1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
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| 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment | |
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 Badge of the Royal Australian Regiment |
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| Active | 12 October 1945–present |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Line Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Part of | 3 Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Townsville |
| Nickname | Big Blue One |
| Motto | Duty First |
| March | Waltzing Matilda |
| Mascot | Shetland Pony "Septimus" |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel-in-Chief | HM The Queen (Australian Infantry Corps) |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Colour Patch |  |
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is one of seven Battalions that make up the Royal Australian Regiment, formed in late 1945 the Battalion is now based in Townsville, and forms part of the Australian 3rd Brigade.
[edit] History
With the conclusion of the war in the Pacific in 1945, Australia was committed to provide troops for occupation duties in Japan. This commitment lead to the formation of the 34th Australian Infantry Brigade. The Brigade was made up of three Battalions; the 65th, 66th and 67th Australian Infantry Battalions. On the 12th of October 1945 the 65th Battalion, later the 1st Battalion was formed out of 7th Division at Balikpapan and quickly sailed to Morotai. By the middle of June 1946 the Brigade arrived in Japan to take part in the occupation.
In line with the formative plan to raise an Interim Army, the battalions were re-designated as of the Australian Regiment in 1948, and in 1949 received the prefix "Royal", becoming the Royal Australian Regiment . First Battalion was initially settled in at Ingleburn, later moved to Enoggera and Holsworthy and is now based at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville.
[edit] Occupation of Japan
Under an agreement signed between the Allied nations, Australia would contribute troops towards the occupation of Japan. By the middle of June 1946 the brigade was in place, with the 65th Battalion located at Fukuyama/Onomichi, 150km South of Osaka. The Battalion participated in the search and destruction of wartime materials. The operation was a dangerous one, the area was honeycombed with caves and tunnels and large quantities of explosives, ammunition and poison gas were discovered.
In April 1946 the Battalion took part in the surveillance of Japanese elections. The Battalion also kept a close watch on a number of repatriation centres in the area.
The battalion was renamed 1st Battalion of the Australian Regiment in 1948 and in 1949 received the prefix "Royal", becoming the Royal Australian Regiment. 1RAR left Japan at the end of 1948, all Australian troops left Japan in 1951 with the signing of the San Francisco Treaty.
[edit] Korea
1RAR was in Australia when the Korean War began in 1950, having returned from Japan at the end of 1948. The battalion, brought to strength with volunteers from 2RAR, arrived in South Korea on 6 April, joining the 28th Brigade on 1 June.
In July 1952 1RAR was detached to the 29th Brigade, relieving other battalions on Hills 159, 210 and 355. It took part in general patrolling along the Jamestown line, which involved securing defences, repairing minefield fences, and undertaking reconnaissance of enemy positions to gather information on them. Other major operations that 1RAR took part in usually aimed at capturing a prisoner or destroying enemy defences. Operation Blaze was 1RAR's first major action. It involved a raid on Hill 227 to capture a prisoner. Although it failed in its objective, the operation did give the brigade important experience against a strong enemy.
On the night of 13-14 September a fighting patrol from 1RAR encountered the enemy, and it captured its first prisoner. In early December 1RAR took over defences on Hill 355. The position had been poorly maintained and it took 1RAR ten days and 50 casualties to secure the area and regain control of the approaches. The battalion also supported the Royal Fusiliers in Operation Beat Up by launching a diversionary attack on Hill 227.
The last action 1RAR engaged in during the war was Operation Fauna. The purpose of the operation was to capture a prisoner and destroy enemy defences. It did not achieve its main objective, but did succeed in destroying the enemy position code-named Flora. On 21 March 1953, 1RAR was relieved by 2RAR at Camp Casey, near Tongduchon, and returned to Australia later that month. The battalion returned to Korea in April 1954, and was involved in training and border patrols. In March 1956, 1RAR ceased its operations in Korea and returned to Australia.
[edit] Malaysia
In response to the Malayan Communist Party's push to convert Malaya into a Communist state and increasing civil unrest the British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve was established, with Australia contributing a rotating battalion group. On 20 September 1959, the Battalion embarked on MV FLAMINIA for Malaya. After arriving at Singapore the Battalion trained at Kota Tinggi and moved to base camps at Kuala Kangsar, Sungei Siput, Lasah, Lintang and Grik. The Battalion began operations on 16 November 1959 in the Thai/Malay border area in Perak known as 'Operation Bamboo'. The Battalion saw very little action during the Malayan Emergency, the Battalion left Penang for Sydney on the 29 October 1961.
