Dusk service vigil for Australian Vietnam veterans

A Dawn to Dusk memorial service took place on Thursday, August 3 for Scottish-born soldiers who lost their lives fighting for Australian forces during the Vietnam War.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Aug 2023, 15:00 BST
The East of Scotland RMA pictured next to the grave with Australian servicemen. Pic: Wallace Ferrier.The East of Scotland RMA pictured next to the grave with Australian servicemen. Pic: Wallace Ferrier.
The East of Scotland RMA pictured next to the grave with Australian servicemen. Pic: Wallace Ferrier.

The dawn service started in Canberra Australia, with various services throughout Australia, and other countries, with a dusk service concluding at 9.15pm at Birkhill Cemetery near Dundee at the grave of Lance Corporal Robert (Jock) Buchan, who lost his life at 22 years of age with D company, 6 Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) on 11 December 1969.

Twenty wooden crosses were placed at the gravestone to commemorate the names of the 20 Scottish soldiers who were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

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Many branches of the military attended the poignant service which was organised by James Potter of the Royal Australian Air Force.

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Among those giving readings were Rev Graham Taylor (Former Padre with the Royal Navy) now minister at Inchture Church - Major Steve Nicoll RM - Lt Col Colin Morrison CSC Australian Defence Force - Erity Mitchell (President New Zealand Society Scotland).

An Australian flag was also presented by Lt Col Morrison to Lt Cdr Martyn Hawthorn MBE (National Chairman Legion Scotland). The last post was played by (Buglar) Bugler Claire Anan and a lament was performed by Piper Iain Bryson. The memorial service concluded at the going down of the sun.