army.remembrancepin@defence.gov.au
(Then Click on Army Top Right of Screen)

The Army Remembrance Pin, a gift from the Chief of Army, is a symbol for the families of all Army members who dies while in service, both domestically and on operations, since 3 September 1945. The pin also demonstrates Army’s deep appreciation of the members’ and their families’ contributions to the Australian Army.
The following family members are automatically eligible to receive the Army Remembrance Pin on application:
Spouse or recognised interdependent partner;
Children, including stepchildren; and
Parents and/or stepparents.A person who is not listed as an eligible family member may apply to have special consideration to receive the Army Remembrance Pin. These applications will be considered by the Approval Authority on a case-by-case basis.
 

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JUST A COMMON SOLDIER
or
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY

© 1987 A. Lawrence Vaincourt

 

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his mates; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion mates listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for

A SOLDIER DIED TODAY
♦
Vocal- Version:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/eEs4ke7cdNQ?feature=player_detailpage%22
♦
Allan McNaught passed away this morning after a gallant battle with cancer.  Allan served with B Company 8 RAR in Malaysia.
♦
Vale Barry Melville passed away 25 April 2020
Barry has   requested a Private Funeral.
♦
Ian Tims B COY Malaya Passed away in Burra SA @
1AM on 7th April 2020. Due to current Covid-19 restrictions the Funeral is to be private
♦

Vale David Batty A COY passed away 
10 MAR 2020 Dave will be buried in Warracknabeal
CementaryIn Victoria 16th MAR 2020 @ 11am.
♦

Death of Col JO Langtry DCM
I am writing as a courtesy to inform you as President of 8 RAR Association of the death of my father, the battalion’s first CO, this morning 21 FEB 2020.
It was Jol’s wish that his funeral should not be a military one. However, anyone from the 8 RAR family would be welcome to attend the private ceremony Details To Be Advised

♦


RSM ARMY( RTD)-- Kevin (Lofty) Wendt OAM BEM
Has passed away after a battle with ill health.
Lofty served as a PLT SGT in A COY 8 RAR in Malaya and Vietnam
He was RSM 8/9; Twice RSM Infantry Centre; RSM OCS and finally RSM ARMY  
 His funeral will be at Biggenden Show Hall on Friday, 7th February 2020, commencing at 11 am, followed by interment at the Degilbo Lawn Cemetery.
“Gone Fishing”
Due to anticipated large numbers of attendees at Lofty’s service, it would be appreciated for those people who wish to be seated, to bring their own folding chair, as there will be limited seating available.  Portable shades will be provided.

 8/9 RAR Association may be putting on a bus to go up there if there is enough interest. Email: Greg Decker Secretary RAR (Qld) secretary.rarassociationqld@gmail.com if you are interested.

♦
 Major Kevin Dunnicliffe OAM passed away on the 7 December. His funeral is on Monday at St. Nicholas Myra Catholic Church 326 High Street Penrith. At this stage I believe the cause of death was the dreaded cancer.
He was WO2 Admin Coy during our tour of Vietnam

♦
RIP Alan Charles Norcott
 Alan passed away at 5pm Tuesday 3^rd December in Palliative Care at Childers Hospital.
Alan’s funeral is to be held at 1000hrs on Thursday 12 December 2019. The Chapel is located at Branyan Gardens, Cummins Road, Bundaberg. 
Veterans, family and friends attending are requested to be at the Chapel no later than 0930hrs
Medals may be worn.
The Wake is to be held in Alan’s home-town in Childers at a location to be advised.
Queries regarding directions to the Chapel may be sought from the Funeral Director, Stacey Compton via Telephone Number 41534577.
For further general information, members may contact me via this Page Vic (Pop) Burgess. Ex 8RAR & 8/9RAR

https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Branyan+Gardens+Crematorium+and+Garden+of+Rest+Cemetery/@-24.9133147,152.2973972,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6bebba49aab6bd9d:0x5d3c67149ae2a58a!8m2!3d-24.9133196!4d152.2995912

♦
ALFEE FICARRA
His funeral service is@10.30am
on 14 AUG 19@
St Leonard's Willoughby  Rd
Naremburn NSW
Contact Person is Chris Johnston
0268699285 
♦
61183 BRIAN ROY AITKEN
2 December 1935 - 16 May 2019
We have been informed that PTE Brian ‘Dada’ Aitken died on Thursday 16TH May, while he was holidaying in the Philippines.
Brian deployed to South Vietnam aboard HMAS Sydney as a member of Transport Platoon, Administration Company, 5 RAR where he served for the full 1966-67 Tour.
Later joining 8 RAR which included a tour of Malaysia.  In November 1969 Brian returned to South Vietnam as a member of 8 RAR, serving in-country for a further 12 months with the rank of Corporal.


