Photo supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY MANLY-LOTA RSL SUB-BRANCH
On August 18, we commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say “thank you” to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War.
We remember and pay tribute to our five local soldiers lost in this war; their names are listed on the memorial at Richard Russel Park, Manly.
Private Ian W Kingston, 20, of Nambour, Queensland. He was a bank officer when called up in October 1968. The rifleman private with 6RAR was killed in action in Bien Hoa Province on September 3, 1969.
9 RAR Private Raymond Charles Kermode 21, of Hemmant QLD, was a tailor’s cutter when he was called up in February 1966. Raymond was killed in a contact with the enemy in a bunker system in Long Khan Province on July 19 1969, at the age of 21.
4RAR Private Joseph Ramsey, aged 22, originally from Catrine, Scotland, was a carpenter before being called up for National Service on April 17 1967. He sailed with the Battalion for South Vietnam in May 1968. During Operation GOODWOOD in Bien Hoa Province on January 31 1969, 10 Platoon contacted an enemy force in a bunker system, and during the firefight, Joe was killed.
1RAR Private Christopher Robert Nisbet from Brisbane, QLD. He was known as “cowboy” or “wild eyes” by his mates. Christopher was killed in action from enemy contact in Bien Hoa on May 14 1968, at the age of 20. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Barb and daughter Chris.
6 RAR Private Kenneth Howard Gant, known as “Kenny”, Gant was born on January 6 1945, in Brisbane. He grew up on the family property at Belmont and attended school locally. Later, he went to work as a butcher. Gant was popular in town. He was a good singer, entertaining at local parties, and his friends gave him the nickname “Bing”. Gant was called up for service on June 30 1965. He was killed in action on August 18, 1966.
We invite the local community to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day at our service at Manly Memorial, Richard Russell Park, Manly, at 11am.
Refreshments will follow at the Manly Lota RSL Sub-Branch hall at 184 Melville Terrace, Manly.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch bar (located at the back of the hall) is open every Friday night between 5-7pm for members and guests.
Veterans Morning Tea, every Wednesday morning between 9.30-11.30am. All local veterans and their families are invited to attend.
CONTACT
Phone: (07) 3348 2572
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://manlylotarsl.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manlylotarsl/
