Farewell at Whenuapai 1965

Submitted by Manu Toko on

My first memory of the Vietnam War came about in July 1965 whilst standing at the edge of the runway at Whenuapai airbase waving GOODBYE to my Dad and other members of the 161 Battery of the Royal New Zealand Artillery. My Dad was 350915 LBdr Francis (Frank) Toko.

I believe that my Dad's experience in Vietnam was one of great disappointment and sad memories. I can only assume and speculate on his tour of Vietnam as Dad would never talk about Vietnam. What Dad would always point out was: 'What about our mates who never came home!!!'. I know that Dad would have been present when Sgt Al Don and Bdr Jock White were killed in September 1965 as that was only a couple of months after their deployment.

Reference

Manu Toko

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Submitted by Manu Toko on Thursday, 26 August 2021 - 7:22am

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Anyone who may have photos of RNZA 161 Bty either in Vietnam 1965-1966 or photos taken during Exercise Powderhorn. 
I would love to be able to share any photos of my Dad ( Frank Toko ) with all of his Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren. Please  contact me via this website or my email if anyone has any photos. Thanks 

How to cite this page: ' Farewell at Whenuapai 1965 ', URL: https://vietnamwar.govt.nz/memory/farewell-whenuapai-1965, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 17-Apr-2020