ANZAC Dawn Service at St Marys

By Stephen tol S her

In conjunction with its traditional AnZAC Day Dawn Service commemorations, the theme for St Marys RSL sub-Branch service this year will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the final withdrawal of Australian combat forces from South Vietnam.

Australian support for South Vietnam at that time was in keeping with the policies of other friendly nations, particularly the United States, in their efforts to stem the spread of communism. Australia’s focus principally was Asia.

South Vietnamese president ngo Dinh Diem repeatedly requested security assistance for his country. In July and August 1962 Australia responded by sending 30 military advisors. These advisors were the original members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, (AATTV) or the Team. All were experienced in jungle warfare, having served in the Malayan Emergency. The average age was thirty five. The Team served in all provinces of the country.

By early 1965 it was clear that South Vietnamese forces could not hold off communist Viet Cong and north Vietnamese Army forces. The US responded by committing 200,000 troops to assist. The US also requested further support from allies. Australia committed a battalion, 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment of 1100 personnel, which was embedded with 173 Airborne Brigade, at Bien Hoa near Saigon (Ho Chi Minh).

In March 1966 Australia increased its commitment to Task Force level of 4500 troops, and included RAAF helicopters, bombers and fighter pilots. national Service conscripts were part of the increased commitment and women were also included as part of the hospital nursing services. The Task Force was assigned security of Phouc Tuy Province. The main base was located at nui Dat, 30km inland, and the support base was on the coast of the South China Sea at Vung Tau. Phouc Tuy consisted of dense jungle, mountainous terrain, mangroves, arable farmland and an extensive coastline on the South China Sea. The population of the province was 100,000. There were significant levels of pro- and anti-government sympathisers, but most were sullenly neutral, just wanting a peaceful life.

In October 1967 the commitment was again increased to 8000, including Royal Australian navy destroyers operating off the coast. The government advised the US that its limit of commitment had been reached.

In June 1969 the US announced a policy of “Vietnamisation” of the war, and began a reduction of its forces in the country. Australia responded in kind and began its programme of withdrawal as well.

In October 1970 8RAR was not replaced when its tour of duty ended, but AATTV was increased to 200. In 1971 Australia withdrew another 1000 personnel, the last major withdrawal. Then in 1972 most remaining troops were withdrawn, except AATTV and an Embassy protection platoon, which was ultimately withdrawn in June 1973. The troopship HMAS Sydney made its twenty third and final voyage.

Finally, in January 1973 the Governor General of Australia announced the cessation of hostilities by Australian forces in South Vietnam and withdrawal was completed. A total of 58721 military personnel, including 182 females served. A total of 523 died as a result of the war and almost 2400 were wounded.

In an effort to recognise and reflect on this significant military commitment over such a protracted period, the St Marys RSL sub-Branch invites you, your family and friends, to join us in the Dawn Service which will commence at 5.00am –though we expect the club carpark to fill before 4.30, from when parking will need to be sought nearby. For further information refer to the St Marys RSL sub-Branch website or email the sub-Branch (St-MarysSB@rslnsw.org.au).