HMAS Sydney April-May 1967

Heading home after an arduous 12 month tour in the Republic of South Vietnam, drummers of the 5RAR band can be seen practicing in preparation to lead the Battalion on its Welcome Home Parade in Sydney May 1967.
But one member is missing—Pte. Michael Poole, bandsman & stretcher bearer, killed in action on the 21st February by a horrific mine blast during Operation Renmark in the Long Hai hills some weeks earlier.

^[1] During Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, four Wessex helicopters were assigned to the former aircraft-carrier HMAS Sydney, which had been converted to a fast transport, ferrying troops and equipment to Vung Tau on some 24 occasions, escorted by other ships, including HMAS Melbourne in 1965 and ‘66.
General characteristics
Crew: Two pilots (civilian type 60 Wessex cleared for single pilot operation
Capacity: 16 troops or 8 stretchers

^[2]When 5 RAR (both tours of duty) was being transported on the 'Vung Tau Ferry' her escorts were:

♦ April 1966 from Australia to Vung Tau: HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Vampire and HMAS Yarra.

♦ April-May 1967 from Vung Tau to Sydney: HMAS Vampire.

♦ February 1969 Fremantle to Vung Tau: HMAS Derwent.

♦ February-March 1970 from Vung Tau to Sydney: HMAS Yarra.