Victor Smith
Encyclopedia
Admiral
Sir Victor Alfred Trumper Smith AC, KBE, CB, DSC
, RAN
(9 May 1913 – 10 July 1998) was a senior officer within the Royal Australian Navy
, eventually becoming the first Australian to achieve the rank of admiral and serving as Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
; the professional head of the Australian Military.
, New South Wales
on 3 May 1913, to George and Una Smith, and was named after his uncle, Victor Trumper
, a distinguished Australian cricketer. He was educated at Chatswood Public School, where he participated in such sports as swimming, tennis and rugby and was also a member of the Chatswood Wolf Cub Pack.
, and in May was promoted to Midshipman
. In July the following year, he was posted to HMS London
for service with the Mediterranean Fleet. Promoted to acting sub lieutenant, Smith was sent to England
where he assumed a number of courses until October 1934, when he returned to HMAS Canberra. He served with the ship until March 1936, when he was promoted to lieutenant
and posted to HMAS Australia.
After deciding to specialise in naval aviation, Smith proceeded to England to attend a Naval Observers Course in March 1937. Upon graduation, he was posted to No. 825 Squadron aboard HMS Glorious
in the Mediterranean. He remained on the ship until August 1939, when he left for England to attend a Meteorological Course. However, due to the outbreak of war, the course was abandoned and Smith was appointed to the new carrier HMS Ark Royal
.
with Ark Royal, before receiving a posting to No. 821 Squadron based at RNAS Hatston
. On 21 June, he led six Swordfish biplanes
in carrying out the first ever torpedo attack by aircraft on a capital ship at sea. The raid was conducted against the German battleship Scharnhorst off the Norwegian coast while subject to heavy anti-aircraft fire. The Scharnhorst obtained no hits by the torpedoes, and all six aircraft managed to return safely to land. For his actions during the attack, Smith received a Mention in Despatches.
In August, Smith was sent to join No. 807 Fighter Squadron aboard HMS Pegasus
. The ship was used to protect convoys in the Western Approaches against the German Condor aircraft. In February 1941, the squadron joined , and was tasked with the protection of shipping off the African coast. In April, the squadron joined Ark Royal, where Smith served on until the ship was sunk off Gibraltar
on 30 November by the . During this time, Smith had been shot down twice, each time managing to be picked up by a destroyer. In the New Years Honours of 1942, Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
for "out-standing zeal, patience and cheerfulness and for setting an example of wholeheartedness devotion to duty".
After the sinking of the Ark Royal, Smith returned to Australia where he was appointed as liaison officer to the United States Navy
heavy cruiser USS Chicago
. He served in this position until May, when he was appointed to HMAS Canberra as the observer for aircraft. Smith served aboard the cruiser until it was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island
during the Guadalcanal landings on 9 August 1942. Returning to Australia once more, he was appointed to the Amphibious Training School, HMAS Assault, for a short period prior to being appointed to stand by HMAS Shropshire. Promoted to acting lieutenant commander
in March 1943, in July Smith was appointed Air Staff Officer to HMS Tracker
, an American built escort carrier which was operating in the Battle of the Atlantic and escorting Russian convoys. During this time, the aircraft aboard Tracker managed to assist in the sinking of two German U-boats and shoot down six German long-range planes.
Promoted to lieutenant commander in 1944, Smith was posted as the Air Planning Officer on the staff of the Flag Officer, British Assault Area for the Normandy invasion. He was next appointed Air Planning Officer on the staff of the Vice Admiral (Q), British Pacific Fleet
, retaining this position until 1 October 1945.
in London
, in order to obtain information that would assist in the planning and formation of a Fleet Air Arm
in the Royal Australian Navy. He returned to Australia in January 1947, as a member of the Australian Naval Aviation Planning Staff. Government approval for the formation of the Fleet Air Arm was given in July, and Smith was promoted to Commander
in December. The Fleet Air Arm was officially established on 28 August 1948, in which Smith has become widely known as the "Father of the Fleet Air Arm."
between August 1951, and February 1952. During this time, the Fleet Air Arm was conducting operations over Korea from Sydney; the first time it was in action. In April 1952, Smith was appointed to command the Advance Party at the former Royal Australian Air Force
Air Station at Schofields. When Schofields was commissioned as HMAS Nirimba
in April 1953, Smith was appointed Chief Staff Officer to the Captain (Air) Australia. He left this position in July to become Director of Air Warfare Organisation and Training at Navy Office, Melbourne
and was promoed to captain
in the New Year.
