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Combined Arms Contact Vietnam

Combined Arms
Contact

Vietnam was largely a war of patrols and short range contacts against an elusive enemy. More often than not, the infantrymen would have to fight these engagements on their own. In 2013 we engaged renowned military artist, Drew Harrison, and military historian Graham Wilson, to create a detailed original artwork which showed the difference armour, artillery and air support can make to the fight when we fight as a combined force. An inspired and historic collection to share the story of Vietnam and service.

About the painting | About the Artist
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Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Prints

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. His artwork brings together in the fight the Royal Australian Regiment, the tanks of 1st Armoured Regiment, 3rd Cavalry Regiment's armoured personnel carriers and the "Hueys" of Air Force.

We've reproduced a limited number of artworks in select sizes to fit big and small rooms – for clubs and homes. The full-size framed artworks are reproduced on quality canvas and housed in a solid timber frame. The Framed print is reproduced on archival quality stock and mask, and set in a solid timber frame. Both are individually numbered. The unframed prints are presented on archival quality stock and are ready for framing.

  • Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Full Size Canvas Print

    This impressive artwork measures 1545mm x 1130mm and captures every expressive brush stroke of the original painting. A certificate of authenticity is included. Limited run of only 100 prints.

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  • Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Framed Print


    This archival quality framed print is hand signed and numbered by the artist and measures 780mm x 590mm. Limited run of 250 prints.

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  • Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Unframed Print

    The unframed prints are presented on archival quality stock ready for framing and numbered as One of only 500. 610mm x 490mm.

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Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Proof Medallions


The 2013 Vietnam Proof Medallions are ideal for the collectors or for those seeking a special gift. Each medallion captures aspects of Harrison's painting of the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in a combined arms engagement to tell the story of the fight.

The reverse of each medallion features the engraved Australian and South Vietnam flags. The medallions are minted from brass alloy and finished in highly polished and frosted silver. Available individually or as a complete set, these rare medallions are presented in single or set leatherette cases. Each medallion measures 50mm by 4.5mm and is enclosed in a sturdy clear protector. Only 1,000 complete sets and 250 individual medallions available worldwide. Comes with numbered certificate of authenticity.

  • Combined Arms Contact Ltd Ed Medallion Set


  • Combined Arms Contact Ltd Ed Medallion - Huey Joins the Fight

  • Combined Arms Contact Ltd Ed Medallion - Centurion in the Fight

  • Combined Arms Contact Ltd Ed Medallion - Saving Life Under Fire

  • Combined Arms Contact Ltd Ed Medallion - Pushing Ahead Under Fire

  • Combined Arms Contact Ltd Ed Medallion - Controlling the Fight

Combined Arms Contact Vietnam Collectables

  • Vietnam Penny

    This unique penny is a special piece. Struck to reflect Vietnam service for Remembrance Day, the bright poppy design sits atop the words inscribed on the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra. This classic Australian penny with a simple message 'Remember Vietnam' will fit your two-up kip next Anzac Day. The 31mm antique copper finished penny is presented on a blister card with Harrison's artwork. SOLD OUT

  • Combined Arms Contact Lapel Pin

    A colourful rendition of the Australian and South Vietnamese flags against the tri-service colours. The pin is 20 mm high and fixes though the lapel with a pin and butterfly clasp lock. SOLD OUT

  • Combined Arms Contact Medallion

    With a blank reverse ideal for engraving this medallion features a colourful rendition of the Australian and South Vietnamese flags against the tri-service colours. The medallion measures 48mm across and is presented on an attractive card. SOLD OUT

  • Vietnam Sandwich Peak Ribbon Cap

    In this Vietnam collection the ever popular cap has been given a new lease. The front of the black heavy brushed cotton cap features an embroidered map of Vietnam. The Vietnam Service Ribbons and the word Vietnam are subtly integrated onto the peak. The brass buckle-locking adjustment strap also features the ribbons. SOLD OUT

  • Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Beanie


    The Vietnam Service Ribbons truly stand out on this super warm black polar fleece beanie. SOLD OUT

  • Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Giggle Hat


    The ever versatile Giggle Hat, simply adorned with the Vietnam Service Ribbons. A popular hat with fishermen and gardeners. Size 59cm, to fit most. SOLD OUT

  • Combined Arms Contact Bar Runner

    A story on the bar. This bar runner features Harrison's amazing image of the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment in a combined arms engagement deep in the Vietnam jungle. The bar runner has rubber backing and measures 890mm x 250mm. SOLD OUT

  • Combined Arms Contact Drink Cooler

    Wrap your next cold one in the story of combined arms engagement with this 5mm neoprene cooler. Every turn will reveal another element of Harrison's dramatic painting of the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight. SOLD OUT

  • Combined Arms Contact 100 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle


    100 piece jigsaw puzzle featuring Drew Harrison's artwork Combined Arms Contact, ideal for kids and adults alike. Share stories and time with family as you do this great puzzle. Dimensions: 420mm x 280mm Note: 100 piece crops wounded soldier.

