Our Wartime Heroes: firsthand stories from men and women who were there | Podcast in RSS.com

Our Wartime Heroes: firsthand stories from men and women who were there

Our Wartime Heroes: firsthand stories from men and women who were there

di Sharon Kennedy, Jeffrey Peirce, Bunbury Oral History Group

Stagione 1

Trevor Herbert Putting the demons in their place

Trevor was persuaded by his wife Maureen to revisit Vietnam. He learned an invaluable lesson.

Trevor Herbert Back home and welcome

One minute in Vietnam, the next back home. Trevor had difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Joining the Returned Soldiers League helped. Then came the Welcome Home March when Australia finally thanked its Vietnam veterans. Tears, beers and reunions, Trevor said. Frankie who kicked the mine is the inspiration for the Redgum's song, A Walk in the Light Green, also known as I Was Only 19. Narration Sharon Kennedy. Original interview, Bunbury Oral History Group

Trevor Herbert Medivac with difficulty

In May 1968, the experience of the Vietnamese war was taking its toll on Trevor. At home on R&R, all seemed surreal. He didn't want to go back. Upon return to his Mobile Training Unit, he was informed that he was moving on, leaving the South Vietnamese with whom he had become close.

Trevor Herbert Clearing mines and dodging bullets

Minefields were the bane of the Australians. They had to be patrolled so that the Vietcong couldn't dig them up. It was an almost impossible task, Trevor said. His scariest moment though, might have been when he had to jump the barbed wire. His mates thought it was funny... Narration Sharon Kennedy. Original interview, Bunbury Oral History Group.

Trevor Herbert Lottery winner

Trevor won the lottery that no young person wanted. In the late 1960s, the Australian government ran a birth date ballot lottery for young men turning 20. If your birth date came up you were conscripted. End prize - fighting in Vietnam. Trevor was sent for training and discovered his couldn't tell his left from his right. No good for marching! He turned 21 while on training. Narration Sharon Kennedy. Original interview, Bunbury Oral History Group.

Olive Jeffrey Never ending work

Olive faced the same heartbreaking and back breaking work of all the Australian nurses during WWII. Narration Andrew Robinson. Voice of Olive, Michelle Durrant. Written Jeffrey Peirce.

Olive Edith Jeffrey Her heart on her sleeve

While in Egypt, Olive caught sight of a very famous person. Her assessment was a trifle unflattering. She was a calm and assured nurse to whom patients responded. One in particular. Narration Andrew Robinson. Voice of Olive, Michelle Durrant. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

Tom Johnson Harrison The war is nearing the end

Tom was unlucky enough to be wounded and convalescence dragged on. He was eager to get back to his battalion. Narrator Ron Tait. Voice of Tom, Rhys Hughes. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

Tom Shaw A family's fortunes

Four of the eight Shaw brothers volunteered for WWI. Their fates were varied. After the war, Tom continued a life of service, helped other returned soldiers and sailors. Narration Jennifer Kain. Voice of Tom, Lachlan Kelly. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

Thomas Shaw Meeting famous people in the Boer War

Tom rubbed shoulders with some of the most influential people of both the First and Second World Wars. He and his five brothers all volunteered which must have been heart breaking for their parents. He survived some close encounters, including scrapes with the officers. Narration Sharon Kennedy. Voice of Tom, Lachlan Kelly. Written by Jeffrey Peirce.

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