| Accession Number | P05707.064 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Maker |
Speedy, Ian Maxwell (Max) |
| Place made | Vietnam: Bien Hoa Province, Bearcat Base |
| Date made | c September 1968-October 1969 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
First Lieutenant Jim Prestidge, 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army, ...
Description
First Lieutenant Jim Prestidge, 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army, (left) with 2267 Sub Lieutenant Charles Robert Richmond (Charlie) Rex (right), Pilot, 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) in the revetments at the 135th AHC section of Bearcat Base. Iroquois helicopters are parked in the revetments which are high enough to usually prevent collateral damage to adjacent aircraft from mortar strikes. RANHFV is serving with the 135th AHC. Due to its integrated nature, the unit is designated an ‘experimental military unit', with the nickname EMU. Based originally at Vung Tau Air Base, the company moved to Fire Support Base Black Horse near Xuan Loc in December 1967. In November 1968 the unit was moved to Bearcat Base, north east of Saigon. Throughout their service in Vietnam members of RANHFV provided tactical airlift and gunship support for Australian and allied ground forces.