Jim Molan determined to win the fight of his life

There are times when a battle needs to be fought and mates need to stand up and be counted.

Many years ago Sydney was hosting a five-nation naval exercise.

Participating ships’ crews were rostered rest and recreation leave in the RAN fleet’s home port, Sydney.

It was at the height of the Vietnam War, when thousands of US servicemen also took R&R leave in Sydney, all congregating in Sydney’s sinful centre, King’s Cross. It was a heady mix of cashed-up service personnel, booze and women.

It was worth a visit just for the spectacle in the pubs, clubs and bars.

Throw into the mix a group of final-year officer cadets also in Sydney for specialist training, who were given a night off and joined the merry throng. A pub…