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Australia enters the war
Australia sends advisors to South Vietnam to fight -
Sergeant William dies
Advisor, Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation. -
Vietnam president dies
Vietnams president and brother are murdered in a military coupe. -
1st death by enemy action
Warrant Officer Kevin Conway becomes the first Australian to die as a result of enemy action in South Vietnam. -
Introduction of National Service
Sir Robert Menzies announces the introduction of national service to increase the army’s strength from 22,750 to 37,500. -
HMAS Sydney arrives
HMAS Sydney arrives at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, carrying the strength of the Australian force and troops. -
First national service intake begins recruit training.
First national service intake begins recruit training. -
Poll
The Morgan gallop poll showed that 56% of people wanted the war to continue in Vietnam. -
Conscripts introduced
Holt announces the Australian commitment in South Vietnam will be Increased to a 4350-man task force, and will include conscripts. -
New prime minster
Harold Holt succeeds Menzies as Prime Minister -
The battle of Long Tan
The enemy leaves 245 bodies on the battlefield while 17 Australian infantrymen and one APC crewman are killed -
Prime Minister missing
Prime Minister Harold Holt missing, presumed drowned off Portsea in Victoria. His body is never recovered. -
New prime minister
John Grey Gorton new as Prime Minister. -
The Battle of Coral & Balmoral
It began with a heavy enemey attack, to which Australia responded. Australian casualties around stand at 15 killed and 56 wounded while enemy losses are estimated to exceed 100. -
The Battle of Binh Bah
Two groups engage in house to house fighitng. The fighting destroys much of the town -
second poll
Once again the Morgan gallup poll shows that 55% want Australians brought home from Vietnam. -
Ho Chi Minh dies, aged 79
He was the revolutionary leader and president of Vietnam, and his death was a big loss -
moratorium march.
About 100,000 people take part in a second moratorium march. -
last anti-war rallies
Third and last of the big anti-war rallies. About 110,000 demonstrate in State capitals. -
Concription ends
Conscription ends, draft resisters are released from jail and pending prosecutions for draft resistance are dropped. -
USA and North Vietnam sign a peace agreement.
USA and North Vietnam sign a peace agreement. -
Australia exits
Australia’s military commitment in South Vietnam ends, although controversy about the precise end date of the war continues. -
Ceasfire begins
Ceasfire begins -
US leaves
last US troops leave -
Australia closes embassy
Australia closes its embassy in Saigon, completing withdrawal from Vietnam on ANZAC Day. -
End of the War
North Vietnam capture Saigon as the last Americans leave in scenes of panic and confusion.
