Registry of Ex Military Land Rovers
Vehicle Research => Overseas Deployments => Topic started by: zulu delta 534 on June 17, 2012, 03:10:45 PM
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Firstly I am not too sure whether this is the right spot for these, but here goes anyway. It concerns ships, planes, Inters and Landrovers so I guess it could go almost anywhere.
First off, a bit of boring background.
At the cessation of WWll a lot of the major playing countries had built or were still busy building good equipment for the war but found that this was suddenly no longer required, so this situation turned out to be an ideal opportunity for a small country such as Australia to build up some of its basic equipment deficiencies at a bargain "fire sale"price.
The Poms had a couple of relatively new Aircraft Carriers surplus to demand, the HMS Majestic, launched in 1945 (although not commissioned until 1955) and the HMS Terrible, launched in 1947, and these were snapped up quick smart by us Aussies and renamed the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Sydney respectively. The Sydney served us through the Korean campaign as an aircraft carrier and following the cessation of these hostilities, was eventually laid up around 1958 or so, only to be recommissioned and modified to a fast troop carrier in 1962 as the South Eastern unrest was seen to be rather threatening at the time.
At around the same time the Americans had a couple of bargain basement "Landing Ships Medium" surplus to their requirements as well, and seeing that we had no capabilities whatsoever of transporting large equipment anywhere at that particular time, it was decided that it would be a very cunning idea to purchase a couple (4 in fact) ex USN post war surplus LSM's, rejuvenate them and incorporate them into a newly formed Army Unit - 32 Small Ships. This would enable us to move around our newly purchased 52 ton Centurion tanks.
These ships became the Army Vessel 1353 'Brudenell White', AV1354 'Harry Chauvel', AV1355 'Vernon Sturdee' and AV1356, the 'Clive Steele'. (There was another ship in the Unit, the John Monash but she was a different and larger type of ship.)
These little ships did sterling service transporting Engineer equipment to Malaya, Borneo and other local theatres and then the Vietnam conflict reared its ugly head, and not only did they do resupply runs from Australia and Borneo to South Vietnam, but they also saw a lot of service up and down the river from Vung Tau to Saigon. (One could almost think that perhaps someone somewhere had a pretty good inkling about things long before we the general public did!)
The first couple of shots cover the unloading of a couple of containers (probably Engineer stores) from the Clive Steele by American Sikorsky Skycrane choppers.
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy19.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy12.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy7.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy3.jpg)
The next lot were taken at a slightly later date and cover the airlift and lighterage of trucks and vehicles to and from the HMAS Sydney, from an accompanying chopper during a resupply trip of the HMAS Sydney (later nicknamed the Vung Tau Ferry) in 1967. At this time 1 Coy RAASC and its various Platoons (us) and equipment were being about to be replaced by 5 Coy RAASC and all there lovely new trucks arrived. We were still in country (but counting the eggs) when this occurred but the only time we got to drive these brand new vehicles was from the hard stand to the Ordnance Field Park where they were stored until the new Company and Platoons had landed and settled in.
Of note is the fact that not only were the Transport Company's vehicles (6x6s) were being replaced but also that a number of the older style (well, about 3 years old anyway) Mk3 trucks 4x4s were still coming over. You will note in some shots that some of the Mk3s have weird looking crates in the back and these would more than likely be rather large bulky items like caterpillar powered generators or the likes of such that would have been transported over on the back of the trucks to save space and also double handling.
Not only was the deck cargo being lifted on and off the Carrier by Skycrane but at the same time lighterage was being supplied by the civilian stevedoring contractors "Alaskan Barge and Transport" (AB&T). At any one time there would be about three to four lighters (barges) along side the ship and all the derricks were working frantically.
You may also note the slinging techniques used; on the Mk3 or F1 or F2s the slings were around the hubs on the axle but on the Teaspoon tipper that is coming back on board to be RTA there were no such protruding hubs so the sling was around the tyre and through the rim!
Some of the 6x6s have a large VT on their windscreens denoting that they were for Vung Tau where some of the others, especially the 4x4s at that time would have been Nui Dat or even perhaps Saigon, bound. There is also a reasonable amount of writing on the doors of some of the trucks and I am sorry I can't help with that.
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy18.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy17.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy16.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy15.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy14.jpg)
Whilst the deck cargo was being cleared by the choppers and cranes, more stores would be coming up from the storage areas below decks by the forward elevator. (On a lighter note, when we were being unloaded about 12 months prior to these photos being taken, a couple of us were playing cards by that same forward elevator when a shiny pair of boots walked briskly up, stopped, asked who was winning, and moved smartly on! Those boots - and that is all that I saw at the time- turned out to belong to Gen Westmoreland.)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy13.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy11.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy8.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy6.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy4.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy2.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy.jpg)
And a couple of a Teaspoon coming home
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy10.jpg)
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy9.jpg)
Hope there aren't too many pictures for the one post.
Will put up some more one day when I get around to emptying some more old boxes.
Regards
Glen
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Glen,
Fantastic photos, thanks!
Great shot of inter being lifted whilst landies being lowered on other side!
thanks again..
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Thanks for sharing those pics Glen.
Some of my cousins served in Vietnam so I have a particular interest in anything of the Australian forces in Vietnam.
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Awsome pics!! ;D
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Glen, please don't ever stop posting your fascinating information about the history of the Australian army - absolutely riveting and highly enjoyable! :D
Cheers Charlie
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Brilliant pics... much appreciated as always :D
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I think that Ericsson only bought the name in the early 1990s or so, we always knew them as Sikorskys, (as also were their stablemates "the Jolly Green Giants") and I think they were 64a's.
Regards
Glen
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The Jolly Green Giant was the nick name for the, Ch-53 and MH-53, both of which served in Vietnam.
These are the latest versions.
(http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/juddyburton/Screenshot2012-06-18at104255PM.png)
(http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/juddyburton/Screenshot2012-06-18at104129PM.png)
(http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/juddyburton/Screenshot2012-06-18at103950PM.png)
The Ch-53k, is the latest version in development, and is a new build version.....
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Back to the thread....
Wonderful photos Glen ;D
I did notice this vehicle sitting amongst the Land Rovers. Not sure the make and model. Any ideas?
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/5Coy14.jpg)
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A few photos taken on the deck of the Sydney.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/TheSydneyatVungTau1968.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/TheSydneyFlightDeckVungTau1968a-1.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/VungTauWharves1968a.jpg)
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These ships became the Army Vessel 1353 'Brudenell White', AV1354 'Harry Chauvel', AV1355 'Vernon Sturdee' and AV1356, the 'Clive Steele'. (There was another ship in the Unit, the John Monash but she was a different and larger type of ship.)
G'day Glen
Fantastic information in this thread. An important part of the Vietnam War effort that has been overlooked by historians.
Just a small correction - AV1353 is Harry Chauvel and AV1354 is Brudenell White.
