John Edward WILLIAMS

WILLIAMS, John Edward

Service Numbers: 2781533, 2781533
Enlisted: 30 June 1965
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR)
Born: Narrandera, New South Wales, Australia, 5 March 1945
Home Town: Mullumbimby, Byron Shire, New South Wales
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Not yet discovered
Died: Mackay Queensland, Australia , 20 August 2018, aged 73 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Not yet discovered
Memorials:
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Vietnam War Service

30 Jun 1965: Enlisted Australian Army (Post WW2), Private
6 May 1966: Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 2781533 , 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR)
6 May 1966: Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 2781533

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Biography contributed by Robert Kearney

John was a national serviceman who deployed to South Vietnam as a mortar-man with Support Company 5th Battalion RAR in May 1966. On the formation of the  Reconnaissance Platoon he became an inaugural member and served as a Machine gunner in the platoon for the remainder of the battalion’s 1966-67 tour. John was a tough, happy go lucky bloke, a great soldier, friend and member of the platoon. We will remember him.  

Biography contributed by Robert Kearney

2781533 JOHN EDWARD “BLAH” WILLIAMS

5 March 1945 - 20 August 2018

 Witten by his long time friend and Reconnaissnce Platoon Commander Mike von Berg MC, OAM

Another fine bloke gone too young and too soon and his family and his other family of the first RAR Reconnaissance Platoon of 1966/67 will also miss him and his exuberance, humour and friendship. I first met John when he was a member of the Battalion Mortar Platoon and in the early stages of our deployment the boys of mortars did it tough in lugging base plates, barrels, sights and ammo all over the country side where APC access was a bit tricky and Blah would be in the midst of it getting on with is role but always something to say, hence a nickname of Blah which has stuck with him in the Recon environment until his sad passing on 20 August 2018.

 

When volunteers were called for from within the Battalion to try for selection to the First Reconnaissance Platoon, I noticed Blahs name and didn’t hesitate in accepting him to try for selection. He may not have had to lug a mortar or a base plate in his likely new role but we could always find him a GPMG M60 or a radio to weigh him down. Needless to say the physical aspects of the selection course was a breeze for Blah, as he was fit and strong and loved a good game of rugby, but we were looking for more than just physical fitness. We were looking at the fitness of fitting into a five man patrol environment and although Blah as a National Serviceman may not have had the soldiering experience of many of the others on the course, his exuberance, keenness, willingness to learn and work within a small team and a strong patrol commander with strong mentoring qualities would make Blah a very valuable member of the Platoon. Needless to say Blah was selected for the platoon as a member of 61 Bravo patrol and he performed his job and tasks incredibly well and in some very tough situations.

 

Blahs personality was infectious. He was always so eager to please and loved nothing more than a gentle pat on the shoulder and a soft thank you for a job well done. Nothing was too hard for him and nothing daunted him in accepting a role or task. His nickname came about because Blah had an opinion in almost anything but not to the detriment of his mates or in an arguing sort of way. Just had to get his bit in and that he did often not without a lot of laughter and stirring by the rest of the boys. Tough, wiry and hard but with a heart of gold and he would do anything for anybody at any time. One of those blokes you never forget and Blah and his efforts, personality and at times foibles will always have a very special place in our hearts. Rest in peace mate, your duty is done.

                 

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