Fact sheet 6: New Zealand and the Vietnam War
• Why did New Zealand fight in Vietnam?
When the Second World War broke out in 1939 New Zealand declared in
reference to Britain, 'Where she goes, we go; where she stands, we stand'.
Until the Second World War Britain was our most significant ally but that
conflict changed everything. Britain had been unable to halt Japan’s
expansion in Asia during the war. New Zealand and Australia felt vulnerable.
After the war New Zealand and Australia turned to the United States for added
protection.
In 1951 Australia, New Zealand and the US signed the ANZUS treaty. The US
was keen to secure allies in its fight against the spread of communism. In 1954
New Zealand joined the US and Australia in signing the South-East Asia
Collective Defence Treaty, or Manila Pact, another anti-communist alliance.
Other signatories included France, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and the
United Kingdom.
But these treaties did not force New Zealand to become involved in Vietnam.
France and Britain, for example, did not participate in the war. The main
reason for New Zealand’s involvement was the need to be seen to cooperate
with our major ally, the US.
• New Zealand’s contribution
New Zealand's National government was cautious in its approach to Vietnam.
Prime Minister Keith Holyoake didn’t question the morality of New Zealand
involvement but he did doubt whether the war could be won.
Our first response was to send a New Zealand Civilian Surgical Team to Qui
Nhon in Binh Dinh province in 1963. It remained there until 1975. Under
continuing US pressure, the government provided 25 Army engineers in June
1964. Based at Thu Dau Mot, the capital of Binh Duong province, they were
engaged in reconstruction projects, such as road and bridge building.
The crucial decision to send combat forces came in May 1965. The Royal New
Zealand Artillery’s 161 Battery was to be dispatched to South Vietnam,
replacing the Engineers in July 1965. The Battery was initially under
command of the US Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, based at Bien Hoa near
Saigon. From June 1966 it served with Royal Australian Artillery field
regiments at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province, east of Saigon. The battery was
not withdrawn from Vietnam until May 1971.
In May 1967, V (or Victor) Company, a 182-strong rifle company, was
deployed to Vietnam from the 1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry
Regiment, which had been based in Malaysia. Victor Company was joined by
W (or Whisky) Company in December. They were placed under the 1st
Australian Task Force's command, as part of the Royal Australian Regiment's
2nd Battalion, and later other battalions. These rifle companies were deployed