BRIGADIER Vincent (Vince) Williams CSC retired, President of RSL NSW accepted an invitation from John Salter, Secretary of Gloucester RSL sub-Branch to visit Gloucester on 8 August on his way to Port Macquarie.
In his capacity as the recently appointed RSL President, Vince was scheduled to attend the Lower North Coast District Council of RSL sub-Branches held in Port Macquarie on Sunday 9 August.
John was keen for Vince to learn more about the significant sacrifice made by men and women living in regional areas like Gloucester who answered the call to serve their country.
“Not only did those who serve face challenges but those left behind also struggled to carry on,” he said.
“Many farming families still had to deal with drought, floods and fires as well as the demands of running a farm without sons, fathers, husbands and brothers to help.”
Honour Rolls in towns like Gloucester drive this home with as many as five from one family listed as serving.
Vince and his wife, Julie mett with Dallas Heard, President of Gloucester sub-Branch, John Salter and other members of the sub-Branch at the Memorial Clock Tower.
The visitors were impressed with the Memorial Park and the pathway flanked by commemorative boards dedicated to theatres of war where Australians have served.
President Dallas Heard and President Vince Williams laid wreaths at the memorial to honour those soldiers of D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) who fought at the battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966.
“While the Gloucester RSL sub-Branch commemorates ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day annually, Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated every five years,” John said.
“2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and the sub-Branch will be holding a commemorative service at the Clock Tower in the Memorial Park on Sunday 16 August at 10.40am to honour those who served in Vietnam, which includes some of our local veterans.”
The RSL web page notes: “Of the 18 Australians who died at Long Tan, 11 were conscripts.
“The majority of the 24 wounded were conscripts too.
“Their lives were transformed or cut short because their birthdates were on numbered balls pulled from a hand-spun barrel.”
Glen Babington CSC, who commanded 6RAR in 2002–03, will deliver the address when RSL NSW commemorates Vietnam Veterans’ Day at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, on Tuesday 18 August 2026.
“It’s a matter of national shame that we didn’t support veterans returning from a war the government sent them to,” Glen said.
John Salter encouraged veterans to attend the service even if they were not members of the sub-Branch.
“Veterans and their families are also invited to attend Club Gloucester for lunch following the service,” he said.
“Members of the public are invited to attend the service if they wish.”
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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