From Sydney to the Vietnam War: An Australian Soldier’s Cold War Journey

John Brooker is a remarkable Australian veteran who shared his journey from the streets of Sydney, Australia to the battlefields of Vietnam.

John Brooker is a remarkable Australian veteran who shared his journey from the streets of Sydney, Australia to the battlefields of Vietnam.Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Music Listen on Podcast Addict Become a Patron!

He begins his story by recounting his early education and the chance encounter that led him to join the Australian military reserve known as the Citizens Military Forces (CMF), an experience that would change his life.

The episode takes us through his training with the Royal NSW Lancers, where he first encountered the Centurion tank and his transition to the Regular Army.

One of the most gripping parts of the episode is his detailed account of his deployment to Vietnam. Our guest paints a vivid picture of the Tet Offensive of 1968, the intense firefights, and the constant threat of enemy attacks. He shares the harrowing experience of being mortared for the first time and the adrenaline-fueled moments that followed.

But the story doesn’t end on the battlefield. John also reflects on the challenges of returning to civilian life, and the mixed reception from the Australian public and Australian World War 2 veterans.

Related episodes

Vietnam War draftee to US Army Ranger https://pod.fo/e/10388d
Just another day in Vietnam https://pod.fo/e/ac3e7
Don – Vietnam War Armoured Cavalry Platoon Leader https://pod.fo/e/a08dc
Cold War Tank Tales from the Land Down Under https://pod.fo/e/2078b9
Further Cold War Tank Tales from the Land Down Under https://pod.fo/e/20dda1
Australian Cold War Maritime Air Patrols https://pod.fo/e/21e35d

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