AV1353 Harry Chauvel
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/HarryShavellFirstLandinginVungTau1967a.jpg)
AV1354 Brudenell White
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/6475637459_4bc8f465c6_b.jpg)
AV1355 Vernon Sturdee
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/UnloadingVehiclesofftheVernonSturdee1967.jpg)
AV1356 Clive Steele
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Tankarriving.jpg)
AS3051 John Monash
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/AS3051.jpg)
Disposal tender advertisment posted in a newspaper.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/tender.jpg)
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G'day Tommy :)
Nice pics, those Mk3's look like they are headed home after being replaced by the F1/F2's as they look well worked.
Last time I saw the Vung-Tau Ferry in Sydney in about 71 she had the forward hatch welded shut and a lot of concrete in the bow,as the tin worm had a good start. ;)
We had lunch aboard after loading spares for SVN
cheers
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Back to the thread....
Wonderful photos Glen ;D
I did notice this vehicle sitting amongst the Land Rovers. Not sure the make and model. Any ideas?
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/5Coy14.jpg)
Stuart I am not too sure but I would hazard a guess and say a Holden Staff Car possibly bound for Saigon.
Diana, those poor old Mk3's had by this time completed 2 years hard yakka. The doors tell a bit of a story, those with doors would have done a fair amount of road work (convoys and the likes of such) meaning reasonably high mileage, whereas the one without the doors would have seen most of its service running around the Nui Dat area, possibly doing a lot less distance but harder yards as a First Line Transport vehicle.
The military operates three lines of transport;
First line is each Unit's own vehicles that are required to keep the Unit operational, whatever that Unit may be. Doing domestic tasks such as ration breaks, rubbish runs, Q store and mess replenishment and the likes of such from the forward DP (Distribution point- where the third line delivers it to!) to the unit itself, and is run and operated by each unit independently. Therefore if you see a vehicle with an infantry Tac sign you know that it is First Line Transport. A Battalion does not hold enough vehicles to move itself!
Second line Transport is a RAASC/RACT Transport Platoon or Company with a primary task of carrying out Task Force operational Transport requirements, i.e. moving members of the Battalion in the case of Infantry, guns in the case of Artillery, equipment for the Engineers and so on.
Third line is once again a (RAASC/RACT) Transport unit, that picks up and delivers rations, stores, ammunition etc from the major distribution point such as a beachhead, port, railhead or other major distribution point (in the case of Vietnam- Vung Tau) and delivers it all to a point (D.P.) from where each individual Unit's first line of transport can pick it up (Nui Dat). That is at least the theory behind it all but not necessarily how thing panned out in the early years of the Vietnam conflict.
Having had a few conversations with Vets who served in Transport after my time I find it quite eerie to hear someone talk about "their" truck when 12 months earlier I had known it as "someone else's" truck. This comes up quite a lot and from these conversations I have gleaned that a lot of "our" (87's) MK 3 trucks stayed on under the new 2 Platoon (whereas our Teaspoons came home pretty well straight after us), but I can't find out for how long they stayed nor how many.
The new Platoons were to be issued on their arrival with the new F1's, but the American fuel we were using played havoc with the "self sealing" fuel tank liners on the new versions, so they were withheld for a while while every fuel tank was stripped out.
We had quite a few problems with the American supply line but that is another story for another day! I have rambled on enough.
As for the Jolly Green Giants we only saw them once or twice as they were relatively scarce in our part of the theatre but I believe they were the HH3 variety.
Regards
Glen
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Thanks for that information Glen :D. The more you tell us 'civvies' the more we will understand ;D
I have these photos of the Skycrane in action to compliment the photos you posted earlier. Keep the info coming.
Picking up from the Sydney....
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CAWRBQWM.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/dggn.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA41YFKL.jpg)
Dropping off at Vung Tau...
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/Chopper_Lift5.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/Chopper_Lift2.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/Chopper_Lift4.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/Chopper_Lift3.jpg)
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Hey ZD534,
What a brilliant thread you started. Love your photos and the ones they inspired others to post.
Takes a bit to break me out of my lethargy to respond to a post - normally I just read.
Maybe my lethargy will be broken enough to get my GS registered and on the road :-)
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Great thread Glen, Very informative and never boring!, Keep them coming Please.
MC
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(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/5Coy.jpg)
I noticed that three of these Inters have text applied to the drivers door. Now I know what it says :D
"Delivered by Port Jackson - Vung Tau Ferry Service".
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/A20Pettman2001.jpg)
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These two photos must have been taken just minutes apart as the vehicles (including the forklift in the foreground) are in identical position apart from the Land Rover 'delivering' the No5 trailer to it's allocated spot. You can even see where the Land Rover was parked after delivering the trailer. Just above the middle Teaspoon Tipper in the colour photo.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA6WQMPH-1.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/new2.jpg)
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Unloading the Inters using HMAS Sydneys side mounted cranes.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CAKKCL8R.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA5E1WXM.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CAQH6ZGT.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CASDGB29.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA6YZXI9.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/fffhfh.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/M20McClymont10.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/Trevor20Harvey2002.jpg)
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These two photos must have been taken just minutes apart as the vehicles (including the forklift in the foreground) are in identical position apart from the Land Rover 'delivering' the No5 trailer to it's allocated spot. You can even see where the Land Rover was parked after delivering the trailer. Just above the middle Teaspoon Tipper in the colour photo.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA6WQMPH-1.jpg)
These shots were taken on the HMAS Sydney's first trip transporting 1 RAR and its associated logistics group that went over first in 1965. This whole group consisted of a supposedly self reliant group, consisting of an Infantry battalion, and enough associated arms and services required to keep it operable (on paper at least). There is a predominance of S2 Landies visible in these shots, not that many S2as.
The Transport element in this load came from 3 Platoon that was based in Wacol Qld and most of these vehicles ended up coming down river by LSM from Bien Hoa to Vung Tau almost one year later to be used by 87 Tpt Pl.
When 3 Platoon was first warned of their deployment and the proposed "dry" condition of this deployment, some of the older members of the Unit began collecting donations from members and qietly investing this money into cartons of XXXX, which were duly laid neatly on the floors of the trucks that were destined to go overseas. On top of this illicit cargo was laid a covering layer of timber for building purposes and then the actual prescribed official stores were loaded on top of this. As it turned out this "illicit cargo" was a bit like a stash of gold bars when it came to the bargaining power of a slab, especially with Americans who were use to their 2% alcohol content beers, and as a result a number of "home comforts" were obtainable such as washing machines, fork lifts, fridges etc.
You may note the Mk3 just forward of the Starboard gun sponson in amongst all the Wksp variants is also a Workshop itself. Easily distinguishable by the higher canopy and bows.
This following photograph was taken in the Brisbane river whilst the Sydney was taking on the Qld contingent.
