The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
The crossing the line ceremony on board Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee midway between Manus Island and Subic Bay en route to Vietnam. One of the crew is dressed as King Neptune. 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 (AS) 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. Army Ship John Monash can be seen in the background. (Donor J. Bonnett)
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. 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. 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
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 c
