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Australia’s military history began with the British Marines who came with the First Fleet to man the penal colonies and to set up outposts on the east coast of Australia. British garrison troops remained in Australia for almost 100 years. In the mid 1800s, the colonies were granted self-government and the British military presence reduced.
To fill this void, each colony raised a small defence force from volunteers and transferees from departing British units, under its own defence minister. Before Australian Federation in 1901, Australian soldiers had deployed as State contingents overseas to support the British Army in such places as New Zealand (Maori War–1860-64), the Sudan after the fall of Khartoum and South Africa, participating in the Boer War.
Photo courtesy of Ian Kuring.
AWM WAR/70/26/VN
On the 1st January 1901, Australia celebrated the Federation of the Commonwealth of States united under one Constitution, and one of the first bills passed by the first Federal Parliament was to provide for the “Defence of the Commonwealth”, thereby combining all State forces. That said, there was no standing army during the period in which Australian Military Forces deployed to two World Wars. A nucleus of a standing army comprised the Australian Staff Corps, a cadre of trained cadre officers, the Australian Instructional Corps (other rank instructors) and coastal artillery. A voluntary, part-time militia and the enlistment of thousands of volunteers filled the ranks in the First AIF (Australian Imperial Force) of the First World War and again the Second AIF of World War II.
FORMATION
After World War II, it was decided that a small regular army be established and an Australian component be deployed to the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (BCOF) in Japan. The 34th Infantry Brigade was raised on Morotai Island in the North Moluccas specifically for that purpose. It comprised the 65th, 66th and 67th Battalions. As this new Brigade was formed mostly from volunteers from Australian World War II Divisions, the new brigade carried forward the outstanding traditions of its infantry battalions.
On the 23rd of November 1948, the three battalions were designated the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Australian Regiment. Shortly thereafter, on 10th March 1949, His Majesty, King George VI, granted the title "Royal" to the Regiment and thus the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) was born with 1 RAR, 2 RAR and 3 RAR.
From its beginning in Japan in 1948, approximately 65,000 men, many paying the supreme sacrifice, volunteer and national service infantrymen have served in the Regiment, on active service, as a part of Australia 's commitment to:
KOREA
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea and the South Korean Government appealed to the United Nations for help. Australia was one of the member states that promised help. 3 RAR, then being part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF), in Japan, was the initial unit deployed to Korea.
In 37 months, all three battalions saw service in Korea and added new honours to an already impressive reputation. 3 RAR, along with Canadian troops and United States armour, received the highest US unit award – the U.S. Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism for halting a Chinese breakthrough at Kapyong (24/04/1951). By the time the Armistice was signed in 1953, 278 Australian soldiers had died in action.
Left: Infantrymen from 1, 2, and 3 RAR on Service in Korea. Photos courtesy of The Department of Defence.
MALAYAN EMERGENCY
At the same time, British and Malay troops were fighting a violent campaign against the Malayan Communist terrorists. In 1955, Australia deployed 2 RAR to become part of the British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve. Its task was to help clear the hardcore terrorist forces from areas in the Malayan jungles. On rotation, the other two battalions (3 RAR and 1 RAR) took part in the action. The Emergency officially ended in 1960 with 15 Australians killed.
Despite the end of the Emergency in 1960, there was still fighting in the area. From 1961 the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions, on rotation, continued to serve on the Thai-Malay border, the Malay Peninsular and in Borneo.
Infantrymen from 2 RAR are deployed by Whirlwind helicopters for Operations in Sungei Siput, Malaya in 1957. Photo courtesy of Ian Kuring.
CONFRONTATION
Malaya’s proposal to form a Federation called Malaysia prompted Indonesia to begin a “confrontation”. In 1963, Australian troops (3 RAR and 4 RAR on rotation) in the Far East Strategic Reserve took part in the defence of Borneo when Indonesian guerrillas began raiding Sabah and Sarawak and mopping up operations of Indonesian troops parachuted into Malaya.