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii115/glenpats/HMASSYDNEYBRISBANE1sttrip.jpg)
I mentioned on the other site that this trip was the last one that the Sydney did under the white Ensign shown (British) as the Brits, who did not engage in the Vietnam conflict, took umbrage at us flying their ensign whilst we took part. As a result of this we suddenly had to design and legitimise a new Australian white ensign (that we still use today), one that does not bear the St Georges Cross of England.
In your next lot of shots I find it interesting to note that some of the Mk3s shown bear their shipping bars (precursors to Xmas Trees) on their canopies as well as on their windscreens.
I am also still trying to work out how and why the S2 Landrover in your picture got where it is. It has obviously had to turn around, but why?
When these vehicles were loaded on board the ship all the fuel tanks were drained as the possibility of fuel leaks on deck was a bit frightening so on the day of arrival and unloading I remember there was a mad flurry of refuelling all these vehicles with at least enough fuel to get them ashore.
Stuart, if your originals are larger and if you can make out the ARNs of the GS Mk3s being hoisted over the side I would be most interested, as some of our Unit Association might be very interested to see 'their' vehicle coming ashore.
Great shots Stuart.
Regards
Glen
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Hi there
I had the oppertunity a few months ago to have a look over & in one of these olds war bird heavy lifters.
I was initally amazed with what the pilots were talking about, originally designed for moving down planes and the scary fact they are still used today throughout the world for fire-fighting.
The fuel consumptions are huge - but there a big bird and capable of carrying 8000lt of water.
Thank for the great pictures.
All the best
Wayne
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Unloading the Inters using HMAS Sydneys side mounted cranes.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CAKKCL8R.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA5E1WXM.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CAQH6ZGT.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CASDGB29.jpg)
What make is the dozer? It's got a rear backhoe, was not aware the adf used that type.
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/CA6YZXI9.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/fffhfh.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/M20McClymont10.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/Vung%20Tau%20Ferry/Trevor20Harvey2002.jpg)
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Check out this action photos from the AWM
Regards
Scott
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Check out this photo from AWM
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8u_aIWYqrA
This video is worth a view although it doesn't show any ARNs in any clarity.
Regards
Glen
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Thx for this Glen. Its fantastic video.
Its hard to believe but.... we must be sharing a wavelength or something - this week I have spent some time researching Sydney's "diaries" and noting all the dates and loads.
Will post in a couple of hours after formatting. A mazing.
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1965"
25apr65 situated at the dry-dock, Garden Is, Sydney for refitting. Also, 120 RAN crew on parade; "...a Royal Guard for HRH Duke of Gloucester [son of George 5th, former soldier, and ex-Governor-General Of Australia] on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of ANZAC Day".
01may65 refit "curtailed to carry out the operation of transporting the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and its equipment to South Vietnam." Some 153 crew recalled from leave for Operation Trimdon.
24may65 1840 loading of Army vehicles, completed 25may65 1700. [elements HQ AAFV, 1st Battalion RAR, 709 Sig Troop, Logistic Support Coy]
27may65 0100 commence passage to Vung Tau via Manus Is PNG after embarkation of 1RAR troops.
01jun65 1600 steaming north with RAN escorts. "The RAAF were providing close support and continued to so until the morning of the 3rd June".
08jun65 0200 some RAN escorts and HMAS Melbourne depart.
08jun65 0700 arrive and anchor for 3 days at Cap St. Jacques, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. [unloading tasks took 48 hours - a separate letter of explanation is mentioned but not included]
11jun65 commence passage to Fremantle via Singapore Naval Base.
25jun65 0245 arrive Fremantle. Receptions, socials and Open To Public on wharf.
29jun65 1600 commence passage across the Great Australian Bight to Sydney.
05jul65 0800 arrived buoy Sydney Harbour. Op Trimdon figures: 11,200 miles steamed.
10aug65 participate in RAN Fleet Exercise at Hervey Bay and The Great Barrier Reef.
27aug65 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
30aug65 preparations for Operation Tanton; "early in the month Army requirements started arriving."
11sep65 1100 commence passage to Brisbane to embark "a large percentage of cargo and troops".
13sep65 1100 arrive B.H.P. wharf Brisbane. Captain is pleased with initial utilization of six new "National RJ15A portable transceivers" to improve berthing and cargo operations. Speedy loading completed and troops boarded next morning.
14sep65 1100 commence passage to Vung Tau with HMAS ANZAC and HMAS Melbourne in company inside the Great Barrier Reef and via Manus Is PNG after troops embarked. [elements include 1 APC Troop, 105 Field Battery and LAD Det, 527 Sig Troop, 161 Recce Flight, 3 Field Troop]
28sep65 0730 arrive Vung Tau for unloading and backloading.
30sep65 0645 commence passage to Sydney via Subic Base, Manus Is PNG and then Townsville. RAN fleet escorts proceeded to Hong Kong.
20oct65 1100 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
27oct65 1000 commence passage to Melbourne. Classified Equipment dumped during the afternoon. 1700 RAN fleet rendezvous off Jervis Bay for press.
29oct65 1000 arrive Port Phillip. Followed by receptions, socials and Melbourne Cup visit.
06nov65 1330 commence passage to Sydney.
08nov65 0800 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
11nov65 0900 commence passage to Coral Sea via Brisbane in convoy with USN unit for joint Naval Exercise Warrior.
29nov65 0700 arrive Wewak PNG and embarked 5RAR personnel, logistic support elements and stores using DUKW and LARCS.
30nov65 1700 commence passage to Brisbane.
06dec65 0715 arrive Moreton Bay anchor point. Disembarked 5RAR after Customs clearance.
06dec65 1700 commence passage to Sydney, "carrying out the Quarterly Full Power Trial enroute."
08dec65 1130 arrive Garden Is, Sydney, after unloading ammunition at buoy etc.
Stats for 1965: HMAS Sydney steamed 42,297 miles
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-11.pdf
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1966"
01jan66-28feb66 refitting at Garden Is, Sydney.
15mar66 Jervis Bay trials and "...stevedoring drills were conducted using Army vehicles embarked for the purpose, and the Army LSM Harry Chauvel."
24mar66 RAN fleet exercises including HMAS Melbourne vicinity of Jervis Bay. Steamed ~3000miles this month.
07apr66 0830 at Port Jackson buoy embarked Army ammunition for Vietnam (451 boxes) from a lighter.
18apr66 through 20apr66 Army stores and vehicles embarked at Garden Is wharf.
21apr66 Sydney Town Hall March Past to farewell troops. The Minister for the Army and high ranking personnel take a salute at the Town Hall and board to inspect the ship.
22apr66 1500 commence passage to Vung Tau, Operation Hardihood #1, via Manus Is PNG "in circumstances which contrasted vividly with earlier departures... the wharf was a colourful scene with many people to farewell the Army contingent and massed bands playing."
