The commander f the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam held the key operational command in Australia's largest military commitment of the Cold War period. Although the Vietnam War has been written on at length, the brigade level of command, held in Vietnam by the commander of 1 ATF, has received comparatively little attention. This is the more remarkable given the Australian Army's recently renewed interest in a "task force' structure and the modern trend away from large scale conventional warfare. australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), command of troops, 1 atf, cold war

Strewn with wonderful character sketches and hilarious anecdotes, Captain Bullen's War is more than just one man's insightful account of the absurdity of war.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), 1st, australia. army. royal australian survey corps., captain john bullen

An accurate, absorbing account of the biggest unit level battle involving Australian forces in Vietnam. This saga in the histor of the modern da ANZACs exemplifies their spirit and indomitable corage, which has made the Australian "Digger" famous the world over.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), 1st, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, australian, battle of coral-balmoral

An accurate, absorbing account of the biggest unit level battle involving Australian forces in Vietnam. This saga in the histor of the modern da ANZACs exemplifies their spirit and indomitable corage, which has made the Australian "Digger" famous the world over.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), 1st, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, australian, battle of coral-balmoral, fire support base, anzac

An accurate, absorbing account of the biggest unit level battle involving Australian forces in Vietnam. This saga in the histor of the modern da ANZACs exemplifies their spirit and indomitable corage, which has made the Australian "Digger" famous the world over.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, australian, battle of coral-balmoral, anzac, digger, fire support base

In 1967, Brigadier Stuart Graham issued the calamitous order: First Australian Task Force would construct an 11 kilometre 'barrier fence and minefield' containing over 20,000 powerful M16 landmines in Phuoc Tuy Province, Southern Vietnam. The purpose of the 'barrier' was to separate and to shield the majority of the population in the south-west province from his enemy's regular forces in the north and east.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), land mines -- phuoc tuy (vietnam : province), m16 landmines, brigadier stuart graham, phuoc tuy province, operation leeton, operation pinaroo, first australian task force

In 1967, Brigadier Stuart Graham issued the calamitous order: First Australian Task Force would construct an 11 kilometre 'barrier fence and minefield' containing over 20,000 powerful M16 landmines in Phuoc Tuy Province, Southern Vietnam. The purpose of the 'barrier' was to separate and to shield the majority of the population in the south-west province from his enemy's regular forces in the north and east.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), land mines -- phuoc tuy (vietnam : province), first australian task force, m16 landmines, phuoc tuy province, brigadier stuart graham, operation leeton, operation pinaroo

In 1967, Brigadier Stuart Graham issued the calamitous order: First Australian Task Force would construct an 11 kilometre 'barrier fence and minefield' containing over 20,000 powerful M16 landmines in Phuoc Tuy Province, Southern Vietnam. The purpose of the 'barrier' was to separate and to shield the majority of the population in the south-west province from his enemy's regular forces in the north and east.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), land mines -- phuoc tuy (vietnam : province), 8rar, 8 rar, operation hammersley, m16 landmines, brigadier stuart graham, operation pinaroo, operation leeton

the Vietnam War, and Australia's part in it, was a major military event, calling for willingness to face death and destruction on the battlefields on the part of those sent there, especially the men of our infantry battalions who formed the spearhead of our forces in Vietnam,australia. australian army. australian task force (vietnam), 1st., vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- participation, australian, counterinsurgency -- vietnam (republic), 5 rar

Report written for the "Australian?" Army Journal. This report describes in some detail the Australian 1st Topographical Survey Troop from its initial formation in Oct 1965 through its deployment to South Vietnam in May 1966 and its Operational activities during 1966/67 in support of the 1st Australian Task Force.A4 booklet, stapled in top left corner. "SSgt Learmonth" written on front cover.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr, 1st topographical survey troop, south vietnam

