| Place | Asia: Vietnam, Phuoc Tuy Province, Nui Dat |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | AWM2017.1125.1 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | Extent: 1.5 cm; Wallet/s: 1 |
| Object type | Letter |
| Maker |
Barry, Phillip Mervyn |
| Place made | Vietnam: Phuoc Tuy Province, Nui Dat |
| Date made | 1968-1969 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Barry, Phillip Mervyn (Private, b.1947)
Description
Collection relating to the Vietnam War service of 2788604 Private Phillip Mervyn Barry, 9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 1968-1969.
The collection consists of four letters written to John Griffiths by Phillip Barry. Griffiths and Barry met at highschool, Barry was conscripted for service in Vietnam, and during his national service he and Griffiths wrote to each other.
The first letter is from Nui Dat and dated 7 December 1968. Barry describes 'the poverty, disease, warmongers and pacificts' that is Vietnam. He is clearly unhappy to have been catapaulted into the role of soldier.
The second letter, from Nui Dat dated 11 February 1969 admonishes Griffiths for thinking of joining the army; 'If you value freedom, individuality and security don't I repeat don't even think about joining'.
The third letter written to John Griffths is dated 2 March 1969. He continues to be unhappy with his lot 'I have done 1 year 26 days of my two year internment and I have about 7 months to go in this God forsaken country'. He mentions his intention to become a Recreation Officer with the National Fitness Council when he returns to Australia.
The fourth and final letter written to Griffths is dated 30 April 1969. He is still 'pushing a biro' in Nui Dat and looking forward to returning to Australia.