Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2015, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm
Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna Clans
Private
Royal Australian Army Medical Corps
Australian Army
Medal of the Order of Australia
Australian Defence Medal
Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal
“Like most Veterans, I answered the call when it was made, and I have no regrets for doing so.”
My Recruit Training was done at Puckapunyal and my Corps Training at Healesville. Post Corps Training as a Medic I was posted to 2 Field Ambulance at Puckapunyal but Semi-Detached to Central Medical Records at Albert Parks Barracks in Melbourne, Victoria. Initially, I was accommodated at Watsonia Army Barracks and travelled to Albert Park Barracks for Duty but eventually moved out into private accommodation where I remained until my period of Service was coming to an end and I sought a posting back to Adelaide at Keswick Army Barracks to sign off on my National Service.
Generally, I enjoyed Army life and I think that was mainly because I didn’t see any Active Service in Vietnam. Army provided a number of firsts for me such as: my first flight in an aeroplane, my first trip Interstate, my first taste of Service.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Army because I enjoyed the training, being in uniform, meeting some terrific lads from other parts of our wonderful country, their mateship, the lifestyle, the sport, the places I travelled and believe it or not the discipline.