The Battalion returned to Malaysia in early 1969, after two major exercises, 'Jumping Wallaby' and 'Sheer Hell', the unit withdrew from Malaysia, joining the Selarang garrison in Singapore in December 1969. The unit remained in Singapore until July 1971 when it returned to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
[edit] Vietnam
In March 1965 1RAR was warned about a possible delpoyment to South Vietnam and after rapid preparation departed by charter aircraft and HMAS Sydney. The battalion arrived at Bien Hoa air base in June and was placed under command of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. On 25 June and 26 June the Battalion carried out the first of many operations against the Viet Cong and afterwards in conjunction with the remainder of the Brigade conducted operations in such well known areas as 'Ben Cat', 'War Zone D', 'The Iron Triangle' and other VC areas. New Year's Day 1966 saw the battalion on operation 'Marauder' then operation 'Crimp' where it was the first unit to air assault into 'Ho Bo Woods'. It was later found that the battalion had actually landed on the top of the underground HQ of the VC Military Region 4. A large stockpile of weapons and some 100,000 pages of documents were found in the tunnel complex which was the deepest and most elaborate found up to that time. 1RAR continued operations until April 1966, after a visit from Prime Minister Harold Holt on Anzac Day the battalion began to prepare for the return to Australia. The battalions first tour of Vietnam resulted in 128 VC KIA and the battalions own losses at 23 KIA and 130 wounded.
In 1968 after intensive training 1RAR returned to Vietnam for their second tour of duty. The battalion arrived at Nui Dat on 9 April 1968 to relieve 7 RAR. In May 1RAR begun operations, after two small operations the battalion relocated to Fire Support Base Coral. On 15 May, Coral was attacked by the 141 NVA Regiment. Fierce fighting by the gunners of 102 Fd Bty and 1 RAR repelled the attack, the Battle of Coral produced 162 VC KIA. During the rest of their second tour the battalion tookpart in several small operations and took part in multiple`other tasks including; village cordon and searches, convoy escort, FSPB protection, land clearing protection. The battalion returned home and marched through Sydney on 28 February 1969. During its tour, 1 RAR had accounted for 276 VC KIA, and the destruction of numerous bunker complexes and caches, for the loss of 31 KIA and 165 WIA.
[edit] Fiji
On 21 May 1987, 1 RAR received orders for deployment during the Fiji crisis for Operation 'Morris Dance'. B Coy, under command of MAJ B.A.R. Scott, was flown onto Norfolk Island and embarked on HMAS TOBRUK. Cross decking then occurred between other RAN Ships. As B Coy was not called on to assist the evacuation of Australian Nationals and Expatriates, shipboard routines continued until 3 Jun 87 when B Coy returned to Coral Lines - Townsville.
[edit] Bougainville
The Bougainville Copper Mine during 1988/89(?) was causing enough attention in Australia that the Australian Government placed 2/4 RAR on standby for a short notice deployment to the fractured isle. A significant number of 1 RAR lads bolstered 2/4 RAR for the possible deployment. Widespread murder and intimidation was reported however it was not enough for the government of Australia to deploy our sister battalion.
[edit] Somalia
On 17 December 1992 the battalion was warned for duty in Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope (designated Operation Solace). The battalion group was deployed to Somalia by HMAS Tobruk, HMAS Jervis Bay and charter aircraft, leaving behind a small rear party. The battalion group concentrated in Mogadishu and deployed to Humanitarian Relief Sector Baidoa in the Southern Central region of Somalia. The battalion took part in seven major operations during its deployment. On 17 Feb 93, the Battalion had its first of 11 contacts with Somali gunmen. These in conjunction with cordon and searches and some 1100 foot patrols resulted in seven gunmen KIA, four WIA and 70 Somali handed to the Auxiliary Security Forces. In addition, the Battalion confiscated 935 weapons of various types and ensured the safe delivery of 8311 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies.On 14 May 1993, the battalion handed responsibility for the Humanitarian Relief Sector to the French element of the United Nations Force. 1 RAR returned to Australia on 22 May 1993 and marched through Townsville, Queensland.
