Vietnam War History

Korean War begins

Jun 25, 1950

ANZUS treaty signed

Sep 1, 1951

Referendum to ban Communism in Australia

Sep 22, 1951

During the Korean War, the Liberal government of Robert Menzies tried to ban the Communist Party of Australia, first by legislation that was declared invalid by the High Court.

Korean War ends

Jul 27, 1953

Petrov Affiar

Apr 13, 1954

On the night of the 13th of April 1954 Robert Menzies produced his "rabbit.' He spoke to parliment in the last hours of the final session, he made the democratic announcement that Vladimir Petrov would be defecting and providing information about communist spies operation in Australia.

SEATO signed

Sep 8, 1954

Australia sends advisers to Vietnam

May 24, 1962

Australia declares its intentions to send 30 military advisers to South Vietnam

Conscription legislation for 'National Service'[ introduced

Nov 10, 1964

First Australian combat troops arrive South Vietnam

Apr 1, 1965

Prime Minister Holt announces 'All the way with LBJ'

Jul 1, 1966

First Moratorium rallies

May 8, 1970

Last Australians withdrawn from Vietnam War

Dec 1, 1972

Vietnam united under communist rule

Apr 30, 1975