ANZAC DAY
Colin Whiston
Some of you may be aware but possibly not some in the younger generations of CPFNC's strong links to military service and the ANZAC tradition.
Tom and Ruby Whiston were founding members of the club. Our grandstand is named in Tom's hounour. Their son, Colin was an active participant of then Crib Point Football Club. He worked as a postie before taking a job at Central Timbers in Frankston.
Colin was conscripted to military service as a private in the 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit in Vietnam. He was then part of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR). He was only in Vietnam seven weeks when he fell at the battle of Long Tan.
In an everlasting tribute, Colin Parade that our ground is located on, is named after him. The Senior Best and Fairest is also named in his honour.
His brother, Terry played centre half back in the 66, 67, & 68 senior premierships. His sister, Michelle Thurstans and her husband Kerry had 5 children 2 girls, Casey & Laura and 3 boys, Ben, Scott & Toby who all played senior football at Crib Point. Their youngest son Toby was drafted to Port Adelaide in 1988. Toby was member of Port Adelaide's only AFL Premiership where he starred kicking 3 goals.
Michelle & Kerry still live directly opposite the ground, near the main entrance.
THE BATTLE
Long Tan is regarded as one of the most significant battles fought by Australians in Vietnam.
It began after 108 Aussies entered the Long Tan rubber plantation on August 18, 1966, at 3.15pm.
According to the Australian War Memorial website, less than an hour later, the Vietcong attacked in force, putting the Australians under mortar, machine gun and small arms fire.
“They ... called for helicopters to drop ammunition to them,” the War Memorial website stated.
“Flying at treetop height, braving terrible weather and heavy Vietcong fire, two RAAF helicopters located the Australians and dropped boxes of ammunition and blankets for the wounded.”
Reinforcements fought their way to the encircled Aussies, forcing the Vietcong to retreat.
Eighteen Australians and more than 200 enemy fighters were killed in the fierce battle.
