The Boys

Here is a photo of the 1968 crew, see how many of the people you can recognise. I will make another one up soon with some new faces.

We need some photos from the later periods, please send them to us.

Merry Christmas to all

Christmas 2009

On behalf of Terry Byrne and the committee we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We know there is a lot going on but we wish to see you all in the new year, so take it easy and let someone else drive. If you can find the time, remember a past member and raise a glass to him.

Stay Safe

My how things Change

Thanks to Niel Collard I am able to post a photo of what the R&C Centre looks like today. If you look closely you will be able to work it out. The top floor has changed some what but I am able to recognize the room I stayed in. I wonder if they have the same water tank? And note the fully sealed road and street lighting! Things have changed.

Till next time

Stay safe.

Memory form then

R & C Centre Vung Tau

Most of us would remember the R&C Centre. This is where you could spend 5 days of rest once in your 12 month tour. If ever you did one of the water runs would get to know the place even better. The bar at the top of the building was open most of the time and the food there was great. It even had a rope to climb up if ever you were caught out after the doors closed. (not that anyone from 2 tpt would need such things). The place still stands today thanks to Niel Collard I will post a photo of what it looks like today, that's in a day or two.

I you want to see any photos of back then let us know here and we will do our best to track some down.

Till then, Stay safe.

Canungra Vietnam Memorial

Two Transport was well represented at the dedication of our unit plaque within the Vietnam Memorial in Canungra. Ron Butcher(platoon Sgt. 1 Pl ) gave a presentation on the role of the RAASC in Vietnam, in particular 1pl, 2pl and 87 pl. It was well received by all. Russell Dinte laid a wreath on behalf of all 2 Transport members. It was a very hot afternoon and a cold beer was most welcome. All in all it was a great day and it was great to catch up with some old friends. It's a pity that the memorial is so hard to visit with security at Canungra so tight. If you want to know more about the memorial contact Paul Clements.

Another one of Stans gems.

Camilla's new shoes

Camilla bought a new pair of shoes for her wedding which got
increasingly tighter & tighter as the day went on.

That night after the festivities were finally over, she & Charles
had retired to their room at the palace.

Camilla flopped on the bed and said 'Please remove my shoes darling,
ones feet are killing one.'

Ever obedient, the Prince of Wales attacked her right shoe with vigour

But it would not budge.

'Harder' yelled Camilla.

'Harder?' Charles yelled back, 'I'm trying darling! But it's just so
bloody tight!'

'Come on give it all you've got ' she cried.

Finally when it released, Charles let out a big groan, and Camilla
exclaimed 'Oh God, that feels so good.'

In their bedroom next door The Queen turned to Prince Phillip and said,

'See, I told you she would still be a virgin with a face like
that!'

Meanwhile back in the other bedroom Charles was attempting to remove
the other shoe when he cried out 'Oh god, darling this ones even
tighter'

At which point Prince Phillip turned and said to the Queen:

'That's my boy, Once a Navy man, always a Navy man!'

Suggestion from Paul Sharp

Melbourne Cup

Suggestion from Paul Sharp, as we will be holding the reunion in the first week of November, we incorporate something to do with the Melbourne Cup. What do you all think, give us some feedback.

Message from Sam

Cpl Sam Smith

I think all the 68/69 boys will remember Sam, he was with us in 3 TPT Pl before we went over and was with us for the most of 68. Well Sam was so busy looking after our laundry, soft drink and CES for the vehicles he never had much of a chance to take any photos. If anyone out there has photos of Sam or photos of a general nature they could send Sam he would appreciate it. Contact us here and we will pass on Sams details.

You tell me

"The Flags"

Were these photos taken form about the same position? The one on the bottom taken by Mohrie in 1968, the other taken by Neil Collard a few years ago. Take a close look at the buildings in the background.

Memory form then

"The Flags"

Vung Tau

If you ever went into town on a Sunday afternoon you will remember The Flags, is was the most popular meeting place in Vung Tau. I can never remember a time when I saw any flags actually flying on the monument. However that's where the vehicles picked you up, and if was close to the bars and other forms of entertainment. I could only guess what stand in it's place now. If anyone knows please pass on the info to us here and we will post it.

