Lavene Ngatokorua
with veteran Francis Howard Clarke
I use photography as a way to interpret the world through my eyes as a Wankangurru and Adnyamathanha woman. I created this picture to conjure an image of a silent chapter of Private Frank Clarke.
I found myself conflicted as I am against war, but I challenged myself to become interested and immerse myself into the story. I wanted to create an image that draws viewers into a blend of the Royal Australian Infantry in Vietnam and Aboriginal Culture.
Lavene Ngatokorua
Wangkanguru/Adnyamathanha peoples
Lavene Ngatokorua, Kudityi, 2019, digital photograph on metallic paper, 110 x 90cm, AWM2023.468.1. Photo: Chris Herzfeld
Private Francis Howard 'Frank' Clarke
Wemba/Jardwadjali peoples
Royal Australian Infantry Corps - 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR)
Frank Clarke served in Vietnam from 12 May 1966 until 12 May 1967 with the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. His unit 
was initially involved in securing the 1st Australian Task Force base area at Nui Dat, before being part of the response force 
following the Battle of Long Tan.
This was followed by a number of other operations in Phuoc Tuy Province. During the battalion's tour, losses included 27 killed.
“We accepted each other for what we were, we had a job to do and that was it”
Photo: Colleen Strangways, Private Francis Howard ‘Frank’ Clarke (Ret'd), 2019. AWM2023.730.1.2