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Period: to
Vietnam War
This is the timespan of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War -
Plans to send Military Advisors
The Minister for Defence (Reginald Townley) announces intention to send 30 army advisers to South Vietnam (SVN). -
Training Units Lands In Vietnam
The first members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrive in South Vietnam. -
First Soldier Dies in Vietnam
Advisor, Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation. -
Vietnam PM assassinated
Vietnam's President Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu are murdered in a military coup, with the foreknowledge of the US Government. -
First Aussie killed by enemy
Warrant Officer Class 2, Kevin Conway becomes the first Australian to die as a result of enemy action in South Vietnam. -
Aussie army increased using conscription
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. Opposition to the war in Vietnam is not accepted as a reason for exemption. -
First Aussie Soldiers Land In Vietnam
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. -
Aussie army arrives in Vietnam
HMAS Sydney arrives at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, carrying the bulk of the Australian force. -
Public Votes To Continue The War
A Morgan Gallup Poll finds 56% of those polled were in favour of continuing the war in Vietnam. -
Protest Outbreaks In Sydney
A demonstration against the war in Sydney results in 65 arrests. -
Harold Holt becomes PM
Harold Holt succeeds Menzies as Prime Minister. -
Battle Of Long Tan
D 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. The Company earns the US Presidential Citation. -
Public votes to continue the war
Morgan Gallup Poll finds 62% in favour of continuing the war in Vietnam. -
Harold Holt Dies
Prime Minister Harold Holt missing, presumed drowned off Portsea in Victoria. His body is never recovered. -
No more troops to Vietnam
Prime Minister Gorton indicates that Australia will not increase its commitment to Vietnam. -
Civilian Massacre
Massacre of civilians by US soldiers at My Lai village. At least 450 unarmed people are killed. -
Public wants war to end
Morgan Gallup Poll finds 55% want Australians brought home from Vietnam. -
Bulk of Aussie Army withdrawn
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. -
War Ends
USA and North Vietnam sign a peace agreement. -
End Of Conscription
Conscription ends, draft resisters are released from jail and pending prosecutions for draft resistance are dropped. -
Last troops are withdrawn
4 RAR moves out of Nui Dat to Vung Tau, ending Australian combat operations in Phuoc Tuy province.
