--- SG --------- MG ---

 South Vietnamese CGCP

    Australian UCG

Writing Projects - Current (November 2009):
Yes - I'm back to some writing (again).
After putting a lot of research and planning into a book about a major drug import into Australia in 2003, I realised that the background I had researched was worth more than "just" a novel.  I therefore shelved (temporarily!) the novel in favour of writing a proposal for a TV drama series. The proposal is now done and I have submitted it (via an agent) to a major Production House for consideration.
If you are a follower of the UK "Spooks" series, this is Australia's version, but with stories based on actual events and ringing with credibility.  There's ten episode stories outlined so far, with more on the way...?

While we await the Producer's consideration, I'm spending some of my spare time on a second "faction" novel - maybe in 2010...?

Another Tour to Viet Nam:
In October 2009, I hosted an AVVRG Fundraising Tour to the area of Australian operations during the Viet Nam War.
The tour was so successful that I have been asked to reserve my time for another Tour in Oct 2010.  The group (of 34) was so keen and enthusiastic that I couldn't say "No".  So there's another Tour planned for Oct 2010.  Look at the "Viet Nam Tours" page in the column to the left.
Please consider joining us...

Long Tan Awards - Current (December 2009):
The 43-year-old old issue of the downgraded Long Tan awards has (finally) been mostly resolved.  On 14 Aug 2008, the government approved three (officers') medals to replace those downgraded in 1966.  Battle commander Harry Smith is to be awarded the Star Of Gallantry (SG - DSO equivalent) and the two surviving Platoon commanders to get the Medal for Gallantry (MG - MC equivalent).

They also approved the South Vietnamese CGCP citation for wearing by Delta Company, 6RAR.

They referred all other downgraded or struck-out awards for Long Tan in 1966 to the government's new Honours & Awards Tribunal.

On Wed 28 Oct 2009, the Tribunal recommendation was released by the Government - there will be no further restoration of  the individual awards downgraded or struck-out in 1966, but the whole Company (Delta/6RAR) will be awarded the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG).  This is the top unit citation and has only so far been awarded to SAS and Commando units/subunits.

This decision and recommendation is not without its own controversy and several injustices appear to remain.  Time will tell if further action is initiated.

Proposed film of the Battle of Long Tan:
Status 27 June 2009 - We have been told by Producer Martin Walsh of Red Dune Films that the script has not yet reached an acceptable "first draft" status.  Proposed Director, Bruce Beresford, has recently completed his latest film - Mao's Last Dancer - and is expected to start work on the Long Tan project, including part-writing the script.  An additional scriptwriter - Justin Monjo - has been brought in to assist with the script.  The Commanders have not yet seen a script so cannot comment on scope, accuracy etc.

Martin's timeframes are currently unknown.  There may be updates on his website http://www.reddunefilms.com/Projects.htm?

Another interesting project:
On the home page there is a link to a Powerpoint presentation on Long Tan which can be downloaded free.  It's made to work on the PC version of Powerpoint, 2003 or later, and on a Mac Powerpoint.  It's fairly large at 50 slides and each slide is animated.  No sound, though.

I developed it from the slides I used when I gave talks on Viet Nam and Long Tan.  It's being distributed free.  It should be of interest to school projects, military history buffs, serving military members and just for general interest.

Thanks for looking in on my website...