John Thynne becomes last RAAF pilot to leave Vietnam

In the context of the Vietnam War, which lasted from the late 1950s until 1975, various nations contributed to the effort against Communist forces. Among them, Australia played a significant role, with 500 Australian servicemembers reported killed during the conflict. John Thynne served as a pilot officer with the Royal Australian Air Force's No. 9 Squadron, a unit that had been established in 1939. Thynne's experiences in Vietnam included flying seventy-one strike missions, reflecting the active engagement of the Australian military in combat operations during the war. On December 18, 1971, John Thynne marked a notable point in military history by becoming the last member of No. 9 Squadron to depart Vietnam. While he was not the last Australian servicemember to leave the area, he symbolized the end of an operational chapter for his specific unit. His exit came after the majority of his squadron had already departed on various flights, including the “Vung Tau Ferry” and a charter flight with QANTAS, known as the “Freedom Bird.” Thynne recalls both humorous and poignant moments from his final night in Vietnam. As the only remaining squadron pilot tasked with safeguarding classified materials, he celebrated with his colleagues, culminating in a farewell breakfast that included unconventional offerings of eggs and champagne. Despite the existing military camaraderie, the celebration underscored the reality of war's final stages: the once vibrant squadron was now reduced to a handful of its members. This poignant farewell highlighted the unique relationships built among servicemen and the lighter moments shared even in such serious circumstances. The Vietnam War marked a significant period not just in Australian military history, but also in the cultural consciousness regarding war and its consequences. Thynne's story serves as a reminder of the human side of military service and the stories that emerge from such experiences. Today, memories of the sacrifices made and the roles played by various countries contribute to a broader understanding of the Vietnam War's impact on countless lives, shaping both national and international dialogues surrounding military conflict and peace efforts.