Paul Zaat 8RAR 26.11.1969 - 10.11.1970
During his downtime, Veteran of the Vietnam War, Paul Zaat finds himself passionately writing poetry, mostly to document the experiences of the brave men of the 8th Infantry Battalion.
Paul shared one of his works ‘The Tour’ at the Vietnam Veterans Day Memorial Service in Monro Park, of which the NSW Attorney General & Former Prime Minister attended (both approached Paul for a copy of the poem after the service).
Paul also wrote a poem ‘The Dogs of War’, inspired by the incredible bond shared between local veteran war dog Manic & his handler.
Take a moment to enjoy ‘The Tour’ & ‘The Dogs of War’.
About Paul.
During his time in service, Paul reached the Rank of Corporal and was awarded Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Australian Defence Medal, Vietnam Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Infantry Combat Badge and Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Paul joined the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch December 1970 and has held various executive positions and currently holds the Senior Vice President and SMDC Delegate Role.
On numerous occasions Paul has represented the Cronulla RSL Sub Branch at local commemorative events. His knowledge and expertise in governance matters has greatly enabled the Cronulla Sub Branch to remain a compliant and strong force for good in the lives and welfare of members and the wider community. Paul has and continues to be a strong and well-respected leader.
The Tour.
Veteran of the Vietnam War, Paul Zaat served with the 8th Infantry Battalion Royal Australian Regiment completing a 12 month tour of duty in 1969 – 1970. Paul also served our nation for 6 years with the Australian Army.
This touching poem gives voice to the experiences in the infantry, specifically his time in Vietnam.
We left our shores in ’69, not knowing our fate at the time.
We were young and spirited, full of life.
This journey of ours would lead to strife.
The day had come to say goodbye, from airports and wharves the flag did fly.
Family and friends showed us much love, with tears in their eyes they looked above.
As the jets flew past, with such a roar.
Would it be the last time they saw, their sons, brothers, fathers leaving for war?
As distance gathered between them and us, we looked at each other “Why all the fuss?!”
Heading to a land far away, to an unknown war to this day.
The Reg’s, the Nasho’s together as one, carrying their packs and a brand-new gun.
After days at sea and hours in the air, we finally arrived glad to be there.
Looking in amazement with what we saw, this was the beginning of our tour.
As we moved to our base at Nui Dat, armoured vehicles to our back.
The war was near it could be seen; I heard a bang the truck did lean.
“How close was that?!” my mate did say, his safety re-assured without delay.
On arrival at Base Nui Dat, settled into my new flat.
Metal bed, metal locker, this old tent was a real shocker!
Wooden pallets for the floor, mouldy sandbags around the wall.
Home from home let’s not complain, the mud, the heat and continuous rain.
14 days in country the task at hand, operations in Phuoc Tuy over a vast land.
The initial patrols were 5 days long, the Hamlets, the bunkers around Hao Long.
Protecting the farmers during the day, ambushing at night without delay.
Six months in country and operations grew long, five weeks at a time chasing Viet Cong.
Day after day the hardships abound, the killing and wounding, the shouting out loud.
Patrols continue around Xuyen Moc and Dat Do, the pain and suffering of mates I know.
Back in the lines another op complete at last a beer in my hand and weight off my feet.
It doesn’t last long that’s for sure, 10 days later back for more.
As the months go on nothing has changed, home soon hopefully can be arranged.
With casualties mounting and unrest at home, this television war can’t leave us alone.
11 months in my tour I lost mate after mate, 18 in total, this war I do hate.
The day has come the news is here, 350 days in country and the end is near!
Finally, to leave this god forsaken place, the excitement could be seen on everyone’s face.
We had served our “country” as requested, we fought and toiled and never rested.
By air and sea, we left for home, together as one and never alone.
We were brothers in arms to say the least, the mates we lost,
May they rest in peace.
On arrival home no words (of war) were spoken, some battered, some bruised with spirits broken.
Family and friends gave us support, with little knowledge of the war we fought.
With pain and anger in my heart, I longed for the day and a fresh new start.
Lest we forget.
“To live in the present, negates the past.”