Till next time

Stay safe.

Second reunion meeting

(L to R Adrian Schults, Bob Hartmann, Terry Byrne, Carol Dinte, Tony Mohr,Russ Dinte and Neil Collard)

From the meeting

Merchandise

The following merchandise was discussed and agreed upon for now:

• Wine glasses
• Number plate surrounds
• 4 x 4 Spare wheel covers
• Mugs

A register fee of $5.00 to apply

Format

The reunion to start in the first week of November 2011

The reunion to run Monday to Friday as follows:

• Monday morning Rego
• Tuesday trip to Canungra Memorial and Tamborine Mts
• Wednesday river cruise with Rainforest Cruises
• Thursday free day
• Thursday reunion dinner
• Friday morning Breakfast

Catering

The Spit Roast Catering Company to do evening meals. (relaxed dining marquee style of meal. No set setting)

No refunds on meals for non attendance.

The first mail out will be in early new year

You are all invited to make suggestions through this blog or email me at: mohrie.mohr@gmail.com.au or phone me on 0407 546 311

Nothing is set in concrete as yet, so we need your feedback

Till next time

Stay safe

My how things Change

This is the hill where the HQ of 1 ALSG once stood. It is taken from the other side of the hill that the photo below was taken (if that makes sense.)

Memory form then

HQ 1 ALSG

I think we can all remember the HQ buildings at 1 ALSG. I don't think I ever went up that way my whole time over there. I do remember driving past the place every time we left on convoy. There was nothing remarkable about the place other the to say it was the normal "Bull Shit Castle." What is remarkable about the place is what stands in it's place now. Come back in a day or two and I will post some interesting photos.

Stay Safe

Memory form then

Tunza Gutz

How can you ever forget "Tunza Gutz" She went with us on most of the large convoys and came with us when we assisted at any of the Fire Support Bases. At coral she was officially listed as WIA with minor damage to her front end. Used more in unloading heavy loads then as a wrecker she got the job completed. If anyone can remember who the operators were I would love to list them on this blog. I think Tunza Gutz has a new home at the Army Transport Museum.

My how things Change

The Peter Badcoe Club

Thanks to Stan Exon and Bob Peterson I can post the ever changing face of Vietnam. Yes, no more "Badcoe Club." I don't know if they sell beer in the new centre, some how I don't think so. The whole of the back beach has changed, even to the point you might even consider taking your own family down for a swim. A big change to the back beach I remember ( or should I say what others told me about.)

Till next time stay safe

Memory form then

The Peter Badcoe Club

If you spent any time in Vietnam you would have visited the "Peter Badcoe Club" at least once during you visit. The troops of 2 Tpt Pl new the club well. It was one of the only places in Vung Tau with it's own swimming pool so it attracted many a visitor. We spent a good few Sundays there which made Monday mornings a bit of a drag. Thank God they never had breath testing back then.

In the next few days I will post what is on the Peter Badcoe Club site now. You will never guess.

stay safe

A special form Stan Exon

If you are a senior you will understand this one, if you deal with seniors this should help you understand them a little better, and if you are not a senior yet........God willing, someday you will be......

The $2.99 Special

We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the 'seniors' special' was two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $2.99.

'Sounds good,' my wife said. 'But I don't want the eggs.'

'Then, I'll have to charge you three dollars and forty-nine cents because you're ordering a la carte,' the waitress warned her.

'You mean I'd have to pay for not taking the eggs?' my wife asked incredulously.

'YES!!' stated the waitress.

'I'll take the special then,' my wife said.

'How do you want your eggs?' the waitress asked.

'Raw and in the shell,' my wife replied.

