Scheyvillians
In The Scheyvillian 1 of 2026, I had been given the date of 8 April 2026 as the day that Kerry Rinkin will be featured on the Last Post Ceremony at the AWM in Canberra.
I have received notification from Alistair Pope that the date is the 7 April 2026. The 5 RAR Association message advises:
An AWM Last Post Ceremony is scheduled to remember 2LT Kerry Rinkin on 7 April, the 59th anniversary of him being Killed-In-Action (KIA). Kerry was OC 4 Platoon and the last member of 5 RAR’s 1st tour of Vietnam to be KIA. He was a graduate of the 1st class of the Officer Training Unit (OTU) Scheyville and on 18 September 1966 he transferred to the ARA. Family members will be in attendance. About 17 veterans of 5 RAR have indicated attendance.
Timings. Assemble at the AWM Pool of Remembrance by 4.20 pm for a 4.30 pm commencement. It will conclude at 5.00 pm.
Wreath Laying. A wreath will be laid by the OTU Class (Terry O’Hanlon). Two wreathes will be laid by 5 RAR, one on behalf of the 5 RAR Association (Harry Neesham and Roger Wainwright) and the other on behalf of Kerry’s platoon, 4 Platoon Bravo Company (Joe McAlister).
Post Ceremony. OTU and 5 RAR members have agreed to join forces at Olim’s Bar and Bistro in the Mercure Hotel to reflect on Kerry’s service. All are welcome and may wish to stay for a meal in the bistro.
Other Matters. President 5 RAR Association has invited current serving, former 5 RAR members in the Canberra region to attend. Out of town attendees may wish to arrive early at the AWM to view the new and continuing $550M developments at the AWM.
In addition, the attached article on the Duntroon Museum was missed in The Scheyvillian 1 of 2026. Apologies to the Museum Manager!
Neil Leckie
Editor, The Scheyvillian
0400 573 802