Coral

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 reconnoitred, 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 kilometres 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 metres away. En route and just before midday, the armoured/infantry force struck the outskirts of an enemy defended base some 2,500 metres 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.

1 RAR History

Formation

The 34th Australian Infantry Brigade was formed in 1945 and consisted of three battalions gathered from 6th Division, but which included elements of the 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th Divisions. These Battalions, once formed, were designated the 65th, 66th and 67th Australian Infantry Battalions.

Personnel from the 65th Battalion, later redesignated 1st Battalion, were drawn from elements of 7th Division. They were brought together as a formed unit on 12th October 1945.

Lieutenant Colonel R.H. Marson, DSO, assumed command of the Battalion which commenced immediate preparations for redeployment for Morotai, where 34th Infantry Brigade was being concentrated.

Service in Japan

From 1946-48 the Battalion served in Japan. Besides training, the Battalion carried out guard duty at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, amongst other places and played a great deal of sport.

Return to Australia

On 22 Nov 48, the Battalion, still known as 65 Aust Inf Bn, held its final parade in Japan before sailing on HMAS KANIMBLA to Sydney where it moved to Ingleburn. Before the end of November the Unit was redesignated '1st Battalion, Australian Regiment'. Again in January the Unit's name was changed to '1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment' (1 RAR) following the granting of King George VII Royal assent to the formation of the Royal Australian Regiment.

On 22 Mar 49, a guard of honour was mounted by the Battalion at Victoria Barracks Sydney for His Excellency Sir John Northcott, Governor of New South Wales. This was the first guard mounted by a regular Australian infantry battalion in Australia.
During this period the Battalion trained as a unit; trained reinforcements for Korea and helped in times of civil emergency such as at the Muswellbrook, Minmi and Greta coal strikes where for two weeks a composite Army force worked the mines. The Unit provided escorts, protection details, cooks and drivers.

Korea 1952-53

In Sep 51, the Battalion was warned to move to Korea. After a farewell march through Sydney, 1 RAR commanded by LTCOL I. Hutchinson, DSO, MC sailed on HMAS DEVONSHIRE for Japan on 18 Mar 52. After training and preparation in Japan the Battalion moved to Korea where it underwent further training at Nam-Myon and Sandok. On 19 Jun 52 the Battalion moved into the line taking over from the 1st Royal Leicesters.

On 2 Jul 52, after vigorous patrolling the Battalion conducted an attack on Hill 227. This operation was called 'Operation Blaze' and the steadiness of all ranks was commended by the Brigade Commander, BRIG Daly. Casualties were 4 KIA and 33 WIA.

On 8 Jul 52, 1 RAR was relieved by 1st Battalion, The Black Watch. The Battalion then moved to Naeochon and on 10 Jul 52 was in position alongside 3 RAR. Patrolling activity was maintained and throughout its stay in the line the Battalion was constantly shelled and mortared.

At the end of September the Durham Light Infantry relieved 1 RAR. The Battalion then moved into reserve and a company was detached to 1st Battalion of the Welsh Regiment to occupy the Yong Dong Hill feature. While the Battalion was in reserve LTCOL M. Austin arrived to take command. In November Operation 'Nescala' was affected successfully - this was the relief of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment by 1 RAR on Hill 355 (Little Gibraltar).

On 29 Dec, 3 RAR relieved 1 RAR and the unit assumed a counterattack role in the Misan Myon area.

On 21 Mar 53, the Commanding Officers of all three battalions of the Regiment attended a ceremonial hand-over of duties on 1 RAR parade ground at Camp Casey. This was a historical occasion as it was the first time that the three battalions had served in the same area with their new designation, The Royal Australian Regiment.

On 24 Mar 53, the Battalion sailed on the MV NEW AUSTRALIA for Brisbane arriving on 9 Apr 53.

