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"Almost 50,000 Australian military personnel served in the war in Vietnam. This was Australia's biggest military involvement since WW2."
"American 'advisors' went in about 1959. Australian
'advisors' (AATTV "The Team") went in during July of 1962. In
1965 this involvement escallated to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian
Regiment (1RAR) serving with Americans at Bien Hoa and adjoining provinces.
In 1966... 1RAR was replaced by the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF),
comprising two battalions - later increased to three - and supporting
units [all based at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province]. By 1970 all nine infantry
battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment had served in Vietnam. The
1st Australian Logistic Support Group (based at Vung Tau) played a vital
role."
"The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Royal Australian
Navy (RAN) also operated in Vietnam. The RAAF carried out many tasks,
ranging from transporting troops into action to bombing missions. Similarly,
the RAN fulfilled a variety of duties, including coastal patrols and
anti-sabotage operations".p7 [HMAS Sydney seems to have transported
all RAR Battalions on 22 voyages]
"All troops were home by December 1972. The 'advisors' were last
to come out. During the war 501 service personnel died and 3131 were
recorded as wounded. 7 Australian civilians died in Vietnam. The Australian
War Memorial is requesting any records, letters, photos, diaries etc
for it's collection which is limited at this stage (relative to WW1,
WW2 and Korea). RAAF and RAN material is especially requested..."
p20 A.W.M. Booklet souvenir issued at the dedication of the Vietnam
Forces National Memorial ISBN 0 642 18449 6.
- Australia's Roll of Honour - and if time is no problem, you may want to read: [ Vietnam Lessons Learned ] and: [ RAR Tours of Duty ] and the: [ RAASC in Vietnam ] |
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Background
to the war in South Vietnam