© Ross E Smith Memorabilia – PO Box 353 ERINDALE ACT 2903 Ph: 02/6292 1266 – reproduced on this site with the kind permission of the author. All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the author.

‘Niner’

Vietnam 1968 – 69

9 RAR arrived in South Vietnam in November 1968 and during the Battalion’s tour of active service it took part in twelve operations covering four provinces. After a period of familiarization 9 RAR commenced Operation King Hit One, a cordon and search of the village of An Nhut on the road between Baria and Dat Do. The result was one enemy killed, several Viet Cung (VC) suspects detained and quantities  of weapons, equipment and medical supplies were found.

The Battalion deployed on a reconnaissance in force operation Barossa north of Nui Dat. 9 RAR’s task was to locale base camps of C41 (Chau Duc) District Company that harassed Ngai Giao. Binh Ba and Ap Suoi Nai. ‘B’ Company moved out of Nui Dat by road escorted by tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APC) and with Engineers in support to clear Route 2 and to secure a ‘fly-in’ area for the remainder of the Battalion. In ‘mine alley’ near Ap Suoi Nai, one APC struck a mine resulting in one officer and one soldier wounded but remained on duty. Companies operated effectively in separate AO’s ambushing and locating enemy stores. ‘A’ Company had the first success by ambushing 10 VC. In another ambush, 6 Platoon ‘B’ Company killed the second in command of the Chau Duc Company. ‘D’ Company located a large complex of camps which was destroyed by the unit’s Assault Pioneers. The operation concluded on Christmas Eve 1968.

On 1st January 1969 the Battalion deployed on Operation Goodwood which was a 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) reconnaissance-in-force operation into likely enemy base area east of Saigon. 9 RAR relieved 1 RAR in AO Wondai – the operation was characterised by short savage contacts against the VC in well-sited bunker complexes and Main Force enemy units. On 10th January ‘A’ Company attacked a large bunker system and a battle raged for three and a half hours with fire support provided by mortars, artillery, light fire teams and close air support. At one stage, 1 and 2 Platoon attacked with fixed bayonets. On l6th January a reported sighting of 40 enemy in a camp in the centre of the AO resulted in ‘C’ Company moving by air into this area. The company could not reach the area until just on last light and set up a night ambush position. At 2320 hours, enemy came into the ambush which sprung by 8 Platoon and among the enemy killed was a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) officer. Next morning when the company entered the deserted bunker system, it found enemy killed by artillery. Unbeknown, 9 RAR had prevented the passage of an NVA Regiment from south to north. All rifle companies and ‘Support’ Company were in action against the enemy on 19th January. The AO was extended on 29th January westward 10 include Route 15 and the fire support patrol base (FSPB) was relocated to AO Jenny in two hours to support the redeployment by air. Two days later 9 RAR returned to AO Wondai until 17th February. The operation was successful in regard to enemy killed and bunker systems, supplies, ammunition and camps destroyed. The frequency and the fierceness of the contacts resulted in thirteen men of 9 RAR being killed in this operation.

Operation Federal saw the Battalion deploy into BienHoaProvince as part of a plan to ensure the protection of Saigon, Bien Hoa Air Base and the Logistic Support Base at Long Binh. 9 RAR, less ‘B’ Company moved to AO Arunda and occupied company defensive positions. ‘B’ Company was placed under command of 1 ATF as part of a ready reaction force against possible VC TET offensive actions in PhoucTuyProvince. Operations in AO Arunda were markedly different from operations in AO Wondai as there was no deep jungle and patrol areas were basically open rice paddy/grassland with low yet dominant hillocks. On 23rd February ‘C’ Company confirmed that enemy were moving into the AO when it attacked and captured a bunker system. Meanwhile in Phone Tuy Province ‘B’ Company Group Mobile’ with tanks, APC’s and mortars patrolled around Baria and Long Dien to deter an expected enemy attack. On 23rd February the VC rocketed Baria and attacked targets in Baria, Long Dien and Hoa Long. ‘B’ Company’s counterattack was successful in routing the enemy. On 5th March, 9 RAR with ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies redeployed to AO Burrendong south of 1Route in order to search for signs of enemy units of 5th Division. A mini FSB Maria was set tip with a section of guns of 161 New Zealand Field Battery and three US Army 155mm Self Propelled (SP) guns. On 7th March ‘C’ Company came in heavy contact with a large bunker system. ‘B’ Company also found an occupied bunker system and airstrikes and artillery supported the companies assault. The enemy withdrew and left behind many documents which identified the unit as an NVA Rocket Regiment. Having being relieved by 5 RAR, 9 RAR returned to Nui Dat having been on continuous operations from  1st January, to 10th March 1969.

Operation Overland covered LongKhanhProvince and extended once again into BienHoiProvince. The Battalion operated around FSPB Wattle between Route 2 and the Binh Son Rubber Estate. AO Goulburn included a major enemy base camp area and again 9 RAR fought through extensive bunker systems. On 3rd April all companies except ‘C’ Company were in contact with the enemy. Three days later ‘C’ Company located a huge complex of 98 bunkers including a hospital area but it was unoccupied. A ‘caretaker’ VC group returned next day and a short sharp firefight ensued. During this phase of the operation ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies had very heavy contacts. Much time was spent in destroying the bunker systems and rendering them useless with non-lethal gas which would persist up to six months. On 11th April the Battalion moved south west to AO Picton on a food denial mission. After deployment to FSPB Juanita companies moved to ambush in their AO’s in which ‘B’ and C’ Companies had contacts. ‘C’ Company located a cache of two tonnes of rice and ‘A’ Company located film, broadcasting and printing equipment, paper and material for flags.

