Private Peter Jackson.
Trent Jackson, Peter’s nephew on ANZAC Day in Yass.
It is fitting that, with Anzac Day on Monday 25th April, this week’s local legend is a young man we honour and remember from Binalong, whose life was cruelly taken by yet another war, the Vietnam War. Peter Jackson was born in Cowra on the 10th of December 1947, the first born son to Aub and Thelma Jackson. He was followed by siblings, Fred, Marie, Trevor, Kevin and Brenda. The Jackson family moved to Binalong and lived in the house up the hill from bushranger Johnny Gilbert’s grave. Peter’s early days were spent out in the paddocks rabbiting with his siblings. His sister, Marie, remembers that he and Fred often played hide and seek with her, often not returning until her mother had to tell her that the boys had gone for the day. Peter’s early school days were spent at St. Brigid’s in Binalong. Marie and Fred attended with him. He also completed part of his schooling at Captain’s Flat before coming up to Harden on the bus to attend St. Columba’s. I remember Peter when he attended school in Harden, and I am sure that many others would too. Never a big fan of school, when they lived in Galong the school bus would come down over the railway line. Pete would bolt up the back to the loo and lock himself in. The school bus would be tooting the horn out the front and his mother would be out the front in tears whilst he refused to come out.
After leaving school, he worked for a time on a property in Galong and then for Challices carrying business as well as a power line company, before he was called up for National Service in May 1968. Conscription for 20 year olds had been introduced in November 1964 despite opposition within the Army and many parts of the community. The Vietnam War 1955-1975, followed the 1st Indochina War which took place between 1946 and 1954. North Vietnam was supported by the USSR, China and other communist allies as well as the Viet Cong or NLF or South Vietnamese, which were aided by the North and fought a guerrilla war against the anti-communist forces in the region. South Vietnam was supported by the US, Phillipines and other anti-communist forces. Australia was to play a role in this war. Advisors were sent in 1962 and troops from 1965. It was a war that differed from other wars in that, soldiers fighting were never sure just who was their enemy.
Peter completed his training at Kapooka before going to Vietnam with 5RAR in February 1969. Despite being wounded in action in April that year, he resumed his duties with 12 Platoon, D Company. On the 15th of June, 5RAR replaced 9RAR. Whilst protecting land clearing operations and engineering construction tasks, his company came into contact with mines. When a mine was detonated, two soldiers were killed. Corporal J J Kennedy and Private Peter Jackson were fatally wounded. Another soldier, Private T.C Turner, later died from his wounds and another 24 were wounded, half of whom required treatment that necessitated returning to Australia. The bulk of the platoon had been affected by shrapnel which had spread around 35 metres. Other soldiers were said to have called out for the medic, but Peter, who was the platoon medic, had already passed away.
This operation produced one of the most lethal mine detonations of the war, with only 5 of the 12th platoon escaping injuries. Peter’s family were devastated by his death. Trevor said, “Our family was never the same again.” His younger brothers Trevor and Kevin always remember him as a generous ‘big brother’ who was kind and gave them match box cars on their birthdays. Peter’s huge funeral was held at St. Patrick’s Church in Binalong. Trevor and his brother Kevin were 2 of the 4 altar boys assisting at the service. Pallbearers were seven soldiers who carried their comrade with pride, dignity, and reverence, silently saluting as armed servicemen world wide do. A three round gun salute broke the silence of the solemn ceremony, followed by the “Last Post” and “Reveille”, whilst the Australian flag was lowered and then raised over the grave. A country boy was laid to rest under the gum trees, even though he gave his life in a distant country in a steamy jungle. He is buried in the Catholic cemetery along with his parents. Peter was a very well liked young man around Binalong and his death came as a shock to many. Prior to him going into the army, he played football for Binalong and a team photo still hangs in the Binalong Hotel. The football club and many friends gave him a surprise party before he undertook his training at Kapooka. Many friends spoke well of him, but Peter in his quiet way responded briefly.
Since his death, his sister Marie and niece Donna have attended 5RAR reunions and they and other members of his family have been in touch with guys from his company and platoon in Vietnam. They all speak very highly of Peter and have told of his great attitude towards his fellow mates over there. They remember him as being a funny guy with a quick wit. Trevor Jackson, Peter’s younger brother said, “We, my wife, daughter and son in law travelled to Dat Do along with other veterans, friends and two daughters of “JJ” Kennedy to visit the spot which marked where the two young men were killed. Upon arriving at the scene, they were all very quiet and sombre. Their reasons for going to Vietnam and visiting the spot differed. Veteran Ray Knapp choked up after saying, “This is the spot,” and hugged “JJ’s” daughters. It was his third visit back to Vietnam. Vicky and Karen (Kennedy) had always promised one another they would visit the spot where their father was taken from them. Trevor was curious about the incident and what his brother had experienced in Vietnam. He said, “I will never forget standing on the spot where Peter died.” Slowly, others started to talk about the incident. They all recalled their own personal feelings about when the mine exploded. Ironically, Wattle trees now reside alongside the native plant life. It was a very emotional day for everyone. The veterans and families visited areas of interest, completing their journey with a visit to the Dong Nai museum, home of the original Long Tan Cross.
In August 2013, the National Serviceman’s Association from the South West Slopes had a plaque erected in Squires Park in Cowra in Peter’s memory. Trevor and Marie were honoured to unveil this plaque in their brother’s memory. Other family members had travelled from the capital cities as well as Dubbo, Yass and Wollongong to attend the ceremony. Also in attendance were members of the National Servicemen’s Association. Trent Jackson of Jackson’s Bakery and Café, Trevor’s son and Peter’s nephew, has marched for his uncle Peter on Anzac Day in Yass. He began doing this when he was 10 and continues to do so each year. No doubt if you attend the Anzac march in Yass on Monday, you will see Trent proudly wearing his medals and representing Private Peter Jackson. A boy from Binalong whose young life was taken from him in service of his country so that we may live in safety and security. Peter is, and always will be, a Local Legend.
