A picture of courage and sacrifice

Coinciding with it’s 50th anniversary, 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8/9RAR) has acquired the Bunker Assault painting, which marks a seminal moment in the battalion’s history.

The painting, donated by the 9th Battalion Association, serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in Vietnam.

The Commanding Officer of 8/9RAR, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Watson, said every soldier marching into the battalion would learn the feats of gallantry displayed by the soldiers in the painting.

The painting commemorates a defining moment in 9RAR’s tour in Vietnam.

‘The soldiers in the Bunker Assault painting had hard feet, strong backs, and were able to shoot straight -those requirements haven’t changed.’

Dan Penman, Treasurer and Editor of the 9RAR Association Queensland, said after returning home, the soldiers unanimously agreed that the most significant part of their experience was the number of lives lost during the bunker assaults.

“We commissioned a local painter to depict the bunkers because it was our most pivotal point and where we lost most of our guys,” Mr Penman said.

The painter was guided through a series of sketches before settling on the final design, capturing the intensity and sacrifice of the assaults.

The timing of the gift coincided with the 50th anniversary of 8/9RAR.

The battalion’s leadership has also linked key competitions to historical events, including the inaugural Chad Sherrin, Military Medal for Bravery Cup to honour the best soldier and the Bunker Assault Competition to identify the top section and section commander.

“Competition is a cornerstone of soldiering,” Lieutenant Colonel Watson said.

He emphasised the importance of Private Cruz Cleary’s achievement in winning the Chad Sherrin MM Cup, named after a Vietnam platoon sergeant and former battalion second-in-command.

“You need to know the past to help you see the future,” he said.

“The soldiers in the Bunker Assault painting had hard feet, strong backs, and were able to shoot straight. Those requirements haven’t changed.”

Later this year, the battalion plans to reopen its museum to further preserve the legacy of 8RAR, 9RAR, and 8/9RAR, ensuring veterans, young and old, have a place to reflect on their shared history.