The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Saigon River, Vietnam. Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee at full speed through the Saigon River delta with a full load of heavy equipment including vehicles which can be seen on deck. Note the 50 calibre gun crews are closed up. AV Vernon Sturdee was the first Landing Ship Medium (LSM) of 32nd Small Ship Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) to serve in South Vietnam. She sailed from Sydney to Vietnam via the Philippines on 11 April 1966, carrying equipment and troops of 17th Construction Squadron RAE and escorting the Army Ship John Monash which was similarly loaded. AV Vernon Sturdee returned to Australia via Singapore, Manus Island and Rabaul at the end of June 1966, and was the only LSM to sail to Vietnam and back with the same crew. (Donor J. Bonnett)
Saigon River, Vietnam. Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee moving through the Saigon River towards Vung Tau. Note the enemy action in the distance. AV Vernon Sturdee was the first Landing Ship Medium
Saigon River, Vietnam. Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee passing through the port of Saigon on its way to Vung Tau. AV Vernon Sturdee was the first Landing Ship Medium (LSM) of 32nd Small Ship Squa
Saigon River, Vietnam. Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee passing through the crowded port of Saigon on its way to Vung Tau. AV Vernon Sturdee was the first Landing Ship Medium (LSM) of 32nd Small S
Saigon River, Vietnam. The forward 40mm Bofors Gun crew at the ready as Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee assists in the move of heavy equipment from Bien Hoa to Vung Tau. AV Vernon Sturdee was the
Saigon River, Vietnam. Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee making its way upstream through the Saigon River delta toward Saigon. A US Army helicopter sweeps the banks while a US Army Watercraft patro
Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee reverses off the landing in Saigon at dawn, transporting heavy equipment to the Australians at Vung Tau. Note that the bow doors are open and the ramp is still bei
