Memorial News

Little Pattie Opens Impressions

15/10/99 -Singer Little Pattie (Patricia Thompson) has officially opened the Australian War Memorial's travelling exhibition Impressions: Australians in Vietnam in the Memorial's Special Exhibition Space.

Impressions explores the experiences of Australians who fought in Vietnam, and their subsequent reflections on those experiences. It uses photographs, art works and personal relics to tell those stories.

Impressions opening

Dennis Trew (artist), Little Pattie and Simon Forrester (curator of Impressions) viewing
Readings from the book of the dead.
Denis Trew

The travelling exhibitions program is funded by the Federal Government's commemorative program Their Service-our Heritage. Other exhibitions include Too dark for the Light Horse, Ivor Hele: the heroic figure, Up front: faces of Australia at war, and 1918: Australians in France.

Little Pattie was the youngest Australian to entertain troops in Vietnam when she went there as a 17-year-old in 1966. Since then, she has committed much of her time to Vietnam veterans, lending her talents to many fundraising concerts and special events. In recognition of her services in support of the Australian Armed Forces in operations in Vietnam, Patricia was awarded the Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal in 1994.

Patricia was a member of the Australian War Memorial Council for three years from 1995 to 1998.

In her opening address, Patricia recounted her experience in Vietnam, particularly that of 18 August 1966. On that day, Patricia, along with Col Joye and the Joye Boys, was scheduled to give three concerts at the Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat. The first two concerts went well, the performers getting an enthusiastic reception from Australian troops.

However, during the third concert, Patricia, Col and the band noticed the sounds of battle creeping closer, increased activity on the base, and members of the audience quietly slipping away. The Battle of Long Tan had begun just a few kilometres southeast of the base. For her own safety, Patricia was evacuated by helicopter (although Col remained behind). During the next couple of days both spent time visiting the wounded in hospital. (Eighteen Australians died and 24 were wounded at Long Tan. At least 245 enemy soldiers were killed. D Company 6 RAR was awarded a US Presidential Citation).

Impressions: Australians in Vietnam is at the Memorial until 5 December 1999.