On 16th April the Battalion commenced Operation Surfside east of Nui Dat in the vicinity of Dat Do and Xuyen Moc. 9 RAR operated in the ‘Light and Long Green’ against the enemy’s district units. Initially all companies flew into unsecured landing zones (LZ) and moved to blocking positions. There were obvious signs that the enemy had departed the area quickly. After extensive patrolling and some light contacts, the Battalion returned to Nut Dat on 23rd April.

In mid 1969 a major change in strategy for the conduct of the war occurred with greater emphasis being placed on pacification operations. 9 RAR was deployed on Operation Reynella to assist with population security in the Long Dien and Dat Do Districts and to protect land-clearing operations. The Battalion, less ‘C’ Company which deployed to the Horseshoe feature to train 2/48 Armed Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Battalion, occupied AO Aldgate and patrolled and ambushed to interdict enemy moving between the Long Hai hills and the populated centres in the area.  On 15th May province officials reported that an enemy company had infiltrated into Dat Do and 9 RAR reacted by placing a cordon of company localities around the town. The task of clearing Dat Do was left to regional and popular forces but no enemy were located. The Battalion returned to Nui Dat on 15th June.

Operation Matthew took the Battalion to north of Nui Dat in an area bounded by Route 2 and the Courtney rubber Estate. The deployment by road and air was completed with Battalion HQ at FSPB Flinders. There were only minor contacts in this operation. The Battalion extended its area of operation necessitating the establishment of a second FSPB. The Battalion on 18th July moved by air to undertake Operation hat Dich to locate and destroy enemy Main Force elements in the area. On 19 July ‘C’ Company came into heavy contact fighting in a bunker system resulting in many enemy casualties. 274 VC Regiment had returned to the area and the Battalion operations had severely interrupted its activities. 9 RAR returned to Nui Dat on 31st July having destroyed large quantities of the enemy’s redeveloped assets.

Operation Neppabunna involved both pacification and reconnaissance-in-force. ‘B’ Company moved to secure FSPB Serle and later protect land clearing teams in the Long Green. On 31st August the centre of operations moved to FSPB Wells near Xuyen Moc. This operation was a complex one with companies undertaking many different type tasks. The Battalion was relieved by 5 RAR on 15th September.

Operation Jack was the last major operation for 9 RAR in Vietnam. It involved land clearing protection and reconnaissance-in-force over large tracts of land in the Hat Dich area. During the operation there were many light contacts with the enemy and a quantity of caches were located and destroyed. The Battalion returned to Nui Dat on 31st October and 1st November 1969.

Having been relieved by 8 RAR the Battalion departed South Vietnam on 28th November 1969 to return home to Adelaide where the unit received a rousing reception.

Awards to 9 RAR for this period included one DSO, two MCs, seven MMs and eight MIDs.

On 31st October 1973 9 RAR was linked with 8 RAR to form the new battalion 8/9 RAR.

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‘The Grey Eight’

Vietnam 1969 – 70

The main body of 8 RAR disembarked from HMAS SYDNEY on the morning of 28th November 1969 and moved by truck from Vung Tau to Nui Dat where the advance party had been located for the preceding ten days. Familiarization and acclimatization was completed by each company undergoing in turn, an exercise using tank and artillery support in the Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR).

December 1969 saw the Battalion on Operation Atherton which took place in the north of PhoucTuyProvince. The aim was to drive the elements of 274 Viet Cong (VC) Regiment in the border area, by reconnaissance in force, to ambush locations in the east. One company meanwhile was to work well in the south establishing movement patterns in an area in close proximity to the fire support patrol base (FSPB). This concept was successful and employed until reliable information was received of the location of the Headquarters of 3/274 VC Regiment. 8 RAR redeployed to block around the enemy location, while one company pushed through the centre of the block towards the enemy area. This operation accounted for 28 enemy KIA.

Operation Keppera began on 23rd January 1970 and involved two distinct phases. Cordon and searches of selected hamlets of Xuyen Moc and the village of Nui Nhon were conducted from the 23-25th January. From 26th January – 14th February the Battalion was deployed to the Nui Dinh mountains for reconnaissance and ambush operations. Only six enemy were killed but the Battalion’s activities close to the centres of civilian population probably preventing the VC developing operations during the TET period.

On 10th February 1970 ‘C’ Company with a battalion mortar section deployed to the western edge of the Long Hai hills to secure a quarry site. The remainder of the Battalion was to have gone on Operation Epsom on 16th February’ but instead ‘D’ Company on 15th February was reacted in support o a platoon of’ ‘C’ Company in heavy contact on the northern edge of Long Hai’s. Battalion HQ and ‘B’ Company moved to join ‘C’ Company the next day and Operation Epsom was postponed. Elements of ‘Support’ Company did however occupy FSPB Pat to the north east of I ATF for six weeks.

Operation Hammersley developed into a reconnaissance in force by ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies with tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APC’s) in support, while ‘B’ Company ambushed the main fire trail. Heavy contact was made with the whole of D445 in a valley in the south cast of the Long Hai’s known by the VC as Mindam Secret Zone. Three days later a B52 air strike was targeted onto the valley that had been used as a VC battalion sanctuary for several months. The operation finished and 8 RAR was deployed north to an area west of Xuyen Moc. The operation had been a notable success accounting for over 40 enemy KIA and forcing D445 from their well established base.

