Australia in the Vietnam War

  • The first to come in south Veitnam

    The first to come in south Veitnam
    The first members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrive in South Vietnam.
  • Sergeant William Hacking was the first Australian to die in Vietnam

    Advisor, Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation.
  • Australian government request from the US for additional advisors

    Australian Government, responding to requests from the US President and South Vietnam Prime Minister for 200 additional advisers, offers to send ground troops to South Vietnam.
  • Australian goverment approves

    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.
  • The battle of Long Tan

    The battle of Long Tan, 17 Australian men died in the battle and the enemy leaves 245 bodies on the battlefield
  • Australia bringing more men in into vietnam

    The Prime Minister announces an increase of 1700 to Australia’s commitment in South Vietnam, including a third infantry battalion and a tank squadron.
  • 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 Bah

    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 Anti-Vietnam Protestors

    Anti-Vietnam War protesters stage the first moratorium marches in Australian cities (70,000 in Melbourne, and about 120,000 throughout Australia)
  • Prime MInister McMahan announces further cut from vietnam

    Prime Minister McMahon announces further cuts in Australian forces in South Vietnam, including withdrawal of the tank squadron, RAAF Canberra bomber squadron and some Caribou transport aircraft
  • the complete withdrawal of australian troops in saigon

    Australia closes its embassy in Saigon, completing withdrawal from Vietnam on ANZAC Day.