And then, at the end of the most adrenalin-filled chapter of his life, it was thank you very much and “as you were”.
Ernest’s name was called in the first lottery ballot when compulsory national service was introduced in 1965 for selected men aged 20.
He proudly talks about the tasks his unit carried out in Vietnam and rarely misses an Anzac Day or Vietnam Veterans Day ‘reunion’.
“I remember my first night in Vietnam, with artillery and mortars firing endlessly,” the 78-year-old said.
“None of us got much sleep.”
Many years later he is now looking forward to gathering with fellow veterans and family at the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Day Services, both at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, and at the Bert Crook Memorial outside Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club, from 10.30am on Sunday, August 13.
Ernest can remember vividly many aspects of his service – locations, exercises, equipment and visits by entertainers including Patti McGrath (now Newton), Denise Drysdale and Lorrae Desmond.
The main purpose of his unit, the 131 Divisional Locating Battery, was to detect enemy mortars and the position they were firing from so they could organise counter battery fire to put them out of action.
Ernest’s deployment was sandwiched between two momentous battles from the Vietnam conflict – Battle of Long Tan in 1966 and the Battle of Coral-Balmoral in 1968.
He said it wasn’t easy coming home trying to get back to a sense of purpose.
“It took a long time to come to grips with that,” he said.
“This affects people today still, I’m sure.”
He is thankful for the network of countrymen who served in similar circumstances and belongs to the Vietnam Veterans Association and his unit association which meets monthly.
“When you talk with people you served with, they understand the feelings and experience more than your family would,” he said.
“The mention of a name … it takes you back.
“The RSL is a nice place to gather, I have met a great group of people.
“I look forward to the special events to connect and share stories, whenever they occur.”
