The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
More than 1200 Australian Task Force soldiers sat through torrential monsoon rain for an hour today to hear Australia's top television entertainer, Lorrae Desmond, perform for them. The applause was sometimes muffled by the heavy rain but it didn't dampen the soldiers' enthusiasm although they were all soaked to the skin throughout. Lorrae's party included South Australian artists Anne and Susan Wills, Johnny Mac and they were supported by Organist Eric George, Drummer Jack Rayment and Guitarist Roy Wooding. The party was sponsored by the Australian Forces Overseas Fund. The concert was held at the Task Force's Luscombe Bowl and every off-duty soldier, who could get there, attended. For Lorrae Desmond, it was her third visit to the Australian soldiers serving in the war theatre during the past three years. Her performance has become something of a legend with the Diggers and although drenched, they joined with her in many of her numbers. After the finale she received four encores and each time responded with a new song. Also identified: Craftsman Bill Reddin of Gawler, SA.
One page original letter dated 28 September 1969 handwritten by Brigadier Stuart Paul (known as Bill) Weir, Commander 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF), South Vietnam. The letter was written to Lorrae
Fresh back from their first operation in South Vietnam soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, this week relaxed at Nui Dat with entertainment by a Sydney concert party. There were n
Australian entertainer, Lorrae Desmond, sings to an enthusiastic crowd of 1200 soldiers at the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) Base. Lorrae Desmond was the star of a South Australian concert party sp
The largest entertainment group yet seen by Australian troops in Vietnam received a warm welcome when they performed in the Australian Task Force area. The Australian Broadcasting Commission dance ba
A concert party headed by Australian entertainer Lucky Starr entertained troops of the 1st Australian Task Force camp at Nui Dat South Vietnam. The group, spending its second Christmas in Vietnam gav
Nui Dat, South Vietnam. 1969-09. Australian entertainers, the Wills Singers, Susan and Anne, Johnny Mac (with guitar), and Lorrae Desmond, on stage, join together in song as the finale to their ninety