Confrontation officially finished in 1966, but a Battalion group remained with the Reserve in Malaya.
Infantrymen from 3 RAR patrol the border
of Sarawak, Borneo during Confrontation,
1965. Photo courtesy of Ian Kuring.
VIETNAM
While Australian units were involved with the Confrontation, the Vietnam situation was deteriorating rapidly. The Geneva Agreement (1954) was under threat, with the Viet Cong insurgent forces in the south intent on overthrowing the South Vietnamese Government, they began military and terrorist activities.
The United States intervened and in July 1962 Australia deployed its Army Training Team (AATTV) to help South Vietnamese units.
In 1965 the Australian Government decided to increase its support and deployed 1 RAR initially. With coincidental operational commitments in Malaya and South Vietnam from 1964 to 1966, the Regiment expanded significantly from the original three to nine battalions. Each new unit raised was sequentially numbered from the 4th to the 9th Battalion. All units, less the 8th and 9th Battalions being last raised, undertook two operational tours in South Vietnam. During this period of growth, and to meet enlistment figures, national servicemen supplemented the battalions' regular soldiers. But in accordance with Australia 's conscription and overseas deployment policy, only national servicemen volunteering for overseas service deployed to South Vietnam.
Long Binh and Phuoc Tuy Province, with supporting arms and services 1965 - 1972.
Photos courtesy of Ian Kuring and the Australian War Memorial.
This initial deployment was subsequently increased to a Task Force of three infantry battalions to Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province.
The Regiment’s distinguished service was recognised by two awards and the granting of battle honours:
1. The U.S. Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism to D Company 6 RAR for its action at Long Tan on 16th August 1966, where it held its ground for nearly three hours against overwhelming odds, killing an estimated 245 + enemy. D Company’s casualties were 17 killed and 21 wounded from its strength of 120 men. The combined actions of 6 RAR’s companies, the Australian Cavalry Squadron and fire support from the Australian and New Zealand Artillery batteries played a major part in this success.
2. The Vietnamese Gallantry Citation to 8 RAR for its successful actions in Phuoc Tuy Province
3. Battle Honours: 1. Coral 2. Hat Dich
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Left: Troops of 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), exit a M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier in Saigon, Vietnam 1965. Right: Members of 7th Battalion (7 RAR), boarding an Iroquois helpicopter at Huoc Hai, Vietnam. Photos courtesy of The Australian War Memorial.
After the withdrawal of Australian forces from South Vietnam in 1972, and as ADF manpower ceilings were reduced (National Service also ceased), in 1973 the Regiment downsized from nine to six battalions by linking six of its units to form the 2nd /4th, 8th /9th, and 5th/7th Battalions. The 1st, 3rd and 6th Battalions remained. Later, and in response to the Australian Government's changing Defence Policy and capability requirement, the 2nd and 4th Battalions were de-linked and the 8th /9th Battalion disbanded in 1997.
Back to list of conflicts
SOMALIA
In 1992, Somalia was suffering the ravages of famine and civil war. In the absence of a Government, the country was controlled by warlords, whose rival gangs added to the misery of the starving population, fighting to control the food distribution and humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations and non-government international aid agencies.
In December, the Australian Government decided to deploy 1 RAR Group to participate in the United States led, United Nations sanctioned, peace enforcement operation called “Operation Restore Hope”. 1 RAR was responsible for the Baido Humanitarian Relief Sector, with its main role of security for the humanitarian relief to proceed without interference. During its deployment (Jan-May 1993) it was successful in its role and gained valuable operational experience and lessons in carrying out peace operations in a difficult, dangerous and demanding environment.
Top Right: Members of The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) on foot patrol, and Bottom Above: A sniper wearing Yowie headdress, Somalia- 1993. Photos courtesy of The Australian War Memorial.
In the period August 1994 – August 1995, Australia deployed two contingents (each of six months), as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). Each contingent comprised a headquarters, a medical team and a rifle company: A Company 2/4 RAR and B Company 2 RAR. The company’s role was security of the base at Kigali and escort protection for the medical team.