  • Combined Arms Contact 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle


    This challenging 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle features Drew Harrison's artwork Combined Arms Contact. Ideal for kids and adults alike. Share stories and time with family as you do this great puzzle. Dimensions: 670mm x 480mm.

Combined Arms Contact Medallion Set


This amazing Vietnam collectable set features four solid brass medallions which "fly-out" from Harrison's dramatic painting. The medallions feature images from within the painting itself and capture the Royal Australian Regiment, 1st Armoured Regiment, 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys. The full colour reverse of each medallion features the Australian and South Vietnam flags against the tri-service colours. The medallions are suspended within an image of the painting in a 216 x 230mm acrylic display case with stand. Order yours
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Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Full Size Canvas Print

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. It shows the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight.

This full-size framed artwork is reproduced on quality canvas and housed in a solid timber frame. Only 100 available. Measures 1545mm x 1130mm. Click here to order.

Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Framed Print

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. It shows the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight.

This framed print is reproduced on archival quality stock and matt board, and set in a solid timber frame. It is hand signed and numbered by the artist. Only 250 available. Measures 780mm x 590mm. Click here to order.

Combined Arms Contact Minited Edition Unframed Print

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. It shows the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight.

This unframed print is presented on archival quality stock and is ready for framing. Only 500 available. Measures 610mm x 490mm. Click here to order.

Combined arms contact, Vietnam

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of patrols and short range contacts against an elusive enemy. More often than not, the infantrymen would have to fight these engagements on their own.

But on occasion they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action.

Against the backdrop of the impenetrable jungle, infantrymen of the Royal Australian Regiment are in contact with the enemy fighting from the shadows.

However, where the advantage could have rested with the enemy, the firepower brought to bear by Centurion tanks of the 1st Armoured Regiment and the M113 armoured personnel carrier from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, put the enemy under relentless pressure.

In his painting Harrison captures all elements of the engagement and the tactics employed. The tanks and APC provide valuable cover and fire support, allowing the machine gunners with their M60 general purpose machine gun to move forward. The infantry platoon commander, with his signaller close by, controls the battle under cover of the M113. A medical orderly uses the cover to attend to a severely wounded digger.

Overhead two helicopters of the Royal Australian Air Force move in, guided by the smoke grenade marker. One is ready to add its firepower to the fight and provide air cover as the other comes in to "Dust-off" the critically wounded and speed them back to life saving medical support. They will also deliver much needed ammunition and reinforcements.

The actions, colours and structure of this painting will for many be a memory, not an image.

Our deployment

In 1962 Army deployed of a small team of military advisors to train and mentor local forces. In 1965 this commitment significantly increased when an infantry battalion supported by artillery, engineers, armour, signals and other support elements was deployed. This fighting contingent would grow into the 1st Australian Task Force, a powerful all-arms formation based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province. The Task Force was backed by a sophisticated logistic support organisation (1st Australian Logistic Support Group) based at Vung Tau, also in Phuoc Tuy Province.

Between 1962 and 1973 almost 60,000 Australians, including ground troops, Air Force and Navy personnel, served in Vietnam. More than 3,000 were wounded. Five hundred and twenty one lost their lives.

Drew Harrison

Drew Harrison is a practicing artist based in Adelaide, South Australia. His formal illustrative training has provided a solid background for his evolution into contemporary artist. Acrylic paint is Drew's medium of choice and a material that he has adeptly mastered for creating a wide range of works.

Early projects in the field of illustration included several publications such as the children's book A Horse and More. An interest in flight led to a successful period of detailed aviation painting and regular prizes in the Royal Australian Air Force Heritage Awards. These works have since become part of the Service's permanent collection. With an eye for the vast Australian sky, his observational landscapes of the Adelaide Hills are a continued exploration of light, shade and vivid hues. Similarly, these traits are noticeable in Drew's wildlife paintings whereby the very essence of a subject is often manipulated and twisted to a new level. He has found success in all of these fields as either a prize winner or finalist in national competitions. Public acclaim has also been achieved with people's choice awards and highly commended paintings.

Colour, shape, form and texture remain strong hallmarks of his work, however these elements have recently been coupled with a unique and often satirical conceptualisation of 21st century living. In narrative based, expansive series such as Project Icarus, Chasing American Dreams, and the forthcoming Chaos Theories, darker themes have been explored using contemplative and realist subject matter and drawing on influence from pop art. Central to each work is an examination of humanity although this is often represented subliminally via mechanical and inanimate objects.

The current foray into military art represents a culmination of Drew's varied experience across multiple artistic techniques. On return to the field of fine art he has been able to draw influence from a pedigree of artists within this specialised area. However, there remains a characteristically fresh and unique atmosphere within each painting as well as his meticulous eye for historical detail and accuracy.

Drew has exhibited in several group exhibitions and his paintings are represented in private collections. He is also an experienced art tutor who has gained a reputation for effectively communicating and demonstrating practical art knowledge for many years.