04may66 0740 arrive Vung Tau to unload 350 vehicles and 294 tons of ammunition and stores using landing craft and lighters.
05may66 official visit by US Gen. Westmoreland, AFV Commander, and other high ranks whilst unloading proceeded. Aust. Ambassador unable to attend.
06may66 0740 commence passage to Sydney via Manus Is PNG.
18may66 arrive Sydney Harbour. Embarked "press, mail and a small amount of explosives before securing starboard side to Fitting Out Wharf" Garden Is.
25may66 commence passage to Vung Tau from Sydney, Operation Hardiwood #2, with embarked troops, vehicles, 8 Iroquois and 4 Sioux helicopters.
02jun66 RAN Task Group rendezvous in "Western Pacific", fleet includes HMAS Melbourne.
06jun66 1530 arrive Vung Tau and unloaded stores, vehicles, and helicopters. Unloading was "hampered by shortage of landing craft and of tugs to move dumb lighters. It had originally been planned to land troops on the arrival day, but... the troops remained onboard until the following day".
07jun66 disembark Army troops.
08jun66 1200 commence passage to Sydney via Hong Kong (another RAN fleet rendevous) and Manus Is PNG.
20jun66 1000 sailed from Hong Kong harbour into heavy conditions due to Typhoon "Kit".
05jul66 0830 arrive at buoy Sydney Harbour. During Op Hardihood HMAS Sydney steamed 20,746 miles.
11jul66 sailed to Hervey Bay, then Brisbane River, RAN rendezvous, then Cato Is (used DUKW) to survey reefs regarding construction of an automatic weather station.
22jul66 0820 arrive Garden Is, Sydney "for long self maintenance and leave."
06sep66 -- 09sep66 Jervis Bay for RAN exercise.
14sep66 1830 passage to Melbourne for weekend.
19sep66 1000 passage return to Garden Is Sydney, "...cleared Pt Phillip at 1400 [and] the annual full power trial was satisfactorily carried out on passage." "Attained a speed of 25.0 knots."
21sep66 0820 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
26sep66 1345 commence passage to Port Alma with Army personnel and equipment for Ex. Barrawinga.
29sep66 0800 arrive Port Alma Military Training Area (Rockhampton Qld) and unloaded overnight using Army LSM Vernon Sturdee. After that Sydney proceeded to Hervey Bay to carry out gunner training etc.
07oct66 1515 arrive Brisbane River for RAN Reserve and Sea Cadets participation.
11oct66 0900 commence passage north for the RAN Annual Fleet Exercise, including HMAS Melbourne, between PNG and New Britain.
28oct66 0800 "combined RAN Fleet Entry to Sydney Harbour.. and a Fleet reception in the flagship."
02nov66 commence passage to Port Alma.
04nov66 HMAS Sydney was diverted NE to assist USS Tiru (USN submarine) aground on Frederik Reef.
06nov66 1550 arrive at Port Alma to retrieve Ex. Barrawinga Army personnel (94) and equipment from Port Alma.
07nov66 1630 commence passage to Sydney.
10nov66 0905 arrive Fitting Out Berth Garden Is, Sydney.
14nov66 1400 passage to Melbourne.
16nov66 1400 arrive Outer East Station Pier Port Phillip, embarked RAN Reserves.
19nov66 1130 passage to Port Arthur and Hobart.
28nov66 1100 passage to Melbourne.
30nov66 1400 arrive and disembarked personnel at Melbourne.
03dec66 1130 passage to Spencer Gulf, visited Port Lincoln and Adelaide for Annual Continuous Training with RAN Reserves.
12dec66 1030 passage to Melbourne.
13dec66 2110 arrive Port Phillip.
14dec66 1415 passage to Sydney via Jervis Bay.
16dec66 arrive Garden Is, Sydney, for "self maintenance and leave."
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-12.pdf
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1967"
[[ '67 records unable to be located ]]
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1968"
16jan68 commence passage after embarking troops (320) to both Vung Tau and Thailand (to supply the SEATO exercise) via Manus Is PNG.
03feb68 0703 arrive Vung Tau unload vehicles with Skycranes and LCMs disembark troops. Backload empty sea containers and unserviceable vehicles. Skycrane crews claim a world record day for tonnage lifted in one day.
03feb68 1400 commence passage for Sydney via Singapore Naval Base.
13feb68 "Queensland libertymen" disembarked by helicopters as the ship passes Townsville.
16feb68 arrive Garden Is, Sydney, and maintenance carried out.
27mar68 commence passage to Vung Tau with 1RAR (516 personnel) embarked and a "small number of vehicles".
09apr68 0740 arrive Vung Tau, unloading by Skycrane unavailable. Task used LCM. Embarked 7RAR troops, "backload of some no goer veh was cancelled".
09apr68 1400 commence passage for Sydney via Thailand.
26apr68 0800 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. Ship's company participate in city march.
18may68 commence passage to Brisbane.
21may68 1255 commence passage to Vung Tau after embarking 4RAR and elements.
01jun68 0647 arrive Vung Tau and disembark 4RAR troops and elements by LCM. Embark 2RAR troops.
01jun68 1305 commence passage to Brisbane.
13jun68 0830 arrive Brisbane and unload 2RAR.
15jun68 0900 passage to Sydney.
16jun68 1600 arrive Garden Is, Sydney, after "Quarterly Full Power Trial". Overnight... 20knots.
jul - aug - sep68 period of refits at Garden Is. Multiple Industrial relations troubles.
oct68 RAN Exercise in the South Pacific with New Zealand involvement.
30oct68 arrive Sydney.
30oct68 passage to Melbourne; receptions and socials during Melbourne Cup week.
09nov68 arrive Adelaide and embark 9RAR troops and equipment.
13nov68 arrive Fremantle.
13nov68 1500 commence passage to Vung Tau via Christmas Is.
20nov68 0700 arrive Vung Tau Berth B12. 9RAR troops disembarked and cargo unloaded.
20nov68 1200 commence passage to Sydney via Singapore.
28nov68 0800 arrive Fremantle.
05dec68 0900 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. Extended crew Leave.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-14part1.pdf
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1969"
03feb69 1200 commence passage to Vung Tau after embarkation of 5RAR troops and equipment via Fremantle.
15feb69 0700 arrive Vung Tau and disembark 5RAR troops and backload stores.
15feb69 1225 commence passage to Sydney.
28feb69 0830 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
mar69 RAN Exercise in vicinity of Fiji and New Zealand.
05may69 0825 commence passage to Townsville from Sydney.
08may69 0500 arrive Townsville and embark 6RAR troops and equipment.
08may60 1630 commence passage to Vung Tau.
19may69 0655 arrive Vung Tau and disembark 6RAR troops. Embark 4RAR troops.
19may69 1225 commence passage to Brisbane.
