Mervyn Gerard Mason — Member Story — Pottsville RSL Sub-Branch

🎖️ Son, You're in the Army Now

Mervyn Mason in uniform during recruit training, holding a rifle — Recruit Training, Wagga Wagga — June 1965

Mervyn Mason (born 5^th May, 1945) was the fifth child (twin with Max) of eight children to Jack and Jessie Mason, nee Malone: Colin, Philip, Lawrence, Irene, Mervyn and Max, Frederick and Anne.

Jack's older brother Patrick (b. 1896) enlisted in WW1 during June, 1918. Patrick re-enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces during WW2.

This is Mervyn's story — in his own words

I commenced work as a telegram delivery boy at Bulahdelah; completed a postal clerk training course at Strathfield and then transferred to Gosford on 23^rd November, 1963 (the same day President John F Kennedy was assassinated).

In April, 1965 I was advised that I had been conscripted into the Army and to present myself to Victoria Barracks at 9am on 30^th June, 1965. The first taste of military service was:

"Son, you're in the Army now.
Shut up, line up and stand to attention"
— shouted the Staff Sergeant

However, being a boy from the bush and growing up on a farm having to do lots for myself and using my own initiative, the next three months basic training was a little difficult to say the least! Once I figured out the system it wasn't that bad. Some who knew us before and after might say it turned boys into hardened men, though some of those who served and survived were scarred for the rest of their lives!

📡 Trained on the Key

As I had been a telegraph operator I was posted to Signals Training School at Balcombe, Victoria and qualified as a radio operator. Further training at Ingleburn and then Morse Code at East Hills School of Wireless.

I was posted to the 103^rd Signal Squadron, Mosman and then RAAF Williamtown to work with RAAF Fighter Squadron on radio techniques. I was told to report back to the 103^rd Signal Squadron where I was being posted to Vietnam. My exact words were "Where the %&$# is this Vietnam?"

🌏 Vietnam, 1966

A few weeks after my 21^st birthday, I arrived at Saigon, Vietnam and then onto Vung Tau.

From that moment my life changed forever!

Tents and vehicles at the Back Beach campsite, Vung Tau — Back Beach Campsite, Vung Tau — June 1966

A signaller operating a radio set in the back of a Land Rover — Operating a radio in a Land Rover, Vung Tau Airport — June 1966

For the first 8 weeks it was guard duty (on Back Beach) and operating a radio set out of the back of a Land Rover.

In July, I moved to Task Force Headquarters with the 103^rd Signal Squadron and then I was attached to the 5 RAR in Nui Dat for the next 10 months.

A tent over sandbagged walls — Mervyn Mason's living quarters at 5 RAR — Mervyn G Mason's living quarters, 5 RAR — July 1966 until April 1967

🪖 On Operations with 5 RAR

Aerial view over rice paddy fields — Aerial view of rice paddy fields, 1967

A helicopter coming in low over a field to evacuate a wounded soldier — Medical evacuation of a wounded soldier

At 5 RAR, I was part of a 4 man team that maintained communication links between the Battalion and the Task Force HQ. Two of us would accompany the Battalion on patrols or combat operations. We carried our own equipment, a rifle, ammunition and a radio with a 10 foot aerial.

In the 10 months with 5 RAR, I participated in 15 patrols and combat operations in paddy fields, rubber plantations and jungle, lasting from 2 days to 24 days. In the 24 hour operation, we were supplied with fresh socks every few days and only showered in the rain. When we returned back to camp our shirts had almost rotted away. Most of the time, we were flown in and out by the U.S. Army helicopters.

My first operation was called Holsworthy, commencing on 14^th August, 1966 travelling by helicopter, which was my first flight ever. We set up camp and I worked on the radio until 2am. We made contact with the Viet Cong troops and during a brief battle one person of the 5 RAR Battalion was killed.

Tents and tracks among rubber trees at the 5 RAR base camp — 5 RAR Battalion, Base Camp 1966/1967

🔥 The Longest Night — Long Tan

On 18^th August, I attended a concert starring Col Joye and Little Pattie which was abruptly stopped by the roar of outgoing 105 Howitzer gunfire.

Troops seated on the ground watching Little Pattie and Col Joye perform under an open-sided stage — Little Pattie and Col Joye playing at Nui Dat's Luscombe Bowl — 18 August 1966

On arriving back at the camp we learned that the D Company, 6^th Battalion was in a fierce battle with well-trained Viet Cong troops.

This was the beginning of the longest and most terrifying night of my life!

I operated the Battalion radio and monitored the entire battle of Long Tan! I recorded and relayed messages and sounds to our Commanders. The whole Task Force was on Red Alert all night as it was believed that the Australian Task Force would be overrun by the Viet Cong.

Dense jungle and undergrowth outside the village of Long Tan — Jungle outside village of Long Tan, 1966

Against overwhelming numbers, 17 of our troops died and 26 wounded but 225 Viet Cong were confirmed dead. History indicates that from that night on, the Viet Cong Regular Forces were reluctant to engage in any major assaults on Australian Troops.

Soldiers advancing in extended line across flooded paddy fields with armoured vehicles behind — 5 RAR on Operations, Phuoc Tuy, 1967

✈️ Coming Home

I completed further patrols until I left Vietnam on 30^th April, 1967. We boarded a C130 Hercules for our much awaited flight home; however there was one more twist, the plane developed engine trouble forcing us to return for repairs. Not a nice feeling!!! Eventually we were in the air and there was an enormous shout of joy.

A C130 Hercules transport aircraft on the airfield at Vung Tau — C130 Hercules, Vung Tau Airport — 30^th April, 1967

Mervyn Mason in slouch hat and uniform at Mascot Airport on his return home — Mervyn at Mascot Airport — 1^st May, 1967

We touched down at Mascot Airport at 6.10am on 1^st May, 1967 — what a wonderful day that was! I was discharged from the Army on 29^th June, 1967 and started back at Gosford South Post Office on the following Monday.

🌿 Home to Pottsville

Mervyn married Lynette Barnett (ex. Lismore) and they have two children, Lytia and Paul with three grandchildren. Mervyn and Lynette live in Pottsville on the far North Coast of NSW where Mervyn is the Secretary of Pottsville RSL Sub-Branch.

✦ Lest We Forget ✦