During the nine months it was in Korea, the Battalion added a distinguished chapter to its brief history as a regular unit. Thirty-four of its members were killed and 107 wounded. Gallantry and devotion to duty were recognised by the award of a total of 46 decorations made up of two DSO's, two OBE's, three MBE's, seven MC's, one BEM, twenty-one MID's and three C and C commendations.

Service in Australia 1953-54

In 1953-54, service in Australia at Enoggera consisted of training, stevedoring, locomotive driving in the Bowen area, and participation in the Royal Tour. During the Royal Tour a Guard of Honour was provided at Parliament House and street lining was also carried out for Her Majesty the Queen's progress through the city.

Korea 1954-55

On 20 Mar 54, the Battalion commanded by LTCOL N.A.M. Nicholls, marched through Brisbane and embarked on the MV NEW AUSTRALIA for Korea arriving at Pusan on 31 Mar 54.

The Korean War having ended, the Battalion occupied a Peace Camp and spent its time in Korea digging and improving the Kansas defensive line; training; building a new quonset hut camp; parades and sport.

Australia 1956-59

The Battalion, commanded by LTCOL O.D. Jackson returned to Brisbane from Korea in Apr 56.

On 30 Mar 57, 1 RAR was presented with new colours by the Governor-General, Field Marshall Sir William Slim, GBC, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC, KStJ. The parade was held on the Brisbane Exhibition Ground and was generally claimed as outstanding.

In 1959, the Battalion commanded by LTCOL W.J. Morrow, OBE moved to the Mackay area for a series of exercises culminating in the 1 Inf Bde Gp Exercise 'Grand Slam'.

Malaya 1959-61

On 20 Sep 59, 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 Nov 59 in the Thai/Malay border area in Perak known as 'Operation Bamboo', relieving the 1 Loyals. Access to this area of deep jungle was obtained by helicopter, boat and on foot. Platoons would spend three weeks patrolling then come out to their base camps for 10 days rest, re-kit and re-train. This pattern remained unchanged throughout the 18 months of intensive patrolling. Unfortunately no kills were made but given that the total Battalion area was 210 square miles and the number of CTs between 20 and 30, this lack of success was not surprising. One hundred and seventeen 'finds' were made, some of which promised better things but all to no avail. Dom Ah Soo Chye and Boil Tet Meuw and their men managed to evade all efforts to catch them.

In Jun 61, the Battalion was withdrawn from operations and began intensive training. A series of unit exercises led up to 28 COMWEL Indep Inf Bde Gp's Exercise 'Trinity Angel'.

The Battalion left Penang for Sydney on the 29 Oct 61 on the MV FLAMINIA. Before leaving, the Battalion was presented with a fighting kris by the Prime Minister, and Government of Malaya for its services in the emergency. The Battalion also received silver from its affiliated Field Battery 16 (Sandham's) RA and the Royal Malayan Police; a kukri from 17 Ghurkha Division and a ceremonial kris from the town of Sungei Siput.

Australia 1962-65

At Gallipoli Barracks Holsworthy, the Battalion rapidly built up its pentropic strength which exceeded 1300 in number.

Major field force exercises were held every year in the Tianjara and Colo Putty areas and the Battalion reached a high standard of efficiency. Successive COs were CO K.R.G. Coleman, MC, COL C.M.E. Pearson, MC and COL D.B. Dunstan, MBE. During 1963 1 RAR provided the House Guard at Government House in Canberra during the Royal Tour.

With the passing of the pentropic establishment, 1 RAR split on 1 Mar 65, half of its officers and soldiers passing to 5 RAR which formed in the same lines.

Malaya 1959-61

On 20 Sep 59, 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 Nov 59 in the Thai/Malay border area in Perak known as 'Operation Bamboo', relieving the 1 Loyals. Access to this area of deep jungle was obtained by helicopter, boat and on foot. Platoons would spend three weeks patrolling then come out to their base camps for 10 days rest, re-kit and re-train. This pattern remained unchanged throughout the 18 months of intensive patrolling. Unfortunately no kills were made but given that the total Battalion area was 210 square miles and the number of CTs between 20 and 30, this lack of success was not surprising. One hundred and seventeen 'finds' were made, some of which promised better things but all to no avail. Dom Ah Soo Chye and Boil Tet Meuw and their men managed to evade all efforts to catch them.

