Surname
Smith
First name(s)
Patrick Robert
Also known as
Paddy
Rank
Pte
Corps
RNZIR
Service number
43354
Unit
Date of Birth
Date of death
Place of burial
Ruru Cemetery, Christchurch
Notes
Wounded in action, 24 November 1969 – claymore mine explosion.
Disclaimer
The Vietnam List is an updated version of New Zealand's original Vietnam nominal roll – the Flinkenberg List – compiled by Captain Con Flinkenberg in 1972. Name, rank and unit information are from New Zealand military pay records. Read more about the Vietnam List.
Comments
Paddy, also known as PR,
Paddy, also known as PR, drew on his Irish heritage many times in his career to combat those he considered a threat to him - like the British Red Caps (Military Police) in Terendak Camp. Paddy returned to the platoon after discharge from the Aust Field Hospital and soldiered on until the end of our tour. His wounds never slowed him down at any time in the bush, a great Infantryman. On RTNZ, Paddy took his discharge, although like many soldiers of that post-Vietnam TOD he should have stayed in, but the "system" would rather discharge than re-train. Paddy married, and opened a lunch bar in the Square in Christchurch where he put his ration pack cooking skills to work. At work or at home Paddy was an excellent cook, he relished in creating lavish meals always accompanid by a drop or two of wine. Later in life, with two children, Paddy joined the Public Service. Sadly he passed away too early, struck down by cancer. Gone but never forgotten. "Ram"