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Reaffirmed support
On the 2nd of September, South Vietnam's President Ngo Dinh Diem visits Australia. Prime Minister Menzies reaffirms support from our counrty. This greatly strengthened relationships between Australia and South Vietnam. -
First Arrival
The first members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrive in South Vietnam. This was significance since it was the first time Australia had sent troops to go to vietnam. -
National services
Prime Minister 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. -
Harold Holt
As the result of the election, Harold Holt takes over Menzies as Prime Minister on Australia Day. He was the 17th Primeminister of Australia. -
Battle of Long Tan
D Company, 6 RAR, strength of 108 men, battles aNorth Vietnam Army force of an estimate of 1500-2500 men. The Australians held their own for hours until reinforcements arrived. The company was outnumbered 20 to 1. -
Search for Harold Holt
On the early morning of Sunday the 7th of Dec, Harold Holt goes out to Port Phillip bay with his mates and his two body guards. Although surf conditions were rough and despite his friends' advice, he went for a swim. Harold then dissapeared from sight. The search for him quickly esculated into Australia's largest search operation in history. Sadly after 2 days searching, he was presumed dead. -
The Moratorium
On this day, tens of thousands of Australian protester marched the streets argueing that 'our troops' should come home from vietnam. Even with a serious issue being protested, there were no arrests. It demonstrated a peaceful march with no voilence. -
2nd Moratorium
This was the second but smaller moratorium in Australia. Although it was smaller compared to the first moratorium, this one was more violent. There were more than 200 arrests in Sydney alone! -
Air Unit 2
December 1972 they became the last Australian troops to come home, with their unit having seen continuous service in South Vietnam for ten and a half years.