Anzac Day: Manjimup’s Vietnam veterans on the war 50 years after the end of Australia’s involvement

Anzac Day is considered a chance to reflect and respect those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and their contribution and suffering. For four of Manjimup’s Vietnam veterans, this year is of significant importance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. With anti-war protests gathering momentum in Australia in 1969, many of the Vietnam veterans returned home to the greatest social and political dissent in Australia since the conscription referendums of the First World War. Manjimup veteran Alex Coffey — who was 17 years old when he enlisted — fought in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971. “You didn’t even think about saying no,” he said. Mr Coffey — who parachuted more than 100 times out of a military transport aircraft — said he encouraged everyone to be proud of their Vietnam veterans. “Be proud,” he said. “Always be proud.” “I love it when my grandchildren come and watch their grandfather march.” Len Reeve — who served as a national serviceman in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 — was 20 years old when he fought at the Battle of Coral-Balmoral as inventory reinforcement. Mr Reeve said it wasn’t a positive environment for him when he returned home, however, he “never regretted one minute of it”. Between 1965 and 1972, all young men were required to register for national service with a choice to join or be jailed. In all, 15,300 were conscripted and served in Vietnam. More than 200 died and at least 1,200 were wounded on active duty. John Crook — who served in Vietnam as a national serviceman radio operator in 1967 — said he flew over on a Lockheed C-130 Hercules which was an incredibly uncomfortable, long-haul flight. Mr Crook said he returned to Australia before the dissent truly kicked in but recalled what it was like to witness his fellow serviceman return. Despite all, Mr Crook said the relationships he developed in Vietnam were incredibly positive long-term. “It was a positive environment,” he said. “Camaraderie and loyalty to friends was really strong. . . still is.” Manjimup RSL president Wayne Hughes served in the navy for 21 years, spending two of those years in North Vietnam on the HMAS Perth between 1967 and 1969. Mr Hughes said his ship — which spent most of its time with the 7th Fleet — was bombed in the first year he served. He said one of his career highlights was serving as part of the Queens Guard in 1966. Manjimup will hold a dawn service at 6am on Anzac Day, followed by a gunfire breakfast at the RSL Hall. At 10:45am the parade will form up at the Manjimup RSL before marching towards Coronation Park for an 11am midday service. Mr Hughes said he expected more than 500 people to attend the dawn service and more than 1000 to attend the midday service.