Patricia (Little Pattie) Thompson as an entertainer interviewed by Greg Swanborough for 'The sharp end'

Civilian Entertainer. NSW Concert Party 2/66 16 August 1966 to 25 August 1966. Scene 18, Take 1: Went to Vietnam as part of Col Joye Show. Describes being young, naïve 17 year old and particularly enjoyed rides in helicopters. Talks about day of Battle of Long Tan on 18 August, 1966; scheduled for three concerts to finish by 4 PM curfew. Sirens went off just as concert was finishing. Col Joye 'kidnapped' by soldiers who had been out on patrol all day and didn't want to miss out on the show. They nearly took Little Pattie too. Stayed at dormitory for American medical staff in Vung Tau where the bodies of Australian soldiers started to arrive in early hours of the morning. Met by family and friends and press back home. Scene 18, Take 2, roll 60: Describes fascination of Vietnamese with blue-eyed blonde. Sang songs from 60s for soldiers who loved the concerts - they were a good audience. Against United States President Johnson's stand on war and marched in protest demonstration. Scene 18, Take 3: Discusses request by some entertainers for medals. Some were paid well, especially those on the profitable American circuit. Government sponsored entertainers not paid. Talks about dancers.