In June 1955, he was appointed Captain of the 1st Frigate Squadron in command of HMAS Quadrant
, prior to assuming command of HMAS Queenborough the following year. In January 1957, Smith was appointed to command HMAS Albatross
, the naval air station at Nowra, New South Wales
. He served in this position until November 1959, when he was selected to attend the Imperial Defence College, London.
After a year in London, Smith returned to Australia to take command of the carrier HMAS Melbourne in January 1961. After eighteen months in command of the flagship, he was promoted to acting rear admiral
in 1962. The rank made permanent in 1963, and Smith served as Second Naval Member at the Navy Office. In the Queen's Birthday Honours of the same year, he was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Smith's next appointment was as Fourth Naval Member, which lasted twelve months. In February 1966, he was appointed as Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet
prior to assuming the office of Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Promoted to vice admiral
in April 1968, Smith was appointed Chief of Naval Staff
, and in June was awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath. The following year, Smith was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
In November 1970, Smith was appointed Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
and promoted to the rank of admiral
; becoming the first Australian to achieve that rank. In mid 1975, he was awarded the newly established Companion of the Order of Australia, before retiring in November; just short of forty-nine years naval service.
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Admiral (Australia)
Admiral is the highest active rank of the Royal Australian Navy and was created as a direct equivalent of the British Navy rank of Admiral. It is a four-star rank. Since World War II, in general, the only time the rank is held is when the Chief of the Defence Force is a Navy officer.Admiral is a...
Sir Victor Alfred Trumper Smith AC, KBE, CB, DSC
Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the third level military decoration awarded to officers, and other ranks, of the British Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.The DSC, which may be awarded posthumously, is...
, RAN
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force: the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
(9 May 1913 – 10 July 1998) was a senior officer within the Royal Australian Navy
Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force: the Commonwealth Naval Forces...
, eventually becoming the first Australian to achieve the rank of admiral and serving as Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
Chief of the Defence Force is the most senior appointment in the Australian Defence Force . The CDF commands the ADF under the direction of the Minister of Defence, in a coequal arrangement with the Secretary of Defence, the most senior public servant in the Department of Defence.The position is a...
; the professional head of the Australian Military.
Early life
Smith was born in ChatswoodChatswood, New South Wales
Chatswood is a suburb on the North Shore of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Chatswood is located 10 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre of the local government area of the City of Willoughby. Chatswood West is a separate suburb...
, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
on 3 May 1913, to George and Una Smith, and was named after his uncle, Victor Trumper
Victor Trumper
Victor Thomas Trumper was an Australian cricketer known as the most stylish and versatile batsman of the Golden Age of cricket, capable of playing match-winning innings on wet wickets his contemporaries found unplayable. Archie MacLaren said of him, "Compared to Victor I was a cab-horse to a Derby...
, a distinguished Australian cricketer. He was educated at Chatswood Public School, where he participated in such sports as swimming, tennis and rugby and was also a member of the Chatswood Wolf Cub Pack.
Early career
After deciding to embark on a naval career, Smith entered the Royal Australian Naval College as a Cadet Midshipman in January 1927. He attended the college for three-and-a-half years before receiving a further six months of training at Flinders Naval Depot. In January 1931, Smith was then posted to HMAS CanberraHMAS Canberra (1927)
HMAS Canberra , named after the Australian capital city of Canberra, was a Royal Australian Navy heavy cruiser of the Kent subclass of County class cruisers...
