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The Association was formed for all who served with one of the RAE Field Troops in Vietnam. Membership is exclusively for men who served with either 3 Field Troop or 1 Troop, 2 Troop or 3 Troop of 1 Field Squadron in Vietnam.
We have a variety of great Tunnel Rat related items for sale. All proceeds go to the Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association to help cover the costs of producing and posting out our fascinating newsletter “Holdfast”.
Through the photographs taken by the men who served there, take a walk back in time to see Australian Tunnel Rats at war (and play) in Vietnam in the 60s and early 70s.
The bravery of these five Tunnel Rats in Vietnam was suitably recognised with the awarding of the prestigious Military Medal
The Tunnel Rats who paid the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam are resting in peace in capital cities and remote towns across Australia - and in one case Malaysia, where our first KIA is buried in Terendak Cemetery.
All of us knew some of these men well. We trained with them, went on Operations with them, laughed and drank with them. And because we worked in two-man, five-man and ten-man teams, in many cases, we were with them when they died.
As we ourselves are getting on in age, we should make an effort to “go see our mates again”. Even if those buried closest to where you live are men you didn’t know personally, visit the grave to pay your respects. Let them know we are still very proud Sappers, and that we honour them regularly and thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Field Troop RAE
Sapper David Steen
27th November 1967 - 18th February 1968 During mortar attack on Fire Support Base Anderson SA - Penola New Cemetery General - Row O - Grave 38
Field Troop RAE
Sapper Vincent Tobin
27th November 1967 - 22nd March 1968 Mine incident in the Long Hai Mountains while attached to 3RAR WA - Karrakatta Cemetery Roman Catholic - KA - 659
Field Troop RAE
Sapper Geoffrey Coombs
27th November 1967- 22nd March 1968 Mine incident in the Long Hai Mountains while attached to 3RAR TAS - Smithton Cemetery Roman Catholic 738
Field Troop RAE
Sapper John Smith
incident near Dinh Co Monastery while attached to 6RAR VIC - Springvale Crematorium Banksia - Wall - Row P - Niche 141
Field Troop RAE
Sapper Ronald Smillie
3rd December 1968 - 23rd July 1969 Mine incident near Dinh Co Monastery while attached to 6RAR NSW Albury Cemetery Lawn 4 Lawn AF 1A 30
Field Troop RAE
Lance Corporal Bryant Hansen
11th February 1969 - 21st October 1969 While clearing booby-trapped mine on Route 326 NSW Garden Of Remembrance Wall 1 Panel J