Captain Barrie Sinclair
The late Captain Sinclair enlisted in the New Zealand Army on 11 December 1954. After serving in Malaya as a rifle platoon section commander, he attended the Officer Cadet School, Portsea and graduated in December 1959. Since then he has served in several infantry appointments before being posted as Second in Command of Whisky Company, 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment prior to its move to Vietnam in December 1967.
Due to the fact that the company commander[1] had not arrived at the time of the formation of the company, Captain Sinclair undertook the task of forming, training, administering and despatching Whisky Company. The fact that this task was completed in three weeks was due largely to the untiring efforts, ability and devotion to duty of Captain Sinclair.
From the time Whisky One Company arrived in Vietnam on 16 December 1967, Captain Sinclair has worked long hours both in Nui Dat and during operations, to ensure that the administration and welfare of the members of the company was maintained at the highest order. On several occasions Captain Sinclair commanded the company during operations, twice during contact with the enemy, where his coolness under fire, his judgement and leadership were outstanding.
Captain Sinclair’s cheerful, unselfish attitude, his devotion to duty, hard work and fine example were an inspiration to all those who served with him for that year in Vietnam.
His dedication and persistence reflects great credit upon himself, his Corps and the New Zealand Army.
Captain Sinclair’s award was received by his son – Mr Guy Sinclair
[1] Major Peter G Hotop, RNZIR.