30may69 0828 arrive Brisbane and disembark 4RAR troops. RAN crew participation in Parade and March Past in Brisbane streets employing Sydney's RAN Band.
30may69 1225 commence passage to Sydney.
31may69 1530 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
jun - jul - aug - sep - oct 69 multiple Industrial troubles at dry-docks.
15nov69 1006 passage to Brisbane.
16nov69 1415 arrive Brisbane and embark 8RAR troops and equipment.
17nov69 1230 commence passage to Vung Tau. Encountered big seas and swells in the South China Sea; force 5-7 NNE wind.
Query 20 pallets of cardboard box cargo (mainly Xmas gifts) regards storm damage.
28nov69 0600 arrive Vung Tau and disembark 8RAR and equipment. Embarkation of 9RAR troops.
28nov69 1200 commence passage to Adelaide via Fremantle.
05dec69 0813 arrive Fremantle after Force 6 winds and storm at sea.
09dec69 0730 arrive Adelaide and disembark 9RAR and stores.
09dec69 1530 commence passage to Sydney.
12dec69 0800 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. Extended crew Leave.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-14part1.pdf
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1970"
16feb70 1100 commence passage to Vung Tau after embarking 7RAR troops and equipment. Attained "..speed over 20knots".
27feb70 0638 arrive Vung Tau and disembarked 7RAR troops and stores. Embarked 5RAR troops and backloaded large quantity of cargo (incl 111 trailers) [??] by use of barges.
27feb70 1105 commence passage to Sydney via Fremantle.
05mar69 1130 arrive Fremantle.
05mar70 1600 continue passage to Sydney.
10mar69 0700 arrive Garden Is, Sydney and disembark 5RAR and unload equipment.
mar - apr70 maintenance period. Garden Is Industrial stoppages [ref document snip]
29apr70 RAN crew and family members on board at Garden Is berth (with other RAN fleet) to witness fireworks, H.M. Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal visit, march through the Sydney streets and other celebrations for the Bi-centennial Celebrations of Capt. Cook's landing at Kurnell in 1770.
jun - jul - aug70 refit delays and anti-war union disputes disable HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne RAN operations.
25aug70 RAN sea trials to Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane and return to Sydney.
18sep70 1000 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
21sep70 loaded 300 tons cement and 60 tons stores "for a trooping voyage."
30sep70 commence passage Melbourne.
01oct70 arrive Frankston Pier 2325 and then moved to - coincided with Navy Week in Melbourne.
06oct70 1405 passage to Adelaide.
08oct70 0845 arrive Adelaide after delays due to tugboat union declaring HMAS "Black" and "in protest against the dirty history of the ship, Sydney having made 15 voyages to Vietnam." When open to the public at the wharf, 11oct70, 6558 members of the public came on board.
12oct70 1440 passage to Fremantle. A Court Martial proceeded in public regarding nuisance fires in hangars whilst at Garden Is.
21oct70 1410 commence passage to Vung Tau.
31oct70 0742 arrive Vung Tau via Fremantle and Singapore. Unload 300 tons cement and 60 tons stores. Backload 38 large containers and 57 pallets of cargo and 57 Land Rovers/trucks/trailers.
01nov70 0805-1035 embarked 8RAR using three US Army chinooks (incl official farewell visit onboard Brigadier 1ATF and AFV Commander via RAAF Iraquois helicopter).
01nov70 1130 depart Vung Tau and commence passage to Brisbane.
12nov70 0810 arrive Brisbane and disembark 8RAR. Unload vehicles and stores. "Ship's divers assisted in the recovery of three trucks which had been immersed while being discharged by Army personnel from a barge to a ramp on the south side of the Brisbane River." Receptive crowd in street parade for 8RAR (RAN participated).
16nov70 1245 commence passage to Sydney.
18nov70 0845 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. Short task at Jervis Bay for inspections etc, then return to Garden Island for extended crew leave.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-14part2.pdf
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1971"
02feb71 arrive Melbourne.
05feb71 arrive Hobart. Attended Derwent regatta.
12feb71 1230 arrive Adelaide. Embarked 3RAR troops and loaded 140 pallets and 45,000 rounds ammunition.
15feb71 1000 commence passage to Vung Tau.
25feb71 0700 arrived Vung Tau and disembarked 3RAR troops. Embarked 7RAR troops (506 officers and ranks) via chinook helicopter and cargo unloaded/loaded via one available barge.
25feb71 1500 commence passage to Sydney.
04mar71 arrive Fremantle. Voyage across Great Australian Bight experienced unfortunate epidemic on board -- 323 cases of dysentery. Epidemic was brought under control off Adelaide 09mar71; down to 30 cases.
10mar71 arrive Garden Is, Sydney and disembark 7RAR troops.
[[ a page is missing from the AWM file here ]]
25mar71 arrive outer harbour anchor point at Adelaide. Load cargo 25mar71. Cargo: 100 Dodge trucks (490 tons) destined for Cambodian Aid.
26mar71 commence passage to Vung Tau via Rottnest Is. for mail pickup.
05apr71 0715 arrive Vung Tau and unload "trucks and associated spares" using barges secured by 1ALSG.
05apr71 1545 commence passage to Sydney via Hong Kong and Manus Is PNG.
23apr71 1000 arrive Garden Is, Sydney, in time for the ANZAC long weekend.
19may71 1100 commence passage to Vung Tau with cargo: 160 trucks (696 tons) for Cambodia Aid.
13may71 0630 arrive Townsville to embark 4RAR troops (506 officers and ranks).
13may71 1345 commence passage to Vung Tau. At 2245 'man over board' emergency action 2 miles from Queensland shore.
22may71 0645 arrive Vung Tau but after unloading stores using barges, security condition changed, and under "local threat" warning, HMAS Sydney went back to sea for the night.
23may71 return Vung Tau harbour and disembarked 4RAR troops via chinook helicopter, finished by 1115. Embarked 2RAR troops and stores.
23may71 1400 commence passage for Townsville.
01jun71 0800 arrive Townsville and disembark 2RAR troops. 1215 official welcome march thru Townsville city.
01jun71 1640 commence passage to Sydney.
04jun71 0700 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
07jun71 "Residue of 2RAR equipment and vehicles were disembarked."
15jun71 commence passage to Pearl Harbour, San Diego, San Fransisco, Vancouver. Then Pearl Harbour and Suva, on return passage.
11aug71 return via Jervis Bay.
15-16sep71 loaded 154 vehicles at Garden Is using Bailey bridge; Landrovers/trailers/wheeled plant etc, supply for Singapore new ANZUK force.
20sep71 0930 commence passage to Singapore. Also loaded from harbour lighter at buoy... "96 pallets redundant ammunition" for dumping in over 550 fathoms from 1700 to 2030 by gangway chute on starboard side."
30sep71 arrived Singapore. Vehicles unloaded with shoreside cranes.
04oct71 1600 commence passage to Vung Tau.
