1st Australian Task Force

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1st Australian Task Force
RAR Vietnam.jpg
An Australian soldier in South Vietnam
Active 1966–72
Country Australia
New Zealand
Allegiance Free World Military Forces
Branch Army
Type Combined arms
Size Brigade
Part of US II Field Force, Vietnam
Garrison/HQ Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam
Engagements Vietnam War

The 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) was a brigade-sized formation which commanded Australian and New Zealand Army units deployed to South Vietnam between 1966 and 1972. 1 ATF was based in a rubber plantation at Nui Dat, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) north of Ba Ria in Phuoc Tuy Province and consisted of two and later three infantry battalions, with armour, aviation, engineers and artillery support. At the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966, units of 1 ATF defeated a Viet Cong force of at least regimental strength. While the task force was primarily responsible for securing Phuoc Tuy Province, its units, and the Task Force Headquarters itself, occasionally deployed outside its Tactical Area of Responsibility including during Operation Coburg and the Battle of Coral–Balmoral in 1968. Other significant actions included Hat Dich in late-December 1968 and early 1969, Binh Ba in June 1969, and Long Khanh in June 1971. 1 ATF was withdrawn in late 1971.

History

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Main articles: Military history of Australia during the Vietnam War and New Zealand in the Vietnam War

Formation

In March 1966 the Australian government decided to increase its commitment to the Vietnam War, announcing that the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), which had been serving as the third infantry battalion of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade since June 1965, would be replaced at the end of its tour by a two-battalion brigade—the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF)—with armour, aviation, engineers and artillery support; in total 4,500 men. Additional Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) elements would also be deployed and with all three services total Australian strength in Vietnam was planned to rise to 6,300.[1] Meanwhile, 1 RAR's attachment to US forces had highlighted the differences between Australian and American operational methods. Whereas the Americans relied on massed firepower and mobility in big-unit search and destroy operations as part of a war of attrition which often resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, the Australians—although not eschewing conventional operations—emphasised deliberate patrolling using dispersed companies supported by artillery, APCs and helicopters to separate the Viet Cong from the population in the villages, while slowly extending government control.[2][3] Consequently, 1 ATF which would be allocated its own Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR) in Phuoc Tuy Province, thereby allowing the Australians to pursue operations more independently using their own methods.[4]

The southern-most province in III CTZ, Phuoc Tuy had been selected by the Australians because it was an area of significant Viet Cong activity, was located away from the Cambodian border, could be resupplied and, if necessary, evacuated by sea, and enabled them to concentrate their efforts in a single area to achieve greater national recognition.[4][5] Rather than being attached to a US division, negotiations between senior Australian and US commanders—including Lieutenant General John Wilton and General William Westmoreland—ensured 1 ATF would be an independent command under the operational control of US II Field Force, Vietnam (II FFV), a corps-level headquarters based in Bien Hoa which reported directly to Commander US MACV. This would allow the force greater freedom of action and the chance to demonstrate the Australian Army's evolving concept for counter-insurgency warfare, developed in part from its operations during the Malayan Emergency.[6] The task force would be commanded by Brigadier David Jackson, an experienced infantry officer who had served in the Middle East and New Guinea during the Second World War, and later in Korea, and commanded the AATTV and Australian Army Force Vietnam prior to taking up the appointment.[7] However, with the new force given less than two months to deploy, hasty preparations began in Australia to ready it.[8] The headquarters of the 1st Brigade was subsequently used to raise 1 ATF.[9]

Operations

1 ATF was tasked with dominating its TAOR and conducting operations throughout Phuoc Tuy as required, as well as deploying anywhere in III CTZ and neighbouring Bihn Tuy in II CTZ on order.[10] Its principal objective was to secure Route 15 for military movement to ensure allied control of the port at Vung Tau, while politically it sought to extend government authority in Phuoc Tuy.[11] The task force would be based in a rubber plantation at Nui Dat, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) north of Ba Ria, while a logistic base would be established in Vung Tau with a direct link forward via road.[12] Situated on Route 2, Wilton had selected Nui Dat because its central position offered short lines of communication, it was close but not adjacent to the main population centres, and would allow 1 ATF to disrupt Viet Cong activity in the area.[7] Astride a major communist transit and resupply route, it was close to a Viet Cong base area yet near enough to Ba Ria to afford security to the provincial capital and facilitate liaison with the local authorities.[13] Australian doctrine emphasised establishing a base and spreading influence outwards to separate the guerrillas from the population.[14] By lodging at Nui Dat they aimed to form a permanent presence between the Viet Cong and the inhabitants.[15] 1 ATF would then focus on destroying Viet Cong forces in the province, while security of the towns and villages remained a South Vietnamese responsibility.[16]

