Kennare, Gavan Edward (Chaplain, b.1926 - d.2002)

Collection relates to the Vietnam War service of Chaplain Gavan Edward Kennare, Vietnam, 1968-1969.

Collection consists of six items including reports, church services, and a manuscript.

Wallet 1 of 1 contains 1 folder including a report written by Kennare on Exercise Riflebird, September 1968. This report summarises his impressions of the the location, purpose, and services of his work. He details helping soldiers who had ill parents at home, the men of 9RAR being happy to see the chaplain, and how he regarded this period as one of the most active and fruitful of his ministry. Also included are the summary notes of the Anzac Day address in 1969 at Nui Dat written by Kennare, a Church Parade leaflet from 4 May 1969 at Nui Dat which was held to mark the first half of 9RAR's tour in South Vietnam, and the address on the occasion of the farewell parade of 9RAR. The leaflet from 4 May 1969 contains the order of service, prayers, and some annotations written by Kennare.

Collection also includes: a two page typed memoir which details Kennare's first impressions of 9RAR, the strong sense of community amongst the soldiers, fatigue amongst the men, and the work done in the Phuoc Tuy Province; and a typed version of an article Kennare wrote for the Southern Cross Newspaper, Adelaide, published 29 April 1969. The article contains recollections of providing civil aid in Vietnam, the importance of drainage, installation of essential services such as roads and walkways, the Provincial Hospital in Ba Ria, new classrooms for provincial schools, resettlement of villagers, and concern about terrorist activity.