Operation Hamilton was the proposed destruction of D445 Battalion. Companies searched AO’s until following a reliable intelligence report, ‘A’ ‘B’ and ‘D’ Companies with two additional companies from 6 RAR/NZ and 7 RAR cordoned a suspected area southwest of Xuyen Moc without contact. ‘D’ Company 6 RAR moving further to the west made contact in bunkers and companies were quickly deployed to ambush likely egress routes from the ‘D’ Company contact, however without success.

Operation Phoi Hop began an entirely new concept of operations for 1 ATF and was designed to deny the enemy access into the villages. From 7-18 April the villages of Hoa Long, Ap Soui Nghe, Duc My and Binh Ba were ambushed and the operation concluded with a cordon and search of Ap Bac hamlet of Hoa Long on 18th April 1970. The operation resulted in eleven enemy killed with no Battalion casualties and the aim of the operation was achieved.

Operation Nugee was conducted from 20th April – 11th June 1970. This operation was in three phases beginning with TF operation, ‘Concrete’ in which 7 RAR and 8 RAR established blocking positions in the east of the province while 6 RAR/NZ reconnoitered in force towards these ambush positions. In the second phase in the north, a similar concept was employed with 2nd Brigade 25th (US) Division and in the third phase the Battalion used those concepts and techniques which had proved successful in Operation Phoi Hop. The operation was successful as apart from the 26 enemy killed, intelligence sources revealed that not only VC but alsoD445 Battalion suffered heavily resulting in a marked reduction of enemy influence in local villages.

In Operation Cung Chung 1, the Battalion again employed close cooperation with Vietnamese authorities as it had in the previous two operations. Each rifle company was responsible for a district within 8 RAR’s AO. By day check points were established on various routes thus us ensuring a degree of popular control. By night, halt platoon ambushes were conducted on likely enemy routes into villages.

Operation Petrie was mounted on intelligence reports received during Operation Cung Chung 1, that D445 and elements of 274 VC Regiment were re-establishing bases in the north west of the province. The Battalion was deployed in blocking positions with APC’s and tanks. After these ambushes were in place, intensive artillery fire and airstrikes were directed on the enemy bunkers. This bombardment was followed by a joint lnfantry-Armour reconnaissance, the aim of this being to force the enemy to flee along likely withdrawal routes and therefore into the pre-positioned ambushes. The operation resulted in the destruction of four enemy camps that had been occupied by both regional and main force enemy units and the severe disruption of the enemy resupply programme.

The Battalion’s final operations, ‘Cung Chung II and III’ were designed to continue the tight hold on the population centres. In the main, the Battalion concentrated on the ambushing of local enemy routes to and from Hoa Long. Of particular note in this regard was the ‘C’ Company ambush on 12th August l970 in which 8 Platoon ambushed an enemy party leaving Hoa Long resulting in 9 enemy killed and 5 captured. Ambushing continued near Hoa Long until 25th October when 8 RAR ceased operations.

A Memorial Parade was held on 23rd October 1970 in memory of those 18 Battalion soldiers killed in action. On 28th October 1970 at a parade at Nui Dat, the Commander Military Region III and III Corps, General Do Cao Tri, presented the Vietnamese Meritorious Unit Commendation to the Battalion and individual awards for gallantry and distinguished service to some 26 members of 8 RAR.

On 1st November 1970 USAF Chinook helicopters ferried the main body of the Battalion from Kapyong Pad, Nui Dat to the deck of the HMAS SYDNEY for voyage home to Australia. On 12th November l970 the Battalion marched through the City of Brisbane.

31st October 1973 8 RAR was linked 9 RAR to form the new battalion 8/9 RAR.

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‘Porky Seven’

VIETNAM 1967-68

In April 1967 the Battalion moved to Vietnam on board HMAS SYDNEY and relieved 5 RAR at Ap An Phu on the morning of the 26th April 1967. By the time 7 RAR departed for Vietnam it had developed a distinctive character forged in the isolation of Puckapunyal.

Much of 7 RAR’s distinctiveness came from the high number of National Servicemen within the ranks. This situation not only brought the average age of the Battalion down to 22 years but also resulted in many platoons and sections being led by newly commissioned and newly promoted National   Servicemen.

During the following 12 months the unit was engaged in 30 Battalion sized or larger operations, had many contacts with the enemy and fought six major engagements.

7 RAR on the 4th August 1967 went on the offensive south west of Nui Dat with Operation Ballarat. The Battalion entered its area of operations (AO) on foot carrying five days rations. With stealth it caught the enemy by surprise and there were several contacts. One turned into a savage four hour battle between ‘A’ Company and the forward company and reconnaissance platoon of 3rd Battalion of 274th Viet Cong (VC) Regiment that was moving through the area. The Battle of Soui Chau Pha ended with six Australians killed and 19 wounded. 10 bodies of VC were recovered and it was estimated that a further 200 casualties had been caused to the VC Battalion under the weight of artillery, mortar and airstrikes.

The Battalion’s first operational tour culminated with Operation Coburg in February/March 1968 when the enemy TET Offensive threatened the Bien   Hoa complex.

On 9th April 1968 7 RAR was relieved and then returned to Australia. During this tour 7 RAR had 16 members killed on active service.