In Jun 61, the Battalion was withdrawn from operations and began intensive training. A series of unit exercises led up to 28 COMWEL Indep Inf Bde Gp's Exercise 'Trinity Angel'.

The Battalion left Penang for Sydney on the 29 Oct 61 on the MV FLAMINIA. Before leaving, the Battalion was presented with a fighting kris by the Prime Minister, and Government of Malaya for its services in the emergency. The Battalion also received silver from its affiliated Field Battery 16 (Sandham's) RA and the Royal Malayan Police; a kukri from 17 Ghurkha Division and a ceremonial kris from the town of Sungei Siput.

Australia 1962-65

At Gallipoli Barracks Holsworthy, the Battalion rapidly built up its pentropic strength which exceeded 1300 in number.

Major field force exercises were held every year in the Tianjara and Colo Putty areas and the Battalion reached a high standard of efficiency. Successive COs were CO K.R.G. Coleman, MC, COL C.M.E. Pearson, MC and COL D.B. Dunstan, MBE. During 1963 1 RAR provided the House Guard at Government House in Canberra during the Royal Tour.

With the passing of the pentropic establishment, 1 RAR split on 1 Mar 65, half of its officers and soldiers passing to 5 RAR which formed in the same lines.

Vietnam 1965-66

While still training at Holsworthy the Battalion was warned in Mar 65 for service in South Vietnam and after rapid preparation departed by charter aircraft and HMAS SYDNEY.

After concentration at the Bien Hoa air base in early June the Battalion was placed under command of the 173rd US Airborne Brigade (Separate) and formed part of the perimeter for the defence of the base. This period saw intensive training with helicopters and APCs and also patrolling with the US troops.

On the 25/26 Jun the Battalion carried out the first of many successful operations against the Viet Cong and afterwards in conjunction with the remainder of the Brigade conducted operations in such well known areas as 'War Zone D', 'Ben Cat', 'The Iron Triangle' and other notorious VC areas.

In Dec 65 the CO, LTCOL I.R. Brumfield, who was later awarded the DSO, returned to Australia for medical reasons and was succeeded by LTCOL A.V. Preece, MVO.

New Year's Day 1966 saw the Battalion on operation 'Marauder' in the 'Terrain of Reeds' then operation 'Crimp' where it was the first unit to air assault into 'Ho Bo Woods'. It was later found that the battalion had in fact landed on the top of the underground HQ of the VC Military Region 4. Many 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.

Operations continued till Apr 66 and included two operations with the 1st US Inf Div better known as 'The Big Red One'. After a visit on Anzac Day by the Prime Minister the Honourable Harold Holt, the Battalion started to prepare for return to Australia.
The result of the tour was 128 VC KIA plus a large number WIA and PW with our own casualties being 23 KIA and 130 wounded. Decorations for the period were two DSO's, nine MM's and seven MID's.

Australia 1966-68

On the completion of a well earned period of leave 1 RAR again reformed in Holsworthy, this time under the command of LTCOL K.P. Outridge. From Jul 66 the Battalion built up with the integration of the earlier drafts of national servicemen and training exercises in the Holsworthy range area.

This period was punctuated with many ceremonial occasions in which the Unit played major parts, the biggest being a guard of honour in late Sep 66 for Mr Lyndon B. Johnson, the President of the United States.

In Jul 67, the Battalion moved from the old Gallipoli Barracks to the 'Finshchhafen Lines' part of the 10 TF Barracks complex. It was during this move that LTCOL P.H. Bennett assumed command of the unit.

The remainder of 1967 was spent on exercise and leave. In early 1968 preparation for the second tour of Vietnam commenced.

