Vietnam War Timeline

By DerikJoseph

  • Australia's Arrival in Vietnam

    The first Australian troops arrive for training team in South Vietnam.

  • First Australian Death in Vietnam

    Advisor, Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation.

  • Prime Minister Gives Support

    Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies announces introduction of national service to increase the army’s strength from 22,750 to 37,500. Opposition to the war in Vietnam is not accepted as a reason for exemption.

  • HMAS Sydney arrives in Vietnam

    HMAS Sydney arrives at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, carrying the alot of soliders in the Australian Force

  • Australian Government Advance

    Australian Government approves increase of Australian forces to a battalion group, supported by an artillery, additional APCs, engineers, army helicopters, light aircraft and more logistic support

  • Harold Holt Suceeds

    Harold Holt becomes prime minister over taking former prime minister Robert Menzies

  • Holt will keep his promise

    Holt announces the Australian commitment in South Vietnam will be Increased to a 4350-man task force

  • The Battle of Long Tan

    Company, 6 RAR, 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, carried in 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.

  • Prime Minister Missing!

    Prime Minister Harold Holt is missing, presumed drowned in portsea in Victoria. The body was never found.

  • New Prime Minister

    John Grey Gorton sworn in as Prime Minister.

  • The Battle of Coral and Balmoral

    The Battle for Fire Support Base (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, Australian casualties around Coral stand at 15 killed and 56 wounded while enemy losses are estimated to exceed 100 dead.

  • The Battle of Binh Ba

    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.

  • Reduction in Numbers

    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.

  • William McMahon Prime Minister

    Sir William McMahon replaces Gorton as Liberal leader and Prime Minister.

  • Time to Withdraw

    The Prime Minister announces the bulk of Australian forces in South Vietnam are to be withdrawn, leaving only a modified training team. The period of national service is reduced from two years to 18 months.

  • The Retreat

    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