Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

MARINKO "TICH" TOMAS - 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE NANNUP WA - 8 JULY 2016


Acknowledgements
Nola Marino MP - Federal Member for Forrest ?
President of the Shire of Nannup ?
The Honourable Graham Edwards - Immediate Past Pres of R&SL WA & fellow infantry veteran
Norman Steer - Pres of Nannup R&SL Sub-Branch
John Nguyen - Vice President of the Republic of Vietnam Veterans Association and our friends of the Vietnamese community
Nguyen Van Khoat - Sculptor extraordinaire
The Tomas family - 22 across 3 generations
Fellow veterans and particularly those who served with Tich
Ladies & Gentlemen

Intro
I am honoured to join you in this beautiful town to remember our comrade Marinko "Tich" Tomas, to commemorate his service and his sacrifice - 50 years ago today.

Many of Tich's mates have travelled long distances to be here today which just shows the respect and admiration we all had for him as a friend and comrade. Some of those present were also here in 1988, when this statue was first dedicated.

I knew Tich to be a popular and respected young soldier and junior leader of 9 Pl C Coy, with huge leadership potential, as was evidenced by his early promotion to LCPL. He was the first NSM from WA to be KIA in Vietnam.

His section commander and good mate, Bob Kearney, will say more about Tich as we knew him shortly.

Background
In 1966, 5 RAR had been on continuous operations since 24 May when we deployed on Op Hardihood to secure our future base at Nui Dat. In July 1966, with the Task Force base relatively secure and defended, it was necessary to extend our control and particularly to dominate Nui Nghe, a hill about 5 Km to our NW with sweeping views from its summit over central Phuoc Tuy Province.

This was code named Op Sydney. The tiger battalion was tasked to clear Nui Nghe and the surrounding area. Our Coy, Charlie Coy of which Tich was part was directed to clear the eastern & northern slopes, and then return over the crest of the hill. It was during this patrol that we sadly lost Tich in the late afternoon, 50 years ago today.

The effect on his Pl, our Coy and the Bn was profound. We had lost a fine soldier & mate and his family had lost a son & brother.

At this time, our senior commanders, being aware of the constant operations, primitive conditions during the monsoon season, and increasing fatigue decided to rotate some platoons for a short rest period at our rear base at coastal Vung Tau.

The following day, after we had been on Nui Nghe, my platoon was sent to at Vung Tau for a 24 hour stay. Just after arrival, I received a radio call telling me to go to the nearby US hospital. I was asked to formally identify Tich. My pl sgt, Keith Mavin and I did this, --- I remember seeing a strong, calm face that was very much at peace. That memory remains with me forever.

Tomas Family
May I say to the Tomas family that Tich is remembered in other places today.

A few days ago, I received a message from our artillery FO in 1966, Kerry Mellor, who at this moment, is at the AWM in Canberra, where he is placing a poppy against Tich's name on the Roll of Honour in those magnificent cloisters, where he is remembered alongside his fellow fallen tigers.

In remembering 8 July 1966, in part Kerry said: ---
"He was taken from his family, from his comrades - his second 'family' - especially the members of 9 Platoon, many of whom are here today. He was taken from his town and from his country.
Shock struck everyone who knew him. Pain, grief and mourning enveloped all.
Now, fifty years later, the shock has gone, but loss remains and pain and mourning linger. But the passing of the years has seen something more emerge - to stand alongside loss & mourning: - Remembrance"
Thank you Kerry

This morning, at 5 RAR's home at Binh Ba Lines in Darwin, Tich is being remembered with the battalion flag being lowered to half mast for the day, in his honour, and a poppy placed against his bronze plaque at the 5 RAR Memorial Wall. This small remembrance will be repeated on this day every year. (I have asked them to send me a photo to give to the family).

I know that with this fine statue, his plaque at his battalion home in Darwin and his eternal memory at the AWM, that Tich's service & sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The Refurbishment
Projects like the refurbishment of this memorial do not just happen. I would like to acknowledge the role played by:

Val Russell - former Secretary of the local R&SL, who initiated the refurbishment of the Tich Tomas Memorial and whose subsequent efforts and organisation was a key factor in today's event.
Paul Wassell - local concrete expert who provided the material, labour & expertise to casting the plinth on which the plaque is mounted.
Russell Briggs - who coordinated the 5 RAR Associations involvement, took up a collection at our national reunion and initiated the replacement of the plaque.
Brian Budden - who arranged the design & manufacture of the plaque keeping it as an exact replica of the original plaque in 1988.
Nannup R&SL Sub-Branch who provided a donation towards the refurbishment. I also thank the Sub-Branch for their hospitality at this ceremony.
The 5 RAR Association appreciates your magnificent support & generosity.


Finale
This occasion is important because it reminds us that the passage of time does not diminish the respect, camaraderie and mateship that diggers have for each other which is gained through shared hardship in combat situations.

Tich's mates, and particularly those from C Company, always remember him when we get together and we toast his memory. It is also important for the Tomas family to know that their huge loss is recognized and that Tich will never be forgotten. That is why we gather with you today.

100 years ago this month of July, the bloody Battle of Fromelles on the Western Front was fought. SGT Simon Fraser spent three days bringing back the wounded from "No Man's Land". In the mist, he heard a plaintive call ---- "Don't Forget Me Cobber"
And he didn't.

Marinko "Tich" Tomas - After 50 years, we will never forget you either.