‘These stories must be read. They stand as a beacon for us all to maintain a sense of duty, demonstrate resilience and act with compassion.’ – Major General Stuart Smith AO, DSC (Retd)
A nation’s soul is reflected through the stories of its people.
In this powerful second volume of Never Forgotten, Vietnam veteran Dave Morgan continues his mission to honour the men and women who have served Australia – preserving their voices, their experiences, and their enduring spirit of mateship.
Through meticulous research and countless armchair conversations, Morgan brings to life remarkable moments of service and sacrifice. From Little Pattie, who performed for troops on the day the Battle of Long Tan began, to SAS soldiers Blaine Diddams and Matthew Locke, who gave their lives in Afghanistan, each story offers an intimate glimpse into courage, loss, and legacy.
Other powerful recollections reveal the quiet tragedies and triumphs that have shaped our Defence Force – the suspected missile strike on HMAS Hobart, the collision of HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank E. Evans, the Black Hawk disaster near Townsville, and the fire aboard HMAS Westralia. Each moment, heartbreaking or heroic, forms part of a shared national memory.
Through these stories – told with honesty, humility, and compassion – Never Forgotten bridges the generations. Vietnam veterans inspired their children who served in the Middle East; both faced fear, doubt, and deep pride in equal measure. Together, their reflections remind us that service to the nation is also service to one another.
A deeply moving and profoundly human collection, Dave Morgan ensures the voices of our veterans continue to be heard – reminding us that remembrance is not for one day, but for all time.
Dave Morgan donates all royalties from the book to support Legacy Australia.
‘Their stories echo through generations – lest we forget.’
‘Every story told keeps a promise to remember.’
Nan Van Dissel – Blue Wolf Reviews –
Each of the untold stories, by often forgotten soldiers included in this collection, gives readers a clearer understanding of the motivations and values of the service man/woman, as it details their family’s military background, schooling, reason for joining, training, their career experiences in both peace and war and their civilian life after discharge. Although sadly several have returned home with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has driven them to help others, who similarly have suffered this condition.
I highly recommend this poignant reminder of the impact of military service on individuals and communities. It won’t surprise the reader that service to the nation by the subjects is generally followed by service to their community.