VIETNAM 1970-71

The Battalion advance party commenced the air move to Vietnam on 10th February, 1970. The main body embarked at Garden Island on HMAS SYDNEY on the morning of 16th February and disembarked at Vung Tau   on 27th February moving by road to Nui Dat where the Battalion occupied the same sector it had done two years before.

Operations commenced with Operation Finschafen on 9th March 1970   and continued with all or most of the Battalion involved in the field until   Operation Phoi Hop which concluded on 21st February 1971. For the first four months operations were in depth away from populated areas and were mounted and controlled from a battalion fire patrol support base (FSPB). These operations were aimed at destroying the enemy in his base areas.

After that, the Horseshoe feature, a few hundred metres north of the village of Dat Do, was occupied by Battalion Headquarters and up to three companies with artillery and armour. This base became the centre of operations for the remainder of the tour with emphasis moving to pacification. Rifle companies often established company sized bases known as Night Defensive Positions (NDP) from which ambushes and patrols were mounted.

The last operation ‘Phoi Hop’ saw a return to depth deployments with sub units well to the north and north-east of Phouc Tuy Province border.

The Battalion returned to Nui Dat on 21st February and embarked for Australia on HMAS SYDNEY at Vung Tau on 25th February 1971.

Sixteen members had been killed in action, 89 wounded and there was a medical death on operations.

7 RAR was linked with 5 RAR at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy on 3^rd December 1973 to form 5/7 RAR.

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VIETNAM 1966-67

Following an intensive period of training for war, the Battalion farewelled Brisbane by a march through the city departed by plane and aboard the HMAS SYDNEY for South Vietnam in May/June 1966. The Battalion arrived in time to celebrate its first birthday at Vung Tau on 6th June before moving forward to join 5 RAR in Phouc Tuy Province and entering service as part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF).

During the period June to August 1966, 6 RAR conducted two major operations. Operation Enoggera was a search and clearance of the previously unsettled village of Long Phouc, and Operation Hobart was a five day search and destroy mission.  The two operations accounted for 36 enemy casualties and the destruction of several camp installations and caches. Operation Hobart also saw the Battalion come in contact with the enemy provincial Mobile Battalion D445 which was subsequently met and defeated at ‘Long Tan’.

Operation Smithfield was opened by a mortar attack on the Task Force area on the night of 16/17 August 1966. ‘B’ Company was initially dispatched to clear the area to the east of the Task Force base. ‘D’ Company took over from ‘B’ Company on 18th August 1966. ‘D’ Company made contact with an enemy force of regimental size and were soon under attack from three sides. The battle was fought into the night under a blanket of mist and heavy monsoonal rain, but ‘D’ Company held its ground with heroism and grim determination. Armoured personnel carriers (APC’s) of 3 Troop, 1st APC Squadron with ‘A’ Company mounted hit the flank of a battalion size force which was forming up to assault the rear of ‘D’ Company inflicting many casualties and forced the enemy from the battlefield. A US Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to ‘D’ Company 6 RAR.

During August 1966 and its departure to Australia in June 1967, 6 RAR took part in seventeen more Battalion operations and supported a number of 5 RAR operations. These operations, along with routine patrolling around the Task Force area, gradually wrested control of the Province from the Viet Cong (VC).

6 RAR accounted for 311 enemy KIA, 616 wounded and captured 13. Twenty-three members of the Battalion received gallantry awards for the tour and 37 gave their lives.

6 RAR handed over the camp to 2 RAR before returning home to a tumultuous welcome in Brisbane.

VIETNAM 1969-70

(6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC BATTALION)

6 RAR embarked on its second tour of active service in South Vietnam on 7th to 9th May 1969 to relieve 4 RAR. Once in Vietnam the Battalion was renamed 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion on 19th may 1969. This reflected the inclusion of the New Zealand component of two rifle companies, two sections of mortars and two assault pioneer sections.

The first Battalion operation was one of the most productive of the tour. Operation Lavarack commenced on 30th May 1969 with the establishment of a fire support and patrol base (FSPB) to the north of Nui Dat. Each company then commenced reconnaissance in force of separate operational areas. By the time the operations ended on 1st July 1969 there had been 85 contacts which cost the enemy 102 KIA and 22 WIA. The Battalion casualties were three dead and 29 wounded.

The third anniversary of the battle of Long Tan was commemorated by a memorial service on the original battle ground during which a large cross was erected on 18th August 1969.

During the tour 15 Battalion operations were conducted. Reflecting the increased control that the Australians exerted over the province, 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) was called on several times to assist in civil community projects and in the training of local government forces. Positive signs of the disintegration of the enemy’s command and supply system were identified and by the end of the tour the enemy were forced to operate in small groups only, and struggle for their very existence.

As an indication of the success of the tour the enemy suffered 60 KIA and 64 WIA and captured 51 as a result of Battalion operations. The Battalion also captured 480 assorted weapons and 13 tonnes of rice.

6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) received 28 gallantry awards for the second tour.

Between April and May 1970 6 RAR returned once more to Long Tan Lines, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville.

Citation for D Company, Sixth Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United   States, I have today awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for extraordinary heroism to D Company, Sixth Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, The Australian Army.