Casualty evacuation.
Photo courtesy of Defence Image Gallery.
In April 1995 a small group of soldiers from 5 Platoon B Company witnessed the massacre of an estimated 4 000, native Hutu refugees by soldiers from the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPS). Outnumbered and because of their mandate of protection to take offensive action, they were forced into a passive role. During the event, the Australian medics and infantrymen were often under fire as they attempted to assist the wounded and dying refugees.
In August 1999, following a democratic vote for independence in East Timor, armed militias and Indonesian troops carried out violence and destruction against the population of East Timor. In September 1999, the United Nations authorised the establishment and deployment of a multi-national peace-enforcement force to restore peace and security to the country. Australia accepted the UN’s invitation to lead the INTERFET (International Force East Timor) Force, which comprised 16 nations. Australia’s military contribution of over 5,000 troops included 2 RAR, 3 RAR and 5/7 RAR. Its role was to stabilise the situation and restore security before handing over to a United Nation’s force. Major General Peter Cosgrove commanded the Force successfully and in early 2000 handed over to the United Nations Transitional Authority East Timor (UNTAET)
5/7 Battalion infantrymen, patrolling at the Gleno market, 2001. Photo courtesy of Defence Image Gallery
1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR)
on patrol with a Royal Solomons Islands
Police Officer in Honiara. Photo courtesy of
the Department of Defence.
In July 2003, after rising lawlessness in the country, their Prime Minister requested Australia’s assistance to help restore order to a lawless and bankrupt nation, plagued by ethnic violence and years of conflict between rival armed militia.
2 RAR, as part of the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF), was deployed to the Solomons. The Australian Federal Police led multi-national Force of South Pacific nations provided a light infantry battalion to operate in support of police to re-establish law and order has been successful.
Battalions of the Regiment continue to deploy company-sized troops on rotation.
IRAQ
On the 18 March 2003, Australia committed its Defence Force personnel to the international coalition to disarm Iraq. The coalition undertook to enforce Iraq’s compliance with its obligations under successive resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, with a view to restoring peace and security to that area of the Middle East.
Operation Catalyst is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) contribution of over 1320 persons to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq, commenced on 16 July 2003. Working with the Interim Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs.
Infantrymen from 5/7 Royal Australian Regiment
(RAR) patrol the outskirts of As Samawah, Iraq - 2005.
Photos courtesy of Defence Image Gallery
A security detachment of about 100 personnel, based on an infantry platoon group including Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs), provides protection and escort for Australian Government Embassy personnel working in Baghdad.
The Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) based in the southern Iraqi province of Al Muthanna is made up of around 450 personnel and consists of a headquarters, a cavalry squadron, an infantry company and a training team. It tasks are to provide a secure environment for the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group (JIRSG) and to assist in the training of local Iraqi Army units, so that they are able to take over the internal and external defence of their country. The Group rotates every six months. 5/7 RAR is the current Group HQ
Battalions of the Regiment continue to deploy company-sized troops on rotation.
Today
The Royal Australian Regiment now comprises the 1st , 2nd , 3rd , 4th , 5th, 6th, 7th and 8/9th Battalions.
DUTY FIRST
Paying the supreme sacrifice for their country, during its overseas deployments, the Regiment has lost 693 soldiers killed and over three thousand wounded, many very seriously.
Since World War II, three former members of the Regiment, Warrant Officers’ Class Two, Keith Payne, Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley (posthumously) and Ray Simpson have been awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of gallantry with the Australian Army Training Team - Vietnam. Whilst never serving in the Regiment, Major Peter Badcoe, who transferred from the Royal Regiment of Artillery to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, was similarly decorated.
In over 57 years, 242 other gallantry decorations have been awarded. For his actions in Korea, Private H.W. Madden was posthumously awarded the George Cross.
In serving our nation, members of the Regiment have truly lived up to the Regimental motto:“Duty First”.
Last Updated: 8 January 2008
