Order of battle of Australian forces during the Vietnam War

Australians arrive at Tan Son Nhut Airport, Saigon

The order of battle of Australian forces during the Vietnam War consisted of a small group of military advisors from 1962, but grew to include an infantry battalion based in Bien Hoa in 1965. This force was then replaced by a two- and later three-battalion task force with supporting arms based at Nui Dat which operated primarily in Phuoc Tuy Province between 1966–71, with logistic elements at Vung Tau. Airforce units committed initially consisted of transport aircraft, but were followed by helicopters and later bombers, while naval forces included destroyers and transport vessels. With the size of Australian forces in Vietnam reaching a peak in early 1968, a drawdown commenced in late 1970, with the bulk withdrawn by early 1972. The last elements returned to Australia in 1973.[1] In total, around 50,000 Australians served during the Vietnam War, including 42,437 members of the Australian Army, 3,310 from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and 4,443 from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF),[2] with casualties including 519 killed and 2,348 wounded.[3][Note 1]

Australian Army

Australian soldier during operations in Phuoc Tuy

Royal Australian Air Force

A two engined jet aircraft in mid-flight, a single bomb is evident on an underwing pylon.
A Canberra bomber from No. 2 Squadron RAAF operating over South Vietnam.

Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Hobart refueling from a United States Navy tanker while operating off Vietnam in 1967

See also

Notes

Footnotes
  1. In Australian Army units the standard tour of duty for units and individuals in Vietnam was 12 months, after which they would be replaced. Rotation was of formed units, with individual reinforcements used to replace casualties.[4]
  2. Redesignated 1 ALSG in 1966 following deployment of 1 ATF.
  3. Redisignated No. 35 Squadron RAAF in 1966.
Citations

References

  • Dennis, Peter; Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin; Bou, Jean (2008). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (Second ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195517849. 
  • Eather, Steve (1995). Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force. Weston Creek, Australian Capital Territory: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-15-3. 
  • Ekins, Ashley; McNeill, Ian (2012). Fighting to the Finish: The Australian Army and the Vietnam War 1968–1975. The Official History of Australia's Involvement in Southeast Asian Conflicts 1948–1975. Volume Nine. St Leonards, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 9781865088242. 
  • Kuring, Ian (2004). Redcoats to Cams: A History of Australian Infantry 1788–2001. Loftus, New South Wales: Australian Military Historical Publications. ISBN 1876439998. 
  • Lyles, Kevin (2004). Vietnam ANZACs – Australian & New Zealand Troops in Vietnam 1962–72. Elite Series 103. Oxford: Osprey. ISBN 1841767026. 
  • Odgers, George (1999). 100 Years of Australians at War. Sydney: Lansdowne. ISBN 1-86302-669-X. 
  • Palazzo, Albert (2006). Australian Military Operations in Vietnam. Australian Army Campaigns Series. 3. Canberra: Army History Unit. ISBN 1876439106. 

Further reading

  • Stanton, Shelby L. (2003). "Australian Army Order of Battle in Vietnam". Vietnam Order of Battle: A Complete Illustrated Reference to U.S. Army and Allied Ground and Support Forces in Vietnam, 1961–1973. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. pp. 268–269. ISBN 9780811700719. 
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