D Company distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force in Vietnam on August 18, 1966.  While searching for Viet Cong in a rubber plantation north-east of Ba Ria, Phuoc Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam, D Company met and immediately became engaged in heavy contact.  As the battle developed, it became apparent that the men of D Company were facing a numerically superior force. The platoons of D Company were surrounded and attached on all sides by an estimated reinforced enemy battalion using automatic weapons, small arms and mortars.  Fighting courageously against a well armed and determined foe, the men of D Company maintained their formations in a common perimeter defence and inflicted heavy casualties upon the Viet Cong.  The enemy maintained a continuous, intense volume of fire and attacked repeatedly from all directions. Each successive assault was repulsed by the courageous Australians.  Heavy rainfall and a low ceiling prevented any friendly close air support during the battle.

After three hours of savage attacks, having failed to penetrate the Australian lines, the enemy withdrew from the battlefield carrying many dead and wounded, and leaving 245 Viet Cong dead forward of the defence position of D Company.

The conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity and indomitable courage of D Company were in the highest tradition of military valour and reflect great credit upon D Company and the Australian Army.

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‘The Tiger Battalion’

VIETNAM 1966-67

In 1966, the Australian Government announced that 5 RAR was to serve in South Vietnam, as one of the two battalions of the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF).

After an intensive training period 5 RAR marched through the streets of Sydney on 21st April 1966 and departed by air and HMAS SYDNEY for South Vietnam. The Battalion had the first National Servicemen ever to serve overseas in a theatre of war.

After landing at Vung Tau beach, in-country training preceded the first operation. In Operation Hardihood, which began on 24th May 1966 5 RAR cleared and secured the area known as Nui Dat, the site of the 1 ATF Base Area. The Battalion was under the command of 173rd Airborne Brigade (US) during this operation.

During the first tour of active service 5 RAR participated on 31 operations. Nine cordon and search operations were also conducted by the Battalion in villages in Phouc Tuy Province, the battalion developing techniques in this type of operation that were to be accepted and used throughout the Australian Army. An additional seven operations of company size were undertaken with 6 RAR.

Awards for gallantry earned in 1966-67 included one DSO, three MCs, two MMs, one BEM and 19 MIDs. Casualties suffered by the Battalion were 25 killed and 79 wounded.

5 RAR established a comfortable base camp in the Ap An Phu rubber plantation at Nui Dat, naming most of the roads after soldiers killed in action.

The Battalion handed the camp over to a 7 RAR before returning to a tumultuous welcome in Sydney on 12th March 1967.

VIETNAM 1969-70

During 1969-70, 5 RAR was faced with a different type of war from that met on the first tour of active service in Vietnam. This year was characterised by continuous battle with North Vietnamese and VC enemy entrenched in bunkers. In excess of 10,000 bunkers were located and destroyed during the year. Some 2,000 of those located had been occupied by an enemy armed with rocket propelled grenades, claymores and AK 47 automatic rifles.

The year was also marked by the ‘mine battle’. Over 100 casualties were suffered by 5 RAR on enemy planted mines, especially M16 in the Dat Do and Long Hai areas.

Almost four months were spent on operations outside of PhoucTuyProvince in Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Binh Tuy. Some of the most successful operations were conducted in the northern Hat Dich area where over 100 enemy main force soldiers, mainly of 274 Regiment, were killed.

Other notable operations were the capture of Military Region 7 HQ in April 1969 in Long Khanh, and the Battle of Binh Ba against a battalion of 33 Regiment in June 1969. ‘D’ Company 5 RAR played a leading role in both of these actions.

Pacification operations were undertaken for one month in June-July 1969 around the town of Dat Do and ‘B’ Company trained an ARVN battalion on the Horseshoe feature in August 1969.

The Battalion killed 353 enemy and captured large quantities of arms. 5 RAR suffered 25 soldiers killed and 250 wounded.

Awards to the Battalion for this period include one DSO, three MCs, two DCMs, three MMs and 10 MIDs.

The Battalion was once again welcomed home by a memorable reception during a march through Sydney on 12th March 1970.

5 RAR was linked with 7 RAR at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy on 3rd December 1973 to form 5/7 RAR.

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‘The Fighting Fourth’

VIETNAM 1968-69

On 13th May 1968 the Battalion advance party moved by air to South Vietnam. The main body arrived on the troop carrier HMAS SYDNEY on 1st June 1968 and relieved 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) at the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) base, Nui Dat, Phouc Tuy Province.

Two Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment Companies, ‘V’ and ‘W’, joined 4 RAR and it became 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion. This union was particularly successful with the Battalion consisting of five rifle companies. Extra Signalmen, Mortar men and Assault Pioneers were also provided.

During its year long tour in South Vietnam the Battalion completed 11 major operations and 5 operations of company size. It also maintained a company group at all times on the Horseshoe feature four miles south-east of Nui Dat.

The scope of operations was widely varied to include offensive reconnaissance’s in force, defensive operations (mainly in the Long Binh-Binh Hoa area), destruction of enemy assets and pacification and food denial operations.

During the tour of duty, over 200 enemy were killed for the loss of nineteen 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) battalion soldiers killed.

The Battalion returned home to Australia and was welcomed by a memorable reception during a march through the city of Brisbane.

VIETNAM 1971-72

The Battalion’s advance party departed on 30th April 1971 for the unit’s second tour of Vietnam. The New Zealanders had joined the advance party at Nui Dat in early May 1971, having come from Singapore. The main body arrived on 22nd May 1971 and operations began soon after the Battalion concentrated at Nui Dat. The Battalion relieved 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) at midnight on 23rd May 1971.

4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) after a week settling in moved to the ‘bush’ for the remaining seven and a half months of its tour. This meant the soldiers spent their tour entirely on operations during the monsoon season.

