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.
