Vietnam War MemorialPrint Page 
An Iroquois UH1 helicopter commemorates the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force members who served on operations in the Vietnam War in these aircraft.
The plaque states that the Royal Australian Navy (R.A.N.) pilots were attached to 9 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F.). This is incorrect as the Royal Australian Navy (R.A.N.) pilots were assigned to the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), which was attached to the US Army 135 Assault Helicopter Company between October 1967 and June 1971.
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
| Address: | Beach Street, Woolgoolga Diggers Club, Woolgoolga, 2456 |
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| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -30.111297 Long: 153.195282 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Technology |
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| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | Vietnam |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 03-August-1962 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 29-April-1975 |
| Link: | http://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw… |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 29th September, 2001 |
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Iroquois UH1 helicopter
This memorial is in recognition of the invaluable assistance given by the Iroquois to the men of the Australian Defence Forces during the Vietnam conflict. Especially in remembrance of those RAN crewmen killed in action : Lt Cdr Patrick Vickers, Lt Anthony Casadio, Sub Lt Anthony Heulin, POACM Cedric O`Brien, LACM Noel Schipp and the following members of RAAF 9 Squadron : Flt Lt Everett Lance, F/O Ronald Betts, Cpl David Dubber, LAC Alan Bloxsom.
The RAAF acquired eight UH-1B Huey helicopters in 1961 and these formed the basis for the RAAF 9 Squadron that operated in Vietnam. It was appropriate that in 1966 RAN (sic) personnel were attached to 9 Squadron for it began its life in 1925 as 101 Flight attached to the RAN. The ANZAC tradition was continued with the RNZAF personnel attached to the Squadron from 1967 to 1971.
9 Squadron`s role was to support the First Australian Task Force (1ATF) to seek out and destroy the Viet Cong. 1ATF consisted on infantry battalions plus support troops - engineers, signals, artillery, armoured and medical. The Huey`s task in Vietnam was the insertion and recovery of troops, delivery of supplies, as "gunships" and in the medivac role ; many soldiers, not only Australia, owe their lives to the bravery of the Huey crews.
The characteristic "whap-whap" sound of the Huey is fondly remembered by those who depended upon it for survival. In all over 78 Distinguished Flying Crosses were awarded plus many MIDs.
Although helicopters were in use towards the end of WWII it was the Vietnam conflict that saw the newer, faster helicopters being used fully as multi-role aircraft. This particular helicopter, a UH-1H, is on permanent loan from the United States Government to whom we are most grateful. This one was built in 1974 and saw service in the Gulf War. The RAAF flew various models in Vietnam, the UH1B and 1D with this the 1H being flown from 1968. It had a range of 500km, a top speed of 200kph, a 1400 shp engine but most importantly could carry six litters plus medical crew. Althought the Huey remained in production until 1980 the RAAF replaced its Hueys in 1976.
Dedicated to those who served on operations with this type of aircraft
Dedicated on 29 - 9 - 01 by Mr Garry Nehl M.P. Federal Member for Cowper
Deputy Speaker of the House of Represenatatives
J. H. Roche Chairman Memorial Committee
C. McKenzie President RSL Sub-Branch
T. Goldthorpe President RSL Club Ltd