The ANZAC Battalion conducted nine operations against their main targets, the 247 Viet Cong (VC) Main Force Regiment and the 33rd North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment. The Battalion received excellent support from all other arms and services during operations.

4 RAR was the last battalion to leave South Vietnam and for two months it was the only battalion left in the theatre of operations. It was actively engaged on operations until 9th December 1971 when the Battalion group less ‘D’ Company departed for Townsville on the troop carrier HMAS SYDNEY. ‘D’ Company remained providing security for the 1 ATF administrative units until being withdrawn on the 12th March 1972 to Townsville.

The Battalion killed 91 enemy and captured 5 for the loss of eight 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) soldiers.

On 15th August 1973, 4 RAR linked with 2 RAR to form 2/4 RAR.

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‘Old Faithful’

VIETNAM 1967-68

The main body of the Battalion arrived Nui Dat on 27th December 1967.

3 RAR became the third battalion of the Task Force necessitating an extensive building programme to establish a further base camp in the south-eastern extremity of the base.
A short period of acclimatization allowed 3 RAR to feel its way in the theatre and to familiarise itself with the operational techniques of the Americans and Vietnamese. 3 RAR’s first operation against the Viet Cong (VC) began at the start of the TET Offensive.
Subsequent operations were undertaken in and out of Phouc Tuy Province. The Battalion was employed on mine clearing, counter mortar and rocket tasks and on reconnaissance-in-force operations.
During the 25th and 28th May 1968 3 RAR, while in a battalion defensive position, withstood two determined assaults by regimental sized units of the North Vietnamese Army at fire support patrol base (FSPB) Balmoral.
While in Vietnam 3 RAR once again formed many close ties with supporting arms and services and the RAAF. The Battalion was proud to be associated with 161 Field Battery of the Royal New Zealand Army (RNZA), a 105mm howitzer battery of 16 Field Regiment which supported 3 RAR during the Battle of Kapyong in Korea in April 1951.
The Battalions tour in South   Vietnam was the first time National Servicemen had served with 3 RAR on active service. Their devotion to duty was in the highest traditions of the Australian Army and helped to maintain the proud reputation and espirit de corps of ‘Old Faithful’.
The Battalion’s casualties were 24 KIA and 93 WIA.
3 RAR embarked on the HMAS SYDNEY on 20th November 1968 and returned to Adelaide on 2nd December 1968.

VIETNAM 1971

1971 saw 3 RAR return for its second tour of duty on active service in South   Vietnam. On 12th February 1971 the advance party moved by air to South   Vietnam followed by the main body on 16th February 1971.
Although operations were undertaken by the Battalion in and out of Phouc Tuy Province, the main emphasis was placed on operations east and north-east of Nui Dat to prevent enemy infiltrations and attacks around the Xuyen Moc District. During this time 3 RAR had a number of day long bunker contacts with D445 VC battalion and local guerrilla forces.
On 6th – 7th June in southern Long Khanh Province the Battalion located and attacked an extensive bunker complex occupied by 3rd Battalion, 33rd North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment. After a long battle involving artillery, armour, Australian and American helicopter gunships, the complex was found to contain 47 bunkers as well as training areas and kitchens.
In August 1971 the then Prime Minister of Australia announced the withdrawal of 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) combat troops from South Vietnam.
Although 3 RAR’s second tour of active service in South Vietnam was only eight months in duration, the Battalion completed many successful operations against the enemy.
Following a commemorative service and farewell parade on 5th October 1971 the Battalion sailed for Port Adelaide, South Australia on 6th October 1971.
During 3 RAR’s tour on active service in South Vietnam in 1971, four soldiers were killed in action.

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    © Ross E Smith Memorabilia – PO Box 353 ERINDALE ACT   2903 Ph: 02/6292 1266 – reproduced on this site with the kind permission of the   author. All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be   reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,  including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval  system, without prior permission in writing from the author.

‘Second To None’

 VIETNAM 1967/68

2 RAR embarked for operational service in South Vietnam on 19th May 1967. The unit sailed on HMAS SYDNEY to relieve 6 RAR serving with the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) at Nui Dat in Phouc Tuy Province.

During this tour of duty two companies of New Zealand Infantry were placed under command and 2 RAR became an ANZAC Battalion. This would be the first time in the history of the RAR that there had been an official integration of the Australian and New Zealand infantry soldiers working side by side under one name with one purpose. To the Battalion this was an injection of the live ANZAC spirit and a chance to enhance the ANZAC tradition which was known so well.

The soldiers of 2RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion took part in twenty-three operations in Phouc Tuy and Bien Hoa provinces and maintained constant patrols and ambushes throughout the area of operation. Nine of these operations were conducted wholly by the ANZAC Battalion. Others were staged with 3 RAR, 7 RAR with armour, artillery, engineer, Army aviation and SASR support.

The Battalion’s most successful operation was Operation Coburg that took place in the area of the border between Bien Hoa Province and Long Khan Province north-west of Phouc Tuy Province. This was a Task Force operation, the first in strength outside Phouc Tuy Province. The Task Force relieved the 199th Infantry Brigade (US) with the aim of denying the Viet Cong (VC) access to the area and sites from which they could direct rocket fire into the huge American bases at Long Binh and Bien Hoa.

During the operation the enemy launched the ‘TET’ offensive and the   number of contacts with the enemy rose sharply and instead of local force VC the unit began to meet well trained main force troops of 274th VC Regiment, 91 VC or North Vietnamese were killed and over 80 weapons captured.

