Jenny Oldland, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

There is no doubt that Roger Hogben and John Edwards, the driving force behind the establishment of the Vietnam War Memorial Walk between Edithburgh and Coobowie, have not been afraid to aim high right from the start.

In a major coupe they have secured a Huey helicopter and crew set to fly from Nowra, New South Wales, to Edithburgh for the official opening of the walk on August 18, Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

For many Australian veteran’s the Huey’s distinctive rotor sound was their soundtrack to the Vietnam War.

Mr Hogben said it took some time to negotiate for the use of the helicopter.

“It involved hours of discussions involving the Vietnam Veterans Federation’s Shoalhaven branch, led by president Clyde Poulton, working with the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society and the Huey’s chief pilot, Vic Battese, before the flight was confirmed,” Mr Hogben said.

“I could have flown higher than a Huey when we heard it was on its way! This will probably be the only time we’ll see it in South Australia.”

The Iroquois, or H model Huey A2-703, will also be on display at the Edithburgh oval during the event. It was acquired by 9 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force in Pleiku, South Vietnam, before being flown to Vung Tau and modified to operate as a gunship to support the Australian Task Force and allied forces.

Following the unit’s withdrawal in 1971, the helicopter remained with 9 Squadron at Amberley air base in Queensland and was involved in operations throughout Australia, the southwest Pacific, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

In September 2003, the 703 flew in a formation of Hueys to mark the final flight of the Iroquois in ADF service.

It was initially housed at RAAF Museum Point Cook before being donated to HARS which is based in Shellharbour.

Now over 60 years old, five years ago Huey 703 was not even flying before the dedicated HARS volunteers got to work.

“We aim to shop window the helicopters in the air and on the ground at ex-service gatherings, air displays, the HARS Museum and beyond,” chief pilot Vic Battese said.

“Our vision is to commemorate the service of the navy, army and RAAF in combat, and our regular and national servicemen in peace and combat.

“And, importantly, acknowledge the sacrifice endured by the families of all servicemen who, by way of their sons and daughters, gave of themselves in combat and peace time.

“HARS Huey team comprises a small group of former and current Australian Defence Force members who have seen service stretching from Vietnam, to peace keeping, regional development and Gulf War conflicts.

“Like everything at HARS, restoration and flight of these historic aircraft relies on donations and grants,” Mr Battese said.

“The Huey team got on its feet initially with the generous support of Chris Sievers, owner of Air Affairs located at Yerriyong.

“New owners, Qinetiq Air Affairs, now continues as major sponsor, providing hangarage and operating facilities.”

Mr Battese said the cost of components and fuel was making it difficult for the HARS vision to remain a reality.

Mr Hogben confirmed the costs for the trip to Edithburgh would be upward of $40,000, with the fuel alone to cost $10,000.

“We are currently fundraising and seeking donations to cover those costs, with Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson assisting us with sponsorship options.

“However, we’ve certainly come a long way in the 18 months since the basic plan for the Memorial Walk was first drawn up, to the point now where it’s progressed way beyond that,” he said.

“Both John and I acknowledge that the continued support of Yorke Peninsula Council has been critical in the processes needed to get to this stage.” 

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 4 March 2025.