Vietnam Veterans Research Project

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We have had contact from a serving member who is seeking RAA Vietnam Veterans to assist him with his Masters of War Studies through ADFA.  We hope our members who served in Vietnam can assist him with his research.     

His letter is below:

Dear Royal Australian Artillery Association – Victoria,
 
My name is Captain Pietro Ruggeri. I’m a field gunner currently serving as a Ground Liaison Officer with 16th Air Land Regiment. I’m based out of RAAF East Sale, Victoria, and am completing a Master of War Studies through the Australian Defence Force Academy.
 
This year I’m undertaking a research project to complete my postgraduate education. My topic, fuelled by my allegiance to the Royal Regiment, is on the employment of Forward Observers during the Vietnam War.
 
I’m writing to you seeking the contact information of veterans who served in Vietnam that would be interested and willing to speak with me regarding their service as a Forward Observer before, during, and immediately after the Vietnam War. I am seeking both officers and soldiers in order to gain a depth of understanding across the corps.
 
The intent of my research project is to understand the development of the role of Forward Observers during the Vietnam War and identify commonalities with contemporary doctrine and practice. During my time as a Joint Fires Team Commander with the 8th/12th Regiment I saw a uniquely Australian method of supporting manoeuvre commanders, something I assess originates from our experiences in South East Asian conflicts.
 
I appreciate your time addressing this email and hope to hear from you soon.
 
Sincerely,
 
Pietro Ruggeri
Captain
16th Air Land Regiment
0435 589 304

VALE – Field Marshal The Lord Vincent GBE KCB DSO

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VALE – Field Marshal The Lord Vincent GBE KCB DSO

The following Vale notice has been received from the SO2 HOR and will be of interest to all Gunners serving and retired:

You may already be aware through diplomatic channels; but I regret to inform you that Field Marshal The Lord Vincent GBE KCB DSO sadly died on Sat 8 Sep 18. The Field Marshal is the last Gunner Field Marshal and was Master Gunner St James’s Park from 1996 – 2000.

PS12 at M.O.D London, have circulated notification of the death at diplomatic level, in line with protocol and taking into account the wishes of the family. This notification can now be circulated to those serving and retired members of your regiments, who may have had the opportunity to meet or serve with the Field Marshal during their service.

The funeral will be held at 1200hrs, Fri 28 Sep 18 and is a family funeral. There will be a memorial service at a later date, the details of which have yet to be confirmed. RHQRA will inform you of this as a matter of courtesy and PS12 will inform your respective Embassies in London.

I have spoken with the Field Marshal’s son, Colonel Mark Vincent, regarding letters of condolence. He requests that all correspondence is sent through him and he and his sister (Mrs Amanda Matthews), will pass the letters to their mother, The Lady Vincent.

If anyone wishes to write, correspondence should be addressed to:

The Lady Vincent
c/o Colonel The Hon M A F Vincent MBE
Baytree House
Dauntsey Road
Great Somerford
Wiltshire
United Kingdom
SN15 5HR

 –  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Vincent,_Baron_Vincent_of_Coleshill