In this first tour the ANZAC Battalion killed 187 enemy, inflicted a further 60 confirmed WIA casualties, captured 12 prisoners and 190 weapons.

The Australian and New Zealanders had 28 soldiers killed during the tour.

4 RAR relieved the Battalion on 1st June 1968. On its return from Vietnam on 13th June 1968 the Battalion again occupied an area of Enoggera Barracks prior to establishing itself at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville in June 1969.

VIETNAM 1970-71

On 15th May 1970 2 RAR officially relieved 6 RAR and resumed the title of ANZAC Battalion with the New Zealanders again under command. The Battalion arrived with three rifle companies ‘A, B and C’. ‘W’ Company Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR), already halfway through its tour, and ‘V’ Company arrived from Singapore in May, completed the five-company ANZAC Battalion. ‘Support’ Company was augmented by two New Zealand mortar sections, two pioneer sections and a Kiwi Second in Command.

‘W’ Company had the first contact of the 1970/71 tour. In the next ten days ‘W’ Company not only proved the enemy’s presence in the Battalions area of operation (AO) in four contacts and finding many recently occupied camps and bunkers, but killed three enemy.

On 26th May the unit moved out on Operation Capricorn and this operation was to be the only true ‘battalion operation’ of the tour. All five rifle companies were deployed together with the single task to locate and destroy the enemy.

Operation Cung Chung gave the Battalion new tasks of preventing the enemy gaining access to the principal villages along Route 15 and upgrading the standard of training and operational capability of the regional Forces in the   area and working with them and the National Police.

In September 1970, the Australian and New Zealand government’s decision to reduce 1 ATF by one infantry battalion and not to replace the second NZ rifle company when ‘W’ Company returned to Singapore.

D445 Local Force Battalion now began a slow movement south into Phouc   Tuy Province from its sanctuary in the Mat Toa Hills. Its movements and the contacts which resulted from them were concentrated in the east of the province where 3 RAR had recently commenced operations. Late in March ‘A’ Company was placed under operational control of 3 RAR. On 31st March 1 Platoon ‘A’ Company engaged an estimated two companied of D445 Battalion in the Tan Ru area of Xuyen Moc. The contact lasted about four hours. As a result of the identification of the main body of D445, joint operations with 3 RAR continued during April north of Binh Gia and east of Route 2. Later intelligence indicated that D445 had withdrawn north carrying its wounded.

The Battalion’s last operation ‘Final Fling’ in May 1971 returned the unit to the  Nui Dinh and Nui Thi Vai Hills. This final month of operations saw only one   contact with the enemy, though the fresh tracks and installations located   confirmed that both D445 local Force Battalion and 3rd Battalion 33 NVA Regiment were still active in the north and north-east of the province.

On 22nd May 1971 the Battalion handed over operational responsibility for the area of operations to 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion.

2RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion in its final tour of duty in South Vietnam killed 110 and captured 23 enemy and lost 13 killed and 68 wounded in action.

On 15th August 1973, 2 RAR was linked with 4 RAR to form 2/4 RAR

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© Ross E Smith Memorabilia – PO Box 353 ERINDALE ACT 2903 Ph: 02/6292 1266 – reproduced on this site with the kind permission of the author. All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the author.

‘The Big Blue One’

VIETNAM 1965-66

The Battalion based at Holsworthy was warned in March 1965 for service in South Vietnam and after a rapid preparation departed by charter aircraft and HMAS SYDNEY.

After concentration at the Bien Hoa air base in early June 1965the Battalion was placed under command of the 173rd US Airborne Brigade (Separate) and formed part of the perimeter for the defence of the base. This period saw intensive training with helicopters and armoured personnel carriers (APC) and also patrolling with the US troops.

On the 25/26 June the Battalion carried out the first of many successful operations against the Viet Cong (VC) and afterwards in conjunction with the remainder of the Brigade conducted operations in such well known areas as ‘War Zone D’, ‘Ben Cat’, ‘The Iron Triangle’ and other notorious VC areas.

New Years Day 1966 saw the Battalion open Operation Marauder in the ‘Plain of Reeds’ then from there to Operation Crimp where it was the first unit to air assault into the ‘Ho Bo Woods’. It was later found that the Battalion had in fact landed on the top of the underground HQ of the VC Military Region 4. Many weapons and some 100,000 pages of documents were found in the tunnel complex which was the deepest and most elaborate found up to that time.

Until April 1966 operations continued and included two with the US 1st Infantry Division, better known as the ‘Big Red One’.

In June 1966 1 RAR returned to Australia by air and was given a tremendous ticker-tape welcome as they marched through the streets of Sydney.

The result of the years operations during the tour were 128 VC KIA plus a large number of WIA and PW with own casualties being 23 KIA and 130 WIA. Decorations for the period were two DSOs, nine MMs and seven MIDs. (See footnote.)

VIETNAM 1968-69

After vigorous training in the Holsworthy area the 1 RAR advance party departed Sydney for Vietnam on the 17th March 1968. The main body, including 130 members who had previously served in Vietnam, sailed on the HMAS SYDNEY arriving at Nui Dat on 9th April 1968 to relieve 7 RAR.

