Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War was driven largely by the rise of communism in Southeast Asia after World War II, and the fear of its spread, which developed in Australia during the 1950s and early 1960s. [4]

From the time of the arrival of the first members of the Team in 1962 over 60,000 Australians, including ground troops and air force and navy personnel, served in Vietnam; 523 died as a result of the war and almost 2,400 were wounded.

In September 1971, Australia had been a part of the Vietnam War for more than nine years. Since the unpopular conflict dragged on, the Australians were preparing to leave Vietnam by reducing their forces like the Americans.

Incorporates maps from both the present day and the Vietnam War era to display details of combat incidents involving Australian and New Zealand troops from the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s.

The National Archives holds a wide range of records which deal with Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. Issues covered include the initial decision to send troops overseas, their eventual recall, the escalation in the numbers, conscription, objectors to the war etc.

Australian military involvement in Vietnam began in August 1962 when 30 training personnel were sent to assist the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN). In June 1963 Sergeant William Hacking became the first Australian serviceman to die in Vietnam, after an accidental weapon discharge.

Sep 18, 2024 · On 29 April 1965 Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced in parliament that Australia would send a battalion of combat troops to Vietnam. The decision was motivated by a desire to strengthen strategic relations with the United States and to halt the spread of communism in South-East Asia.

Feb 23, 2021 · The Vietnam War was the longest twentieth century conflict in which Australians participated; it involved some 60,000 personnel and grew from a limited initial commitment of 30 military advisers in 1962 to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force.

Advisor, Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation. Vietnam's President Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu are murdered in a military coup, with the foreknowledge of …

Australia's war in Vietnam carried on into the early 1970s. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) were all part of Australia's military involvement in Vietnam.