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  4. Vietnam photographer gives his point of view

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Vietnam photographer gives his point of view

Sergeant John Geoffrey Fairley was a photographer for the Directorate of Public Relations during the Vietnam War. In March this year he was recorded on film for the Memorial’s oral history program.

Oral histories give personal insights into Defence life and deployment; this one sheds light on Fairley’s military service, the effect on him of the Vietnam War, and how he was treated on his return.

During the war Fairley spent most of his time in Nui Dat, covering the SAS, and on Operation Hammersley in the Long Hai Hills. This area was an important centre of Viet Cong resistance, and many Australians serving there were killed or wounded.

In this excerpt from the oral history interview Fairley discusses some of the photographs he took during his deployment. 

The Memorial currently holds in excess of 600 images and negatives, as well as film footage, relating to Fairley and his documentation of the Vietnam War.

Last updated: 30 March 2021

  • Back to Issue 87
1 The Donations and bequests

Donations & Bequests

Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future.

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2 Visit Transcribe.awm.gov.au

Transcribe

Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians.

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The placesofpride

Places of Pride

Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

Visit the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

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