Call for veterans to attend gathering

Dunedin RSA president Lox Kellas (left) and veteran Gary Shields look over The Vietnam Scrapbook by Mike Subritzky & Mike Smith, which contains the names of New Zealanders who served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1972. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD

The Dunedin RSA is hoping to reach out to Vietnam veterans in Dunedin on the 54th anniversary of Vietnam Veterans' Day, August 18.

Dunedin RSA president Lox Kellas and executive member Gary Shields, both Vietnam veterans themselves, are planning a gathering over lunch on the day and want other veterans and their families to join them.

Mr Kellas said the Dunedin RSA was trying to establish a register of Vietnam veterans, including New Zealanders, Australians, Americans and others.

He believed there were 20 to 30 Vietnam veterans living in the area.

"Our local Vietnam veterans include more than just New Zealand returned soldiers, so this is a shout out to anyone who served in Vietnam to come and join us,'' Mr Kellas said.

"It's one of the few events recognising the service of Vietnam veterans.''

World Vietnam Day coincides with the anniversary of a major battle of the Vietnam War, the Battle of Long Tan, on August 18, 1966.

The battle was fought between Viet Cong (VC) and People's Army of Vietnam units and Australian Task Force soldiers, with support from New Zealand soldiers and artillery, and resulted in 18 allied soldiers being killed and 24 wounded. An unknown number of Vietnamese were killed.

Both sides claimed victory.

A contingent of 3500 New Zealand regular soldiers served in Vietnam between 1965 and 1972, including a cohort from Otago.

Mr Shields served in the infantry as a radio operator, and would call in helicopter support, while Mr Kellas was with the artillery and would call in artillery fire where needed.

Both recall the noise and chaos of the battlefield, and the "many things that were out to get you'' in the jungle, including snakes, leeches and scorpions.

"However, you tend to remember the good times when you get together for gatherings and reunions,'' Mr Shields said.

"There are limited opportunities for veterans to get together, so it would be great to connect with them for this occasion.''

• If you served in South Vietnam with allied armed forces and would like to attend a luncheon on Vietnam Veterans' Day on August 18, please phone Gary Shields on (021)191-1203 or call the RSA office on (03) 466-4886.