By Paul Zaat ©
In 2019, Cronulla RSL met Manic. Manic is a retired military working dg, who served in Iraq and on Tactical Assault Group East.
Animals have been put to many uses in war. Dogs like Manic, are trained for specific jobs, including tracking, explosive detection, patrol, search & rescue, and attack. In the thrones of combat, war dogs proved their intelligence, courage, and steadfast loyalty time and time again. Most importantly, they offered comfort and companionship on war's brutal battlefields.
WWII hero Smoky, spent two years backpacking through the jungle with troops. She slept in their tents and shared their rations. Smoky participated in 12 air-sea rescue and photo reconnaissance missions. She survived 150 air raids on New Guinea and made it through a typhoon on Okinawa.
These animals displayed great valour, courage and bravery. They were drafted into service, stood side by side with their humans.
The Dogs of War
For centuries now, the battlefields they roam
Fighting the enemy and never alone.
They served their country in war and peace
Through the valleys of death to say the least.
“Manic” was one of those dogs of war
With his handler they would be battle raw.
Day after day he showed his skills
Trained by his handler through many drills.
After months of training his time had come
Service to his country was there to be done.
The journey to war commenced without delay
Time for his training to be on display.
As a team together in war torn places
They encountered danger on a continuous basis.
Operations in the desert under a scorching sun
Or trekking in the mountains had to be done.
With trust and understanding on display
Seeking out the enemy day after day.
Op after op with courage abound
Working with troops on the ground.
Weeks and months now in a war zone
Manic and his handler were a long way from home.
Operations continued and were never ending
In the villages and towns always defending.
Battle weary and wounds abound
Manic lay exhausted on the ground.
Duty first he gets up again
Ongoing patrols with more brave men.
The time had come for Manic’s handler to be home
His tour complete but he is not alone.
Manic is there by his side
The team together for the final ride.
Enjoy your life you dog of war
No more trauma from what you saw.
At home with family and friends
Their bond of friendship will never end.
Two brave heroes from a protracted war
Thanks for your service from us all.
“A dog’s loyalty is never in question.”
By Paul Zaat ©
Companions of War & Peace
In 1914 the outback they roamed
The mustering of cattle a long way from home The drover his horses and the dogs on hand Working the country over a vast dry land
Then the call went out far and wide Stockman requested to put mustering aside
The “Whalers” and working dogs requested as one Service to their country was there to be done
The spirit if duty was there from the start As the “Animals of War” would play their part In a war so distant their journey would be long
To the deserts of Egypt and the ‘Fields of the Somme
As the nation continues the call to arms More men with their animals leave their farms Companions they are to the soldier known
That bond of friendship borne from home
After weeks of training the soldiers depart With their animals of war their duty to start As the crowds gathered to wave goodbye The ships departed under a darkened sky
Over the vast oceans for the weeks ahead
The soldiers and their companions to a war were led.
Finally, to arrive on a hot desert sand The animals of war now in a foreign land
Courage abounds into the battles they ride. The Whalers in great numbers side by side Soldier in the saddle aware of his fate Fighting in the deserts and the fields of hate!
As the battles continued for year after year The loss of the brave became very clear. The soldiers companion a trusted friend.
Support for his mate to the very end
With war finally over the losses are great The soldier, his horse and his best mate
The ships again ready, with the soldier alone As only one companion is allowed to come home.
The animals of War for centuries have served.
With bravery and loyalty and the love they deserved So, forget we must not for what they have done Their service to our nation was second to none.
“The loyalty of a companion, is trust in itself”
WRITTEN BY PAUL H ZAAT VIETNAM WAR VETERAN 1969-1970
By Paul Zaat ©
Listen to Paul’s Podcast
Listen to Paul Zaat’s podcast here.
Like many returned servicemen, Paul suffers from PTSD, as a result of various incidents he was involved in during his deployment in Vietnam.
This podcast describes how Paul found comfort in writing poetry, and documents the experiences of the brave men he fought with in the 8th infantry battalion, of the The Royal Australian Regiment.
Paul also delivers a touching reading of his poem ‘A Soldiers brush with War & Peace’, inspired by Cory Rinaldi’s painting ‘Sacrifice’.