| Place | Asia: Vietnam, Vung Tau Special Zone, Vung Tau |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL29482 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Cotton; silk, aluminium |
| Location | Main Bld: Conflicts 1945 to Today Intro Gallery: Intro Area: Introduction to Post 45 Conflicts |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Vietnam: South Vietnam, Vietnam: South Vietnam, Saigon |
| Date made | 1967 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
'When I Die I'll Go To Heaven' souvenir jacket : Signalman S L Weller, 104 Signal Squadron
Description
Vietnam war black cotton souvenir jacket. Embroidered in coloured cotton on the back of the jacket is a map taking in all of Vietnam, Cambodia and, Laos. Above the map in white embroidered lettering the wording, 'WHEN I DIE I'LL GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE I'VE SPENT MY TIME IN HELL - VUNG TAU'. Below the map embroidered in white the lettering, 'VIET NAM - 67 68'. The upper sleeves of the jacket are embroidered with a Dragon, whilst the front of the jacket features an embroidered Tiger head and good luck symbol. The jacket is lined with white silk and has a zip closure.
History / Summary
Purchased as a souvenir at a street stall in Saigon area by national serviceman 2784336 Signalman Stuart Lindsay Weller, 104 Signal Squadron. Born 12 August 1945, Weller served in Vietnam from 2 May 1967 until 30 March 1968, based at Nui Dat. Weller recalls being on leave in Saigon and spotting a small street stall which sold this jacket with variations of the name on the reverse (Vung Tau, Saigon, Vietnam). As there were no 'Saigon' versions left, he purchased the Vung Tau one instead, as he had visited the Badcoe Club at Back Beach, near Vung Tau.