Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

On the 15th of April, we received the sad news that our dear friend Colonel Francis Peter (Peter) SCOTT DSO OAM MID had passed away at the age of 96.

Francis Peter Scott, born 19 January 1929 in Caulfield, Victoria, served 37 years in the Australian Army. He graduated from Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1948 before joining 3RAR in Japan as part of the occupation force. He later served in Korea as an Intelligence Officer during the Battle of Maryang San, earning a Mention-in-Despatches.

Promoted to Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel, Peter commanded 3RAR in Vietnam, receiving the Distinguished Service Order, US Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. As a Colonel, Peter was Australian Services Attaché in Pakistan and Afghanistan and held senior roles in Sydney and Canberra until retiring in 1983.

Post-retirement, Peter continued his strong commitment to helping Australia understand and honour its military past, contributing to organisations such as Legacy, Royal Australian Regiment, RSL, and many more. He wrote a series of books on his service in Korea and South Vietnam and attended every 3 RAR event possible and actively campaigned to ensure that the Korean War would cease to be called "The Forgotten War".

In 2025, he was justifiably recognised, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to veterans and families.

Peter and his wife, Gwenda, had two children, a daughter who now lives in Canberra and a son who lives overseas. Gwenda passed away in 2011.

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The Virtual War Memorial in particular remembers Peter's strong support. He was a guest at every one of our fundraising lunches.

Peter came into the VWMA office on a regular basis, where he and all the team, including Bob Kearney, who served under him in Vietnam, would laugh, share a sandwich, a brew, and information from the past. Peter was a great supporter of the veterans community and was always seen at the funerals of those who had served under his command.

Even at 96, he was chairing a committee to have a Korean War Memorial erected in Adelaide and was often seen with Colonel Don Stewart (Retired) on the Torrens Parade Ground, looking for potential sites.

In December 2022, albeit Peter believed he was dying, he took himself out of bed and attended Don Beard's funeral to give the eulogy that he had promised. Peter was a remarkable leader, friend, and mentor who supported veterans of all wars.

From everyone here at the Virtual War Memorial Australia, we offer everyone in the Scott family and all who knew Peter our deepest condolences.