The Ran Collection Heavens Arm in the Vietnam – “Obtain the bloody occupations done”

Between 1965 and 1972, HMAS Sydney (III) undertook 25 voyages to Vietnam and transported 16,094 troops, 5753 deadweight tons of cargo and 2375 vehicles. On her first voyage four days were taken to unload cargo in Vung Tau. On subsequent voyages this turn around time was reduced to a matter of hours.

On every voyage HMAS Sydney (III) was ably supported by at least one escort that provided a measure of protection against potential hostile forces. Melbourne. Other escorts included HMA Ships Anzac, Derwent, Duchess, Parramatta, Stuart, Swan, Torrens, Vampire, Vendetta and Yarra.

In 1966 the Vietnam supply line was supplemented by two Australian National Line (ANL) cargo ships, Jeparit and Boonaroo. These ships were chartered by the Department of Shipping and Transport on behalf of the Australian Army to transport military vehicles, ammunition, aid and canteen supplies.

In en’s Union refused to man Jeparit and Boonaroo. To overcome this difficulty, Boonaroo was immediately commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy with a full naval crew for one return voyage to Cam Ranh Bay and Singapore.