Vietnam Service Record. Mustering: Airfield Defence Guard (Grade 3). No 7 Crewman Course, February 197O. |
On 11 January 1974, Sergeant Peter Vidler and Flight Lieutenant Reginald Frederick Van Leuven died when the Iroquois helicopter they were flying (A2-378) crashed at 'Cooinda' near Stanthorpe, Queensland, after taking-off from RAAF Base Amberley during a flood rescue mission. Peter died at the scene while Reg died the following day in hospital from his injuries. Other RAAF personnel injured in the crash were FLTLT Keith Morgan (pilot), CPL Monty Jesinowski (crewman), SGT Earl Murray and LAC Jerry Riches (flight fitters). Sgt Vidler had previously served in Vietnam. Mechanical failure caused the crash of the helicopter which was on a relief mission during the 1974 floods. The crash site is located at Inverary Road, Cooinda Station, via Stanthorpe, Stanthorpe, Queensland, 4380. Lat: -28.45466, Long: 151.63909. |