Aussies in Vietnam, The Australians Stand with America in Hell
Australia's participation in the Vietnam War commenced modestly in 1962 with a commitment of 30 military advisors. Over the ensuing decade, this involvement steadily escalated, reaching its zenith at 7,672 Australian personnel.
February 5, 2024
(Photo Credit the Australian War Memorial)
Australia's participation in the Vietnam War commenced modestly in 1962 with a commitment of 30 military advisors. Over the ensuing decade, this involvement steadily escalated, reaching its zenith at 7,672 Australian personnel after the Menzies Government's decision in April 1965 to enhance its military support for South Vietnam's security. By the conclusion of Australia's military presence in 1972, the Vietnam War had become the nation's lengthiest conflict, a record later surpassed by its protracted commitment to the War in Afghanistan. This engagement marked Australia's most substantial force contribution to a foreign conflict since World War II and emerged as its most contentious military action since the conscription debates of World War I.
Initially
driven by concerns about communism's spread in Southeast Asia, the war
garnered widespread support.
From 1962 to 1965, Australian military involvement in Vietnam began with the expertise gained by its forces during the Malayan Emergency, where they honed their skills in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency. The U.S. Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, acknowledged the Australian and New Zealand military's proficiency in jungle warfare during an ANZUS meeting in May 1962. Responding to this capability, the Australian government dispatched 30 military advisors as the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in July and August 1962, led by Colonel Ted Serong. The AATTV, experts in jungle warfare tactics, marked the initiation of Australia's participation in the Vietnam War.
Collaboration between the AATTV and U.S. advisors was generally positive, although differences in training and tactics occasionally surfaced. For instance, Colonel Serong's skepticism about the Strategic Hamlet Program led to a clash with U.S. Marine General Victor "Brute" Krulak in 1963. The AATTV's involvement included Captain Barry Petersen's work in raising an anti-communist Montagnard force in the Central Highlands, showcasing the challenges faced by foreign advisors.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) added a flight of Caribou transports to Vũng Tàu in August 1964, expanding the Australian military presence. By the end of 1964, almost 200 Australian military personnel, including engineers, surgeons, and an enlarged AATTV team, were in South Vietnam. The Australian government introduced conscription for 20-year-olds in November 1964, augmenting the Army's infantry pool. Consequently, National Servicemen were included in battalions serving in South Vietnam.
In April 1965, Prime Minister Menzies announced the deployment of an infantry battalion to Vietnam, stating that a communist victory there would pose a direct military threat to Australia. The decision, possibly made independently of the South Vietnamese government's wishes, led to the deployment of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), which departed in May 1965. This marked a significant escalation in Australia's military commitment.
The following years witnessed the establishment of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) in Phước Tuy Province, with a focus on security. The RAAF expanded its contingent to include three squadrons, while the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) contributed a destroyer, a helicopter flight, and a clearance diving team. The battle of Long Tan in August 1966 showcased Australian effectiveness, but losses and challenges prompted the need for additional forces, including tanks.
As the war intensified with American troop increases, 1 ATF was reinforced in late 1967. The Tet Offensive in 1968 proved pivotal, with 1 ATF deployed to defend key areas. The Battle of Coral–Balmoral in May 1968 and Operation Goodwood from December 1968 to February 1969 were significant engagements. The Australian forces faced challenges in 1969, including the Battle of Binh Ba. The Battle of Long Khan in mid-1971 and the Easter Offensive in 1972 marked continued incursions.
The AATTV continued its support, operating across Vietnam and participating in various combat operations. Australia's most decorated unit during the war, the AATTV received all four Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians in the conflict.
As the war progressed, Australian public opinion shifted due to events such as Tet, and uncertainty grew about the U.S. commitment. The withdrawal of Australian forces from South Vietnam commenced in November 1970 under the Gorton Government when 8 RAR concluded its tour of duty without replacement. A phased withdrawal ensued, culminating in the cessation of Australian involvement in hostilities by January 11, 1973. Despite this, Australian troops from the Australian Embassy Platoon remained in the country until July 1, 1973.
Additional Australian forces were briefly deployed in April 1975 during the fall of Saigon to evacuate personnel from the Australian embassy. Throughout the conflict, approximately 60,000 Australians served, with 521 losing their lives, and more than 3,000 sustaining injuries. The conflict left an enduring impact, both in terms of military engagement and its complex effects on Australian society