06oct71 0700 arrive Vung Tau. Problems with generator coolant - constrant blockage on strainers due to Mekong River debris. Embarked 3RAR troops (518 officers and ranks) 0740-1400 by Iroquois helicopter. Cargo loading using barges ended 2200. Backload cargo comprised many vehicles, containers, pallets (total 3886 cubic tons).
07oct71 0700 commence passage to Adelaide via Rottnest Is. Storms at sea in the Great Australian Bight caused two 10 ton containers to move inside a hangar and damage a Land Rover etc.
16oct71 0900 arrive Adelaide to disembark some troops.
19oct71 1100 arrive at Sydney. Remaining 3RAR troops disembark. RTA vehicles and stores unloaded.
26oct71 commence passage to Vung Tau. Loaded with 130 pallets of redundant ammunition for dumping at sea in 550 fathoms.
06nov71 0700 arrive at Vung Tau: "Personnel embarkation by Iroquois helicopter started at 0724 and included units of 11 Field Sqn, 104 Signals Sqn, 12 Field Regiment, 17 Construction Sqn RAE, A Sqn of 3rd Cavalry Regiment, a Headquarters component, and Education Staff - all in 410 personnel. Embarkation of 4629 shipping tons of cargo commenced at 0800 and continued concurrently and included 179 various vehicles, stores and equipment" Loaded by 1700. Visit by AFV Commander and Aust. Ambassador in South Vietnam.
07nov71 0001 commence passage to Sydney via Townsville.
18nov71 0800 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. "Industrial unrest again prevented the use of dockyard cranes and gangway facilities". RAN participation of 61 members landed to take part in Combined Services Vietnam March at 1130.
24nov71 1015 commence passage "for the final Vung Tau voyage before Christmas" after loading stores and 82 tons of redundant ammunition for dumping at sea.
03dec71 1745 arrive Singapore and unloaded ANZUK 9tons cargo.
08dec71 0645 arrive at Vung Tau: "Advance party of 4RAR, 104 Field Battery of 9 Sqn RAAF arrived on board at 0740." 4RAR troops (365 officers and ranks), stores, 108 vehicles, 16 Iroquois helicopters were loaded by 1830. Ship fired a 21 gun salute and had a parade on deck 1200 08dec71 with Aust. Ambassador and SVN President Nguyen Van Thieu to officially "thank the Australian Forces for their task in South Vietnam."
09dec71 0030 commence passage to Townsville.
17dec71 1500 arrive Townsville's outer harbour. A chartered vehicular ferry was chartered to unload vehicles and stores. Disembarkation of 4RAR troops and 104 Field Battery began at 0830 followed by a March through the city.
17dec71 1535Afterwards southern destination troops re-embarked and departed Townsville.
19dec71 0530 anchored off Mooloolaba and 9 Sqn Iroquois helicopters commenced flying off.
19dec71 0900 continue passage to Sydney.
20dec71 1100 arrived Garden Is, Sydney. Remaining 4RAR troops disembarked and 104 Field Battery offloaded. Self maintenance and crew leave.
** "Not since the Second World War has a RAN unit been called upon to complete a programme the length and capacity of which HMAS Sydney has completed in 1971". **
Stats for 1971:
Steamed 79,337 miles
Average Speed for year 18.4 knots
Total days at sea 182.6
Total days in Vung Tau 4.5
Conveyed 3328 troops
Conveyed 845 vehicles
Conveyed 10 aircraft
Conveyed 16 helicopters
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-15.pdf
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"Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney
Summary of RAN "Reports Of Proceedings: 1972"
jan72 self maintenance and leave etc.
14feb72 0900 commence passage to Vung Tau via Great Barrier Reef and Singapore after loading "Army explosives for Singapore."
23feb72 arrive Singapore and unload cargo using LCM (31 Army Containers). Cocktail Party on board with Australian High Commissioner, HRH Sultan of Johore, and Commander of ANZUK, USN Attache, and a Rear Admiral.
28feb72 0700 arrive and anchor off Vung Tau. 1030 commence unloading using helicopter and then embarkation of troops (213 officers and ranks). By 2030 cargo of 39 vehicles and 102 containers was loaded. 1130 Captain departs for Luncheon in Saigon with the Australian Ambassador and then returns with the Ambassador at 1600. The Ambassador stays onboard overnight. HMAS Sydney steams to sea overnight. [presumably for security]
29feb72 0900 return to Vung Tau. Ambassador departs by helicopter. Remainder of troops and cargo embarked using LCM. AAFV HQ party arrives on board with the Commander using a helicopter. 1500 Farewell Parade held on deck. Troops give "Three cheers for the RAN." AAFV Commander Dunstan inspects the ship and talks with troops informally.
Loading task of troops (474), vehicles (64) and containers (102), completed 1900. For both periods at anchor in Vung Tau the ships diving crew had gained "valuable experience" inspecting and securing the ship, including use of a 'half-necklace'.
29feb72 1915 commence passage to Townsville and Sydney via Great Barrier Reef.
09mar72 1500 arrive Townsville with "459 troops and a large amount of equipment on board, constituting the final Army withdrawal from Vietnam." 3TF NQ Area Command and OC 4RAR arrive on board by helicopter to welcome home returning troops. North Queensland troops were landed by LCM and ship's mail was embarked.
09mar72 1730 continued passage to Sydney.
12mar72 0645 arrive at Sydney Harbour buoy. Hon. R. Katter MP, Minister For The Army, RAN Command, Customs, and press, board by tender.
12mar72 0815 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. It was a Sunday. Troops disembarked and leave granted. Offloading of Army cargo commenced 1030 and was completed by 0815 next morning.
24mar72 1100 passage to Jervis Bay for Combined Services Exercise Rising Tide using inflatable boats, recce parties. HMAS Sydney had embarked 3rd Sqn SASR, service exercise umpires and observers.
25mar72 0415 RAN Iroquois helicopters (2) and RAAF Iroquois helicopters (4) utilised for "helicopter borne assault" exercises, winching and ditching and Medevac demonstrations.
27mar72 0900 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
04apr72 commence passage to Wellington, New Zealand.
07apr72 arrive Wellington. Visits and official reception on board with Australian High Commissioner, etc.
13apr72 arrive Auckland. Visits and official reception on board with Australian Trade Commissioner and other visitors including Sir Edmund Hillary.
15-16apr72 1330 to 1700 ship Open to Public (4500 visitors). a "anti-war demonstration... was of no consequence other then the necessity to close the ship to visitors for a period on Sunday 16th of April. The demonstrators... were badly organised with poor leadership and in consequence their disruptive efforts had no impact."
18apr72 1100 commence passage to Sydney.
19apr72 1300 arrive Garden Is, Sydney.
01may72 loaded "over 400 pallets of redundant RAN and RAAF ammunition."
