Events

Lance Corporal Robert Slater searches vehicle loads for weapons or explosives at a road block.

Phuoc Tuy Province

The first Australians deployed to Vietnam were members of the Australian Army Training Team who were dispersed…
Troops of 1RAR move through paddy fields as American helicopters fly overhead

Combat

Australians in Vietnam could be involved in several types of combat. Some engagements, such as when naval vessels…
Australian soldiers of the 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, wear American helmets and flak jackets as they stand guard outside the Hotel Canberra in Saigon during the Tet Offensive

The Tet Offensive

A key turning point during the Vietnam War. Viet Cong forces attacked more than 100 towns and cities across South…
Head shot of Private Graham Griffiths

Conscription and the birthday ballot

Over 15,000 Australian National Servicemen served during the Vietnam War. Support for National Service faded after…
Poster - 'HOW MANY YEARS CAN SOME PEOPLE EXIST. BEFORE THEY'RE ALLOWED TO BE FREE? STOP WAR OF INTERVENTION IN VIETNAM’

Public opinion

Australian public opinion about the war in Vietnam moved through several stages over the decade-long involvement. In…
In November 1971, the Australian 4RAR and Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment flags at Nui Dat base were lowered for the last time by New Zealand Regimental Policeman Private Tai Whatu and Australian Regimental Policeman Private John Skennar

Withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam War 1971 to 1973

Australia's Prime Minister announced a gradual withdrawal of armed forces from the Vietnam War on 8 August 1971.…
A nab with his hands clasped in a prayer position standing next to a male soldier.

Aftermath

The conflict in Vietnam ended up engulfing neighbouring Cambodia and Laos.
2 soldiers decorate a small shrub with tinsel

An Australian Christmas while serving in the Vietnam War

Serving overseas was not easy. Special times, such as Christmas, were particularly challenging.

Indigenous content warning

The Department of Veterans' Affairs recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nation Peoples of Australia and acknowledges their continuing spiritual, cultural, social and economic connection to Australia's lands and waters.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images, names and voices of deceased persons.