Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

My neighbour, Greg was given the book, 'Twelve in Focus - 12th Field Regiment in South Vietnam 1971' on discharge from 5 Platoon 'A' Wing, 1 Recruit Training Battalion (RTB), Kapooka. The memento, edited by Major GFB Rickards was produced for all ranks of the tour in South Vietnam. He was also presented with a trophy for the best recruit in his unit.

1RTB conducted training for both national service and regular Army recruits, and during the Vietnam conflict between 1965 and 1972, in excess of ten thousand National Servicemen trained at Kapooka.

In the context of the Australian Army, a platoon is a small unit typically commanded by a lieutenant, with a sergeant as the platoon sergeant, and often consisting of around 30 soldiers.

The pictorial book has a photo of Greg and three other servicemen with a notation, 'Arty Tac.' Artillery Tactical Command is a unit responsible for coordinating and directing artillery fire in support of ground operations. Greg was a gunner.

Greg owns an A4 black and white photograph (reproduced on the links section). It is dated April 1971 and titled '5 Platoon & Staff'. He appears in the third row, fourth from the right.

Greg's service records have not yet been searched for this story.

Greg married Lynette Joy Osborne and has three children, all living in Western Australia.

Lest We Forget