[edit] Solomon Islands
During a battalion defensive exercise at High Range Training Area in 2000, elements of 1 RAR (CO Tac and C Coy) were recalled back to Coral Lines to assist with evacuation operations out of the Solomon Islands. OP Plumbob ensued with unfortunately the Bn Grp never leaving the deck of HMAS Manoora.
[edit] East Timor - 2000/01
On 25 October 2000 1 RAR Group took over the role of the Australian Battalion of UNTAET from 6 RAR. 1 RAR assumed control over 1500 km² of East Timor. The battalions mission was to provide security to the people of East Timor so that civil infrastructure and government systems could be re-established under the guidance of the UN in order to help the East Timorese transition to an independent nation. Actions taken by the battalion resulted in one Militia KIA and one friendly WIA.
[edit] East Timor - 2003
The Battalion deployed on its second tour of East Timor in May 2003. The Battalion assumed the role from 5/7 RAR.
[edit] Solomon Islands 2004-05
On Christmas Eve 2004, following the shooting death of Australian Protective Services Officer Adam Dunning, 1 RAR was ordered to deploy the Ready Company Group (RCG), based on Battalion HQ (Tac) and A Coy, 1 RAR to the Solomon Islands. This was achieved within 18 hours of being ordered to deploy. Calm was quickly restored to the Solomon Islands, and the RCG returned to Australia in late January 2005.
[edit] Iraq
Based in Baghdad throughout 2006 under the command of MAJ Malcolm Wells, the B Coy soldiers were members of Secdet 8 tasked to provide protection and escort for Australian government personnel working in the Australian Embassy in Baghdad. Secdet 8 consisted of 109 infantry soldiers from the Big Blue One.
[edit] East Timor - 2006
In May 2006 elements of 1 RAR returned to East Timor following a resurgence in civil unrest. A Company 1 RAR deployed from Townsville in mid-May on HMAS Manoora, flying into Dili by Blackhawk on 27 May. A Company conducted sustained security, stability and public order operations in Dili for approximately two months. Operation CHINDIT saw the company conduct airmobile operations to Manatuto and Baucau to conduct further security operations, before returning to Australia in August.
In September 2006 further violence flared in Dili which resulted in the deployment of B Company 1 RAR to East Timor to reinforce the efforts of the Battle Group already in country. B Company took up a blocking position in the hills behind Dili, operating mostly in and around Gleno. The Platoons of B Company were often required to conduct Air Mobile Operations to other parts of the country.
[edit] Solomon Islands
In April 2006 riots flared in the capital Honiara after a non-favourable Prime Minister was appointed. The head quarters from 1 RAR and D Company were deployed to assist the RAMSI to control the violence. D Company spent a majority of their time providing stability to the China Town region which was almost completely destroyed during the riots. Once the security situation had improved in the capital, the Task Force began sending patrols to the regional areas of the country. Some of the more remote communitites had not seen an Australian patrol for almost two years.
[edit] Tonga
On 18 November 2006, a platoon from A Company were deployed to Tonga as a result of violence and break down of order in the capital city, Nuku Alofa. The platoon conducted security operations in conjunction with the Tongan Defence Services for two weeks prior to returning to Australia.[1]
[edit] Afghanistan
Early 2007, 1 RAR D Coy deployed to Afghanistan.
[edit] Iraq
Early 2007, 1 RAR A Coy deployed to Iraq.
[edit] East Timor - 2007
Early 2007, 1 RAR Bn HQ's along with B and C Coy's deployed to East Timor.
[edit] Battle for FSB Coral
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On 12 May 1968, 3 RAR and 161 (NZ) Fd Bty were deployed by air into FSPB CORAL, followed by 1 RAR and 102 Fd Bty. Occupation occurred under fire, as enemy action during the night of 11/12 May 1968 has prevented the withdrawal of US forces from the proposed Australian Area of Operations. This action and the excessive foliage on the selected Landing Zone (LZ) delayed the build-up of the Australian force and neither 1 RAR nor 3 RAR were able to move away from the CORAL area and deploy offensively as planned. The two infantry battalions constructed a hasty defensive position to cover the guns of 102 and 161 (NZ) Fd Btys, and prepared themselves to face the inevitable enemy counter-action. It should be recalled that major enemy forces were bound to react strongly against the Australian position, which was deliberately and provocatively placed astride the enemy 'corridor' to Saigon and Bien Hoa.