♦
 Dennis Hill (Padre) Deceased in early 2019. Dennis was a member of the
8 RAR Band and served in Malaysia
♦
Norm Smith 8 RAR Support COY. Anti- Tank PLT: Tracker Dog Handler Malaysia, one of Billy Hoban’s boys) and a high profile Aussie Rules player.
Norm’s funeral is planned for 1030 on 1 March 2019 at the Norwood Park Crematorium, 65 Sandford Street, Mitchell ACT.
♦
Cait and Denis Moss attended the funeral of Lt Col Dennis Hills, ( Former Bandsman) it was held at Wyndham City Salvation Army. A Sash was presented to Mrs Hills 
♦
Major Vincent Murphy passed away in the Bunbury W.A.SJOG Hospital at 0230 hrs this morning 20 Dec 2019.
He served as a Platoon And Company Commander (Vietnam) with the RAR as well as AATTV and SASR.
He was SO2 OPS HQ W COMD on retirement.
Funeral is 1300hrs Thurs 27th of Dec at the Bunbury Crematoriam.We hope to have
enough Veterans to provide a Guard of Honour.
  ♦

Please be advised that Tom Weldon  (born 9/9/1942) passed away on 15th
October, 2018 at home after a three year battle with cancer. 
He served in Malaya and Vietnam.
He passed away at home after a three year battle with cancer.
♦
215887 Carey Thomas JOHNSON passed away on
Monday 27th August 2018.
 Carey served with 1RAR in Vietnam 29.12.65 til 4.6.66, he was then posted to 6RAR and was WIA at the Battle of Long Tan. Returned to Australia 5.11.66.
 He did a second tour with 8RAR 17.11.69 til 16.7.70 in B COY
Funeral details TBA
♦
Vale Richard Young from Lyndoch SA. Richard passed away on Saturday 04 AUG2018. He served with A COY 8 RAR Australia and Vietnam between 17/11/69 and 1/05/70.  
♦
4721198, David John JONES of Naracoorte South Australia passed away on 24th July 2018. He served with 1 A.R.U. from 28/5/1970 to 17/6/1970 and then with 8 Battalion  from 18/6/1970 until 10/11/1970 with 6 Platoon B Company.

   Davids funeral details are :-   When-1400 hour Thursday 2 August 2018

 Location     Mt. Gambier Crematorium Complex
                   Grant Avenu Mt. Gambier.

Our thoughts are with his family.

 ♦
Trevor Douglas PHILLIPS.  Trevor died in the Mary Potter Hospice here in Adelaide yesterday (25/7/18) evening.  He had been battling cancer and he is now at peace.
 
Our thoughts and condolences go to Heather and family.
 
Trevor was with the CMF and served as an observer in Vietnam with 8 Battalion in April 1970.
♦
Maj M.C.Peck (RTD) OC D COY Vietnam.
Passed away in December2017.
At Mals request he had a quiet family funeral and our thoughts go out to his family.
♦

Edward Hall (Scruff) passed away 12/7/18
The funeral will be on 21/07/18 Details TBA. Scruff served in B COY in Vietnam 

♦

 

Brian Hales (Otis)  after a long battle with cancer Brian passed away yesterday Sunday 24^th at 1140 hours
Funeral Details TBA

♦

Tony Jucha 2nd LT BCOY Malaysia/Vietnam passed away on the afternoon of Sunday 17June2018.
Members of the extended 8 RAR family where amongst the hundreds to farewell our first 8 RAR Association President, MAJ ( RETD) Wlodzimierz Anthony Jucha (Tony) at his funeral on Friday 22 JUN 2018.

♦

14699 Donald John Juillerat passed away on Tuesday night12 JUN 2018. Don served in Vietnam with 1RAR 65-66 & 8 RAR 68-69.
Don was the CSM of D COY 8 RAR
Don’s funeral will be conducted by Newhaven Funerals on Friday
22nd June at 10:00am at Memorial Park, 21 Quinns Hill Road,
West Stapylton, QLD.
 

