James Tylor
with veteran Kenneth Cleland Laughton
This artwork highlights the life of Australian Aboriginal Vietnam veteran Kenny Laughton. The title Not Quite Men, No Longer Boys is named after Kenny's book reflecting on his experience of the Vietnam War. The artwork is an army crate that houses a series of hand-made wooden objects that reference Kenny's fight both in Vietnam and back home in Australia. In the years that followed his return home from Vietnam, he has been outspoken for the rights of Vietnam veterans and has worked hard within Aboriginal Affairs for better outcomes for Aboriginal people.
James Tylor
Kaurna people
James Tylor, Not Quite Men, No Longer Boys, 2019, timber, canvas, screws, PVA glue, ochre, and natural fibres, 125 x 64 x 12cm, AWM2023.470.1. Photo: Chris Herzfeld
Lance Corporal Kenneth Cleland 'Kenny' Laughton
Arrente people
Royal Australian Engineers - Vietnam Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component); 1st Field Squadron
Kenny joined the Army's 
Royal Australian Engineers at the age of 18. His service in Vietnam was with Headquarters Australian Forces Vietnam and 1st Field Squadron between 30 July 1969 and 4 March 1971.
The 1st Field Squadron's tasks in Vietnam in support of the infantry, included creating field obstacles and fortifications, laying and clearing mines and booby traps, and clearing tunnel systems.
“…get used to someone just roar at you all the time no matter what.”
Photo: Colleen Strangways, Lance Corporal Kenneth Cleland 'Kenny' Laughton (Ret'd), 2019. AWM2023.730.1.7