Tag Archive for: Brian Budden

Brian Budden was a member of Charlie Company 5 RAR on the battalion’s first tour of duty in Vietnam in 1966-67.  Over the years, Brian has been a strong supporter of Trojan’s Trek and has provided very generous donations to assist the Foundation goals supporting our veterans.  Brian has provided these donations in memory of a member of Charlie Company who was killed-in-action.

His most recent donation honours Captain Peter Williams who died on 14 February 1967 during Operation Beaumaris in SVN.  Peter was a member of 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, and joined C Company at very short notice as the usual artillery forward observer had suffered an injury and could not participate in the operation. During the night of 13/14 February, B and C Company quietly moved into cordon and search positions on the south and western side of An Nhut village.

At about 0900, the officer commanding C Company, Major Don Bourne held an orders group to coordinate activities for the search of the village. As the group dispersed, a mine detonated killing Major Bourne, the company 2IC Captain Bob Milligan, and Captain Peter Williams. Five other members of C Company were wounded-in-action, some seriously.

Lest we Forget.

It is not the first time that Brian Budden, ex-5 RAR first tour 1966/67 has shown his altruistic side to the benefit of the Trojan’s Trek Foundation. But this time the donation was awarded on a day to signify a memory he wishes to commemorate.  The donation marks the day John Sweetnam 8 Pl C Coy was KIA on operations in SVN.  The envelope handed to the Foundation Chair Moose Dunlop OAM on 23 Jun carries the message.  Present on the occasion was the then Section Commander Dogs Kearney OAM, now resident in Adelaide.  Moose reported that the reminiscences between the two were entertaining and thought provoking.

 

The sincere thanks from the foundation were extended to Brian for his most generous gift devoted to the welfare of our successors.