Contents:
Living Historian – 2011, by Vince Conant;
Operation Coburg, Vietnam 1968, by John (Jack) Hungerford with Ian Atkinson;
Jack Hungerford recalls his Vietnam service, by John (Jack) Hungerford;
Theodore A. Hungerford Memorial Museum, Harwington CT USA, by Rich & Stanley Hungerford;
Farleigh Hungerford Castle: Summary of Owners, by Lesley Abrahams;
Cordillo Downs Station History ‘Longtime’ places, by Lesley Abrahams with Paul Swainston;
Berambing and the Hungerford family, by Lesley Abrahams.
Editorial:
War is never a pleasant topic, but it can also provide examples of persistence in the face of privation and suffering, and uncommon bravery.
My previous Editorial opened with these words. They remain true for what I found to be one of the most remarkable articles the Journal has ever published – Jack Hungerford’s own reflections, and his commentary on Ian Atkinson’s recall of their experiences with the Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam. (Readers will understand that I have abbreviated some colourful language typically employed in such situations.) War-time experiences are not often detailed in writing, though as Jack observes, his words follow those of TAG Hungerford’s account of Australian experience in New Guinea in World War II.
We continue to be indebted to Lesley Abrahams for her detailed researches. This time she has unearthed the owners and occupiers of Farleigh Castle, Somerset, with which Hungerfords have many links – not an entirely war-free list. More peaceful times are recalled in her other articles, on Berambing and the Hungerford family, and the mixed history of Cordillo Downs station, a complement to her earlier work on Cadelgo.
Hungerfords and their associated families may have their roots in England, and this Society may naturally be interested in their Australian connections, but a sizable number are found in North America. Rich Hungerford and Stanley Hungerford write about an interesting Museum in Connecticut USA, and its even more interesting originator.
And the issue opens with Vince Conant’s delightfully personal portrayal of a ‘living historian’, himself. Which is a reminder that this is true of all of us, not only editors, researchers, writers or photographers – but each and every one of us, including all who read this issue.
Charles Sherlock