Vietnam War
Combined Arms Contact Collection

Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Full Size Canvas Print

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. It shows the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight.

This full-size framed artwork is reproduced on quality canvas and housed in a solid timber frame. Only 100 available. Measures 1545mm x 1130mm. Click here to order.

Combined Arms Contact Limited Edition Framed Print

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. It shows the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight.

This framed print is reproduced on archival quality stock and matt board, and set in a solid timber frame. It is hand signed and numbered by the artist. Only 250 available. Measures 780mm x 590mm. Click here to order.

Combined Arms Contact Minited Edition Unframed Print

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of boots and bush. Short range contacts against an elusive enemy. While it was often infantrymen fighting on their own, there were occasions when they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action. It shows the Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Armoured Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Air Force Hueys in the fight.

This unframed print is presented on archival quality stock and is ready for framing. Only 500 available. Measures 610mm x 490mm. Click here to order.

Combined arms contact, Vietnam

For Australian soldiers Vietnam was largely a war of patrols and short range contacts against an elusive enemy. More often than not, the infantrymen would have to fight these engagements on their own.

But on occasion they called on the support of other arms and services-armour, artillery or air support. Drew Harrison's painting depicts such an occasion. It captures the intensity of close range combat and demonstrates the battle winning value of combined arms action.

Against the backdrop of the impenetrable jungle, infantrymen of the Royal Australian Regiment are in contact with the enemy fighting from the shadows.

However, where the advantage could have rested with the enemy, the firepower brought to bear by Centurion tanks of the 1st Armoured Regiment and the M113 armoured personnel carrier from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, put the enemy under relentless pressure.

In his painting Harrison captures all elements of the engagement and the tactics employed. The tanks and APC provide valuable cover and fire support, allowing the machine gunners with their M60 general purpose machine gun to move forward. The infantry platoon commander, with his signaller close by, controls the battle under cover of the M113. A medical orderly uses the cover to attend to a severely wounded digger.

Overhead two helicopters of the Royal Australian Air Force move in, guided by the smoke grenade marker. One is ready to add its firepower to the fight and provide air cover as the other comes in to "Dust-off" the critically wounded and speed them back to life saving medical support. They will also deliver much needed ammunition and reinforcements.

The actions, colours and structure of this painting will for many be a memory, not an image.

Our deployment

In 1962 Army deployed of a small team of military advisors to train and mentor local forces. In 1965 this commitment significantly increased when an infantry battalion supported by artillery, engineers, armour, signals and other support elements was deployed. This fighting contingent would grow into the 1st Australian Task Force, a powerful all-arms formation based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province. The Task Force was backed by a sophisticated logistic support organisation (1st Australian Logistic Support Group) based at Vung Tau, also in Phuoc Tuy Province.

Between 1962 and 1973 almost 60,000 Australians, including ground troops, Air Force and Navy personnel, served in Vietnam. More than 3,000 were wounded. Five hundred and twenty one lost their lives.

Drew Harrison

Drew Harrison is a practicing artist based in Adelaide, South Australia. His formal illustrative training has provided a solid background for his evolution into contemporary artist. Acrylic paint is Drew's medium of choice and a material that he has adeptly mastered for creating a wide range of works.

Early projects in the field of illustration included several publications such as the children's book A Horse and More. An interest in flight led to a successful period of detailed aviation painting and regular prizes in the Royal Australian Air Force Heritage Awards. These works have since become part of the Service's permanent collection. With an eye for the vast Australian sky, his observational landscapes of the Adelaide Hills are a continued exploration of light, shade and vivid hues. Similarly, these traits are noticeable in Drew's wildlife paintings whereby the very essence of a subject is often manipulated and twisted to a new level. He has found success in all of these fields as either a prize winner or finalist in national competitions. Public acclaim has also been achieved with people's choice awards and highly commended paintings.

Colour, shape, form and texture remain strong hallmarks of his work, however these elements have recently been coupled with a unique and often satirical conceptualisation of 21st century living. In narrative based, expansive series such as Project Icarus, Chasing American Dreams, and the forthcoming Chaos Theories, darker themes have been explored using contemplative and realist subject matter and drawing on influence from pop art. Central to each work is an examination of humanity although this is often represented subliminally via mechanical and inanimate objects.

The current foray into military art represents a culmination of Drew's varied experience across multiple artistic techniques. On return to the field of fine art he has been able to draw influence from a pedigree of artists within this specialised area. However, there remains a characteristically fresh and unique atmosphere within each painting as well as his meticulous eye for historical detail and accuracy.

Drew has exhibited in several group exhibitions and his paintings are represented in private collections. He is also an experienced art tutor who has gained a reputation for effectively communicating and demonstrating practical art knowledge for many years.