Robert Charles BIRTLES

Robert Charles BIRTLES Update Details

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BIRTLES, Robert Charles

Service Number:	3786660
Enlisted:	Not yet discovered
Last Rank:	Private
Last Unit:	5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR)
Born:	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia , 14 April 1945
Home Town:	Croydon, Maroondah, Victoria
Schooling:	Box Hill High School Victoria, Australia
Occupation:	Sales/Marketing
Memorials:

Vietnam War Service

22 Apr 1966:	Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 3786660, 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR)
22 Apr 1966:	Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 3786660

Robert Birtles

I was conscripted then posted to Puckapunyal (Vic) for recruit training on the 1st July 1965. From there I was posted to 2 RAR Enoggera QLD for infantry training. Then transferred to 5 RAR in Jan 1966 -- stationed at Holsworthy NSW.
The Battalion has just been reformed.

I trained with the Battalion in preparation for transfer to Vietnam to begin the establishment of the Australian Task Force (1A.T.F), soon to be located at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.
I sailed to Vietnam on board HMAS Sydney on the 22 April 1966.

The Battalions initial task was to secure the area where 1A.T.F was to be established, then conduct 18 Battalion operations as well as numerous day and night cordon and search, search and destroy, ambush and clearing patrols.

I returned to Australia (with the Battalion) again on board the HMAS Sydney, arriving at Garden Island Sydney NSW on the 12th of May 1967. 386 days away from Australia.

My Battalion postings were with C Company CHQ 5 RAR –
Support Section, later transferring (within the same Company) to 9 platoon.

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