Anzac Special — Veteran Victor reflects on his war experiences

Story: Kristin Murdock and Rod Corfe

Bourke RSL President Victor Bartley has marked a significant personal milestone, reflecting on his service in Vietnam while also praising the courage of a younger local man for speaking openly about mental health.

February 27 this year held a deep meaning for Victor Bartley.

“It was a very significant day 56 years ago when they kicked us off the HMAS Sydney in Vung Tau Bay,” he said.

From there, Victor and fellow members of the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, travelled to Nui Dat, where they would be based during their deployment as part of ‘The Vietnam War’. Now, more than five decades on, those memories remain vivid. […]

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Victor Bartley has spent months reflecting on his time in Vietnam and the mental challenges he has had to overcome since serving during wartime. Photo TWH