Mystery Vietnam war veteran Brian Jones’ connection to Broome rediscovered

As the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War approaches, the Broome Advertiser takes a moment to honour and remember those from our town who served in the conflict. Among the names engraved on the Bedford War Memorial, standing as a testament to their sacrifice and service, are those of 2Lt Brian Jones and Pte Gordon D’Antoine. The name of D’Antoine holds a particular resonance for Broome’s residents, considering the family’s deep-rooted history in the area. However, the story of Brian Jones and his connection to the renowned tourist town remains shrouded in mystery. Brian Jones, a member of Special Air Service 2 Squadron, was deployed to South Vietnam in February 1971. It was a mission that would tragically end just a couple of months later. In early April of the same year, while returning from a mission investigating a Viet Cong bunker system, 2Lt Jones was fatally shot by a fellow member of his patrol who failed to recognise the returning lieutenant. He was just eight days shy of his 23rd birthday. Retired Brigadier Terry Nolan who served with the SAS in Vietnam and knew 2Lt Jones said incidents of friendly fire in Vietnam were unfortunate but not uncommon. “In a jungle-type environment, it’s always possible because you’re fighting the enemy in such close quarters often and if you’ve suddenly bumped into another friendly group that you don’t anticipate being there it can happen,” he said. 2Lt Jones, although laid to rest in Alice Springs, has his name etched into Broome’s memorial. The reason for this connection can be traced back to the late 1960s when 2Lt Jones worked as a bank clerk in the town before enlisting in the army. A twist of fate brought him together with Patricia, his future wife, during a bus trip to Broome. Their connection was immediate, and Patricia, a nurse at the local hospital, would become an integral part of his life. And while the exact details remain unclear, it is evident 2Lt Jones struggled to have their relationship accepted with the couple having to obtain permission from the Aboriginal Affairs Department to get married. “How young and naive we all were and how harsh and seemingly impossible was the young love between Patricia and Brian,” friend of the couple Chris Anderson said. “The determination of those two youngsters back then seems to be the most inspirational event of a young couple’s life. ” But 2Lt Jones’ tragic death in Vietnam cut the couple’s life together short with Patricia eventually settling in Alice Springs with their son Jason, who tragically never met his father. In remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s conclusion, the Broome RSL will host an event on August 18. The event will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and honour the service and sacrifice of those who served during the controversial war.