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Comparing The Spirit Of The Australian And New Zealand Soldiers During The Vietnam War

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Australian and New Zealand soldiers exemplified the spirit of the Australian diggers during Vietnam by showing bravery, mateship and loyalty. Historians have stated that the battle of Long Tan served as an excellent example of the ANZAC spirit. They showed courage, loyalty, sacrifice, heroism, dedication, honour, integrity, initiative and determination throughout the Vietnam campaign. Mr. Edward Phillips who served in Vietnam as a NASHO, represents the ANZAC legend of bravery courage and loyalty, which is clear in Australia today be it in war, conflict or peacetime. Australian soldiers fought in fierce battles during the war in Vietnam where they showed immense bravery. Few of these battles were as intense and dramatic as the battle of Long …show more content…

Loyalty means different things to different people, The Australian Army defines loyalty as "bearing true faith and allegiance to Australia, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers”. From the moment, the Australian and New Zealand troops landed in Vietnam the spirit of courage, loyalty, initiative and sacrifice was evident. Australia entered into the Vietnam war in 1962, out of loyalty to America for they needed to strengthen their relationship with their old allies. Britain, after two World Wars and the Korean war were weak and unable to help defend Australia if they were ever under attack unlike the Americans who had the manpower and technology. These Australian soldiers remained loyal to their country even when their own people saw them as a disgrace. Some Vietnam veterans recall being abused as baby killers, rapists and murderers upon their return. For men who regarded themselves as generally having fought with more humanity and professionalism than their American counterparts, this was a bitter blow. Veterans who had lost friends in combat, who had seen death and who had killed, as is the lot of soldiers in war, were appalled at the way they were treated having done the job asked of them by their government was, sometimes, used against them. Loyalty is soldiers in a defence unit, faced with the same situation, each relying on the other to ‘do their bit’ has become a part of the Anzac spirit which is shown in every Australian soldier. Mr. Edward Phillips showed loyalty to his unit and friends when they were under attack from the Viet Cong, for he could’ve left the situation to someone else, but instead took control showing bravery and loyalty to mates. Loyalty is a crucial part of the ANZAC

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This book is about the story of James Charles Martin who is the youngest known ANZAC soldier. The book starts on the 28th June 1915, when James sailed from Melbourne on the troopship Berrima heading for Gallipoli, he did this at the mere age of 14. Soldier Boy is James’ extraordinary story, the story of how an inexperienced and enthusiastic school boy became a brave ANZAC soldier. Only four months after leaving his home he was numbered among the dead, just one of the many soldiers who travelled halfway across the world for the chance to fight for their countries freedom. James Martin didn’t leave a lot on the record from which to see his life story, he only had six surviving letters home, the letter from the Matron Reddock describing his death and the condolence letter from his mate, Cec Hogan, all generously donated by Jim’s family to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

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60,000 Australian men participated in the War in total . This research shows, the Vietnam War was a very brutal, time consuming and also costly war, not only to Australia but also to the Americans and other allies. The war was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent in Australia since the conscription referendums of the First World War. The information displayed, outlines our involvement as well as the significant role we played as a Nation. Moreover the Vietnamese suffered a hefty 2 million dead as the war concluded.

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The Anzac Spirit is a concept that suggests that Australian and New Zealand soldiers’ possess shared characteristics they exemplify on the battlefield. These qualities include:

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Our brave troops capture Kokoda, yet again! Throughout this dreadful war, the Japanese have been brutal, killing machines who have slaughtered or seized anyone who is in the way of their path to success with no questions or second guessing. It is completely unbelievable how horrendous these people can be. Our hard working, brave soldiers have fought endlessly to protect not only us and our country, but also the land and people of New Guinea.

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The events of Long Tan highlight the significant role Australians played throughout the Vietnam War. The battle again saw the Australians facing an opponent far greater in numbers. 108 Australians bravely faced 2,500 Vietcong and North Vietnamese soldiers this provides another key instance of Australians preforming well above the number of men in the force, and is a prime example of Australian forces having small numbers but playing a significant role. In the battle of Long Tan 18 Australian soldiers were killed and a further 21 were wounded. The battle was a dear expense for the Australians although the death count for North Vietnamese and Vietcong soldiers was found to be approximately 245 dead.

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Australia’s experiences of World War II were significant for Australia and impacted on the shaping of our national identity. Australia 's response to entry into World War II in 1939 differed from Australia 's entry into World War I in 1914. Reasons for this includes attitudes towards war changing after gaining the knowledge and experiencing consequences of World War I, the conditions and lead up to World War II as well as Australia’s strong support for Britain. Firstly, the attitude of Australians changed due to World War 3I proving that war was not glamourous or exciting like it was assumed. During the lead up to World War II Australians had already struggled to survive through the depression and were now required to survive at war.

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Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war in 1960 happened for three major reasons. Firstly, the fear of communism that was spreading to the south due to ‘anti – communist’ propaganda created by Robert Menzies during the 1950’s. Secondly, ANZUS and SEATO treaties that Australia played a fundamental role in, in which the treaties obligated Australia to join the war to support their allies. And thirdly, the relationship between Australia and America had strengthened as prime minister Harold holt provided full military support to America in the Vietnam war. It is in which Australia was involved in the Vietnam war and had led to the conflict of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966 which was significant due to it was one of the most well-known engagements

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Bruce Dawe's poems “Weapons training” and “Homecoming” offer insight into Australian soldiers’ experiences during the Vietnam War and display their struggle. Dawe’s exploration of the war’s brutal harshness causing dehumanisation in both of these poems has had an immense impact on Australian society by exposing the decline of human morality. Despite their similarities, Dawe confronts readers with differing messages to showcase the complexities of war. Dawe critiques the dehumanisation of soldiers in both poems: The repetition in “ They’re picking. They’re bringing.

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