Initially, 1 ATF consisted of two infantry battalions—the 5th and 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.[4][17] Other units included the 1st APC Squadron operating M113 armoured personnel carriers, 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery which consisted of one New Zealand and two Australian batteries equipped with eighteen 105 mm L5 Pack Howitzers, 3rd SAS Squadron, engineers from the 1st Field Squadron and 21st Engineer Support Troop, 103rd Signals Squadron, 161st Reconnaissance Flight operating Cessna 180s and Bell H-13 Sioux light observation helicopters, and an intelligence detachment.[18] Support arrangements were provided by the 1st Australian Logistic Support Group (1 ALSG) established amid the sand dunes at Vung Tau 30 kilometres (19 mi) south, while eight UH-1B Iroquois helicopters from No. 9 Squadron RAAF also supported 1 ATF from Vung Tau.[4] Although 1 ATF was ostensibly independent, US forces provided considerable support including medium and heavy artillery, close air support, helicopter gunships, medium and heavy lift helicopters and additional utility helicopters.[19] Six 155 mm M109 self-propelled howitzers from A Battery, US 2/35th Artillery Battalion were also permanently attached at Nui Dat.[20] The largest Australian formation deployed since the Second World War, although many of 1 ATF's officers and non-commissioned officers had seen extensive operational service, the task force had been hastily assembled and included many untried National Servicemen. Few of its senior personnel had direct experience of counter-insurgency operations, and even less a first-hand understanding of the situation in Vietnam, while it had been unable to train together before departure. Despite these shortfalls 1 ATF had been required to rapidly deploy and commence operations in a complex environment.[21]

The task force began arriving at Vung Tau between April and June 1966.[4] From 17 May to 15 June, US and Australian forces secured the area around Nui Dat during Operation Hardihood, deploying two battalions of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade and an element of 1 RAR.[22] 5 RAR deployed from Vung Tau the same day and was tasked with clearing any Viet Cong found in an area 6,000 metres (6,600 yd) east and north-east of Nui Dat.[23] 1 ATF occupied Nui Dat from 5 June, with Jackson flying-in with his tactical headquarters to take command.[22] The plan to operate independently resulted in significant self-protection requirements and 1 ATF's initial priorities were to establish a base and ensure its own security.[24] Meanwhile, Wilton's decision to occupy Nui Dat rather than co-locate 1 ATF with its logistic support at Vung Tau allowed the task force to have a greater impact but resulted in additional manpower demands to secure the base.[13] Indeed, the security requirements of an understrength brigade in an area of strong Viet Cong activity utilised up to half the force, limiting its freedom of action.[25] As part of the occupation all inhabitants within a 4,000-metre radius had been removed and resettled nearby. A protective security zone was then established, the limit of which was designated Line Alpha, and a free-fire zone declared. Although unusual for allied installations in Vietnam, many of which were located near populated areas, the Australians hoped to deny the Viet Cong observation of Nui Dat and afford greater security to patrols entering and exiting the area.[26][27]

At the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966, D Company 6 RAR with considerable artillery support held off and defeated a Viet Cong force of at least regimental strength. 18 Australians were killed and 24 wounded, while 245 communist dead were later recovered from the battlefield.[4] The battle allowed the Australians to gain dominance over Phuoc Tuy Province and 1 ATF was not fundamentally challenged again.[28][Note 1] Regardless, during February 1967 the Australians suffered their heaviest casualties in the war to that point, losing 16 men killed and 55 wounded in a single week, the bulk during Operation Bribie.[30] Yet with the Phuoc Tuy province coming progressively under control throughout 1967, the Australians increasingly spent a significant period of time conducting operations further afield.[31] 5 RAR and 6 RAR completed their tours in mid-1967 and were replaced by 7 RAR and 2 RAR.[32]