, and in May was promoted to Midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
. In July the following year, he was posted to HMS London
HMS London (69)
HMS London was a member of the second group of the County class heavy cruiser of the Royal Navy. She and her sisters; Sussex, Shropshire, and Devonshire differed from the earlier group of Counties, , by having a smaller forward superstructure, which was positioned slightly further aft, and next...
for service with the Mediterranean Fleet. Promoted to acting sub lieutenant, Smith was sent to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
where he assumed a number of courses until October 1934, when he returned to HMAS Canberra. He served with the ship until March 1936, when he was promoted to lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
and posted to HMAS Australia.
After deciding to specialise in naval aviation, Smith proceeded to England to attend a Naval Observers Course in March 1937. Upon graduation, he was posted to No. 825 Squadron aboard HMS Glorious
HMS Glorious (77)
HMS Glorious was the second of the cruisers built for the British Royal Navy during the First World War. Designed to support the Baltic Project championed by the First Sea Lord, Lord Fisher, they were very lightly armoured and armed with only a few heavy guns. Glorious was completed in late 1916...
in the Mediterranean. He remained on the ship until August 1939, when he left for England to attend a Meteorological Course. However, due to the outbreak of war, the course was abandoned and Smith was appointed to the new carrier HMS Ark Royal
HMS Ark Royal (91)
HMS Ark Royal was an aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy that served during the Second World War.Designed in 1934 to fit the restrictions of the Washington Naval Treaty, Ark Royal was built by Cammell Laird and Company, Ltd. at Birkenhead, England, and completed in November 1938. Her design...
.
Second World War
In 1940, Smith took part in operations off NorwayNorway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
with Ark Royal, before receiving a posting to No. 821 Squadron based at RNAS Hatston
RNAS Hatston
RNAS Hatston, also called HMS Sparrowhawk, was a Royal Naval Air Station.It was situated one mile to the north west of Kirkwall on the island of Mainland, Orkney...
. On 21 June, he led six Swordfish biplanes
Fairey Swordfish
The Fairey Swordfish was a torpedo bomber built by the Fairey Aviation Company and used by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy during the Second World War...
in carrying out the first ever torpedo attack by aircraft on a capital ship at sea. The raid was conducted against the German battleship Scharnhorst off the Norwegian coast while subject to heavy anti-aircraft fire. The Scharnhorst obtained no hits by the torpedoes, and all six aircraft managed to return safely to land. For his actions during the attack, Smith received a Mention in Despatches.
In August, Smith was sent to join No. 807 Fighter Squadron aboard HMS Pegasus
HMS Ark Royal (1914)
HMS Ark Royal was the first ship in history designed and built as a seaplane carrier. She was purchased by the Royal Navy in 1914 shortly after her keel had been laid and the ship was only in frames; this allowed the ship's design to be modified almost totally to accommodate seaplanes...
. The ship was used to protect convoys in the Western Approaches against the German Condor aircraft. In February 1941, the squadron joined , and was tasked with the protection of shipping off the African coast. In April, the squadron joined Ark Royal, where Smith served on until the ship was sunk off Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
on 30 November by the . During this time, Smith had been shot down twice, each time managing to be picked up by a destroyer. In the New Years Honours of 1942, Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the third level military decoration awarded to officers, and other ranks, of the British Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.The DSC, which may be awarded posthumously, is...
for "out-standing zeal, patience and cheerfulness and for setting an example of wholeheartedness devotion to duty".
After the sinking of the Ark Royal, Smith returned to Australia where he was appointed as liaison officer to the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
heavy cruiser USS Chicago
USS Chicago
Four United States Navy ships have been named Chicago, after the city of Chicago, Illinois.* The was a protected cruiser launched in 1885 and active in World War I; later converted to a seaplane tender, then a barracks ship, finally being renamed Alton in 1928 and lost at sea, while under tow in...
