-
Australia comes to save the day
The first 30 members of AATTV ( Australian Army Training Team Vietnam) arrived in South Vietnam. They came as just advisers -
First Death
Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation. -
More!!
The Minister for Defence Shane Partridge announces the AATTV will be increased to 83 advisers with expanded roles. -
First death
Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Conway was the first Australian to die as a result of enemy action in South Vietnam. -
HMAS SYDNEY
HMAS Sydney arrives at Vung Tau in South Vietnam, carrying the lot of the Australian force. -
Harold Holt
Harold Holt becomes Prime Minister. -
Conscript
Holt announces the Australian commitment in South Vietnam will be Increased, and will include conscripts. -
The Battle of Long Tan
D Company and 6 RAR the strength of 108 men, battles North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces estimated at between 1500 and 2500 until relieved by A Company, by armoured personnel carriers of 3 Troop, 1 APC Squadron. The enemy leaves 245 bodies on the battlefield while 17 Australian infantrymen and one APC crewman are killed. The Company earns the US Presidential Citation. -
Prime Missingster
Prime Minister Harold Holt missing, may have drowned off Portsea in Victoria. His body is never recovered. -
NEW
The New Australian Prime Minister Gorton said that Australia will not increase its commitment to Vietnam. -
The Battle of Coral & Balmoral
The Battle for FSB Coral begins with an enemy attack that overruns 1 RAR Mortar Platoon and captures one of 102 Field Battery’s gun pits. The base is cleared with the help of helicopter gunships. After a second attack on May 15, 15 killed and 56 wounded while enemy losses are estimated to exceed 100 dead. -
The Battle of Binh Bah
Two companies from 5 RAR, supported by APC and Tank troops and Australian helicopter gunships, engage in house-to-house fighting to clear the town of a strong force of NVA regulars. The fighting destroys much of the town and costs the NVA more than 100 dead for the loss of one Australian. -
Peace
USA and North Vietnam sign a peace agreement. -
Back to USA
Last US troops leave Vietnam. -
Saigon
Saigon Embassy Guard Platoon are the last Australian troops to leave Vietnam. -
ANZAC
Australia closes its embassy in Saigon, completing withdrawal from Vietnam on ANZAC Day. The final task of Australia's military in the Vietnam War is conducted on ANZAC Day, when the RAAF participates in evacuation of the Australian Embassy and final withdrawal of personnel from Saigon
