A dedicated Wynnum Manly and District Men’s Shed member has passed away, leaving behind a legacy as a true hero who served both his country and community.
A loving husband and father Robert ‘Bob’ Service passed away at age 81 in late September.
During 1966 at the ambush at Long Tan, Bob Service and his courage saved the lives of hundreds of Australian diggers.
He was neither an airman nor a foot soldier, but an armourer and had the job of fixing weapons and machines.
During a heavy rain battle, Bob was ordered to load ammunition boxes on to the helicopters to replenish the troops who were under attack by the Viet Cong.
The boxes needed to be wrapped in blankets to be jettisoned to the soldiers who were pinned helplessly under a hail of bullets and mortar.
When the helicopter hurled itself into the air towards the battle, Bob was still onboard and wrapping ammunition.
Bob was naturally petrified, and his initial desire was to get off the helicopter but realised they were the only means to replenish the ammunition and save the lives of his mates.
Finally, on their return to base, he was greatly relieved to be ordered off the helicopter and a regular airman was ordered on.
Bob saw the colour drain from the young man’s face as he was only 19.
With no time to lose, Bob yelled for the helicopter to take off with himself still on board and wrapping the precious cargo.
The battle raged on until troop carriers arrived and the Viet Cong retreated into the jungle.
After the war, Bob was employed working on Bell helicopters in Brisbane and became a loving husband and father.
Bob was also a long-serving men’s shed member for 12 years and was named a hero not only in war, but among the community.
Wynnum Manly and District Men’s Shed President David Westlake said Bob was a significant member of the Men’s Shed and made his mark in the community.
“He was a quiet achiever, never said much about himself but we all knew he was a hero,” he said.
“Bobby was out to help anyone he could, and everyone loved him.”
Mr Westlake said a lady came to the men’s shed with a three-year-old disabled son who was unable to stand up and was asking for a belt to be made for him to be able to stand.
“Bobby both designed and made the belt and that little boy is getting around pretty good now,” Mr Westlake said.
“He did it to help this little boy, not the recognition.”
Men’s shed Secretary Don Smith said Bob was a wonderful person and a wonderful father.
“He was always willing to share his knowledge and always make himself available to assist in other projects, which is what the men’s shed was all about,” he said.
