18/08/2026
VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY | 18 AUGUST
Today we honour all Australians who served in the Vietnam War, and remember those who did not return.
For the SAS Regiment, Vietnam was a defining chapter in its early history.
3 SAS Squadron deployed to Vietnam in June 1966, conducting Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action tasks in support of the 1st Australian Task Force. SAS Squadrons subsequently rotated through Vietnam at approximately 12 month intervals until the Regiment’s final troops were withdrawn in October 1971.
Operating in small patrols, SAS soldiers worked deep in hostile territory, often relying on the extraordinary skill and courage of 9 RAAF Squadron helicopter crews for insertion and extraction, sometimes under enemy fire. They were also supported by 161 Reconnaissance Flight, 3 Cavalry Regiment and infantry battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment.
From November 1968, a troop of the New Zealand SAS served alongside the Australian SAS Squadrons.
Today we remember the SAS soldiers who served in Vietnam, those who supported them, and every Australian and New Zealander whose service and sacrifice became part of this history.
Lest We Forget.
Images (In Order)
📸Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Daly with members of 3 SAS Squadron at Nui Dat, South Vietnam, November 1969.
Beside him is Major Reg Beasley, Officer Commanding 3 SAS Squadron, wearing the SAS beret.
Australian War Memorial, EKN/69/0172/VN.
📸2 SAS Sqn stalwarts enjoying the view from the OP 1968
📸3 SAS Sqn personnel preparing for a parachute insertion in South Vietnam 1969
📸1969 two good mates helping out behind the bar SAS Hill South Vietnam
📸“Where do you reckon they are?”
An Australian SAS soldier surveys the country from Nui Dat, South Vietnam, 1969
📸Clem's Patrol return to Nui Dat South Vietnam 1969
📸Para Parade for 3 SAS Sqn's parachute insertion South Vietnam 1969
