Reunion in Townsville

 What a fabulous time we had in Townsville with the Vietnam Veterans from 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. The Association along with the current guys from the battalion, put on a special time for the ones who were celebrating the 50th anniversary of their return to Australia.

As you can see from the above photo is was a battalion of combined Australian & New Zealand soldiers, hence why it was called the ANZAC Battalion.

Our time in Townsville began with us parking up our vans, and Peter and Des heading off to the airport to pick up a couple of the other guys from their Platoon that were flying in. They ended up doing two trips to the airport.

How's this for a lovely tropical setting? Once all were settled a couple of the fellas who were staying in a cabin at the caravan park wandered over to our site for 'refreshments'.

The following morning (Monday) it was time to take these others on a mini tour of Townsville and here they are up at the lookout on top of Castle Hill.

From here it was time to head for the RSL for an impromptu lunch whilst waiting for the official 'Meet & Greet'. Goodness, what a gathering!

Tuesday was even more special with a memorial service held out at Laverack Barracks.

The lunch put on for us all was absolutely delicious. Wow, what a day! Thankfully it was a quiet afternoon evening.

Wednesday, it was back to the RSL for an official battalion luncheon. Seated at each table of Veterans was a current serving member of the Battalion. It is so, so different from when our fellows were serving but all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

This last photo shows Peter with his Platoon Commander who sadly is not in the best of health.

You would not believe this, but after all this (food and all) the platoon members gathered for a farewell dinner as quite a few of us were leaving Townsville the following morning.

I think I (for one) am tired from all of this, but it was so enjoyable, particularly catching up with the other guys that Peter serviced with in Vietnam. 

Though it has to be acknowledged those that did not make it home, along with those who have passed away in the following years.

For now though, I shall begin to put things to order in the van ready to set off  the next morning.

'Til next time, when we will begin to make our way west for the next stage of our adventure.

June

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