| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL27022 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Paint, Plywood |
| Location | Main Bld: Vietnam Gallery: Ramp: Task Force Base & Logistic Support |
| Maker |
Budden, Brian |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1966-1967 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
Signboard : 'Wainwrights Active 8 Warriors', 8 Platoon, C Company, 5 RAR
Description
Painted wooden signboard with the words 'WAINWRIGHTS / ACTIVE 8 / WARRIORS' upon it. A small palette, superimposed on crossed paint brushes, and overlaid with a slouch hat, is painted in white on the bottom right-hand corner. All the lettering is painted in black with white outlines except for the numeral '8' which is painted in red with a white outline.
History / Summary
This sign was painted in Vietnam by 2781441 Lance Corporal Brian Budden, a graphic artist who served as the Intelligence NCO of C Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment from April 1966 to May 1967. It was fixed to a rubber tree at the entrance to the 8 Platoon camp site at Nui Dat. 8 Platoon identified themselves as ‘Wainwright’s Warriors’ after their platoon commander, 47046 Lieutenant George Roger Wainwright. The idea for the sign came from a popular Esso Petroleum Company advertising slogan of the time which stated ‘Active 8 is great – Put a Tiger in your tank’. This seemed appropriate as the 5 RAR mascot was a Bengal Tiger and the slogan also recognised the platoon number.