Chris Townson gives a very detailed account of his long history of service in the Australian Defence Force. Chris speaks very positively of his time in the Army, and how he felt like he ‘found himself’ there as a young man at the age of 18. Over the course of his career he has worked in Malaysia and PNG training soldiers there. He was also deployed to Somalia, the largest deployment of Australian soldiers since Vietnam. He recalls particular experiences and encounters on his overseas travels in fine detail, particularly ambushes and patrols in Somalia. Chris then talks about how Somalia changed everything and speaks very candidly about his experience of PTSD upon his return.

• Listen to Chris’ interview in Townsville;
• Return to the Townsville Yarn Up page.