Remembrance Day

In

Remembrance of all our mates

who have since passed

Lest We Forget

Update on the theatre in Baria

I did a bit of investigating on the bombed out Theatre in Baria and found that it was repaired of sorts and was being used as a theatre in 1997. I had a look on google map and it looks like the whole area has been cleared and the road widened into one huge intersection. The province is now called Vung Tau Baria with Vung Tau as the capital. I have emailed the information centre in Baria for more information. I have been sent some up to date photos of Vung Tau and will post them in the future.

stay safe

Memory form then

I know, I know, I know, it's the most photographed building in Vietnam, but you must admit it brings back memories. When you average it out we all must have passed it once a day. Do you know if anybody knows what stands there now. I would love to place it in our "my how it has changed" segment.

stay safe

My how things Change

Taken from different angles and I would say different times of the year, we see the top shot as Nui Dat in 1968 and the bottom as it is today. One would say not that much has changed other then to say "it is still there" Thanks to Bob Peterson in our next viewing we will see the Peter Badcoe Club and what stands there now, you wont believe it. Other coming attractions will be the Back beach today, the main street into Vung Tau, VC Hill and the main gate into 1 ALSG. Give us your feedback.

Stay safe.

A new segment.

Starting today we will be starting a new segment on the blog, it will be called " My how things change". Thanks to a photo sent in by Bob Peterson (thanks Bob) we will look at Nui Dat. We hope you all enjoy this as much as we do putting it together.

Memory form then

If you ever went to the bar, and I don't think many did not, you would remember this little lady forever watching over us. I don't know the story behind her, if you know who put her up and the story please let us know. We did have some great nights there, at 20 cents a can (or was it 15) you could have the time of you life for only a few dollars. I remember the night Punchie came in and closed us down for making to much noise, the officers wanted an early night. We all felt sorry for them

stay safe

Christmas 1968

Memory from then

This weeks memory from then is Christmas morning 1968. Some of the boys can be seen sitting on the sandbags knocking a few back, getting ready to be served lunch by the Officers of the unit.I can only put a name to one (Butch). Can you name the rest in this photo.

Stay safe

This weeks memory from then

Chop chop number one

Who said they were backward, they invented meals on wheels. I can still smell it now, in it came every day for resupply. If they were able to pickup some old fruit that was a bonus. The driver was the fattest nog I had ever seen. No health and safety laws then, but you would think they would at least have painted the back of the truck "white". Note the kangaroo on the door, we must have claimed him back then, then again, as I remember, if it stopped for anymore then a minute it was tagged with a roo.

Stay safe.

Reunion committee meeting held

(From L to R: Tony Mohr, Russ Dinte, Carole Dinte, Neil Collard,Vince Robinson and Terry Byrne)

The first meeting of the reunion committee was held today (19 Oct 09). The main discussion was on the general direction the reunion is to take. A review of past reunions was carried out to try and pick the best of what has gone before.

The following responsibilities were distributed:

Chairman Terry Byrne

Treasurer Bob Hartman assistant Vince Robinson

Secretary Tony Mohr

Merchandise Russell and Coral Dinte

Events Paul Clements ( to be confirmed)

Nominal roll Neal Collard

The reunion is to be held during Oct/Nov of 2011 and is to be run through the week Monday to Friday. Firm dates to follow when they come to hand.

Terry is going to write to all members to make initial contact and to ask for any suggestions that could contribute to a successful reunion.

Suggestions can also be made through this blog.

It is the intension of the committee to update this blog as information comes to hand, so please check it out on a regular basis.

New Organising Committee

Terry Byrne gemini01@westnet.com.au 07 5534 4984

Tony Mohr mohrie@bigpond.com

ajmohr@bigpond.com 54382402 0407546311

RUs Dinte russdinte@aanet.com.au

Neil Collard neilcoll@tpg.com.au 07 3847 1988

Vince Robinson robbo.019@bigpond.com 07 3800 5736

Bob Hartman 073889 4595

Please contact any of the above members if you have any concerns regarding the next reunion

Plaque Dedication & Reunion AWM Canberra 2010

Plaque Dedication & Reunion AWM Canberra 2010

The Supply Platoons Association, on behalf of all RAASC Vietnam Vets, has been working to lay a RAASC plaque at the Australian War Memorial. The Commemorative Plaque Laying and Commemoration weekend will run 25-28 Mar 2010 and you are all invited to this one and only commemoration.

This is going to be the reunion of all reunions, with around 3,500 RAASCpersonnel who served in SVN. In all probability you will run into a digger you did corps training with,and haven't seen for over 40 years.

