VIETNAM: Australia's Involvement

[Bashabasher]

Why was Australia involved in Vietnam?

where they there to support US/SVA troops?

How much combat did they see?

[Bombardier]

Hi Bashabasher
I think this question will be best answered by our VN vets. (Y)

[John A Silkstone]

Hi Bashadasher,

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War closely paralleled the America's involvement.

Australia was in full support of the American coalition to support South Vietnam and prevent a communist takeover that would affect Australia.

They sent combat troops to South Vietnam, but not on the same scale as America, mostly due to the difference in population size and available military resources. The war became very unpopular and public resentment towards their involvement in the war grew, so troop and resources were cut back.

The main difference however were the Australian combat troops fought in South Vietnam and didn’t rely on artillery or air support, but rather on ground tactical manoeuvres like the NVA and Viet Cong.

The Australians were very good at such tactics and the NVA and Viet Cong respected that. The Viet Cong and NVA would rather confront American troops than Australians. This could be part of the reason why Australians suffered a little more than 6% total casualties compared to American's 10% total casualties during the Vietnam War.

After the war, Australia re-built relations with Vietnam much faster than America and many other countries and Australia account for most of the non-Asian tourists visiting Vietnam until recently.

Silky

[03Fox2/1]

Bashabasher,
I believe that Australia had the same concerns that America did, namely that a communist take-over of South Vietnam was unacceptable and to be resisted at all costs. It was obvious to the allies of South Vietnam, from the beginning, that the war to protect the South Vietnamese independence, was much more than just that. The "Domino Theory" was believed to be correct, if South Vietnam fell to the communists, where would it end ? I think back in the early 60's, most of our political leaders and our military generals saw the Vietnam War as a continuation of the war in Korea and the cold war in Europe. It was no secret that both Russia and China were supporting North Vietnam. Because of the close proximity to Australia, this entire issue was of paramount importance to this nation.
The British and her commonwealth allies had fought a similar war in Malaya, against the communist insurgents after WW II. The Australians had a vested interest in defending South Vietnam and therefore, aligned themselves with us.
I don't know how much combat the Australians saw, but I'm sure they accounted for themselves in the fashion they are well known for. There were not nearly as many Australian troops in Vietnam as American troops, but there were Australian infantry and armor and artillery, with logistical support. Because of this, they probably had more independence and flexability and options then the adverage American combat units. There were also some of the famous Australian SAS commando units assigned to duty in Vietnam. The Aussies were assigned to the south, near Saigon, in Phuoc Tuy Province. They served near and with the US Army, such as the 173rd Airborne Brigade. I believe all helicopter transport and support was provided by the US Army.
I have never read anywhere that the enemy had rather fight US troops, as to Australian troops. The mission of we American combat troops was to find and close with the enemy, commit him to battle and defeat him. We constantly patrolled, in squad, platoon and company size, to find the enemy. If not patrolling, we set up for ambush of the enemy, both day and night. All assets to accomplish this mission were used, if available, and all supporting arms neccessary to defeat the enemy was justified. These same supporting arms were available to our Australian allies, and I'm sure they used them as needed. All of us had the climate and booby traps to contend with.
Just like in America, this war lost public support in Australia, slowly at first and then more vocal and pronounced in later years. I went to Australia in June 1969 for R&R. I found no animosity towards Americans or the war and I stll remember, fondly, the taxi driver refusing my money and the many drinks bought me by total stangers. There was still reverent talk about the Battle of Coral Sea in WW II and it was apparent to me, the Australian people were not only good military allies but also good friends of America. Semper Fi

[Hollis]

I can only echo 03Fox thoughts,

Austrialia is great country and true blue friends of the USA.

[rotorwash]

I've seen this orphan thread hanging out here long enough.

The Aussies had a brigade size element working SE of Saigon until 1973. They provided all of their own engineers, artillery and logistical support including C-130's, Caribous and Hueys with gunships added after 1971. At one time there was a squadron of Centurion tanks attached.

About 50,000 served totally with 423 KIA. One battalion usually had one or two NZ rifle companies attached, the Kiwis also provided some artillery.

About 100 officers and warrant officers were in country working with US SF.

They were highly regarded by US troops, mostly just 'cause we thought they were cool. But beyond that, they were professional volunteers, therefore, highly motivated.

They remained within the confines of their AO for the most part, not moving around like the US units did. The one exception was the RAAF Canberra Sqdn that was stationed at Phan Rang working under the control of the USAF.

We encountered both Aussies and Kiwis at Phan Rang. One of our aircraft returned from Phan Rang with little blue Kiwis and kangaroos stencilled all over it.

We retaliated by creating stencils of dolphins, and, returning to Phan Rang we proceeded to stencil everything in sight a fetching zinc chromate green. It was quite a sight, two separate "hit squads" sneaking gleefully around, incriminated by their colorful trigger fingers.

Regards,

Rotorwash

[Bombardier]

We retaliated by creating stencils of dolphins, and, returning to Phan Rang we proceeded to stencil everything in sight a fetching zinc chromate green. It was quite a sight, two separate "hit squads" sneaking gleefully around, incriminated by their colorful trigger fingers.

Excellent fun
Thanks for the Info RW
solthum ;)