. He served in this position until May, when he was appointed to HMAS Canberra as the observer for aircraft. Smith served aboard the cruiser until it was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island
Battle of Savo Island
The Battle of Savo Island, also known as the First Battle of Savo Island and, in Japanese sources, as the , was a naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II, between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval forces...
during the Guadalcanal landings on 9 August 1942. Returning to Australia once more, he was appointed to the Amphibious Training School, HMAS Assault, for a short period prior to being appointed to stand by HMAS Shropshire. Promoted to acting lieutenant commander
Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
in March 1943, in July Smith was appointed Air Staff Officer to HMS Tracker
HMS Tracker (D24)
|...
, an American built escort carrier which was operating in the Battle of the Atlantic and escorting Russian convoys. During this time, the aircraft aboard Tracker managed to assist in the sinking of two German U-boats and shoot down six German long-range planes.
Promoted to lieutenant commander in 1944, Smith was posted as the Air Planning Officer on the staff of the Flag Officer, British Assault Area for the Normandy invasion. He was next appointed Air Planning Officer on the staff of the Vice Admiral (Q), British Pacific Fleet
British Pacific Fleet
The British Pacific Fleet was a British Commonwealth naval force which saw action against Japan during World War II. The fleet was composed of British Commonwealth naval vessels. The BPF formally came into being on 22 November 1944...
, retaining this position until 1 October 1945.
Fleet Air Arm
The Naval Board now decided to send Smith to the AdmiraltyAdmiralty
The Admiralty was formerly the authority in the Kingdom of England, and later in the United Kingdom, responsible for the command of the Royal Navy...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, in order to obtain information that would assist in the planning and formation of a Fleet Air Arm
Fleet Air Arm (RAN)
The Fleet Air Arm , known formally as the Australian Navy Aviation Group, is the division of the Royal Australian Navy responsible for the operation of aircraft. The FAA was founded in 1947 following the purchase of two aircraft carriers from the Royal Navy...
in the Royal Australian Navy. He returned to Australia in January 1947, as a member of the Australian Naval Aviation Planning Staff. Government approval for the formation of the Fleet Air Arm was given in July, and Smith was promoted to Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
in December. The Fleet Air Arm was officially established on 28 August 1948, in which Smith has become widely known as the "Father of the Fleet Air Arm."
Later career
Smith was appointed Executive Officer of HMAS Sydney in January 1950, and served on the ship during its six month tour of duty in the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
between August 1951, and February 1952. During this time, the Fleet Air Arm was conducting operations over Korea from Sydney; the first time it was in action. In April 1952, Smith was appointed to command the Advance Party at the former Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
Air Station at Schofields. When Schofields was commissioned as HMAS Nirimba
HMAS Nirimba
HMAS Nirimba was a Royal Australian Navy training base located at the former RAAF Station Schofields at Schofields, New South Wales, Australia...
in April 1953, Smith was appointed Chief Staff Officer to the Captain (Air) Australia. He left this position in July to become Director of Air Warfare Organisation and Training at Navy Office, Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
and was promoed to captain
Captain (naval)
Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
in the New Year.
In June 1955, he was appointed Captain of the 1st Frigate Squadron in command of HMAS Quadrant
HMAS Quadrant (G11)
HMAS Quadrant , named for the navigational instrument, was a Q class destroyer operated by the Royal Navy as HMS Quadrant during World War II, and the Royal Australian Navy from 1945 to 1957...
, prior to assuming command of HMAS Queenborough the following year. In January 1957, Smith was appointed to command HMAS Albatross
HMAS Albatross (air station)
HMAS Albatross, also known as Naval Air Station Nowra , is an airfield operated by the Royal Australian Navy , in support of the RAN's aviation branch, the Fleet Air Arm...
, the naval air station at Nowra, New South Wales
Nowra, New South Wales
Nowra is a city in the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. Located SSW and approximately by road south of the state capital of Sydney, it has an estimated population together with its twin-town of Bomaderry of 34,479. It is also the seat and commercial centre of the City of Shoalhaven...
. He served in this position until November 1959, when he was selected to attend the Imperial Defence College, London.