This is a set of two photographs of Royal Australian Survey Corps and RAAF personnel on survey operations in PNG and possibly Indonesia circa 1975. The identified surveyor - Peter Presser served 20 years in the Australian Regular Army from 1970 to 1990. The UH-1H Iroquois helicopter (serial number partially obscured) appearing in photo 6339.2P was probably A2-379. From 1957 helicopter transport of survey parties revolutionised transport in remote areas. The most common helicopter used by the Royal Australian Survey Corps (RA Svy) up to 1972 was the civilian Bell 47G-2 and the Sioux Light Observation Helicopters (LOH), the Australian Army’s equivalent. These light observation helicopters had a limiting load carrying capacity of up to about 500 pounds. By comparison, one Aerodist team including two people weighed up to 1,500 pounds. After No. 9 Squadron (9SQN) RAAF (Iroquois helicopters) withdrew with the Australian force from Vietnam in December 1971, RAAF supported RA Svy operations with the UH-1H Iroquois helicopter for tasks of transport and resupply of survey teams. The UH-1H was capable of carrying at least three times that of the smaller Bell 47G-2/Sioux LOH helicopter and could also winch personnel and stores into difficult locations. A2-379 crashed killing the aircraft captain (FLTLT Ralph Taylor 9SQN) on impact and seriously injuring four near Wamena, Irian Jaya, Indonesia on survey Operation Cenderawasih 1977 (supporting 2 Fd Svy Sqn – Doppler satellite survey). Source: Royal Australian Survey Corps – Aerodist Years 1964-1975 by Peter Jensen.This is a set of two photographs of Royal Australian Survey Corps and RAAF personnel on survey operations in PNG and possibly Indonesia circa 1975. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Colour, black & white, c1975, Peter Presser undertaking survey observations in PNG with a Wild T2 Theodolite. .2) - Photo, black & white, c1975. Survey operations L to R: unidentified (x2), Peter Presser, unidentified. .1P and .2P – No annotations. royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr

The Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) is a corps of the Australian Army (although the word corps does not appear in their name or on their badge). The RAE is ranked fourth in seniority of the corps of the Australian Army, behind the Staff Cadets, Armoured and Artillery Corps. The Corps was formed by the amalgamation of the various colonial engineer corps of the States and territories of Australia in 1902[2] and since then has served in various conflicts including World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. The Corps has also served on numerous peacekeeping operations and is currently involved in the Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan. The RAE provides combat engineering, construction and other technical support to the Australian Defence Force. One of the main roles of the Corps is to provide mobility and counter mobility capabilities to the Australian Army and its allies. This means enhancing the ability of friendly forces to move while denying movement to enemy forces. In order to provide these capabilities, engineers are required to conduct many tasks including penetrating minefields, locating and disarming booby traps, purifying water and building roads and bridges. The Corps also performs the majority of the Australian Army's demolition tasks and is trained to fight as infantry if needed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_EngineersWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmRoyal Australian Engineers

Andrew John BALSILLIE MBE, JP. Jack as he was known enlisted in the Australian Army near the end of WWII No 31224 age 16 years. He then served in Malaya 1959 - 1961then Vietnam with the rank of Captain with 1st Aust Task Force HQ Light Aid Detachment (LAD) 7.5.1969 - 7.11.1969, HQ Aust Force Vietnam Army component 8.11.1969 - 7.5.1970. He retired with the rank of Major in 1985 after 40 years plus. He was awarded an MBE in 1969 for his services to the Australian War Memorial. Elected to Committee Bendigo RSL 1988 - 1993 with Snr Vice President 1989 - 1993, re-elected 1999 - 2000. Re-elected again in 2002 as Snr Vice President. He was elected to Bendigo City Council 1990 - 1993 serving as Mayor in 1993. .1) Bush hat, floppy, khaki canvas, belonged to Major J BALSILLIE. .2) - .4) Gauze wound dressing in brown cotton pack, 2 rolls per pack. .5) Neck cloth, green cotton..1) Inside hat: Maj J Balsillie. .2) - .4) Labelled: First Field Dressings.headwear, medical dressings

Marra was a refrigerated cargo ship built by Ardrossan Dry Dock & Ship Building Co. in 1955. The first owner was the Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd., Melbourne . 1,396 gross tons. Lbd: 233'2" x 37'8" x 14'9". in May 1965 it was sold to the Australian Army and renamed AS3051 (John Monash) and provided a shuttle service from Australia to Vietnam transporting cargo for the Australian Task Force. In September 1974, it was sold to unknown buyers however prior to that sale, she worked the West Australian coast being used on the Ord River Project under 'Stateships' perhaps under lease. The Clydebuilt shipsite states she was renamed Asian Queen in 1976 , Arabian Victory in 1980 and finally Sea Rose in 1981. The ship was scrapped in May 1984 at Gadani Beach, Pakistan. Lifebuoys are an essential piece of equipment on a ship. Because the name of the ships it belongs to is written on it is often the only memorabilia left from the ship when it is sent to scrapyard.Round buoy decorated in red and yellow sections with the word "Marra Melbourne" painted on the front. There is a rope that is strung through sections of the exterior.In black paint on the front of the buoy: "MARRA MELBOURNE"safety wheel, lifebelt, water wheely, ring buoy, lifering, lifesaver, life donut, life preserver, perry buoy, lifebuoy, lifesaving equipment, rescue, drowning, vietnam war, adelaide steamship, john monash, australian army, life buoy

