The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Faded olive green short brimmed bush hat with two pairs of metal eyelets in the sides of the crown. A fine gauge mesh is in each metal eyelet. An 18mm diameter band of red flannel is machine sewn around the exterior of the crown. Handwritten in faded black ink on the side of the crown is "LUPTON" in 9mm high text.
Bush hat worn by Lance Corporal T W J Lupton during his service in Vietnam. During the Vietnam war, the opposing Viet Cong (VC) fighters were regularly known to wear similar shaped hats of both local and of Chinese or Soviet manufacture. As a result, Australian troops often needed to modify their hats to differentiate them from similar hats worn by the enemy. Modifications often included particular coloured bands either interwoven through loops in the exterior of the hat or actually sewn into the exterior of crown. This particular hat has a red band of flannel machine sewed around the crown. The wearer of this hat during the Vietnam war was 213548 Lance Corporal Thomas William John Lupton. Born on 28 March 1943, Lupton served in South Vietnam with 13 Platoon, C Company, 1 Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) from 5 June 1965 to 3 June 1966. He later served nine years in the Australian Regular Army. He retired from the Army with the rank of corporal with 2RAR. At the time of his deployment to South Vietnam, 1RAR was the third Battalion of the United States Army 173rd Airborne Brigade. The red band indicates he was a member of a gun group. The hat was worn reversed (with no band visible) when he was not a member of the group.
Olive green waterproof cotton kitbag with two piece tie off strap on one side. On the inside of the kitbag the manufacturer's stamp 'G.STRAUSS & SONS.' with a government issue broad arrow underneath.
Emerald green and white silk Vietnamese children's dressing gown with black silk facing. Vietnamese stylised trees, flowers and dragons are part of the green and white silk material. The black silk fa
A South Vietnamese flag with various units and locations in South Vietnam hand written in black ink. Written on the top centre of the flag in black ink is the following: '1R-A-R BEIN HOA VIET-NAM '65
Sky blue brocade dressing gown with black satin facings and hem. The fabric, a blend of acetate and rayon, has a pattern of stylised trees, flowers and emblems. The black satin facings are on the tops
Circular imitation tortoise shell pendant with inset mother of pearl Chinese characters for goodluck. A 30mm long gold chain and clasp is attached to the pendant. Associated with the service of 213
White silk sleeveless Vietnamese dress. There are two pairs of red and white fabric covered knot buttons and loops on the front of the gown, each of which consists three circles. There are two pairs
Olive green waterproof plastic bag from the standard Australian Army issue Section First Aid Kit. The list of contents and the directions of how to use a standard issued Section First Aid Kit are prin
Zippo brand cigarette lighter with a silver finish, inscribed with 'L/CPL LUPTON. T. 1RAR VIETNAM 65-66'. Glued to the lighter is a miniature bronzed Rising Sun badge of the Australian Commonwealth Mi
A short brimmed light brown cotton bush hat with a Chinese manufacturers tag sewn into the inside of the crown. This tag has 'Golden Paddy - MADE IN CHINA' embroidered in English with some Chinese wri
United States Forces ERDL type of Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) long sleeved shirt. There are no manufacturers markings or tags inside the shirt. There are two pockets on the front of the shirt. There a
Zippo brand cigarette lighter with a silver finish, inscribed with 'L/CPL LUPTON. T. 1RAR VIETNAM 65-66'. Glued to the lighter is a miniature bronzed Rising Sun badge of the Australian Commonwealth Mi
Jungle green cotton Australian Army bush hat with brass ventilation eyelets set around the crown. The hat is reversible and is currently inside-out. A strip of red cotton tape has been stitched around
United States Forces ERDL type of Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) trousers. There are no manufacturers markings or tags inside the trousers. There are two pockets on the top of the trousers. The front righ
Jungle green cotton Australian Army bush hat with blackened brass ventilation eyelets set around the crown. The hat is reversible, and is currently displayed inside-out. A strip of pale yellow cotton