After a year in London, Smith returned to Australia to take command of the carrier HMAS Melbourne in January 1961. After eighteen months in command of the flagship, he was promoted to acting rear admiral
Rear Admiral
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
in 1962. The rank made permanent in 1963, and Smith served as Second Naval Member at the Navy Office. In the Queen's Birthday Honours of the same year, he was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Smith's next appointment was as Fourth Naval Member, which lasted twelve months. In February 1966, he was appointed as Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet
Commander Australian Fleet
Commander Australian Fleet , also referred to as Fleet Commander Australia , is a senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy , holding full command of all Navy combat forces and responsibility for all maritime operations within the Australian Defence Force...
prior to assuming the office of Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Promoted to vice admiral
Vice Admiral (Australia)
Vice admiral is the second-highest active rank of the Royal Australian Navy and was created as a direct equivalent of the British rank of vice admiral. It is a three-star rank...
in April 1968, Smith was appointed Chief of Naval Staff
Chief of Navy (Australia)
The Chief of Navy is the most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy, responsible to the Chief of the Defence Force and the Secretary of Defence...
, and in June was awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath. The following year, Smith was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
In November 1970, Smith was appointed Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
Chief of the Defence Force is the most senior appointment in the Australian Defence Force . The CDF commands the ADF under the direction of the Minister of Defence, in a coequal arrangement with the Secretary of Defence, the most senior public servant in the Department of Defence.The position is a...
and promoted to the rank of admiral
Admiral (Australia)
Admiral is the highest active rank of the Royal Australian Navy and was created as a direct equivalent of the British Navy rank of Admiral. It is a four-star rank. Since World War II, in general, the only time the rank is held is when the Chief of the Defence Force is a Navy officer.Admiral is a...
; becoming the first Australian to achieve that rank. In mid 1975, he was awarded the newly established Companion of the Order of Australia, before retiring in November; just short of forty-nine years naval service.
Later life
Smith was active in his retirement, serving in various posts such as President of the ACT/Queanbeyan Division of Birthright, an Australia-wide organisation which assists single parents with dependent children, and as patron of the ACT Rugby League. Smith died on 10 July 1998, at the age of 85.Honours and Awards
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Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) | 1975 Queen's Birthday Honours |
| |
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) | 1969 |
| Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) | 1963 Queen's Birthday Honours | |
| |
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) | 1968 Queen's Birthday Honours |
| Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom) The Distinguished Service Cross is the third level military decoration awarded to officers, and other ranks, of the British Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.The DSC, which may be awarded posthumously, is... (DSC) |
1942 | |
| 1939–45 Star | ||
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Atlantic Star Atlantic Star The Atlantic Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II.The star was awarded for six months service afloat, in the Atlantic or in Home Waters, within the period 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945... |
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| Pacific Star Pacific Star The Pacific Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. It was also awarded to certain foreign servicemen, such as Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz of the United States.-Entitlement:... |
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France and Germany Star France and Germany Star The France and Germany Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II.The medal was awarded for operational service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany from 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945... |
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| Defence Medal | ||
| War Medal 1939–1945 War Medal 1939–1945 The War Medal 1939–1945 was a British decoration awarded to those who had served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy full-time for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea... |
With Oakleaf for Mentioned in Dispatches | |
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Australia Service Medal 1939–45 | |
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Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975 | |
| Korea Medal Korea Medal The Korea Medal , sometimes referred to as the Queen's Korea Medal to distinguish it from the United Nations Service Medal, was a campaign medal created in 1951 to recognize troops from the various Commonwealth realms, except South Africa, who had given either one day's service in Korea or 28 days... |
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| United Nations Korea Medal | ||
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General Service Medal (1962) General Service Medal (1962) The General Service Medal , was introduced in 1962 to combine the General Service Medal , as awarded to the Army and RAF, and the Naval General Service Medal... |
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Vietnam Medal Vietnam Medal The Vietnam Medal was a joint Australian and New Zealand campaign medal awarded for service in the Vietnam War.The medal was jointly developed by Australia and New Zealand, although there were separate Royal authorisation warrants for each country.... |
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Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 | |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
External links
- Defence Force - Previous Chiefs
- Vietnam War Nominal Roll