Lt Col (later Col) A. (Alex) V. Preece, DSO,MVO  AATTV, 1RAR, HQ AFV

Sad news just in from Simon Hearder, Secretary, AATTV Association ACT Br on the passing on 27^th August 2020 of fellow Team member, Lt Col (later Col) A. (Alex) V.Preece DSO, MVO aged 93 years. Alex served in South Vietnam as Deputy Commander in Danang from 19 Mar 1965 to Jul 65. Aug 65 – Nov 65 Commanding Officer, Saigon. Brig Jackson remained overall Commander, , CO commanded day-to-day activities of AATTV. Alex was also CO of 1RAR, first tour from 2 Dec 65 to 4 Jun 66. 14May 69 to 13 Aug 69, HQ AFV. 29 Oct 69 to 10 Dec69, HQ AFV. Visits, 30 Sep 70 to 10 Oct 70 and 18 Jul 73 to 23 Jul 72.

In addition to unit citations awarded to AATTV, Alex was also awarded the US Bronze Star for Service with AATTV. Alex was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his service with 1RAR in South Vietnam and it is worthy of mentioning his citation, which reads as follows:

Army Number: 1113

Substantive Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Christian Name: Alexander Vogler

Surname: PREECE

Honour or Award: DSO

Lieutenant Colonel Preece was appointed to command 1^st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in Vietnam on 3 December 1965 at short notice when the previous commanding officer became a casualty. At that time the Battalion was participating in Operation New Life, a divisional sized offensive operation against the Viet Cong in Binh Tuy Province. Without any hesitation and with great determination he assumed immediate and effective command of the First Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment tactical group and maintained pressure on the enemy forces until the operation was brought to a successful conclusion two weeks later.

During the next four weeks Lieutenant Colonel Preece planned and, with outstanding success, commanded three Battalion group heliborne assault operations deep into Viet Cong territory in Bonh Hoa, Hau Nghia and Bing Duong Provinces. During the third phase of this series of operations, Operation Crimp which lasted from 8 January to14 January 1966, his Battalion after carrying out well planned assault against enemy opposition in the landing zone, located a major Viet Cong tunnel complex. This complex proved to be the target for the Brigade, the Viet Cong headquarters which supervised enemy operation in the Bien Hoa and Gia Dinh Provinces which includes Saigon. The Battalion group cleared, searched and destroyed many thousands of yards of tunnels deep underground, large quantities of documents were captured which provided valuable intelligence to the Government of Vietnam.

In the following four months Lieutenant Colonel Preece continued to command his Battalion during a further four major and successful operations, three which included heliborne assaults. Between these operations the Battalion continued to dominate its area of responsibility in the Bien Hoa airfield defences using a well co-ordinated and aggressive patrol program.

Throughout this period of six months of command, during which his Battalion was in almost continuous contact with a militarily proficient and fanatical enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Preece set by personal example the highest standards of courage, leadership and professional skill. Under his leadership the Battalion has played a full and effective part in turning the tide against the Viet Cong and in restoring many thousands of South Vietnamese to Government control.

I am sure that all Team members would wish to pass on their sincerest condolences and deepest sympathies to his children, Janet, Michael, Susan and James on this sad occasion of the passing of Alex. Alex was well known in military circles and his passing will certainly have an effect on those that served with him or under his leadership. A true warrior that has now gone on to be with his fellow brothers in arms.