♦

56013 Carl Andrew "Race" Ranson died on Anzac Day 2018.
His military service included 1st Aust Reinforcement Unit Vietnam
D COY 8 RAR Vietnam- 1 RAR Singapore.
His Funeral Service details are - Thursday 3rd May 2018 at
James Murray Funeral Chapel, 44 Blackall Street, Broadmeadow at 11.30am.

 ♦

Cyril Doll served in B COY Vietnam with 8 RAR died in the evening of 26/11/2017
Dolly's service will be next Monday the 4th of December at the Nelson Brothers Funeral Home at Koroit Creek Road Williamstown (a suburb of Melbourne) at 10.30 am DST.

♦

It is with a sad heart that I announce the passing of that Old War Horse Major Phil Pritchard. His widow Margaret advised me today, that Phil passed away 20 Oct and was buried in private according to his wishes, at St Albans Chapel, Kooyan TAS.

♦

 15725 Ronald (Ron) Organ passed away on Sunday morning 29 October 2017 at age 78 in the Holy Spirit Hospital in Brisbane.

♦

Vale: 216699 Neville Paxton Funeral Notice TBA 

♦
Vale: Noel O'Brien 
Noel's Funeral is to be held on Monday 17 July
Time: 0930 (viewing at 0900)
Poppy: Caboolture RSL will do the poppy service

♦

Vale: WO2 Dieter Juckel, the former PLSGT 3 Pl A Coy in SVN passed away peacefully on 8th June 2017 Aged 85 Years 

♦

Terry 'Harry' Harris, sadly passed away quite suddenly (due to lung cancer) on Tuesday, 20 June 2017.  Harry served as a forward scout with 5 RAR on their first tour of Vietnam (1966-67), and he also served in Malaysia with 8 RAR (c. 1968-69).
 
His funeral will be held at:
 
White Lady Funerals
Cnr Cooper Street & Dalton Road
Epping  Victoria
 
10:00 AM  Monday, 26 June 2017

♦

Vale 1735808 PTE John Kenneth James Barrett, A Coy 8 RAR
 
The Funeral Service for the late PTE John Kenneth James Barrett, formerly A Company 8 RAR  ,
(June to November 1970 in South Vietnam and in Australia until July 1971)
will be conducted at the West Chapel, Mt Thompson Crematorium,
329 Nursery Road, Holland Park, at 2pm on Tuesday 27 June 2017.

♦

 Vale: Leigh Larter Support Company 8RAR Vietnam.
Details TBA
♦
Vale: Dutchy Holland. In 1954 Dutchy served in 1 RAR and 3 RAR in the Korean War. In Vietnam he served in C Company 6 RAR in 1966-67 and 8 RAR in 1969-70. He also served in 8RAR Malaysia 1967-69.
Celebration of Dutchy’s life will be held on Monday 19 June at 1100hrs at the Blackbutt RSL and all his mates have been invited to attend.
A cremation will occur Monday 19 June at 1200 hrs at Toowoomba (Private Affair)

    Bob served the full tour of duty in Vietnam with 8RAR, in Support Company.
44583 Robert John (Bob) LEVERTON, born in Adelaide SA on 17/2/1948 and died in WA on 6/10/2016 at age 68.  
Mal Pascoe had passed away after a protracted illness. Mal had served with 8 RAR in SVN and later in C Coy 8/9 RAR at Enoggera. His memorial Service will. be held at St Margaret's Anglican Church, 58 Rainbow Street, SANDGATE QLD 4017 on Monday 9 January 2017 commencing at 1100 hrs. Medals to be worn please.
 If you wish, afterwards at The Full Moon Hotel, 118 Eagle Terrace, SANDGATE QLD 4017.

Sadly Cliff ( Cliffy) Grant has passed away. He served with 8 RAR in SPT COY:  Pioneer PLT in Malaya. Then as Pioneer SGT in Vietnam.His Memorial Service: 

Service is to be held at 1000 hrs on Friday 23 Dec 16 at Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, 329 Nursery Rd  Holland Park’

Medals are be worn please. 

 
 

Just been told this am 11thAug 2016 that COLIN FLECTHER 1pl Acoy then CHQ  8RAR  passed away last night.