02may72 steamed to "deep water areas off the coast" and "..dumping was carried out."
04may72 Jervis Bay training.
05may72 1500 return to Garden Is, Sydney.
may72 "...morale in HMA Ships is affected by many facets of naval life and one of these is the mundane but very necessary provision of fresh water. In a ship as old as HMAS Sydney, the original pipework is severely corroded, and, the resultant liquid emerging from the ship's taps ranges from the purely murky to blood red. Not only is it demoralising to see all one's underclothing, shirts, towels and uniforms (all originally white) become stained and then ragged from the resultant bleaching that is necessary; but it also becomes a financial drain which is not reimbursed... it is a matter for consideration that seagoing allowances might be scaled according to the age of ships in which officers and sailors are serving."
jun - jul - aug - sep - oct72 refits and delays at Garden Is, Sydney. Bomb hoaxes in October.
20oct72 shakedown trails in Jervis Bay and return to Garden Is.
26oct72 - 31oct72 loaded cargo and ammunition for "forthcoming visit to South East Asian Ports."
01nov72 commence passage to South East Asian Ports via Great Barrier Reef.
11nov72 1030 arrive Djakarta, unload cargo using LCMs and lighters provided.
11nov72 1630 continue passage.
13nov72 2345 arrive Singapore buoy.
20nov72 0830 unloaded ANZUK vehicles (90) and embark backload vehicles (15). Ammunition also unloaded.
21nov72 1400 commence passage to Vung Tau with HMAS Vampire.
24nov72 0700 arrive Vung Tau and begin unloading of cargo [Cambodian Aid?] using barges. "By 1333 all cargo had been off-loaded." Task was completed very efficiently.
24nov 1500 commence passage to Sydney via Hong Kong, Subic Base and Manus Is PNG..
30nov72 arrive Hong Kong.
04dec72 continue passage to Subic Base and then Manus Is PNG.
18dec72 0800 arrive Garden Is, Sydney. Self maintenance and crew leave.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-16.pdf
Tragically, the asbestos hazard appears to be unknown and unmentioned to that point of time.
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Ok, so now we can see the total number of Vung Tau Ferry runs.... and lesser known or behind-the-scenes issues of HMAS Sydney.
These are the runs documented in The Reports on Proceedings (RAN) archived at the AWM. 1967 is the exception. (some lost ROP documents)
1965 - 2 runs
1966 - 2 runs
1967 - 4 runs
1968 - 4 runs
1969 - 3 runs
1970 - 2 runs
1971 - 6 runs
1972 - 2 runs
In the research carried out for the book Mud 'n Dust by Michael Cecil, a total of 24 runs was found.
I have a total of 25 Voyages. Why the extra voyage? The AWM files are missing 1967 Reports On Proceedings for HMAS Sydney.
In the book "The Vung Tau Ferry And Escort Ships" by Nott & Payne, there is a voyage from Australia to Vung Tau to deliver 7RAR 'in country', arriving 20apr67. The VTF leaves, without RTA troops, and sails south to Singapore, out of the war zone, arriving 22apr67. Then , on 28apr67 the VTF leaves Singapore and sails back to Vung Tau, arriving on 30apr67 to load 5RAR elements -- and then there's a return voyage to Australia. So there was a delay of a week (during a handover or battalion relief) between 7RAR and 5RAR.
So one voyage to and from Australia becomes two voyages to and from Vung Tau... a technicality.
When reading the HMAS Sydney Proceedings I caught a sense of the RAN lifestyle being "at odds" to the grunts, and I mean "at odds". I'm not sure the RAR grunts would have appreciated the effort expended on RAN diplomacy and social events for the officer class such as the cocktail parties, receptions and numerous visits to Flemington around Spring Carnival time.
Also interesting in the files is the scale of interference (political action) by the shipping industry union leadership of the period. The document includes this list from April 1970.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F_lbugi1CZw/UeHz96IkSlI/AAAAAAAADow/jVFB05tHR8Y/w1021-h889-no/hmas-sydney-apr70-union-actions.jpg)
You can see that in the year 1970 there are only 2 trips to Vung Tau.
Of course I should briefly note that the South Vietnam transport tasks were carried out by other ships as well... i.e., The Jeparit (ANL) which carried out 38 runs from June 1966 to March 1972, The Boonaroo (ANL) which had 2 runs, and The John Monash (purchased by the Australian Army -Mud 'n Dust lists its final Vietnam run as September 1972).
RAN The Army (RAE) also used the four LSMs purchased from USN stock in Japan: Harry Chauvel, Vernon Sturdee, Clive Steele, and Brudenell White (ref. Mud 'n Dust). See also: http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/SeriesDetail.aspx?series_no=AWM270
There was also a Japanese freighter, The Harima Maru, which was utilised for 3 runs during the withdrawal period, September 1971, November 1971 and February 1972 (ref. Mud 'n Dust).
Also (from the other REMLR thread, Some Sth Vietnam snippets)
"MV Jeparit was originally an Australian National Line vessel which completed five voyages to South Vietnam between June 1966 and February 1967. The ship had an all civilian crew and sailed as a merchant vessel on charter to the then Department of Shipping and Transport (DST), carrying supplies for the Australian forces engaged in the Vietnam War. After the fifth voyage some seamen refused to man the vessel. To overcome this difficulty, crew members who were prepared to continue to serve on the Jeparit were supplemented by a Royal Australian Navy detachment. Following Jeparit's twenty-sixth round voyage to Vietnam (her twenty-first with the Royal Australian Navy detachment embarked), further industrial trouble developed and it was decided to commission Jeparit as an HMA Ship. Accordingly, the vessel was commissioned as HMAS Jeparit on 11 December 1969. Jeparit made a further seventeen voyages under the White Ensign, although still with a mixed RAN and Merchant Navy crew. Jeparit's last round voyage to Vietnam ended when she returned to Sydney on 11 March 1972." http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P03051.002
Jeparit at De Long Pier. Perhaps the Jeparit draft allowed it with no drama, whereas HMAS Sydney would've grounded?
Here is a sample Land-Rover document from the AWM archives:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FDfeAeP5sPw/UutxvF1IuwI/AAAAAAAAFhA/q1MXu9POWLg/w1070-h889-no/awm-vtf-load-www.jpg)
In the next few months our ARN linked data will be much improved.
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...and we're back at the start : this is a RAASC task (42 Tpt Pl. DUKW on exercise at Fraser Island) in November 1964 .
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-11.pdf
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wmfmtQ8YSEw/UeHzyXPuXlI/AAAAAAAADoo/3F7X4MtQSZ8/w883-h889-no/sydney-raasc-42-tpt-pl-dukw-ex-fraser-island-nov64.jpg)
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"RAN also used the four LSMs purchased from USN stock in Japan: Harry Chauvel, Vernon Sturdee, Clive Steele, and Brudenell White (ref. Mud 'n Dust)". No, not RAN: they were Army vessels, operated by RAE.
