Anzac Day 2018: Ingleburn schoolboy tells his poppy’s story
LEADING up to Anzac Day, w e asked students in Sydney to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen and research a serviceman who shared their surname. Lachlan Bailey told his poppy’s story.
Macarthur
Don't miss out on the headlines from Macarthur. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- State government asks if Anzac Day should recognise Aborigines attacked by early settlers
- War hero Christopher Clark finally coming home after 50 years
- Anzac Day services in the Macarthur area
LEADING up to Anzac Day, w e asked school students across Sydney to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen and research a serviceman memorialised in the area who shared their surname. This is Lachlan’s story.
My name is Lachlan Bailey and I am in year 6 at Holy Family Catholic Primary School Ingleburn.
I am 11 years old and share the surname of Vietnam veteran Brian James Bailey who was my poppy.
Brian James Bailey was my dad Darrin James Bailey and my aunty Kelly Bailey’s father — my brother Jackson and our cousin Nixon all took his middle name.
Poppy was in the 103 field battery, which was an artillery unit of the Australian task force based in Nui Dat Vietnam in 1966 to 1967. This unit was also involved in a major battle, the battle of Long Tan.
Poppy served with the 1 Field Regiment as a battery signaller and he was a forward observer within the Australian and American Infantry Unit.
His veteran ID service no is 216067 and his rank was Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2).*
He has his name listed in the Ingleburn RSL Sub Branch Memorial Garden.
I felt extremely proud and grateful that he served our country, but at the same time I felt extremely saddened when I read and heard how soldiers were treated when they returned.
I couldn’t do what Poppy did because I’m not as brave — all the sacrifices would have been too much to handle.
He was only was only 17 when he joined the Army. He did 22 years of service.
RIP Brian James Bailey — and to all the fallen soldiers who served our country, you will always be remembered and never forgotten
I imagine he would’ve been very sad because he was away from his family members, country, and everything he has ever known.
It would have been very lonely and scary, as he would have been trying to keep himself protected as well as alive.
When you hear someone speak about the ANZAC spirit, I think that means to remember all the great soldiers who have fought for our country, and the courage and huge responsibility they had, especially when they were all so young. To think, how lucky we are to have them serve for us.
I have nothing but pride to share my surname with my grandfather. I am extremely honoured, grateful, and very appreciative.
My great grandfather Charles Twaits, who is my grandmother’s father, also served in a war.
We all love you. RIP Brian James Bailey. And to all the fallen soldiers who served our country, you will always be remembered and never forgotten.
Lest we forget. We thank you.
*WO2 is a senior management role focusing on the training, welfare and discipline of a company, squadron or battery of up to 200 soldiers.
The Vietnam War, 1962-1975
■ Australia’s involvement began with the arrival of 30 military advisers, known as the Australian Army Training Team, to South Vietnam during July and August 1962.
■ By 1969 anti-war protests were gathering momentum in Australia, as more people started to believe the war could not be won. A “Don’t register” campaign to dissuade young men from registering for conscription gained increasing support and some protests were violent.
■ More than 50,000 Australians, including ground troops, air force and navy personnel, served in this war. According to the RSL NSW website, 520 people died and 2396 were injured.
■ Many draft resisters, conscientious objectors, and protesters were fined or jailed.
■ Australian retired Gold Logie-award-winning singer and actress Lorrae Desmond flew to Vietnam five times during the war to entertain the troops.
Australia’s remarkable untold Vietnam War story
