General News
8 August, 2023
Hundreds pay their respects
ABOUT 200 people turned out to honour the memory of Cobden district’s Ralph Niblett last Thursday.
ABOUT 200 people turned out to honour the memory of Cobden district’s Ralph Niblett last Thursday.
The service in Cobden for Ralph, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, was part of a Veterans Initiative Commemorative Service to mark 60 years since the arrival of the Australian Army in South Vietnam.
Services were held simultaneously at the graveside of each Australian soldier killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Ralph’s sister Pamela Taylor thanked all those who attended for paying their respects and said the vigil went well.
“Some 200 people attended, a lot of them locals who had gone to primary school with Ralph,” she said.
“There was also Vietnam Vets who were in the battle of Nui Le with Ralph when he was killed and many representatives from the Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and Camperdown RSL’s and Vietnam Veterans Organisations.”
Ralph was born to James and Gwen Niblett in Carlton Victoria on January 12, 1949.
Shortly after Ralph’s first birthday, the family relocated from Melbourne to South Purrumbete.
Mrs Taylor said it was here Ralph grew up.
“It was here he was educated, milked the cows, played football, made many friends as he was a much loved and respected young man,” she said.
“Over the years the family gained two more boys – Bruce and Trevor – both of whom idolised their big brother.”
In 1969 Ralph’s birthdate number was drawn in the National Service birthday ballot.
On September 6 he was assessed by The Department of Labour and National Service where they noted “seems like a good type of chap. Neat dress and presentation. Friendly manner”.
On September 25 Ralph was advised in writing he had been found to meet the standards required and his National Service would start on January 25, 1970 shortly after his 21st birthday.
In 1970 Ralph became Private Ralph James Niblett, service number 3798081 I the fourth battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment.
He served in Vietnam from May 13, 1971 to September 21, 1971 when he was killed in action in the battle of Nui Le.
Four other young men were killed in this battle – being Private J Duff, Private B C Beilke, Private R J Sprigg and Private K M Kimgston Powell.
