Veterans photos have been relatively untouched by modern researchers, predominantly due to he additional effort needed to track down veterans who are now spread all over the country. The additional costs imposed in publishing full colour photos has also significantly contributed to this. Thus, in many ways ‘My Vietnam’ has cut new ground and has much to offer.

For the scale modeler with an interest in Australian involvement in South Vietnam, the book is rich in new material on Centurion tanks, M113A1 APC, soft skin vehicles, artillery and Australian helicopter gunships.

APC coverage goes from the initial commitment in 1965 through to their withdrawal in1971 and includes vehicles with the pintle mounted .50 cal machinegun, and M74C and T-50 turrets. Through a number of large photos, paint finishes, markings and stowage can  clearly be identified.

Soft skin vehicles such as trucks and land rovers also feature widely. Again, because they are presented in colour, paint finishes and markings are clearly discernable. Of particular interest is the large photo showing the rear of an anti-tank platoon land rover carrying a 106mm recoilless rifle.

Both Australian and US artillery pieces are presented. Much of the Australian towed pieces are shown in emplacements in Fire Support Bases and provide excellent reference for the diorama builder. US artillery self propelled artillery, attached to the Australian Task Force is also shown, including some excellent shots of nicely marked M42 Dusters.

Australian Iroquois gunships are also shown in a small number of photos. These provide excellent reference for the aircraft paint finishes and markings, along with some good close ups of the weapon systems.

Of additional use is the portrayal of conditions the servicemen lived in whilst in South Vietnam. These are not posed shots, taken for service or political reasons, but show real life and provide considerable material for the diorama builder.

Overall, ‘My Vietnam’ is highly recommended to anyone with an interest Australian forces in South Vietnam. The  $AUD60.00 price is good value considering current book prices bearing in mind the large number of large full colour pictures presented.  Prints of photos shown in the book can be purchased from the publisher at a reasonable cost.

This book can be purchased from Mouse House Enterprises for $70.00 post paid within Australia.  Overseas orders will cost $AUD89.00 (it is a heavy book) post paid including economy airmail. see the catalogue.