Battalion
1 RNZIR 'Originals' Members South Vietnam Service
While 1 RNZIR 'Originals' Battalion was posted at Terendak Military Camp in Malaya with the 28th Commonwealth Brigade, 17th Gurkha Division, the members were replaced on a rotational basis from November 1965 onward. The posted strength for the Battalion during its full tour of duty from November 1963 to Noevmber 1965, was 981 personnel.
The operational campaigns the Battalion was engaged in during its tour of duty from November 1963 to November 1965, included:
Another rifle company was also committed in December 1967, designated as W1 and better known as Whiskey 1. Both rifle companies served as integral sub-units with Australian infantry battalions based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province. The Australian Battalions were officially designated the title RAR/NZ [ANZAC] Battalion. The uniqueness of the legendary 1 RNZIR 'Originals' Battalion is demonstrated by the number of members who subsequently served in South Vietnam following the Unit's return to New Zealand in late 1965. Given their combat and guerrilla warfare skills, the members performed their duties with distinction. Many members of the Battalion went on to subsequent service in South Vietnam with sub-units such as the 161 Battery and various rifle companies, such as Whiskey 1 and Victor 3. Of those with subsequent service in South Vietnam there is a statistically significant number now deceased from causes attributable to abnormal health disorders and diseases to a greater extent than the population norm. Given the Battalion's 981 personnel posted strength, 288 members subsequently served in South Vietnam from the mid-1960's up to New Zealand Defence Forces withdrawal in 1971. The numbers for 1 RNZIR 'Orginals' who subsequently served in South Vietnam and percentaged of those deceased as at 12 March 2006, are shown in the following table.
Pingat Jasa Malaysia Award [Malaysia Honour Medal]The Malaysian Government medallic award to eligible New Zealand military personnel is in appreciation of their service in Malaysia with the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve from Independence on 31 August 1957 to 31 December 1966. The award is to all members of Civil Servants, Police and the Armed Forces under the Commonwealth, this includes the United Kingdom and Australia.
In all possible circumstances, senior representatives from the Malayasian Government will present medals personally to recipients. This includes posthumous awards to next-of-kin.
Applications for the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal from eligible New Zealand personnel and deceased next-of-kin are being administered by the New Zealand Defence Forces Medals Office as agent for the Malaysian Government. Information on eligibility is detailed at the New Zealand Defence Force website. This includes the various RNZN ships that served in the region. Applications for the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal by eligible personnel are made in the format as described at Applying for Medals, where application forms can be downloaded for living and deceased persons. For next-of kin making application for posthumous issue of the award on behalf of a deceased veteran, click here to download an application form. |
SOUTH EAST ASIA TOUR 2006
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It is proposed to return to South East Asia in July/August 2006. The itinerary is as follows:
Application forms are available from Gordon Paku P O Box 839 Hastings. Phone 068785649. Be in early book your place now. |
Updated 13 March 2006. 2006.
