Description
Vietnam Medal, New Zealand Issue, 725343 H. Albert R.N.Z.I.R.
Private Harry Albert served in Vietnam as an M60 Machine Gunner with 3 Section, 2 Platoon, W (Whiskey 1) Company of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
A photo of him in the Jungle as well as a Group Photo is available on the New Zealand Government’s Vietnam War website.
He is first noted as a member of the original Whiskey Company at the Terendak Garrison in Malaysia during 1967. As his company left Vietnam they were replaced by Whiskey 2 Company as the following battalions had the same letter designations for V & W companies.
On 1st March 1968 the “Anzac Battalion” was formed, merging A B & C Copmanies of the 2nd R.A.R. with V & W Companies of the RNZIR being renamed as the 2nd RAR/NZ (ANZAC). V & W Companies however operated as New Zealand copmanies, maintaining their identity and designation within the Australian battalion they were a part of.
The first operation of the new Battalion was Operation Pinnaroo from 27th February to 15th April 1868 alongside 3rd R.A.R. followed by Operation Cooktown Orchid during April 1868.
On 28th September to 6th October 1968, W Company RNZIR ran an independent operation called Operation Spectre.
