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Jungle Patrols with 2RAR Machine Gunner | Aussie Vietnam Vet tells His Story. Ian Cavanough!

War Whispers

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Ian Cavanough (Knackers) Interviewed on 20th July 2004
Ian's book "FUN FEAR FRIVOLITY, A tale of the Vietnam War by an Aussie Grunt" go grab a copy today!
https://www.amazon.com.au/FEAR-FRIVOL...

Ian "Knackers" Cavanough served with 2RAR during the Vietnam War, first as a machine gunner and later as a radio operator. In this excerpt, he shares raw and personal memories of jungle operations, close encounters with the enemy, time in Vung Tau, and capturing enemy soldiers.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Brief Life Summary
04:51 - Volunteering for National Service
08:39 - Leaving Australia
12:00 - Arriving in Vietnam

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20 Comments

@cav3601 1 year ago Pinned

Gee 20 years since I did this interview for the Australian War Memorial. I am now retired living in Central Queensland. I wrote a book about 5 years ago and I can post a link if you like. Cheers Ian Cavanough Yeppoon

@wettham715 1 year ago

Old Para here from ZA, 72. Aussie Citizen. Grateful.

@iancollum9888 2 weeks ago

This guy comes across as insightful and shows alot of perspective, as he relives it for our benefit. Lots of respect from me.

@reecebacchiella8254 1 year ago

Blokes got a great head of hair and a cool personality and sense of humour

Interesting interview

@step1drag1dwnunda 1 year ago

We called our scouts, Jim's lawnmowers, for their machete services. lol

@meinhoffendant 1 year ago

This is the most Australian interview ever. Ian you're an absolute aussie hero; please don't ever forget it

@MicMc539 1 year ago

My Uncle Gary Conder toured with 2RAR as a Nasho.

Vale Uncle Gary.

@simonfowler698 1 year ago

You guys & the Kiwis set the standard! & did your country’s proud! Incredible record for securing your sector a truly professional force.

@jaseservos7634 4 weeks ago

Amazing fellow with an amazing story from an interesting and unique perspective , thank you sir for your service . Lest we forget.

@roytaylor7807 1 year ago

This bloke wood be a good mate for any one , great sense of humour, and wood be great to have 6 schooners with

@timanderson-q2w 9 months ago

2:58:50 that never leaves
The constant awareness an waiting watching for the worst to burst out 24/7 the 365 days an rest of life 😢

@mrdavidurquhart 1 year ago

Really strikes me as what they call 'salt of the earth'. Talks softly but carries a big stick.

@marky1846 1 year ago

What a fucken top Aussie bloke.

Hope he's still doing well.

@step1drag1dwnunda 1 year ago

Well done Ian. Proud of you all.

@OziBlokeTimG 1 year ago

Nice job Ian, your a champ. Young people need a mentor someone just like you.
Hats off to you..😅

@allanburt5250 1 year ago

Fantastic mate, what a story... Good on you

@darrenpaech1342 1 year ago

Great interview, very eloquent. Thank you for your service.

@Becs-RJ 1 year ago

good on ya digger. Duty First

@dklipper9939 7 months ago

An excellent account by Ian of his Vietnam war experience during and after his safe return, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was mentioned at the end that one way to heal the political and homecoming wounds carried around by these beautiful patriots, heroes actually, is to get historical accounting correct. I really hope the Australian government understands this message, and that they write into the history books and lessons at school, how well represented the following generations were by the sacrifices of these soldiers.
Much love from Canada 🇨🇦!