Adviser Newspage - From 23rd October 2019
(Please allow time for photos to download)


This page contains information which may be of interest to AATTV members in regard to contacts, forthcoming events, lost and found etc.  Should any AATTV member or persons interested in submitting news etc. which may be relevant to Team members, then they can do so by contacting Rick Ryan - AATTV WA Branch Inc. on email:- advisor@echidna.id.au. Content on this page will be at my discretion.

Entry Date: 23rd October 2019

A soldier died today

 
WO2 R. (Bob) J. Collinson, BEM RAE, AATTV


After being airdropped into the jungle outside of the Special
Forces outpost at A Ro in Quang Nam this bulldozer was
Recovered under enemy sniper fire by WO2 R.J. Collinson
who then used it to construct an airfield for the outpost.
 

G’day all,
 
Sad news just in from a message on Facebook from grandson Ian Ryan on the passing of fellow  Team member, R. (Bob) J. Collinson BEM, RAE on 20th October 2019 aged 86 years.  Reg served in South Vietnam with AATTV from 25th September 1963 to Jan 64 with Hiep Khanh Training Centre, General Subjects Committee, Feb-May 64, 7th SFG A-732, Kham Duc, Quang Tin. Jun -Jul 64, 1st SFG A-414 A Ro, Quang Nam detached from SFG A Shau valley Aug 64, SFG, B Team Danang. Wounded 19 Jun 64 Panji wound. RTA 24 Sep 64.
 
In addition to the unit citations awarded to AATTV, Reg was also awarded the US Bronze Star for Valour (with ‘V’ Device), US Bronze Star for Service and the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his service with AATTV. A copy of the award of the BEM reads as follows:
 
Army Number:         34393
Substantive Rank:    Sergeant
Temporary Rank:     Warrant Officer Class Two
Christian Name:       Reginald James
Surname:                   COLLINSON
Award:                       BEM
 
Warrant Officer Reginald James Collinson joined the Royal Australian Engineers in 1952. He served for two years with the British Commonwealth Brigade in Korea, then returned to Australia where he served with 20 National Service Training Battalion,  17 Construction Squadron, and as an instructor at the School of Military Engineering.  In September1963, he was posted to the Australian Army Training Team, Vietnam.  After four months as an adviser at the Hiep Khanh Civil Guard Training Centre, Warrant Officer Collinson was attached to Detachment A732 of 7 United States Special Forces Group at Kham Duc.  For the next four months, he used his engineering knowledge to supervise the construction of a new camp and its defences to house two Vietnamese Strike Force companies.  On 1 April, he saved the life of a Vietnamese Strike Force soldier who was in danger of drowning in a deep pond near Kham Duc airfield.
In mid-June 1964, a D6 bulldozer was air-dropped to this base.  It landed five hundred yards short of the camp in thick secondary jungle.  Warrant Officer Collinson and a small patrol went out to recover it.  They were under continuous enemy sniper fire and operating in an area boob-trapped with sharpened bamboo stakes.  It was due solely to Warrant  Officer Collinson’s technical skill and disregard of his own safety that the bulldozed finally reached the base eight hours later.  The patrol suffer seven casualties during this period.  Throughout his twelve month’s tour in Vietnam, Warrant Officer Collinson has shown outstanding devotion to duty under all conditions and has been an inspiration to all who have served with him.
 
I am sure all Team members would wish to pass on their deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to family and friends of Bob on this sad occasion of his passing.  Truly one of the old and bold warrior’s of The Team, his duty is now done and Bob will be sadly missed by us all.
 
As per the message below there will be a family service held for Bob.
 
Condolence messages may be passed through John Gibson AATTV Qld Branch on email: jgib1941@gmail.com
 
May Bob now Rest In Peace.
 
Take care and Persevere,
 
Rick
 
Message of Facebook from Ian Ryan (Grandson)
 
WO2. Reginald James Collinson, RAE, served with the AATTV from approx Sep 1963 to Sep 1964.
My grandfather fought long and hard but unfortunately passed away yesterday afternoon. He leaves behind his beautiful wife, 4 children, a plethora of grandchildren and a few great grandchildren.
There will be a family service held for his passing on Friday in Coffs Harbour and as per his wishes his ashes will be spread at the Grove in Canungra at a later date.
He will be sorely missed.
Lest we forget

 
 

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