Australia's involvement in the Vietnam war

By john.lardizabal

  • The Minister for Defence (Reginald Townley) announces intention to send 30 army advisers to South Vietnam (SVN).

  • Period: to

    Australias involement in the vietnam war

  • The first members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrive in South Vietnam.

  • The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Menzies) announces introduction of national service to increase the army’s strength from 22,750 to 37,500.

  • The Prime Minister announces the dispatch of an infantry battalion to South Vietnam, with an armoured personnel carrier (APC) troop, a signals troop and a logistic support company.

  • First national service intake begins recruit training.

  • A Morgan Gallup Poll finds 56% of those polled were in favour of continuing the war in Vietnam.

  • Harold Holt succeeds Menzies as Prime Minister.

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

  • John Grey Gorton became Prime Minister.

  • Prime Minister Gorton indicates that Australia will not increase its commitment to Vietnam.

  • Poll finds 55% want Australians brought home from Vietnam.

  • Anti-Vietnam War protesters stage the first moratorium marches in Australian cities (70,000 in Melbourne, and about 120,000 throughout Australia).

  • Prime Minister McMahon announces further cuts in Australian forces in South Vietnam.

  • The Prime Minister announces the bulk of Australian forces in South Vietnam are to be withdrawn.

  • Australia’s military commitment in South Vietnam ends.

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