In the early hours of 13 May 1968, CORAL was attacked in battalion strength by 141 NVA Regt. This attack penetrated the gun position and the 1 RAR mortar platoon, resulting in 10 Australia KIA, 25 WIA. Following vigorous counter attack and the determination of the overrun Australian infantry to fight on, the position was restored. 51 NVA bodies were counted and a large number of weapons were taken. Penetration occurred because the 1 RAR positions were in an early stage of development, and the numbers and tenacity of the enemy. No RAAC sub-units (except for the Mortar APCs and A Sqn 3 Cav Regt) were present during the first assault.
The 1 ATF plan was amended on 13 May 1968. 3 RAR moved to FSPB COOGEE leaving its D Coy at FSPB CORAL. 1 RAR was retained in CORAL and the defences were built up to contain:
HQ 1 ATF, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt (less 2 and 3 Tps), HQ 12 Fd Regt with 102 Fd Bty A 2/35 Arty (US), 1 RAR, D Coy 3 RAR, 1 Fd Sqn RAE, Elm 5/52 AA Arty (US).
Offensive patrolling began on 13 May 1968 in an effort to gain ascendancy in the Area of Operations.
FSPB COOGEE, which was occupied on 13 May 1968, was occupied by:
2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 161 (NZ) Fd Bty, 3 RAR (less D Coy).
The occupation of FSPB COOGEE was designed to extend the Australian offensive action within the enemy 'corridor' to Saigon.
A Sqn 3 Cav Regt had escorted a road convoy from Nui Dat to FSPBs CORAL and COOGEE, arriving at the destinations late on 13 May 1968. During this escort operation, the headquarters of A Sqn 3 Cav Regt together with elements of its 3 Tp, fought two short but heavy encounter battles south of Tan Uyen on 12 and 13 May 1968 with an enemy infantry regiment, thought to be the Dong Nai Regt. On return, 3 Tp A Sqn was based on Nui Dat together with C Sqn 1 Armd Regt and 2 RAR.
During the period 14-15 May 1968, both 1 and 3 RAR, the latter now joined by its D Coy, supported by the APCs of A Sqn 3 Cav Regt (less 3 Tp) patrolled around FSPBs CORAL and COOGEE initiating frequent engagements with the enemy. The enemy, both concentrating within, and attempting to infiltrate through the 1 ATF area of operations, was found to be aggressive and in strength.
In the early hours of 16 May 1968, FSPB CORAL was again attacked by 141 NVA Regt. This was a regimental attack which was preceded by very intense and accurate mortar and rocket fire. The attack was repulsed with loss to the enemy of 34 KIA. Australian losses were five KIA and 19 WIA, and the US Bty suffered two WIA. During this battle the local defence of FSPB CORAL was co-ordinated by OC A Sqn 3 Cav Regt and the APCs played a significant part in repelling the attack.
By the time of the regimental attack, the CORAL position had been well prepared and defences tied in. Internal reinforcement and counter attack routes had been reconnoitered, and were used to good effect by the armour and infantry during the attack. Although the attack by 141 NVA Regt on 16 May 1968 was a less desperate affair than the 13 May 1968 assault, the attack was intense and was sustained for some six hours. By this time the considerable fire power and fire support, together with a strong defence, ensured that little penetration occurred. In addition, on the morning of 16 May 1968, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt less 2 Tp and 3 Tp were involved in a vigorous pursuit of the enemy withdrawing from the battle area. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy up to eight kilometers away from FSPB CORAL.
During the period 17-21 May 1968, the two battalions, still with APC support, continued their aggressive patrolling activity with minor contact. Indications were however, that the enemy was continuing to concentrate against the Australian FSPBs at CORAL and COOGEE, and that further assaults were anticipated. The infantry patrolled in company strength; on 21 May 1968, C Sqn 1 Armd Regt was ordered from Nui Dat to FSPB CORAL.
On 22 May 1968, FSPB CORAL was again attacked by 141 NVA Regt, using mortars and rockets, and the day after C Sqn 1 Armd Regt arrived at CORAL.
