Remembrance Day 2025
Remembrance Day is a time to pause and honour the sacrifices of servicemen and women during times of war and conflict.
At Catholic Healthcare, we recognise the older members of our community who bravely served in the armed forces. Their dedication to service continues to inspire us, and their stories are a proud and unforgettable part of our shared history.
One such story of war is that of Robert Dodd, a resident of MacKillop House, Norwest. Robert served in the Royal Australian Air Force for five years. Deployed to Vietnam in 1969 and stationed at Vung Tau, Robert spent his overseas service with the No. 9 Squadron RAAF as a Leading Aircraftman (LAC), utilising his trade qualifications as an electrical fitter until 1971, when the squadron completed its five-year deployment.
Robert spoke of his time in the service, saying, ‘We used to cross-train; I was in electrical instruments and radio, you also had engine and airframes. You were trained to a certain level, and we covered all the trades except for armament, which was the standout.’
The history of the No. 9 Squadron RAAF in the Vietnam War
The No. 9 Squadron RAAF operated Iroquois helicopters, commonly known as Hueys, during the Vietnam War from June 1966 to December 1971, providing support to the 1st Australian Task Force. The electrical instrument and radio technicians maintained critical communications, keeping the radio and electrical systems of the squadron's Iroquois helicopters operational, which was vital during the war. They supported helicopter operations by maintaining instruments and communication gear, essential for mission success, ground support, and attack coordination. They also ensured pilot and aircrew safety by ensuring that equipment, such as helmet communication gear, worked properly, enabling clear communication. Their exceptional efforts contributed to a high serviceability rate of 84.05% over a five-year period, demonstrating the effectiveness of the RAAF's rotary wing capabilities.
Robert proudly takes part in MacKillop House’s Remembrance Day Ceremony each year, speaking to others about his service and laying a wreath in honour of all who served. ‘My daughter is bringing my jacket and medals across for the service,’ Robert said excitedly.
Robert has since returned to visit Vung Tau on holiday, encouraged by his wife and friends. 
‘I‘ve been back since. After many years, the place where I served is now filled with resorts. It looked so different back then, the entry to the airfield had barbed wire entanglements with boom gates, and now you just drive in,’ said Robert.
‘I did not want to go at first, but they convinced me. We were staying in a hotel in Saigon, [now Ho Chi Minh City], and we went out to Vung Tau for the day, and I went along, and I am glad I did,’ he said.
We thank Robert for his incredible service and all residents and clients who have faced the unimaginable horrors of war. In their honour, each Remembrance Day, we will continue to wear the emblem of remembrance, the red poppy — a flower that grew on the battlefield of Flanders in the Great War, close to our hearts.
Lest we forget.
