Henry Kevin NITARSKI

NITARSKI, Henry Kevin

Service Number: 1736631
Enlisted: Not yet discovered
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR)
Born: 23 May 1949, place not yet discovered
Home Town: Not yet discovered
Schooling: Salisbury High School, Queensland, Australia
Occupation: Not yet discovered
Died: 26 March 2025, aged 75 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Hemmant Cemetery and Crematorium, Brisbane, Queensland
Memorials:
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Vietnam War Service

18 Mar 1971: Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 1736631, 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit, Vietnam
13 Jun 1971: Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 1736631, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR)

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Biography contributed by Robert Wood

Service Details:
Henry was conscripted through the National Service Scheme and trained as an infantry soldier. He deployed to Vietnam on 17 March 1971, first posted to the 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit (1ARU) and subsequently to 3RAR on 13 June 1971. He served in Support Company during Australia’s final months of combat operations in Vietnam, returning home in October 1971.

Post-Service Life:
After his service, Henry returned to Brisbane where he had grown up and attended Salisbury High School. He later worked in the Australian Merchant Navy, and for two decades served as a crewman on the Brisbane Tugs.

Health and Passing:
Henry battled multiple illnesses over 12 years, including Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and cancer of the prostate and bladder. Despite serious complications—including a split aorta—he fought bravely with the dedicated support of his wife Pam, and their children Dan and Kat.

Henry passed away peacefully on 26 March 2025. He was laid to rest at Hemmant Cemetery, Brisbane. Fellow veteran David Quade attended his funeral on behalf of his 3RAR brothers.

Legacy:
Henry is remembered as a quiet, loyal man who remained proud of his military service. Though not one to attend reunions, he stayed interested in 3RAR activities and his comrades' stories. He is honoured for his service and strength in the face of adversity.

Information provided by his wife Pam 

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