It was the second and, hopefully, last conscription war in Australia. Australia committed nine battalions to the war between 1966 and 1972. The 2nd, 4th and 6th Battalions were “Anzac” Battalions integrating with New Zealand Regiment “Victor” and “Whisky” Company.
Total casualties were nearly 6 million, of which 521 were Australian military personnel killed, with nearly 2,500 wounded. Australian Infantry soldiers saw an average of 314 days in combat areas in one year. In WWII the average combat time was 40 days in four years. The average age of a World War II soldier was 26 years. The average age in Vietnam was 22 years.
The war in Vietnam defined my generation. Every casual meeting seemed to skirt around the “for” or “against” question and friendships foundered on it. I marched against it. My friend's brother was conscripted and died in action. His father fled Australia for New Zealand in case another son met the same fate. Others volunteered and served. Over 18,000 National Servicemen saw service in Vietnam. None were unscathed.
We're older now. More inclined to understand. Less inclined to judge.
These are the stories of people from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai who experienced the war in Vietnam first hand. Many now live their lives supporting and helping others.
Produced with the support of the Community Broadcasting Foundation and the co-operation of the Hornsby RSL Sub-branch, and the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association of Australia.
To listen to these incredible interviews , hearing the history from individuals who lived through the events - click - Vietnam Veterans
Credits:
Produced by Neil Ashworth.
Original compositions by Clive Lane.
Script consultation by Harry Kolotas.
Subject research and recommendations from Mark Parrott and Lucy Dahill.
Web page by Hugh Mulgrew.
Graphics from an original by Patrick Crawford
Total casualties were nearly 6 million, of which 521 were Australian military personnel killed, with nearly 2,500 wounded. Australian Infantry soldiers saw an average of 314 days in combat areas in one year. In WWII the average combat time was 40 days in four years. The average age of a World War II soldier was 26 years. The average age in Vietnam was 22 years.
The war in Vietnam defined my generation. Every casual meeting seemed to skirt around the “for” or “against” question and friendships foundered on it. I marched against it. My friend's brother was conscripted and died in action. His father fled Australia for New Zealand in case another son met the same fate. Others volunteered and served. Over 18,000 National Servicemen saw service in Vietnam. None were unscathed.
We're older now. More inclined to understand. Less inclined to judge.
These are the stories of people from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai who experienced the war in Vietnam first hand. Many now live their lives supporting and helping others.
Produced with the support of the Community Broadcasting Foundation and the co-operation of the Hornsby RSL Sub-branch, and the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association of Australia.
To listen to these incredible interviews , hearing the history from individuals who lived through the events - click - Vietnam Veterans
Credits:
Produced by Neil Ashworth.
Original compositions by Clive Lane.
Script consultation by Harry Kolotas.
Subject research and recommendations from Mark Parrott and Lucy Dahill.
Web page by Hugh Mulgrew.
Graphics from an original by Patrick Crawford
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