Vietnam 1968-69

After vigorous training in the Holsworthy area, followed by a successful Exercise 'Grass Parrot', the 1 RAR advance party departed from Mascot for Vietnam on 17 Mar 68. The main body, including 130 members who had previously served in Vietnam, sailed on HMAS SYDNEY arriving at Nui Dat on 9 Apr 68 to relieve 7 RAR.
On 3 May 68, after two short operations, 'Pegasus' and 'Blaxland', the Unit commenced 'Toan Thang'. Initial deployment was in the Long Khan province with a later move to FSB 'Coral'. Following a probing attack estimated at battalion strength on 15 May, 'Coral' was attacked on 16 May by a regiment later identified as the 141 NVA Regt. Fierce fighting by the gunners of 102 Fd Bty and 1 RAR repelled the attack. Operation 'Toan Thang' produced 162 VC KIA.

Between July and September, several operations were carried out including sweeps through the Hat Dic, Tua Tich and Baria areas.

Between 28 Sep - 12 Oct the Battalion once again deployed into the Hat Dich area on operation 'Windsor'. This operation was followed by operation 'Capital', a large allied sweep through the north-west of Phoc Tuy province near the Mao Tao mountains.
Operation 'Goodwood' again in the Hat Dich area commenced on 3 Dec. 1 RAR took part on a rotational basis with 9 RAR and 4 RAR until the unit returned home in Feb 69.

Besides these major operations, 1 RAR conducted village cordon and searches, convoy escort, FSPB protection, land clearing protection, extensive TAOR patrolling and company size operations.

The Battalion returned home and marched through Sydney on 28 Feb 69. 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.

Malaysia/Singapore 1969-71

LTCOL J.B.M. Trenerry assumed command of the Battalion on 1 Mar 69 and preparations for the move to Malaysia begun by the 1 RAR Aust Component continued.

After two major exercises, 'Jumping Wallaby' and 'Sheer Hell', the unit withdrew from Malaysia, joining the Selarang garrison in Singapore in Dec 69 as part of 28 COMWELL Indep Inf Bde Gp.

The unit remained in Singapore until Jul 71 when it returned to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. LTCOL Hodkinson assumed command of the Battalion on its return to Australia.

Australia 1971-1992

On 24 Dec 71, personnel were recalled from leave to assist in the clean up operation after Cyclone Althea. The Battalion manned a Relief Control Centre and was mainly responsible for the Townsville area and Magnetic Island.

During 1972, 1 RAR undertook several exercises culminating with 'Treble Charge' in Papua New Guinea.

LTCOL P.N.B. White, MC, assumed command in Jan 73. During 1973, 1 RAR provided the enemy for the 3 TF Exercise 'Temple Tower'.

1974 saw 1 RAR committed to several major exercises. 'Duty Hike' was conducted in North-West QLD and 1 RAR provided enemy on 'Kangaroo 1' assisted by a company of US Marines.

In Dec 74, LTCOL White handed over command to LTCOL K.A. Patterson. In 1975 1 RAR sent companies to Singapore, Canada and Hawaii and in return hosted companies from Britain, America and Singapore.

On Jul 76, the Governor-General, His Excellency The Honourable Sir John Kerr, AK, GCMC, KStK, presented 1 RAR with new Colours at a parade at Lavarack Barracks.

On 10 Jan 77, LTCOL K.A. Patterson handed over command to LTCOL I.J.C. Hearn.

On 16 Dec 78, LTCOL Hearn handed over command to LTCOL P.W. Beale, DSO, MC.

On 10 Dec 80, LTCOL Beale, DSO, MC handed over command to LTCOL Caligari. In 1980 1 RAR became one of two Townsville based battalions of the Operational Deployment Force.

LTCOL B.J. Caligari handed over command of 1 RAR to LTCOL P.J. Cosgrove, MC, on 14 Jan 83.

The latter half of 1983 saw the majority of 1 RAR as the enemy for Exercise 'Kangaroo 83'. The exercise was conducted in the Pilbara region.

