Talk shop

Jon Swain (center) flanked by two hangers-on, myself (left) and Nick Ray (right)

It was sweltering hot, the pa system was inadequate and the organisers were completely unprepared for the huge turnout, and to be honest the panel session could've gone on into the wee hours, the interest was that high. The war correspondents from the late 60s and 70s were out in full force with Al Rockoff snapping merrily away as Jon Swain, Sylvana Foa, Dan Southerland and T Jeff Williams regaled us with their memories, paying particular emphasis to the gung-ho style of reporting in those days and the not to be forgotten contribution from their Cambodian fixers and fellow journalists. Tim Page stood up at the end to announce that the remains recovered recently did not belong to his friend Sean Flynn, George Hamilton, the suave, tanned actor from Hollywood was on hand to lend the event some kudos, but it was the incredibly large turnout that caught everyone by surprise and almost turned the night into a shambles. It was rescued but only just. Jon Swain and Elizabeth Becker graciously signed copies of their excellent books, River of Time and When The War Was Over, which have been in my possession for 15 and 20 years respectively. Nice people.

Three of the war correspondents at tonight's event, Jon Swain, Elizabeth Becker (center) and Sylvana Foa

My camera flash has managed to rob actor George Hamilton of his trademark golden tan - sorry George.

Veteran photographer Al Rockoff (right) snapping away at tonight's event

Jon Swain telling the packed audience of his memories of Phnom Penh

The animated Sylvana Foa and the more restrained T Jeff Williams at tonight's panel discussion

A wall of photos of the journalists who were killed or are MIA from the Cambodia conflict