Carey Howard McQuillan as a Private 1 RAR interviewed by Greg Swanborough for 'The sharp end'

Private 1RAR 7 June 1965 to 7 June 1966. Scene 9, Take 1, roll 66: Describes first impression of Vietnam and massive American war machine. 1 RAR well trained, prepared and felt comfortable with officers who had had jungle experience in Malaya. 8 Jan 1966 arriving at Ho Bo Woods and recollections of CSM running towards the helicopters with bullets chasing his heals. He was warning troops alighting from the choppers to take cover. 1 RAR lost 8 men and 36 were wounded in the battle. Describes shooting at enemy and not being able to shoot a dog that wandered into field of fire. Scene 11, Take 1: Homecoming in Perth and going to visit cartoonist Paul Rigby. Describes receiving a pamphlet from protester on St Georges Terrace and confronting demonstrator. Soldiers in Vietnam fought an honourable war. As guard commander at infantry centre in Ingleburn, received Simon Townsend, a conscientious objector, into custody. McQuillan now admires Townsend for his convictions. Scene 11, Take 2: Considered protest movement ‘unAustralian’. Joined the NSW Police Force in 1969-70 and was involved in moratoriums. Feelings change over time.