SHARP, Gordon Cameron
| Service Number: | 2781465 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 1 March 1965 |
| Last Rank: | Second Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) |
| Born: | Tamworth, New South Wales, 17 March 1945 |
| Home Town: | Tamworth, Tamworth Municipality, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | TV cameraman |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Long Tan, South Vietnam, 18 August 1966, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
Tamworth Lincoln Grove Memorial Gardens and Crematorium |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Brisbane 11 Platoon Delta Company Memorial Plaque, Grafton Clarence Valley Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Kallangur Vietnam Veterans' Place, Maryborough Battle of Long Tan Mural, Maryborough Long Tan Cross, McLaren Vale Garden of Remembrance, Port Pirie Vietnam Veterans Honour Wall, Rutherglen Long Tan Cross, Seymour Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk Roll of Honour |
Biography contributed by John Edwards
"... television cameraman Gordon Cameron Sharp... was called up as part of the first national service ballot in March 1965. He underwent officer training at Scheyville and was posted to Vietnam with the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) in June 1966. On 18 August 1966, 2781465 2nd Lieutenant Sharp was in command of 11 Platoon, D Company when they encountered a large enemy force in the Long Tan rubber plantation. Sharp's platoon was pinned down by the intense fire and suffered several casualties. Despite this, he continued to direct his men and call for artillery support. Visibility was hampered by the monsoonal rain and when he raised himself from the ground to better observe his position and direct gunfire, he was shot and killed. Gordon Sharp was the only Australian officer killed in the battle. His body was returned to Tamworth for burial." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)
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