initial nominations. Harry Smith’s exceptional leadership during the intense battle merited him a recommendation for the Distinguished Service Order. However, he ultimately received the Military Cross in recognition of his exceptional contributions.
Harry’s character and his dedication to his fellow soldiers will ensure he is remembered. Harry exemplified the true essence of a leader, always putting his men’s well-being and recognition above all else. His legacy is undeniably strong, and his peers held him in high regard for his unwavering commitment. The annual acknowledgment of his memory on Long Tan Day serves as a reminder of his leadership and the honourable way he led his troops. His legacy will undoubtedly live on, reminding us of his selfless service and leadership his contributions and sacrifices.
Lest We Forget.
We have received advice that a funeral for the late John Kelly is to be
held on Monday 21 August 2023 at 1100 hours at the Anglican Church in
Kilcoy. John was a member of 3 LAA and SL Regt and a former member of the
RAAA (Q).
RIP John Kelly
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
A funeral service for the late Warren Charles (Barny) Barnard will take place at the Bright Football and Netball Club, Coronation Avenue, Bright on Monday 28th August 2023. The service will commence at 1330 hrs.
Service will be live streamed on www.northeastfunerals.com.au/livestream
A private cremation will follow.
Funeral Directors are Northeast Funerals Wangaratta on (03) 5722 2525.
Messages of condolences may be sent to me at [email protected] and I will forward to the family.
RIP Warren Charles Barnard
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
Sad News from Gary Hunter and Glenn Willmann, Peter pass away peacefully at 1635 on 17 Aug 2023 at his home in Hervy Bay QLD. More information to follow from family on Sunday 20 Aug 23. Peter was the 3rd RSM of 8/9 RAR, May 76 to Mar 79
Regards
Greg
G J DECKER
Secretary RARA National
We have received advice of the death today, 16 August 2023, of Warren Charles (Barny) Barnard. He was 78.
Barny served in Vietnam with 108 Field Battery, 4th Field Regiment from June 1967 until May 1968. He served with 106th Field Battery in Singapore in 1972/73.
Barny died suddenly at home. No funeral arrangements are known at this stage. Messages of condolences may be sent to me and I will collate and forward to the family.
RIP Warran Charles (Barny) Barnard.
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
I have just confirmed that it will in fact be held on Thursday 17th August at 2:30pm.
With apologies for the late notice (computer issues) we have received advice of the death on 31 July 2023 of Russ Duncan.
He was 86. Russ served in Vietnam with 108 Field Battery from May 1967 until May 1968. He was an FO Ack with ‘A’ Company, 2 RAR. Russ also served in Singapore with 108 Battery.
Russ had been not well for some time but attended many of the 108 Battery reunions had a great store of yarns of his and others younger days.
RIP Russell Forbes Duncan
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
With apologies for late notice (computer issues) we have received advice of the death on 2 August 2023 of John Marquis.
John served at 16 AD Regt and the School Of Artillery in AD Wing between 1974 and 1988.
During his service he was posted to the School of Artillery at Larkhill in England with
several other members for the Rapier Commissioning Team prior to 16 AD Regt
being issued with the weapon.
John was a founding member of the AADAA and he was the person who first thought of getting the AADAA together. He is also a Life member and served on the Committee from the inception until he passed away.
No funeral details are available at this stage.
RIP John Marquis
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer