General News
10 August, 2023
Commemorating Ian’s Vietnam service
EIGHTY-FIVE people gathered at the Camperdown Cemetery last Thursday to commemorate 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War and 60 years since the first Australian Army Training Team Vietnam troops arrived there.
EIGHTY-FIVE people gathered at the Camperdown Cemetery last Thursday to commemorate 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War and 60 years since the first Australian Army Training Team Vietnam troops arrived there.
The vigil to commemorate Gunner Ian James Scott was led by James Affleck, an ex-National Serviceman and Vietnam Veteran.
Attendees included Ian’s cousins, kids who had grown up with Ian in McNicol Street, school friends, and friends from community activities such as the football club.
Amongst the crowd was Ross Murrihy, who commenced recruit training at Puckapunyal on July 12, 1968 alongside Ian.
Mr Murrihy and Ian made a pact at the passing out parade to have a drink together at the end of their national service at the Hampden Hotel.
That was never to happen with Ian killed in action at the Battle of Coral.
Mr Affleck spoke about Ian’s military service, plus the history of the Battle of Coral before he began the vigil.
The tradition of the Last Post and Reveille was performed by local bugler Ross McIlveen.
Graham Christie, who is president of the Geelong Vietnam Veterans, read the poem ‘The Battle of Fire Support Bases Coral/Balmoral’ by Brigadier G.L. Mansford.
Redgum’s ‘I Was Only 19’, which has its lyrics inscribed on the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, was played at the service.
Wreaths were laid by the Geelong Vietnam Veterans and the Warrnambool Legacy Club.
Individuals laid a sprig of wattle, a symbol of unity and resilience, on Ian’s grave.
Reverend Suzie Castle from the local Uniting Church, where Ian attended Sunday School and PFA, presented a reading and a prayer.
Ian’s sister Pat Scott said, along with Mr Afflect and Alan Fleming, she was “very pleased” with the turnout and the weather.
“Alan Fleming, an ex-Vietnam veteran, put his hand up to be the point of contact for the vigil and organised the background work for the ceremony,” she said.
“People commented on how profound and informative the ceremony had been.
“Many found it a profound healing service and a calming time to reflect on a tragic event on Australia’s history.”
Mr Fleming said the event was well-attended by a lot of different people within the community.
“It is important that we again recognise the contribution made by our veterans that were killed in action,” he said.
Ian’s family, friends and veterans appreciated how the vigil honoured Ian’s service and sacrifice.
Most of the crowd attended a luncheon at Ian’s childhood home following the ceremony.