On 26 and 28 May 1968, FSPB CORAL was bombarded by mortar, reinforced by recoilless rifle and rocket on the earlier date, in support of the enemy assaults on FSPB BALMORAL which had been occupied on 24-25 May 1968 when FSPB COOGEE had been evacuated.
Offensive operations really commenced from the time CORAL was first occupied. With insertion into AO SURFERS, 1 ATF provoked the enemy divisions continually, by the positioning of the FSPB and by aggressive patrolling. The major actions only are repeated here.
On 25 May 1968, at 0730 hrs, B Coy 1 RAR with 2 Tp C Sqn 1 Armd Regt departed FSPB CORAL for FSPB BALMORAL (3 RAR) some 6,000 meters away. En route and just before midday, the armoured/infantry force struck the outskirts of an enemy defended base some 2,500 meters north of CORAL. There was quite a sharp action and the group broke contact to allow air strikes to be directed at the enemy position. The tanks remained at BALMORAL and their escorting infantry returned to CORAL and 1 RAR.
On 26 May 1968, D Coy 1 RAR with 1 Tp C Sqn 1 Armd Regt in the early morning left FSPB CORAL to engage the enemy position found the previous day. Pausing to allow air strikes to be put down on the enemy position, the tanks and infantry began to assault the enemy position just after midday. With tanks leading, the infantry commenced to clear out the enemy position which was heavily fortified and vigorously defended. Using a combination of tank fire and flame, the battle continued bunker by bunker until 1500 hrs when the engagement was broken off due to failing light and the necessity for the group to return to CORAL in order to assist in the protection of the FSPB.
On 30 May 1968, a further heavy action occurred within the CORAL patrol zone. C Coy 1 RAR has made contact with a reinforced enemy regular company at 0830 hrs and had been pinned down by mortar, RPG and small arms fire after penetrating part way into the enemy defended position. The coy was reinforced at 1000 hrs by the APCs of 1 Tp A Sqn and the tanks of 1 Tp C Sqn, which assaulted the enemy position to allow the extrication of the company. The company had been stopped, pinned down, was slowly being encircled and was coming under increasingly accurate enemy mortar fire. The action was broken off at 1155 hrs to allow air strikes to be directed on the enemy position. A possible 45 enemy KIA (24 confirmed) was suffered, for Australian casualties of one KIA and seven WIA.
On 31 May 1968, CORAL suffered one further enemy mortar attack and following more infantry and armoured patrolling during the period 1-5 June 1968, the operation was terminated on 6 June 1968.
[edit] MUC - Vietnam
By the direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to the 1st BATTALION, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT GROUP for exceptionally meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding service:
The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, distinguished itself in the conduct of military operation in the Republic of Vietnam from 5 May 1965 to 16 May 1966 while attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) of the United States Army. As the first ground combat unit in-country, the 173rd Airborne Brigade and its assigned and attached units conducted extensive combat manoeuvres in the Bien Hoa area and in the Viet Cong strongholds of War Zone D and the Iron Triangle during the period 5 May 1965 to 4 May 1967. In every confrontation with the stubborn insurgents, the 173rd Airborne Brigade displayed marked aggressiveness which enabled them to neutralize enemy strongholds and capture thousands of logistical items. In addition to remarkable skill and tenacity in combat, the sky soldiers of the brigade carried on an extensive civic action program characterised by sincere compassion for the suppressed local populace. During each of the brigade's combat operations, the sky soldiers immeasurably aided the allied counterinsurgency effort by winning the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people. The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon themselves, the Armed Forces of the United States, and the Armed Forces of Australian and New Zealand.
[edit] Theatre and Battle Honours
Korea and Vietnam Kapyong, Long Tan and Coral - Balmoral
[edit] Current composition
1 RAR currently consists of:
- Battalion Headquarters
- 3 Rifle Companies (A, B and C)
- D Company, which is the battalion's training company and includes the battalion's rehabilitation platoon (designated 'Coral Platoon')
- Support Company
- Administration Company
1RAR also features its own Battalion Band, which consists of Australian Army Band Corps (AABC) Musicians providing general and ceremonial support functions.
[edit] Alliances
[edit] References
- (English) Official Regimental website
- (English) Australian War Memorial
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