I also missed one vessel in M&D: a single cargo run by the Helma Taylor.
HMAS Sydney did 24 runs (based on departure dates from Australia on northward leg), the differences between your list and mine is (1) 1967: three runs, and (2) 1972: two runs, the second was in November.
Mike C
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November 72? I didn't read that far as the mention of the final task to Vietnam popped up a time or two in February.
I will edit up the misses when I'm off shift Monday.
I wonder how the 1967 Proceedings were mislaid...
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...and we're back at the start : this is a RAASC task (42 Tpt Pl. DUKW on exercise at Fraser Island) in November 1964.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wmfmtQ8YSEw/UeHzyXPuXlI/AAAAAAAADoo/3F7X4MtQSZ8/w883-h889-no/sydney-raasc-42-tpt-pl-dukw-ex-fraser-island-nov64.jpg)
I thought that photo looked familiar :)
Flight deck packed full of Studebaker 6x6, DUKW, Land Rovers and Inter AS 161s.
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...and we're back at the start : this is a RAASC task (42 Tpt Pl. DUKW on exercise at Fraser Island) in November 1964.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wmfmtQ8YSEw/UeHzyXPuXlI/AAAAAAAADoo/3F7X4MtQSZ8/w883-h889-no/sydney-raasc-42-tpt-pl-dukw-ex-fraser-island-nov64.jpg)
was it on its way to vietnam or just a training ex
Flight deck packed full of Studebaker 6x6, DUKW, Land Rovers and Inter AS 161s.
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Apologies, I didn't note the 1964 file and photo source on the post. The info is in
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/329/awm78-329-11.pdf
Ps, this thread is almost fatal to my mobile phone.
You'll see I am infilling the Army units that sailed with the Sydney on its voyages to Vungers and the RTA voyages.
I got only as far as 1Apr66 before I hit mismatches of the SVN Unit Allocation Dates in that document and the HMAS Sydney logged data.
The SVN Unit Allocations document was posted on REMLR in 2012, http://remlr.com/forum/index.php?topic=215.0
... which I had thought were good, are now causing me to re-check facts against the dates... there are a boatload of units listed in the Allotment ref doc for 1apr66 but the Sydney sailed 22apr66. Perhaps they all went over on QANTAS?
Mike Cecil mentioned the official history; its the one to find, it has the official Unit Allocations for SVN, the official dates, and its now on my "To Do List".
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I'm not sure the RAR grunts appreciated the effort expended on RAN diplomacy and social tasks such as cocktail parties, receptions and visits to Flemington.
Also interesting is the scale of interference run (political action) by the Union leadership of the period. The document includes this list from April 1970.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F_lbugi1CZw/UeHz96IkSlI/AAAAAAAADow/jVFB05tHR8Y/w1021-h889-no/hmas-sydney-apr70-union-actions.jpg)
You can see that in the year 1970 there are only 2 trips to Vung Tau.
Of course I should briefly note that the South Vietnam transport tasks were carried out by other ships as well... i.e., The Jeparit (ANL) which carried out 42 runs from June 1966 to March 1972, The Boonaroo (ANL) which had 2 runs, and The John Monash (purchased by the Australian Army -Mud 'n Dust lists its final Vietnam run as September 1972).
RAN The Army (RAE) also used the four LSMs purchased from USN stock in Japan: Harry Chauvel, Vernon Sturdee, Clive Steele, and Brudenell White (ref. Mud 'n Dust). See also: http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/SeriesDetail.aspx?series_no=AWM270
There was also a Japanese freighter, The Harima Maru, which was utilised for 3 runs during the withdrawal period, September 1971, November 1971 and February 1972 (ref. Mud 'n Dust).
Also (from the other REMLR thread, Some Sth Vietnam snippets)
"MV Jeparit was originally an Australian National Line vessel which completed five voyages to South Vietnam between June 1966 and February 1967. The ship had an all civilian crew and sailed as a merchant vessel on charter to the then Department of Shipping and Transport (DST), carrying supplies for the Australian forces engaged in the Vietnam War. After the fifth voyage some seamen refused to man the vessel. To overcome this difficulty, crew members who were prepared to continue to serve on the Jeparit were supplemented by a Royal Australian Navy detachment. Following Jeparit's twenty-sixth round voyage to Vietnam (her twenty-first with the Royal Australian Navy detachment embarked), further industrial trouble developed and it was decided to commission Jeparit as an HMA Ship. Accordingly, the vessel was commissioned as HMAS Jeparit on 11 December 1969. Jeparit made a further seventeen voyages under the White Ensign, although still with a mixed RAN and Merchant Navy crew. Jeparit's last round voyage to Vietnam ended when she returned to Sydney on 11 March 1972." http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P03051.002
Jeparit at De Long Pier. Perhaps the Jeparit draft allowed it with no drama, whereas HMAS Sydney would've grounded?
(http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/images/screen/P03051.002.jpg)
The unions were openly in support of their communist comrades in Soviet Russia and China.
The Japarit debacle is interesting when we consider the British Royal Fleet Auxilliary and the US Navy Military Sealift Command (USNS ships) which have traditionally been Navy ships on a civilian register whith a mainly civilian crew including a civilian captain.
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The Vung Tau Ferry terminal today.
(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m2/Auntikinus/VTF-terminal.jpg)
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I think it looked better in the sixties, at night, and whilst wearing dark glasses. :)
Ick.
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G'day Folks :)
Have a friend that was a DUKW driver on the Vunger's Ferry,he contacted me for info when DVA knocked back his pension application,I found 2 pics one from a "Time Life" mag of Sydney at sea with DUKWs on board and he found another one at the AWM of himself talking to his old boss on her,(this boss had denied to the Tribunal that he was on the Sydney.
His advocate presented the photo and his ex-boss copped a rocket ;D
Bung-Tiddley
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Glen said "These little ships did sterling service transporting Engineer equipment... they also saw a lot of service up and down the river from Vung Tau to Saigon."
I see Tippers..
(http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/images/screen/P02679.003.jpg)
From the AWM caption:
"Saigon River, Vietnam. Army Vessel (AV) 1355 Vernon Sturdee at full speed through the Saigon River delta with a full load of heavy equipment including vehicles which can be seen on deck. Note the 50 calibre gun crews are closed up.
"AV Vernon Sturdee was the first Landing Ship Medium (LSM) of 32nd Small Ship Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) to serve in South Vietnam.
"She sailed from Sydney to Vietnam via the Philippines on 11 April 1966, carrying equipment and troops of 17th Construction Squadron RAE and escorting the Army Ship (AS) John Monash which was similarly loaded.
"AV Vernon Sturdee returned to Australia via Singapore, Manus Island and Rabaul at the end of June 1966, and was the only LSM to sail to Vietnam and back with the same crew."