The Royal New Zealand Artillery

A lot of you will remember John Gosney, Tiffy with 161 Bty in 1966/67. A note from his family:

Sadly John passed away with cancer on 27 March this year with his children, Robin, Kathy, Jackie and partner Mar Wee by his side in Auckland.
John was with RNZEME and spent his army career in Ngaruawahia, Waiouru, Singapore, Takapuna and Papakura, finally retiring at the rank of Captain.
John and I were very lucky and made the trip back to Vietnam and Long Tan last year together for the first time (which also was made possible with Mayne Mason's help and hospitality).
Attached is another photo of Dad in Vung Tau before travelling to Nui Dat and Horseshoe region.
I was just 3 years old when my Dad left for Vietnam and can recall him returning into Whenuapai airbase, skinny as a rake!. Like many soldiers he returned different, stronger and worldly.
Dad didn't speak much of Vietnam and his time attached to 161 Battery RNZA (RNZEME) and the 1st Australian Task Force (ATF) in 1966-67, so it was important for me and him to finally visit NMC Saigon, Vung Tau and Nui Dat to put things to rest for him.
He told me a few adventure stories, he also got to make peace with things and also we got to go through all his photographs (slides) at the same time to keep some of this history for his grandchildren.
I plan to send send some of John's photographs to the NZ Vietnam website and have them added to the history record books later in the year.
Dad spent the last 6 years living happily in the warmer weather in Chaingmai, Thailand. This was 'bit of extra special time' for him and he made the most of it as you can imagine.
John was highly respected in the local community, learnt to speak some Thai (yes more than just naughty words!), he added real value and wisdom to all that he crossed paths with. He made people laugh with his witty sense of humour and he made people feel good about themselves - he was loved by many and will be missed by even more.
Towards the end, Dad spoke more of his friends that he had made and the good times that he had in the army. It was important to him and me that I had this chance to email this to a small number of people who he had held in high regard and made him laugh.
John's ashes were laid to rest off North Head in Devonport, Auckland this weekend by his family including his 6 grandchildren. The area is surrounded by cannons and bunkers full of military history, views of the ocean, sun, sand, oysters and mussels - his favourite.
Wishing you and all remaining veterans all the best.
Regards,
Robin Gosney and Kathy Nicklin