VIETNAM VETERANS’ EDUCATION CENTRE (VVEC)
In 2011 the Prime Minister announced that Australia would contribute to the development of the Vietnam Veterans’ Education Centre (VVEC) in Washington DC. The central feature of this high tech centre will be a “Wall of Faces”, a digital display of the images of those who died, including the images of the 521 Australians who died in Vietnam.
Despite the success to date, the task is unfinished. Office of Australian War Graves, (OAWG) is yet to locate a living relative for 185 of out servicemen who died in Vietnam, Listed below are those from 7RAR who are yet to be located.
1. 2784699 PTE Norman George Allen, KIA 10 November 1967;
2. 38110 CPL Donald Raymond Aylett, KIA 6 August 1967;
3. 216920 PTE Marvin James Ayres, KIA 5 February 1968;
4. 62036 PTE Garry Owen Cashion, KIA 16 June 1970;
5. 422514 LT Rex William Davies, KIA 27 October 1970;
6. 216906 PTE Barry Edmond Fallon, KIA 10 November 1967;
7. 218450 PTE Arthur John Gibson, 15 July 1972?
8. 4720992 PTE Graham Robert Kavanagh, KIA 21 April 1970;
9. 2785033 L/CPL Ross Charles McMillan, KIA 2 February 1968;
10. 3411862 PTE David Geoffrey Milford, KIA 6 August 1967;
11. 2792729 PTE Paul John Navarre, KIA 6 June 1970;
12. 218697 L/CPL Neil Thomas Richardson, KIA 27 August 1970;
13. 216115 PTE Paul Zygmund Trzecinski, KIA 27 January 1968.
If anyone has any contact with relatives or NOK of the above listed members of 7RAR please have them contact the XO on any of the details below.
TONY KEECH, OAM
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
7RAR ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 8143
WERRINGTON COUNTY
NSW 2747
ABN 35 124 126 574
Ph (H) (02) 4721 4349
(M) 0418 624 211
#12 – Neil Thomas Richardson, he was my fiance at the time he went to Vietnam on 16 February 1970, this can be verified by Darryl Gillies if need be.
Neil was the middle son of 3 boys to Harry and Jean Richardson, both now deceased. His elder brother, Ian, is also deceased. The youngest brother, Malcolm Richardson actually joined the Army – I had managed to contact Neil’s elder brother Ian who told me that Malcolm was a W/O at Victoria Barracks, Sydney in the 90’s – Army records should be able to verify this. When I spoke to Malcolm he didn’t want to have anything to do with the Army and 7RAR Association – this was because of the Army’s way of reporting the details of Neil’s death to the family, I believe he said, the family was traced through the Red Cross for Neil’s medals to be presented to his Father, or Brother Ian, as well as the “Welcome Home” flag, in other words Malcolm wasn’t impressed with the inefficiency of the Army to contact next of kin and it would seem it’s still going on. I had written to Malcolm a couple of times but never had a reply.
I would also like to look through my photos of Neil and send a nice one along to replace the one showing on his profile which is from the newspaper of the 500. I would love to obtain from the Army the professional photos taken on the day of the passing out parade at Holsworthy – these were lovely but unfortunately, someone of unsound mind, one Stephen Elliott (7RAR 2nd Tour) decided to burn my photos and some have been lost forever
Please also correct Neil’s age, he was 22 when he died – not 23. I have asked for this to be done previously but the incorrect information is still being shown – also incorrect details at the Museum on Phillip Island and also noticed at the Prahan RSL when in Melbourne for the Reunion – perhaps a suggestion that all State Associations of 7RAR check the details of servicemen against official Army record so that surviving family members, or fiances, are not upset by these errors
#11 – Pte Paul Navarre – check with the WA 7RAR Assn – they will have his sister’s details
I hope this helps
– sorry to hear of Fred Killick’s passing too, he’s in the 7 in Seventy book carrying Stephen Elliott out of the jungle after he was stung by bees and had passed out
Glenda
I have corrected his age. If you find a better photo I would be glad to post it on the website. In fact any photo you have of Neil would be appreciated as I try and get Recce Pl’s story together.
I have emailed Tony Keech (Exec Officer) to look at the other sites you mentioned (Prahan and Phillip Island)
Thanks for that Kev, much appreciated. I’ll go looking through the photos and send one as soon as possible, have a few other issues happening at the moment but I won’t forget..does anyone have a copy of the unit when training was completed, don’t know the exact words but hopefully you’ll get my drift
Perhaps the Polish Club in Maitland NSW can help with info re Paul Trzecinski. I and other 7RAR vets attended the formal ceremony at the opening of the “Paul Trzecinski Bridge” near Maitland in the 1990’s. This event was sponsored by the Polish Club of that city to commemorate Paul.
There was prominent publicity at the occasion, which may also help with info via the local media/TV.
re pte gary cashion, looking for relatives: gary’s neice is living in Tasmania and can be contacted at the following e-mail address:nutsdeb@activ8.net.au. good luck and best wishes, Laurie Carroll
Neil Thomas Richardson – 26/04/1948 to 27/08/1970 – 43 long years have gone by and you have never been forgotten by those who knew and loved you. Rest peacefully, your duty’s been done xx
Re: Office of Australian War Graves, (OAWG) is yet to locate a living relative for 185 of out servicemen who died in Vietnam, Listed below are those from 7RAR who are yet to be located.
My dad was Arthur John Gibson
7. 218450 PTE Arthur John Gibson, 15 July 1972 – I have tried your phone number as above but no answer.
Thankyou
Tina Gibson
Try me on 0429 054 805
Kev
Hello, if you have not located NOK for Private David Milford I can assist.
Charles
NOK for Garry Owen Cashion is Rex Cashion currently living in Cairns. Also Robert Cashion living in Lindisfarne Tasmania.