1st Battalion, Royal Australian RegimentPrint Page

The monument commemorates those served in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) in the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1966.  The monument was originally located at the Holsworthy Military Base in New South Wales.

1 RAR was based at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney and arrived in Vietnam throughout March-June, 1965. It was deployed to the United States Bien Hoa Air Base in Bien Hoa province. It was the third infantry battalion attached to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade (Paratroopers). Initially, 1RAR was restricted to security operations defending the airbase. However, in September 1965, the Australian government lifted these restrictions, and 1RAR was able to be fully employed as a manoeuvre battalion. It participated in search and destroy missions, patrolling and security operations. 1RAR was relieved by the First Australian Task Force (1ATF) during May-June 1966. It returned to Australia in June 1966.

1 RAR returned to Vietnam for a second tour, relieving 7RAR on 9 April 1968. It was based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy province, and was primarily involved in patrols, searches, reconnaissance and security operations.

Australia's military involvement in the Vietnam War began with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962.  Australia's participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.

However, the end-date of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War has officially been amended to 29 April 1975 to reflect Australia’s further involvement in the war during the fall of Saigon in 1975.  The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra now recognise this new date.

Location

Details

Dedication