My old mates positively identified

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REMAINS found in Vietnam this month have been identified as two Australian soldiers declared missing in action in 1965.
Australian forensic scientists in Vietnam confirmed the remains belong to Lance Corporal Richard Parker and Private Peter Gillson. The pair were killed during a Vietnam War battle in Dong Nai province, east of Saigon. The forensic team reported that dental records, bones, teeth and artefacts found at the burial site, including military dog tags, led to the positive identifications.
If your a first time reader then previous articles covering the long fight to recover the bodies of ‘Tiny’ and Peter are Possible Closure on Hill 82 , More on Hill 82 and We’re taking you home, you’re OK now . There is only one article left to write on the subject and that will be when I hopefully go to the service, presumably in Sydney, to lay them to rest.
Vietnam

One comment

  • Cav
    Sunday, 27 May 07 at 17:55

    Hey Kev – this is from Dingo at Diggers…

    The latest just in…………………

    OFFICIAL INFORMATION

    I have been officially advised by AHQ that the repatriation of both Parker and Gillson is planned for 10.00 on 06 Jun 07, at RAAF Richmond. Entry to RAAF Richmond will be by invitation ONLY. I have been asked to provide a list of members of A COY 1 RAR on the 8th November 1965 these former members and their partners will be issued invitations. I have enlisted the assistance of the First Battalions Association Secretary to provide the best possible list … if you were in A COY at that time and you are not a member of the Association you need to contact me with your address details urgently.

    More emphasis will be placed on the individual funerals where all former members of the 1 RAR Group are invited to attend. While timings etc will be promulgated shortly the following dates are provided so that you can plan your trip.

    LCPL Richard Parker’s funeral will be on 12 Jun 07 at Woden, ACT and

    PTE Peter Gillson’s funeral will be on the 15 Jun 07 at Fawkner Cemetery in Melbourne.

    Please pass this message on to other 1 RAR members.

    Ray Payne OAM

    3 Westray Ave

    Banora Point NSW 2486

    07 5524 7742

    raypayne@westnet.com.au

    or

    raypayne@veteranweb.asn.au