   

Keith Stockdale passed away on 20 May this year and his Funeral Service was held on 31 May 2016 in Hervey Bay. He had suffered for some time from cancer and passed away in St Stephen's Hospital in Hervey Bay.
         39566 Keith Frederick STOCKDALE, born in England on 24 June 1950 and died on 20 May 2016 at age 65
         Keith served in 12PL D Coy with 8RAR in Malaysia and Vietnam;

         Keith also served in Vietnam with 7RAR - 22 May 1970 to 18 June 1970;

 

♦
219079 Jim (Hook) Blake
Our old friend & colleague, Hook, lost his long battle  & passed away at 1155 hours on 25/ FEB/2016.
♦ 
Alan (Buck) Peters
has passed away at 1430 hrs 29/01/2016. 
 He was a member of the 161 RNZA FO party attached to
D Coy in Vietnam.  He later migrated from NZ to Queensland.  
His funeral is 5 February at 1100hrs in the Centenary Memorial Gardens (353 Wacol Station Road, Sumner Queensland 4074)
♦ 
Georgie Doolan (A) Coy Malaysia
  Passed away in Cairns on 28 April 2015.
♦ 
Sydney "Noel, Nibbles" SPT COY Vietnam
 Passed away in early December. A Celebration of
Noel's Life, was held at Traditional Funerals Chapel, in
Burpengary, on Tuesday, 15th December, 2015.
♦ 
Dary Deckert (A) Coy Malaysia
Passed away and a service was held at the
Nhill Community Memorial
Centre on 7th Jan 2015.
♦ 
Maj. Len Boswell, was a Reserve Officer (41st Bn) who
spent a short visit with 8 RAR between 28/5/70 and 11/6/70
in Vietnam

♦ 
Trevor Frank Hagen-Passing.
15254 Trevor Frank Hagan OAM passed away very suddenly from a massive heart attack on Thursday night 12 November 2015 at age 76. Trevor served in Vietnam with 1RAR 1/6/65 to 11/6/66, in Malaysia with 8RAR 1967 to 1969 and a second tour of Vietnam with 8RAR 17/11/69 to 12/11/70. During his service with 8RAR, Trevor was the Platoon Sergeant of 7 Platoon Charlie Company.  
♦ 
 Dallas Williams (D Coy Malaysia).  Dallas passed after complications at a Toowoomba respite facility on Friday 6 Nov 15.
 ♦

Barry Passlow, died Fri 23 Oct 2015 after battle with cancer.
His funeral service was held at Wed 4th Oct. 2015 at the Nowra Shoalhaven Crematorium "Pazz" as he was known, was a 5th intake Nasho,  A Coy, 8 RAR, 1966-1968, he was with us in Malaysia.  

♦
Peter Lauder MC passed away on the 21OCT 2015.
The funeral will be held in St Augustine’s Church on Charlton Street: Hamilton. At 10 am on 30th OCT 2015
Tank has spoken to Brad Lauder and he has made his Dad’s wishes known . 
There will be no Poppy Service. Peter only wanted members of his old Platoon (9PL), his Vets Gym Group and those Veterans that he knew well to attend his final farewell.  You will would appreciate that this will also assist in freeing up space in St Augustine’s Church for family and friends. 

The bearer party will be provided by the Lauder family 

A grey 8 sash will be provided by the Association and later presented to the family.
In lieu of flowers a donation to Icon Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.

The funeral will be followed by a cremation with the wake being held at the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
 
♦
Laurie Bovey, D Coy Malaysia passed away at 6.00 am on 12th OCT 2015 in Townsville
The family address is 322 Pinnacle Drive RASMUSSEN Qld 4815 should you wish to send any condolences. 
Funeral TBA

♦
Russell Adams passed away at 3am 22 JUL 2015. Russell

served in C Coy 8 RAR during the tour of Malaysia 1977-79.Russell's funeral is on Wednesday 29th @11 am At Swift Creek it will be a Graveside Service
 ♦
Terry Woodward SPT Coy Malaysia passed away July 2015
♦
Passing of Ian Fenner B Coy 8 RAR SVN
Details TBA

♦
Captain Lloyd Cooper Sig PLT  in Malaya
 
♦
1731556 Pte Rodney 'Beastie' Bryant,  age 69yrs, passed away on Thursday 6th Nov 2014 at Townsville Hospital, after 12
month battle with cancer.
 ♦
Robert Hannah, has passed away after a long battle with Cancer.
 Funeral will be held at 1000hrs on Friday 22 August at the West Chapel of Mt Thompson Crematorium located at 329 Nursery Road, Holland Park.  Bob served with B Company 9 RAR in SVN, 8 RAR, 8/9 RAR and 6 RAR
 ♦
6709365 Phillip Leslie Lee A/tank Pl. has passed away in Tasmania during the evening 14 JUL 2014.
♦
1731847 Dennis Sawatzki passed away 12 July 2014. served with
ADMIN/D COY 8RAR in Malaysia Funeral arrangements
Pinnaroo Crematorium Chapel
Graham Road
Bridgeman Downs
Friday 18th July at 12.30 pm
♦
 Jim Keogh A & ADMIN COY'S passed away last Sunday 13 July after a
12 month battle with cancer.

