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As preparations
escalate for Tribute 08, a commemoration and reunion for New Zealand Vietnam
War veterans being held in Wellington in late
May, New Zealand Red Cross
is searching for a special Vietnam
veteran, known by many she served with as ‘Kiwi Sister’.
Isobel Beaumont was
a New Zealand Red Cross aid worker who played a vital role caring for wounded
soldiers during the Vietnam War.
During the war
two New Zealand Red Cross aid workers, Isobel Beaumont and Avis Wilkes, were
deployed to work as welfare support personnel at hospitals in Vung Tau, Vietnam and Changi, Singapore and. The pair, the
only two New Zealand Red Cross aid workers deployed in this position, were
accredited to the New Zealand Army.
On 9 April
1970 Miss Beaumont departed for Vietnam
where she worked at the Vung Tau 1st Australian Field Hospital. She carried
the rank of Assistant Superintendent and wore a New Zealand Red Cross uniform.
Miss Beaumont
was the first ever New Zealand Red Cross aid worker accredited to the New
Zealand Army while in the field
Following a
year in Vietnam Miss
Beaumont was transferred to Changi Hospital in Singapore and promoted to the rank
of Superintendent.
During her
two years of service Miss Beaumont was highly regarded by patients and staff, with
Kiwi soldiers giving her the nickname ‘Kiwi sister’.
Assistant
Superintendent Avis Wilkes was also deployed on behalf on New Zealand Red Cross. Miss Wilkes was based at Vung Tau 1st
Australian Field Hospital in Vietnam
for five months from June to November 1971.
Both Miss
Beaumont and Miss Wilkes are entitled to the General Service Medal with clasp Vietnam
and the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.
Miss Wilkes
will receive her medals during the Tribute08 event, and if Miss Beaumont can be
located in time, she could have her medals presented then too.
New Zealand
Red Cross International Operations Manager Andrew McKie says many soldiers who
served in Vietnam
have fond memories of both women and the Tribute08 commemorations could be a
great opportunity for their service to be officially recognised.
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Please note that Miss Isobel Beaumont may now have different name through
marriage.
For more information please contact New Zealand Red Cross Communications
and Marketing Manager Denise Mackay on +64 4 495 0137 or +64 27 296 9687
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