To get on board, let us have your contact details asap which can be sent to PO Box 214 Calwell ACT 2905 or emailed to dabblers1@bigpond.com and we will keep you informed as planning develops.

Posted by Hector on behalf of RAASC Vietnam Supply Platoons Association

First meeting of new organizing committee

You all may be interested in knowing the new organizing committee will be holding it's first meeting next week, results of the meeting will be posted, plus anything of interest. Keep a look out.

Vince Robinson back with us

It great to hear Vince Robinson has surfaced again, good to see you back mate. Vince has agreed to help us in organizing our next reunion. Vince has not had the best of luck lately, so we hope a change is just around the corner. Just to refresh any bad memories I found a photo of Vince back then.

This weeks memory from then

I think it was a Sunday morning and the sandbags were looking a bit worn and faded, so we all set out to replaced them. We had to have them finished by mid-day, we all know why. As Russell said he worked the hardest we made him king of the sandbag kids. To this day he still holds the title and here is the photo to prove it.

Vale Dennis Hull

We acknowledge the passing of Dennis Hull recently in Queensland. A couple of emails have come with this news in memory of Dennis. Dennis is listed as serving with 2 platoon in 1967. I believe that John Walker caught up with him before he died.

They grow not old . . . .


Hector

In a rush for the load

I thought this was an interesting shot. It was taken just outside ALSG not far from the water point. I can't remember why they had the load on the back of our truck when the choper pad was only a few hundred yards away. I think it might have been a case of greatcoats on greatcoats off. It was an air dispatcher doing the hook up. Late in 1968

Here's one from Stan Exon

The ATO decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to their office.The auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his lawyer.The auditor said, 'Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment,
Which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I'm not sure ATO finds that believable.'I'm a great gambler, and I can prove it,' says Grandpa. 'How about a demonstration?'The auditor thinks for a moment and said, 'Okay. Go ahead.'Grandpa says, 'I'll bet you a thousand dollars that I can bite my own eye.'The auditor thinks a moment and says, 'It's a bet.'Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it. The auditor's jaw drops.Grandpa says, 'Now, I'll bet you two thousand dollars that I can bite my other eye.'Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn't blind, so he takes the bet.Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye.The stunned auditor now realizes he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa's lawyer as a witness. He starts to get nervous.'Want to go double or nothing?' Grandpa asks 'I'll bet you six thousand dollars that I can stand on one side of your desk, and p e e into that wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.'The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there's no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again.Grandpa stands beside the desk and un zips his pants, but although he strains mightily, he can't make the stream reach the wastebasket on the other side, so he pretty much uri nates all over the auditor's desk.The auditor leaps with joy, realizing that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win.But Grandpa's own lawyer moans and puts his head in his hands.'Are you okay?' the auditor asks.'Not really,' says the lawyer. 'This morning, when Grandpa told me he'd been summoned for an audit, he bet me twenty-five thousand dollars that he could come in here and p i s s all over your desk and that you'd be happy about it!'Don't Mess with Old People!!

Vietnam Veterans Weekend

Some of the boys from south east Queensland are spending the weekend of Aug 15,16and 17 at Donnybrook. We had a great time there last year, if you wish to join us give Mohrie a call on 0407546311 or email mohrie@bigpond.com and arrange it. Come and join the fun.

Reunion Dinner

What a fine bunch, all smart with unit ties and all. The word is not one of them finished the night with a tie. Better luck next time boys.

What a great reunion

I think we can all agree we had a great time at the last reunion as shown above the boys came all ready to have a good time. I would like to thank the organizers for all their hard work.
I have spoken to Terry, he has just come back from his trip from the west and will be starting to get a team together and start work on the next reunion. We will update the web site soon with all the relevant information, but for the day to day things the blog is the way to go.
Please leave comments to give us as much feedback as you can.

Detective Byrne on the job

Thanks to Terry Byrne, one of our members formerly listed as deceased has now been found alive and kicking and living in Victoria. I refer to Grahame Loadsman. Apologies for any unnecessary anxiety caused by the incorrect posting - however, we can only go by the information that is forwarded to us. I'll be in touch with Grahame to ensure he has all relevant info about the re-union. Well done Byrnesy!!