The History of the Sixth Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment Volume I: Vietnam Era 1965-1970

This first volume in the history of the Sixth Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), covers the period 1965-1970 when the battalion served on two twelve-month tours of Vietnam. It includes a background to the battalion’s deployment and detailed information on both friendly and enemy weapons, units and tactics. After formation at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane, in 1965 6RAR’s first tour of Vietnam commenced in June 1966 and included the landmark battles of Long Tan and Bribie. After its return to Australia in 1967 the battalion moved to Townsville, prior to the second tour which commenced in May 1969. This second tour saw 6RAR serve within the auspices of an ANZAC battalion, alongside two New Zealand infantry companies. The tour was noteworthy for the length and the success of operations and also the sad experience of mine warfare. Overall, 6RAR established a deserved reputation for battlefield proficiency during its time in Vietnam, but at the cost of 69 killed and many more wounded, some very seriously. The author, Fred Fairhead, served with 6RAR in Vietnam as its Intelligence Officer during the 1969/70 tour. He retired from the Army in 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.