Meanwhile, with the war continuing to escalate following further American troop increases, 1 ATF was heavily reinforced. A third infantry battalion arrived in December 1967, while a squadron of Centurion tanks and additional Iroquois helicopters would also be added in early 1968. In all a further 1,200 men were deployed, taking the total Australian troop strength to 7,672 combat troops, its highest level during the war. This increase effectively doubled the combat power available to the task force commander.[33] The New Zealand contribution also increased following the commitment of 1 ATF, with the addition of one and later two infantry companies attached to one of the Australian battalions, in addition to its artillery battery. 2 RAR was subsequently reinforced by two New Zealand companies, known as V and W Company, which were integrated into the battalion from March 1968 with the battalion being designated as 2 RAR/NZ (ANZAC). With a total of six rifle companies it was stronger than the standard Australian battalion which only had four. At the completion of their tours these sub-units were replaced and were later attached to 4 RAR and 6 RAR during later tours. The ANZAC Battalions were commanded by an Australian officer with a New Zealand officer appointed as deputy commander. All of the New Zealanders were regular soldiers.[34] In late 1968 a New Zealand Special Air Service troop was also attached to the Australian SAS Squadron.[13] New Zealand strength peaked at 552 troops in 1969.[35] At its height 1 ATF numbered over 8,000 men, including three infantry battalions, armour, artillery, engineers, logistics and aviation units in support.[4]

Although primarily operating out of Phuoc Tuy, the 1 ATF was also available for deployment elsewhere in the III Corps Tactical Zone and with the province progressively coming under control, 1968 saw the Australians spending a significant period of time conducting operations further afield.[31] 1 ATF was subsequently deployed astride infiltration routes leading to Saigon in order to interdict communist movement against the capital as part of Operation Coburg during the 1968 Tet Offensive and later during the Battle of Coral–Balmoral in May and June 1968. At Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral the Australians had clashed with regular North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong main force units operating in battalion and regimental strength for the first time in near conventional warfare, ultimately fighting their largest, most hazardous and most sustained battle of the war. During 26 days of fighting Australian casualties included 25 killed and 99 wounded, while communist casualties included 267 killed confirmed by body count, 60 possibly killed, seven wounded and 11 captured.[36] Later, from December 1968 to February 1969 two battalions from 1 ATF again deployed away from their base in Phuoc Tuy province, operating against suspected communist bases in the Hat Dich area, in western Phuoc Tuy, south-eastern Bien Hoa and south-western Long Khan provinces during Operation Goodwood.[37] From May 1969 the main effort of the task force returned to Phuoc Tuy Province.[38] Significant Australian actions during this period included the Binh Ba in June 1969, and Long Khanh in June 1971.[39]

Withdrawal

The Australian withdrawal effectively commenced in November 1970. As a consequence of the overall US strategy of Vietnamization and with the Australian government keen to reduce its own commitment to the war, 8 RAR was not replaced at the end of its tour of duty. 1 ATF was again reduced to just two infantry battalions, albeit with significant armour, artillery and aviation support remaining.[40] One of the New Zealand infantry companies—W Company—was also withdrawn at this time.[41] Australian combat forces were further reduced during 1971 as part of a phased withdrawal. The Battle of Nui Le on 21 September proved to be the last major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in the war, and resulted in five Australians being killed and 30 wounded.[42] Meanwhile, the New Zealand SAS troop was withdrawn in February and the artillery battery in May.[41] Finally, on 16 October Australian forces handed over control of the base at Nui Dat to South Vietnamese forces, while 4 RAR, the last Australian infantry battalion in South Vietnam, sailed for Australia on board HMAS Sydney on 9 December 1971.[43] V Company and the New Zealand medical team were also withdrawn at this time.[41] Meanwhile, D Company, 4 RAR with an assault pioneer and mortar section and a detachment of APCs remained in Vung Tau protect the task force headquarters and 1 ALSG until the final withdrawal of stores and equipment could be completed, finally returning to Australia on 12 March 1972.[44] Between June 1966 and December 1971, 1 ATF recorded at least 3,370 Viet Cong killed, the majority in Phuoc Tuy, while an unknown number were wounded.[45] Total Australian Army casualties during the Vietnam War were 478 killed and 3,025 wounded, the bulk of which were sustained by 1 ATF.[46] New Zealand casualties during the war were 37 killed and 187 wounded.[47]

