New Zealand troops arrive Vietnam DPR/TV/617

The first infantry troops of the New Zealand Army to serve on operational duty in Vietnam arrived today. About 60 officers and men from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, flew into Vung Tau Airbase aboard a Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules C-130 transport. The New Zealand troops flew from Malaysia where the 1st Battalion, RNZIR, is based at Terendak Cantonment, Malacca, as part of the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group. Led by Major John Mace of Nelson, New Zealand, the Kiwi diggers will work with the 1st Australian Task Force which is based at Nui Dat south-east of Saigon. On arrival at Vung Tau the Kiwi troops were given a colourful reception as Vietnamese girls draped traditional leis of welcome around their necks. An official greeting party which included the Chief of the Free World Military Organisation, Major-General Tranh Ngoc Tan; the Commander Australian Forces, Viet Nam, Major-General Douglas Vincent and the Commander of the New Zealand Forces (incl Aust) helping Vietnamese in the fight against Communism. Major Mace, OC NZ Company, replied on behalf of the New Zealand troops. From Vung Tau on the coast the Kiwi diggers flew aboard RAAF Caribou transport aircraft to Luscombe Field at Nui Dat which is the Australian Task Force airbase. The Kiwi infantry troops moved into a well established base area near 6 RAR lines. Tents with floor boards, electricity, permanent messes and kitchens had been prepared for them by Australian engineers of 1st Field Squadron, RAE. The Kiwi infanteers will spend six months in Vietnam then rotate back to Malaysia with another company taking their place.