Graham Hyles, was a Life Member of the 105 Battery Association who served during the Battery’s second tour of Vietnam from 4 February 1969 until the 27th of August 1969. Graham died in Canberra on 12 August 2014. He had battled both physical and mental challenges for some years, to the point of requiring dialysis in the period immediately before his passing.

In Vietnam, Graham was a Gunner on Number 6 Gun until his National Service obligation ended in August 1969. He had lived on a property and been a jackaroo on the Ord River before being called up. After his Army service, he returned to farming. Hi and his wife, Charlotte, were married for six years and had a son before Graham’s mental illness caused the marriage to break down and meant he ultimately had to leave ‘Horse Park’.

Although separated, the family remained supportive. At his funeral, Charlotte recalled a man who was handsome, honest and forthright; a man who was concerned about the world, the economy, the environment and ethics; a man who worried too much; a man who was quirky and eccentric. Those who knew Graham down the years will well recall these traits.

Graham was a country boy at heart. On the one hand he revelled in the solitude and isolation of rural life and his main passion for hang gliding. On the other he loved a debate, wrote on economics, found faith in God, played drums in a church band, and was a keen member of the Vietnam Veteran’s Federation.

Graham was farewelled by family and friends in Canberra on 22 August 2014.