♦
LT COL ( RETD) Max Mules passed away suddenly. He was a founding member and OC Admin Coy. 
♦

 Dan ‘Doc’ Casey 1PLT A COY passed away this morning                        SAT 14th JUNE 2014

 ♦
Paul Thomas James Edmonds.
Passed away 0n 4th MAR 2013 in Chile
 Served in Vietnam with 8RAR from the 30th of July 1970 to the 3rd of October 1970.
 
 ♦
Ron West passed away Thurs 27 FEB 2013 @ 6pm.  
Ron’s funeral will be held @ 2 pm on Wednesday 5 March at the Hills Church, 79 Queens Road Everton Hills.   
♦
From Len Thompson
Pieter Koster passed away on 4 January 2013. I am dismayed because his death happened over one year ago and this is the first time I have become aware. I received this morning a letter dated 11 February 2014 from the Hobart office of the Public Trustee advising of Pieter’s passing and requesting he be taken off our “mailing list”. 
♦

Neil Joseph Johnson Admin COY 8 RAR Vietnam has Passed Away
it was reported in the Victorian RSL Magazine by the
Lakes Entrance RSL

♦
John (Hero) Herren
If you aren't aware, sadly John's life support was turned off and he has passed on and his funeral is being held on the Gold Coast this Friday at 10am.

♦
Mick Graham Transport Platoon Malaysia passed away late Friday night, 8th November. 
 ♦
Rod Scutter ex B Company Vietnam passed away on 31 Oct 2013
His Funeral Service will be held at 10.30 am on Monday 11 November 2013 at Partridge House, 38 Partridge St, Glenelg SA 5045. Parking is available in Penzance Street at Glenelg.
 ♦
Just had a call from Col Neave’s widow Claudette. She told me Col had passed away in May 2013 
♦
 John Roseberry:
 
John served with  8  RAR  in Vietnam from 19/11/1969 to 13/08/1970. For a period of time he was the CO's driver in BHQ and later went to A Company.
 ♦

 Death and funeral details of Ron (Shorty) Aslan, C Coy 6 RAR Vietnam 1966-67, 8 RAR Vietnam 1969-70
 ♦
PTE Jeff Rowbotham 'D' Coy 8 RAR, Passed Away Thursday 23 May 3013
After a long battle with Cancer. 

♦

 Wayne Batze. 6 Section 2PL A COY Passed Away in Townsville Hospital On Friday 10th MAY 2013

 ♦

52516 STAFF SERGEANT GEORGE VINCENT ("SCRUFFY") MCGOVERN

V16376, VX146917, 5400043, 52516

19 Australian Infantry Training Battalion
2/33 Australian Infantry Battalion
29/46 Australian Infantry Battalion
BCOF Base Ordnance Depot (Japan)

8 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Staff Sergeant)
Vietnam: 19/11/1969 to 07/11/1970 and
Malaya 1967-69.

2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
3 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
7 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
9 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
8/9 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

Age: 87+ years

George passed away peacefully in his sleep on the afternoon of 17 April.
♦
CEDRIC MUGRIDGE aka Mugys 3 (1st Tour), 9,8, &8/9 RAR 10 IRC
Passed away 7 FEB 2013 
♦
 5716512 Terry Alan JONES, 8 RAR passed away
away Wednesday 23 Jan 13 at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.
His funeral will be at Moe
Cemetery, Victoria 1.00 pm Tuesday 29 Jan 13. Dennis MOSS 8 RAR will be attending

♦
"The Larger Than Life"
Chris Tredaway Passed Away in the evening of
16 DEC 2012.
Funeral Details: 1030 hrs Friday 21 December 2012
Boonah Uniting Church
12 Macquarie Street
Boonah

♦

Robert"Jock" Stirling
8RAR during Vietnam and Malaysia 1967 – 1970. He sadly passed away on Friday the 5th of October 2012. His funeral will be held at Traditional Funerals Morayfield Road Burpengary Thursday 11 October at 1:30pm.
♦
Thurs 13th September2012
 Jock Jamison Delta Company 8RAR Vietnam
Passed Away

♦
Ken Sleep SPT COY Vietnam passed away on Friday 17 August 2012.

 

 

♦