Order of battle

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See also: Order of battle of Australian forces during the Vietnam War

1 ATF's organisation varied as Australian and New Zealand units rotated through South Vietnam and the total size of the Australian and New Zealand force in South Vietnam changed. The task force typically consisted of:[48][49][50]

New Zealand forces attached to 1 ATF included:[51][52]

The Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) was separate from 1 ATF and reported directly to the Australian Force Vietnam (AFV) headquarters located in Saigon which provided administrative support to all Australian forces in South Vietnam.[53] The 1st Australian Civil Affairs Unit (1 ACAU) was established in 1967 and worked closely with 1 ATF; however, it was also under the command of AFV.[54] No. 9 Squadron RAAF operating UH-1 Iroquois utility helicopters was based at Vung Tau and operated in support of 1 ATF.[4]

Commanders

The following officers commanded 1 ATF:[55]

Notes

Footnotes
  1. ↑ While the Viet Cong had largely withdrawn to the borders by 1968–69, the security situation in Phuoc Tuy was challenged on a number of occasions in the following years, including during the 1968 Tet Offensive, as well as in mid-1969 following the incursion of the North Vietnamese 33rd Regiment, again in mid-1971 with further incursions by the 33rd Regiment and several Viet Cong main force units, and finally during the Easter Offensive in 1972, while attacks on RF outposts and incursions into the villages also continued.[29]
Citations
  1. ↑ Horner 2008, p. 177.
  2. ↑ Kuring 2004, pp. 321–333.
  3. ↑ McNeill 1993, pp. 171–172.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Dennis et al 2008, p. 556.
  5. ↑ Palazzo 2006, pp. 38–41.
  6. ↑ McNeill 1993, pp. 194–196.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 McAulay 1986, p. 7.
  8. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 191.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Palazzo 2006, p. 39.
  11. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 238.
  12. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 196.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Palazzo 2006, p. 46.
  14. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 172.
  15. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 199.
  16. ↑ McGibbon 2010, p. 145.
  17. ↑ McNeill 1993, pp. 201–202.
  18. ↑ Palazzo 2006, p. 42.
  19. ↑ Kuring 2004, p. 322.
  20. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 275.
  21. ↑ McNeill 1993, pp. 206–207.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Kuring 2004, p. 326.
  23. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 246.
  24. ↑ Horner 2008, p. 178.
  25. ↑ Palazzo 2006, p. 49.
  26. ↑ McNeill 1993, pp. 240–241.
  27. ↑ Palazzo 2006, p. 57.
  28. ↑ Horner 2008, p. 183.
  29. ↑ Ekins & McNeill 2012, p. 692.
  30. ↑ McNeill & Ekins 2003, p. 126.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 McNeill & Ekins 2003, p. 303.
  32. ↑ Edwards 2014, p. 180.
  33. ↑ McNeill & Ekins 2003, p. 249.
  34. ↑ Edwards 2014, pp. 180–181.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Coulthard-Clark 2001, pp. 288–289.
  37. ↑ Ekins & McNeill 2012, p. 727.
  38. ↑ Frost 1987, p. 118.
  39. ↑ Dennis et al 2008, p. 557.
  40. ↑ Horner 2008, p. 231.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 McGibbon 2000, p. 563.
  42. ↑ Odgers 1988, p. 246.
  43. ↑ Odgers 1988, p. 247.
  44. ↑ Ekins & McNeill 2012, pp. 640–641.
  45. ↑ Ekins & McNeill 2012, p. 686.
  46. ↑ Ekins & McNeill 2012, p. 828.
  47. ↑ McGibbon 2010, p. 539.
  48. ↑ Palazzo 2006, pp. 42–43.
  49. ↑ Greville 2002, p. 41.
  50. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 239.
  51. ↑ Lyles 2004, p. 17.
  52. ↑ McGibbon 2010, pp. 549–550.
  53. ↑ McNeill 1993, p. 235.
  54. ↑ Smith 2002, p. 231.
  55. ↑ Palazzo 2006, p. 45.

References

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External links

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