LTCOL P.J. Cosgrove, MC, handed over command of 1 RAR on 13 Aug 84 to LTCOL J.D. McAloney, MC.

In 1986 1 RAR won the prestigious Duke of Gloucester Cup. Later that year the team went to England to compete in, and subsequently win, the British Army's Cambrian Patrol contest. 1986 also saw 1 RAR deploy on Exercise Kangaroo 86 to central QLD.

LTCOL J.D. McAloney, MC departed 1 RAR on 5 Dec 86 handing over to LTCOL J.P. Salter, MC.

On 21 May 87 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 over a number of days.

Between 2 Apr and 28 Apr 88 1 RAR despatched two officers and 15 soldiers for the RAR Royal Guard as part of the Bicentennial celebrations. Guards were provided for Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, The Tower of London, and Windsor Castle. The contingent commander was LTCOL J.P. Salter, MC.

On 10 May 88, and coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the Battle of FSB Coral, 1 RAR was presented with new Colours by the Governor-General, The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stevens, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE. This parade was attended by some 400 veterans.

On 8 Dec 88, LTCOL J.P. Salter, MC, handed over command of 1 RAR to LTCOL J.D. Petrie.

During 1989 1 RAR deployed by both air and road to the Northern Territory for Exercise Kangaroo 89. Major activities were conducted at Daly River, Mataranka, and Beswick.

On 12 May 1990 1 RAR celebrated the Battle of FSB Coral with the battalion conducting an Airmobile insertion onto the battalion parade ground utilising SA-70 Blackhawk and Iroquis gunships. In Jul 90 a rifle section commanded by CPL P. Marsh, from 1 RAR won the Duke of Gloucester Cup.

On 4 Jul, The Battalion was presented with the US Meritorious Unit Commendation in recognition of its outstanding service while part of the US 173rd Airbourne Brigade in South Vietnam 1965-66.

In Jan 91, LTCOL D.J. Hurley assumed command of the Battalion. The year saw many exercises, including Kangaroo 92, concentrating on low level operations, Services Protected Evacuation and Amphibious Operations.

Somalia Jan - May 1993

On 17 Dec 92 the Battalion was warned for duty in Somalia to provide the basis of a Battalion Group, in support of Operation 'Restore Hope'. After a short period of pre-deployment training the Battalion was deployed to Somalia by HMAS TOBRUK, HMAS JERVIS BAY and charter aircraft, leaving behind a small rear party.
After concentrating on Mogadishu the Battalion deployed to Humanitarian Relief Sector (HRS) Baidoa in the Southern Central region of Somalia. Here the battalion established a secure perimeter at the Baidoa Airfield and assumed control of the HRS from the US 3/9 Marine Battalion on Jan 93. The Battalion initially worked under the operational control of the US 10th Mountain Division until 2 Mar 93 when it returned to under command of HQ Australian Forces Somalia.

On 23 Jan 93, the Battalion conducted its first of seven major operations. Operation 'Red Dawn', was a company cordon and search of Buurhakaba and was the prelude to the Battalion's rapid expansion and domination of the HRS.

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 93, the Battalion handed responsibility for the HRS to the French element of the United Nations Force. 1 RAR returned to Australia on 22 May 93 and marched through Townsville to a rousing welcome home by the people of the city.

East Timor October 2000 - April 2001

On 25 October 2000 1 RAR Group took over the role of the Australian Battalion of UNTAET (commonly referred to as AUSBATT)from 6 RAR, commanded by LTCOL John Caigari. The 1 RAR Group was comprised of 15 elements. The group included an average of 1062 personnel,29 armoured fighting vehicles,238B vehicles,40 C vehicles and 4 Blackhawks. The Area of Operations (AO) was named AO MATILDA and stretched over 1500 sq km of East Timor.

The Group's 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 independant nation. The operations of the 1 RAR group resulted in one Militia KIA and one friendly WIA. Other minor contacts with suspected militia ocurred however militia casualties could not be confirmed due to the close proximity of the contacts to the Tactical Coordination line (TCL).