Description

Title: 3 RAR IN SOUTH VIETNAM 1967 – 1968. A Record of the Operational Service of the Third Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in South Vietnam 12th December 1967 – 20th November 1968

Author: Major Stuart, R F

Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition

Publication Date: 1968

ISBN: N/A

Cover: Hard Cover without Dust Jacket – 104 pages

Comments: The history of the 3rd Battalion (The Royal Australian Regiment) in Vietnam 1967 to 1968. Has a plastic jacket now to protect from further wear and tear.

3RAR was stationed at Woodside in South Australia when it was committed to the Vietnam War. It arrived in South Vietnam throughout December, 1967. Its arrival brought the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) up to three-battalion strength.

On 29 January, C Company was placed under the command of 7RAR for Operation Coburg (24 January – 1 March 1968). The operation was carried out on the Bien Hoa–Long Khanh border. C Company rejoined 3RAR on February 10, when the battalion relieved 7RAR. 3RAR was joined by W1 Company, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR), from 2RAR for the remainder of the operation. It returned to Nui Dat on 1 March.

3RAR next operated outside of Phuoc Tuy during Operation Toan Thang (21 April – 7 June). Toan Thang aimed to block the communist withdrawal following the Tet Offensive. 3RAR was stationed on the Bien Hoa–Bien Nuong border. On 13 May it occupied Fire Support Base Coogee, before moving 5 kilometres north on 24 May to establish Fire Support Base Balmoral. The first attack on Balmoral occurred on 26 May. A second attack took place on 28 May. In both attacks the position was mortared before a ground assault began. Both attacks were repulsed. On 5 June the battalion withdrew from Balmoral and returned to Nui Dat.

During the follow-up operation, Toan-Thang II (3–18 July), the battalion moved to the Bien Hoa–Long Khanh border. This was followed by Operation Merino (18–24 July), which took place further south in the same province. The battalion returned to Nui Dat after Merino was completed.

3RAR continued to patrol Phuoc Tuy province. It was relieved by 9RAR in November 1968. The battalion returned to Woodside, South Australia.

Includes Nominal Roll