Why did menzies send troops to vietnam

This has had lasting consequences for Vietnam veterans, many of whom were already suffering psychological trauma from their experiences in combat. About 60, Americans, , South Vietnamese and 1. Some 4 million Vietnamese civilians died in the war. Australia and the Vietnam War, Anzac Portal. Robert Menzies, National Museum of Australia.

The National Museum of Australia acknowledges First Australians and recognises their continuous connection to country, community and culture. Defining Moments Australian troops committed to Vietnam.

Colonel 'Ted' Serong, Saigon. Colonel 'Ted' Serong. Escalation In early the United States drastically increased its military commitment to Vietnam, as it was becoming clear that the South Vietnamese Army was unable to provide sufficient resistance to the communist forces. Long Tan Memorial, , South Vietnam.

Long Tan Memorial. Controversy Late in the evening of 29 April Menzies stood up in the half-empty House of Representatives and announced that Australia would soon send an infantry battalion to Vietnam.

Legacy Public support for the war began to collapse in the late s as it became obvious that the United States and its allies were not going to win.

Curriculum subjects. Year levels. The battalion will be under American field command and will be deployed with American troops. If American units move out of their defensive positions to hunt Viet Cong guerillas, the Australians will go with them.

Sir Robert said the Government had decided in principle some weeks ago to send combat troops to fight beside American and South Vietnamese troops against Communist guerillas if this were requested by South Vietnam. The Leader of the Opposition Mr. Calwell and the Deputy Leader Mr. Whitlam were both absent from Canberra when the Prime Minister made his statement to the House last night.

Calwell tried, but failed, to find out throughout yesterday whether Sir Robert Menzies intended to make a statement, following unofficial reports that a decision had been made. Australian troops and vehicles disembark in Vietnam.

Late yesterday, Mr. Calwell decided to go ahead with a planned visit to Sydney for a political meeting. He left a brief statement to be issued if the Prime Minister spoke. Caribou transport aircraft in South Vietnam. The 1st Battalion R. Support and supply personnel are expected to take the battalion strength close to for the move to Vietnam. A number of its officers and N.

But perhaps today we should take time out from the Anzac media romp and begin to remember another, more ignominious moment in our recent history and the part played by Sir Robert Menzies. Lest we forget the lessons of the Vietnam War. Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in.

Nicholas Ferns , Monash University. What reasons were given for joining the war? From the Archives: Australian troops for Vietnam. Please try again later.

The Sydney Morning Herald. By Staff reporter April 29, — Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size. This was "not something that has suddenly arisen from more recent events," he said. Colon Brumfield had served in both Korea and Malaya.

Sir Robert made his statement immediately after the House resumed at 8pm. Public Galleries Crowded.