An Poster, Information Board on 5 RAR. The 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5 RAR) was raised at Holsworthy Barracks NSW on the 1st March 1965 It was the first of nine rotating battalions composed of half regular army and half national servicement (draftees) that were committed to active service in South Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. 5 RAR was the initail infantry element of the first Australian Task Force (1 ATF) Vietnam. the Battalion conducted two tours of duty5 rar, poster, information board, 1 atf, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, viet cong, battle of binh ba, lt col warr, lt col colin khan, military awards, wounded serviceman, r j o'neill, guerrilla warfare

Ill, maps, p.336.non-fictionOn the afternoon of 18 August 1966, just five kilometres from the main Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, a group of Viet Cong soldiers walked into the right flank of Delta Company, 6 RAR. Under a blanket of mist and heavy monsoon rain, amid the mud and shattered rubber trees, a dispersed Company of 108 men held its ground with courage and grim determination against a three-sided attack from a force of 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops. When the battle subsided, 18 Australian soldiers lay dead and 24 had been wounded. Battlefield clearance revealed 245 enemy bodies with captured documents later confirming the count at over 500 enemy killed and 800 wounded. These men were led by a gruff and gusty perfectionist, Major Harry Smith. Now, some 47 years after the battle, Harry tells his story for the first time. But Long Tan is more than just an account of a historic battle. Harry Smith takes his readers on an extraordinary journey - one that ultimately reveals a remarkable cover-up at the highest military and political echelons. Long Tan is also Harry's life story and portrays his many personal battles, from failed marriages to commando-style killing; from a horrific parachute accident through to his modern-day struggles with bureaucracy for recognition for his soldiers. Harry's battles are tempered by his love of sailing, where he has at last found some peace. Long Tan portrays the wrenching, visceral experience of a man who has fought lifelong battles, in a story that he is only now able to tell. Harry can still hear the gunfire and smell the blood spilt at Long Tan. For him, the fight continues. Collapse summary vietnam conflict - australian involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 – battles – long tan

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 1st ATF Artillery Intelligence Officer Sgt Paul Butcher (from Doncaster, Vic) watched by Capt Tony Easton (from Kirribilli, NSW) pound a stake into an impact area of a NVA/VietCong 107mm rocket after an overnight attack by enemy gunners on the 1st ATF Base (29th March 1969).photograph, sgt paul butcher, capt tony eaton, 1st atf base, artillery intelligence officer, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, 107mm rocket, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation was conferred by General Cao Van Vien, Chief of the Joint General Staff, Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam on 24 October 1970, and officially presented to the 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment by Lieutenant General Do Cao Tri, Commander of II Corps and Military Region 3 Vietnam on 29th October 1970. The citation was awarded for "always displaying high morale while co-operating and assisting the Vietnamese people in their struggle against Communism and to defend peace and freedom .. in Military Region III ... Though fighting under the most difficult conditions, the members of the 8th Battalion, 1st Australian Task Force still fought bravely and determinedly and had many glorious victories. Their most remarkable military operations took place in the area of the Long Hai hills... (They also participated ) ... in the civic action programme to assist the local population ( in Military Region 3) to reconstruct their houses, roads, bridges, markets and schools etc. ... thereby bringing great credit to the Royal Australian Armed Forces."2 X paper documents, one in English the other in Vietnamese (mounted with white matt in timber frame). Each has been printed with a decorative blue border, main text in black, official stamp in bottom right corner is red. A blue medal with red and yellow ribbon is printed in centre top of both documents.Republic of Vietnam/ Gallantry Cross/Chief of the General Staff? Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam/ Army Meritorious Commendation/ The 8th Battalion, 1st Australian Task Force/ For the gallantry they displayed under enemy fire./ This Meritorious Commendation ((GALLANTRY CROSS)) is added with (a) palm (leaf)./KBC day 24 month 10 Year 19708rar, koo, arthur koo, citation, gallantry cross, gallantry cross with palm

