RSL Australia expresses sincere condolences at passing of Vietnam Veteran John Bryant

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has expressed its sincere condolences at the passing of Vietnam War veteran John Bryant.

The RSL was advised that Mr Bryant died on Saturday (12 October 2024) following a medical procedure.

“The RSL passes on its sympathy to John’s wife Nhu, his family, friends and his veteran colleagues,” RSL Australia President Greg Melick said.

Following on from his service in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 and the ending of the war, Gippsland Victoria-based John made a number of visits to the country and was instrumental in locating the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers killed in the battle of Fire Support Base Balmoral in May 1968.

“For these efforts, John Bryant gained the respect of the Vietnamese Government, the nation’s military officials and his former foes,” Greg Melick said.

“His work in locating and recovering the soldiers’ remains played an important role in assisting the improvement in Australia Vietnam relations and his contribution has been recognised by the Government of Vietnam.”

John Bryant’s commander in the then South Vietnam, retired Major General Peter Phillips, described him as a most likeable fellow. 

“I remember him from our first meeting as one of the finest soldiers in D Company 3RAR in Vietnam in 1968. He was a stalwart warrior in 11 Platoon and had been a loyal comrade ever since,” Major General Phillips said. 

“We are all in John’s debt for his efforts to locate the remains of the enemy dead who were killed in the Battle of Balmoral 55 years ago.”

Greg Melick said at the time of his passing, John Bryant was working with the RSL to document the Balmoral recovery project and was planning his next visit to the battle site in Vietnam to recover more remains.

“A longtime active RSL member, John Bryant, will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” he said.