On 3rd May 1968, after two short operations the Battalion commenced Operation Toan Thang. Initially deployment was in the LongKhanProvince with a later move to fire support patrol base (FSPB) Coral. Following a probing attack estimated at battalion strength, ‘Coral’ was attacked on 16th May by a Regiment later identified as the 141 North Vietnam Regiment. Fierce fighting by the gunners of 102 Field Regiment and 1 RAR repelled the attack, ‘Toan Thang’ produced 162 KIA.

Between July and September, several operations were carried out including sweeps through the Hat Dich, Tua Tich and Baria areas.

Between 28th September – 12 October the Battalion once again deployed into the Hat Dich area. Operation Windsor was followed by Operation Capitol a giant allied sweep through the north-west of Phouc Tuy Province near the Mao Tao mountains.

Besides other major operations, 1 RAR conducted village cordon and searches, convoy escort, FSPB protection, land clearing protection, extensive TAOR patrolling and company size operations.

The Battalion returned home and marched through the streets of Sydney on 28th February 1969. During its tour of duty, 1 RAR had accounted for 276 VC KIA, and the destruction of numerous bunker complexes and caches, for the loss of 31 KIA and 165 WIA.

FOOTNOTE: In July 1991, 1 RAR on a parade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, attended by many ex members of the Battalion’s first tour of duty, was awarded the US Army Meritorious Unit Commendation for service with 173rd Airborne Bde (Separate) US Army 1965-66, the citation reads:

Citation for The First Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Group

By the direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to the 1st BATTALION, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT GROUP for exceptionally meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding service:

The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, distinguished itself in the conduct of military operation in the Republic of Vietnam from 5 May 1965 to 16 May 1966 while attached to the 173rd  Airborne Brigade (Separate) of the United States Army.  As the first ground combat unit in-country, the 173rd Airborne Brigade and its assigned and attached units conducted extensive combat manoeuvres in the Bien Hoa area and in the Viet Cong strongholds of War Zone D and the Iron Triangle during the period 5 May 1965 to 4 May 1967.  In every confrontation  with the stubborn insurgents, the 173rd Airborne Brigade displayed marked aggressiveness which enabled them to neutralize      enemy strongholds and capture thousands of logistical items.  In addition to remarkable skill and tenacity in combat, the sky soldiers of the brigade carried on an extensive civic action program characterised by sincere compassion for the suppressed local populace.  During each of  the brigade’s combat operations, the sky soldiers immeasurably aided the allied counterinsurgency effort by winning the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people.  The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade are in keeping with the highest traditions  of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon themselves, the Armed Forces of the United States, and the Armed Forces of Australia and New Zealand.

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Who Dares Wins

Ho Tram Cape area, South Vietnam. 1971. With sweat bands around their foreheads and faces painted for camouflage, trooper G. D. Smith (left) and Sergeant Frank O’Farrell (right) both members of a SAS ten-man fighting ambush patrol moving through typical jungle vegetation. Note the M16 rifle carried by Trooper Smith has a modified flash suppressor and an XM148 grenade launcher fitted under the barrel. Ten-man fighting patrols were usually made up by combining two five-man reconnaissance patrols. This fighting patrol was made up   of No. 25 patrol and another patrol from ‘F’ troop, 2 Squadron. (donor D. Barnby)

   The Special Air Service SAS

 3 SAS Squadron arrived in Vietnam in April 1966 and thereafter the three SAS sabre squadrons rotated yearly until the withdrawal of 2 SAS Squadron in October 1971. (4 SAS Squadron, raised in 1965, was disbanded to provide reinforcements for the other three squadrons soon afterwards. On 31 August 1966, approval was given for SAS Regiment’s new establishment of three sabre squadrons, a base squadron and a signals squadron.) As with the ANZAC battalions, 1 and 2 SAS Squadrons had a New Zealand troop integrated with them in Vietnam. The traditional role of the SAS was long range reconnaissance   patrols (LRRP), acting as the ears and eyes of the task force with deep penetration into the enemy’s sanctuaries to collect such battle intelligence as enemy unit identifications, strengths and capabilities, movements and intentions. Sometimes “snatch” patrols were mounted with the intention of capturing a prisoner for interrogation. Operating in four and five man patrols,   the intention was to see without being seen but they frequently clashed with the enemy and had to fight their way out. Many of their extractions were “hard”, carried out under fire. Soon they were being used for offensive purposes, setting ambushes and harassing the enemy in his base areas. 1 ATE commander, Brig Hughes (October 1967 to October 1968) explained,

         “The kill rate achieved by the SAS was very gratifying… I did not view the SAS as an intelligence gathering organisation, rather as a reaction force to intelligence gathered by other means”.

Based on top of the Nui Dat feature which became known as “SAS Hill”, the SAS Squadrons built up a formidable reputation, both in providing accurate information and accumulating an impressive list of kills. SAS personnel also served with distinction with AATTV throughout the period it served in Vietnam, the most notable perhaps being Warrant Officer Ray Simpson VC, DCM. The majority of SAS with A1TV worked within the US 5th Special Forces sphere with Mobile   Strike Forces or with Provincial Reconnaissance Units (PRU). With the reversion of AATTV to the training role, SAS personnel instructed with the LRRP wing at the JWTC in Phuoc Tuy Province.

During the period of just over five years, some 580 SAS Soldiers served in Vietnam. They conducted 1175 patrols (not including 130 by the NZ SAS) the majority being reconnaissance, recce-ambush and ambush patrols. Their service in Vietnam reinforced their reputation as an elite unit of the Australian Army.

Thanks to the Digger History Group

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