Description

The author highlights and analyses the vital part played by HMAS Sydney and other units of the RAN in the support of land bases forces in Vietnam. Out of Sight, Out of Mind identifies and dispels various myths which have developed around the importance of sea transport and logistical support, and argues for a new appreciation of the service of the 13,000 members of the RAN who participated in this vitally important task. Many of the illustrations were taken by serving military personnel which gives them an immediacy and poignancy lacking in official photographs. The second edition includes a large new chapter "In Their Own Words," containing pieces from the sailors and soldiers who served at sea, or were transported by sea, to and from Vietnam. It also includes many former members of the RAN not credited with operational service. Foremost was Lt Cdr Peter Maxwell Cumming who served in an advisory/observer role during the latter part of 1962 and the first weeks of 1963, before the first 30 members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. The 200+ Fleet Air Arm personnel who served in HMAS Sydney as HMAS Sydney Flight were not recognised as having served in Vietnam or recorded on the Nominal Roll as Vietnam Veterans. This situation has been rectified.