On 18 February 2004, the Australian Chinese War Memorial in Sydney’s Chinatown became a reality through the efforts of the Australian Government, NSW Government, and the people of Sydney. This memorial is for all Australians of Chinese ancestry, a monument that lists the names of the men and women who served Australia, from the Boer War in 1899, the two World Wars, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the peacekeeping operations for the United Nations. This monument is dedicated to the memory, courage, and service of those Australians. The site is the plaza area at the intersection of Dixon and Liverpool Streets, Sydney. This site is part of the Sydney Harbour Foreshores Authority and an intersection to the Chinese Gardens and the tourist area of Darling Harbour.

August 18th is Vietnam Veterans Day. Originally, it was a day to commemorate the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, but it has now been adopted by all veterans. The Vietnam War was the longest major conflict in which Australians have been involved; it lasted ten years, from 1962 to 1972, and involved some 60,000 personnel. A limited initial commitment of just 30 military advisers grew to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force.

As we commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day this year in 2009, I wish to make a special dedication and mention of a veteran of Chinese descent who served in this conflict. George Chinn DCM was the great-great-grandson of Chin Ah Chin. Born in Canton, China in 1834, Chin Ah Chin arrived and settled in the Ballarat goldfields prior to 1870. The change of spelling from Chin to Chinn was in place by 1903 when William Chinn, son of Chin Ah Chin, married his wife.

George Chinn was born on 28 October 1927 in Brunswick, Melbourne. In 1942, he overstated his age and served in the Second World War. Discharged a year later when his real age was discovered, he became a member of the Air Training Corps.

On 4 April 1946, Chinn enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and subsequently the Australian Army. Allotted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in February 1950, he was promoted to Warrant Officer II. In July 1951, he was posted to the 3rd Battalion, RAR, in Korea. The commanding officer of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel (Sir) Francis Hassett, made him Regimental Sergeant Major. He acted in this position for four months and was involved in the battle of Maryang San in October. Hassett later described him as "one of a handful of the very best soldiers I have ever met."

From 1952 to 1960, Chinn was an infantry instructor at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Canberra. Cadets of those times recall his influence and his inimitable style—regimental with a touch of humor. The former Governor of WA, MAJGEN Michael Jeffery, was trained by Chinn at the Royal Military College. Appointed Company Sergeant Major of the 1st Special Air Service Company, Chinn was promoted to Warrant Officer, Class One, in October 1960.

In April 1964, he arrived in Saigon and became an Adviser with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. While temporarily detached from the Training Centre, he accompanied the 32nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion during Operation Lam Son 115 near Lavang from 18th to the 28th of April 1964. During the helicopter landing assault, he landed in the first wave under Viet Cong ground fire which caused several casualties. Realizing the effect this fire would have on the second wave of troop-loaded helicopters, he took command and deployed sub-units and cleared the Viet Cong from the Landing Zone with complete disregard for his own safety and in the face of Viet Cong fire.

The second wave was able to land without casualties. They were again attacked, and Chinn personally drew Viet Cong fire, allowing the organization of a successful reaction force. For his part in this operation, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) awarded him its Cross of Gallantry and Armed Forces Honour Medal.

Returning to Australia in March 1965, Chinn became RSM of the 6th Battalion, RAR, in June. He served a second year in Vietnam in 1966-67, taking a major part in the battle of Long Tan in August 1966. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel C. M. Townsend, wrote: "6RAR owes a lot to RSM Chinn." His presence, experience, and inculcation of standards "created a great esprit de corps." The troops described him as a "3F man"—firm, fair, and friendly.

In 1967, Chinn was posted to the Infantry Centre, Ingleburn, New South Wales, as an instructor. He was RSM of the Australian contingent that went to Paris in November 1968 for the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War I. Commissioned as a lieutenant on 18 July 1969, he held various appointments at Army Headquarters, Canberra, and served in Singapore in 1972-74.

He was promoted to Captain in July 1973 and to Major in July 1979. While commanding the Defence Force Force Recruiting Centre in Perth in 1981, he developed cancer. Survived by his wife and their three daughters, he died on 24 September that year in his home in Greenwood, WA, and was buried with full military honors in Gungahlin cemetery, Canberra. His portrait by Wendy Kadell is held by the Long Tan Sergeants’ Mess, Enoggera, Brisbane. The 6RAR museum, also at Enoggera, was named after him.

Warrant Officer (Retired)

Royal Australian Air Force

References:

- Interview with Colette Chinn, niece of George Chinn

- Australian War Memorial

- National Archives of Australia