The first tunnel rats: this is the thrilling, hilarious and inspiring true story of a ragtag band of Aussie Army Engineers who redefined the word heroes...and reinvented larrikin to. Amongst the first Australians to fight in Vietnam, they faced death every day defusing Viet Cong booby traps - then partied all night in a casino they'd built in secret. They led hundreds of American troops to safety, but fought the US military police to a standstill in the bars of South Vietnam. They built the Australian Task Force's base - then sabotaged a headquarters conference, booby trapped showers and blew up a generator rather than kowtow to newly arrived officers.3 field troop royal australian engineers, cpl bob bowtell, tunnel rats, royal australian engineers, 1rar battalion, booby traps, viet cong, australian task force

A black and white photograph - Luscombe Airfield, 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Maj Laurie Doyle OC 161 (Indep) Recce Flight talks with the Commander Australian Force Vietnam Maj Gen Doug Vincent while the US Army Air Lliason Officer Maj Mew stands in the backgroundphotograph, luscombe airfield, 1st atf base, maj laurie doyle, 161 recon flt, maj gen doug vincent, maj mew (us), gibbons collection catalogue, australian force vietnam

A black and white photograph of 1st Australian Task Force Commander (Oct 68 - Sep 69) Brigadier C.M.I. "Sandy" Pearson MC and his Aide 2Lt Paul Coleman Royal Australian Armoured Corps, watch task force Royal Australian Regiment Infantry depart on a helibourne assault to commence operationsphotograph, 1st atf base, brig sandy pearson, 2lt paul coleman, raac, royal australian regiment, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, raac, royal australian army corps

5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Units 1 Australian Task Force Vietnam North Vietnamese Army Viet Cong Place Horseshoe Hill Events Tet Offensive Operation Bondi Battle Honour Binh Ba Commanding Officers Warr, John Arnold Kahn, Colin Nicholas Decorations First tour: 1 DSO; 3 MC; 2 MM; 1 MID and bar; 18 MID; Second tour: 1 DSO; 3 MC; 2 DCM; 1 Medal of Gallantry; 3 MM; 11 MID Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975 References Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Category Unit Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975 Unit hierarchy Australian Army Royal Australian Infantry 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Wooden plaque with 3 separate designs attached.5th Battalion

A VALE notice in the Bulletin on 1 February 2017 about the life of Legatee Colin Bannister. Legatee Bannister was a legatee for 40 years (1976-2016) Colin graduated the RMC Duntroon as an infantry officer and his active service included two year in Malaya with 3RAR in 1957-59 and two tours in South Vietnam, in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team and in 1969 as GS02 (Ops) HQ of 1st Australian Task Force and the Australian Force Vietnam. He attained rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He joined Peninsula Group, Melbourne Legacy in 1976, and served as its president in 1985. He passed away on 17 November 2016.A tribute to a long serving legatee.Bulletin article on the death of Colin Bannister in 2017.vale, colin bannister

A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Thomas Colin Bannister (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1985). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. Colin graduated the RMC Duntroon as an infantry officer and his active service included two year in Malaya with 3RAR in 1957-59 and two tours in South Vietnam, in 1964 with the Australian Army Training Team and in 1969 as GS02 (Ops) HQ of 1st Australian Task Force and the Australian Force Vietnam. He attained rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He joined Peninsula Group, Melbourne Legacy in 1976, and served as its president in 1985. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Colin Bannister a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee Colin Bannister - President 1985.past presidents, colin bannister

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of the drilling for water at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phouc tuy Province. The Engineers prepared to install sealed water pipes to carry ground water to the base water purification works, already under construction. (Circa November 1966)photograph, 1st atf base, engineers, 17 const sqn, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the 1st Australian Task force Commander (Aug 1969 - Jun 1970). Brigadier Stewart Weir MC (centre of the group) inspects a new bridge built by Australian Engineers from the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, South Vietnam.photograph, brig stewart weir, engineers, 1st atf base, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Lt Phil Hills and his team driving a landrover towing a mist generator to decontaminate the village of Long Dien, Phouc Tuy Province. A severe outbreak of Dengue Fever had occurred in the village and the Province Chief had requested assistance.photograph, lt phil hills, 1st australian field hygiene unit, long dien village, phuoc tuy province, dengue fever, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, province chief