Vietnam War Overview, 1962-1975
The information provided herein is on servicemen from Collie, it is sourced from the DVA Vietnam War nominal roll and from the records of the Australian War Memorial (AWM). Not all servicemen listed were born in Collie. However, those servicemen not born in Collie, who are listed here, either; worked and lived in the Collie District, at the time of their enlistment or their next of kin lived in the Collie District. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the detail provided. At all times the source reference has been records held by the AWM and DVA.
Vietnam War Overview 1962-1975
By the time the last Australian combat personnel were withdrawn from Vietnam, the war had become the longest twentieth century conflict in which Australians have participated. It has only recently been surpassed by Australia's long-term commitment of combat forces to the War in Afghanistan. The Vietnam War involved some 60,000 personnel and grew from a limited initial commitment of 30 military advisers in 1962 to include a battalion in 1965 and finally in 1966, a task force. At its peak around 8,500 Australian personnel were serving in Vietnam. Each of the three services was involved, but the dominant role was played by the Army. After the cessation of combat operations in 1972, a limited number of Australian personnel remained in Vietnam, including an Infantry Platoon, guarding the Australian embassy. Elements of the RAAF returned in 1975, carrying out evacuations and assisting refugees almost until the moment of South Vietnam's surrender. Vietnam currently remains Australia's largest force contribution to a foreign conflict since the Second World War and was also the most controversial in Australian society since the conscription controversy during the First World War.
The Cost
Approximately 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam war; 521 were killed and more than 3,000 were wounded. Around 100 Collie Boys served during the war and two were killed in action (see Nominal and Honour Rolls). The Vietnam War was the first war where deceased soldiers were returned home to be buried by their loved ones.
