Battalion History

the Sixth Battalion

The Royal Australian Regiment

Raised: 6 June 1965
Location: Enoggera QLD
Structure: Motorised Battalion
Lanyard: Khaki.

Regimental
Band: Spirit of Youth
Pipes and Drums: The Crusaders.
Mascot: Australian Cattle Dog. LCPL Ridgeleigh Blue IV
Website: http://6rarassociation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6thbattalion/

Formation

6 RAR was raised in Brisbane under LTCOL CM Townsend at Alamein Barracks, Enoggera on 6 June 1965. Initially the battalion consisted of a nucleus Command structure of Officers and NCO, two rifle companies and some specialists provided by 2 RAR.

The battalion was brought up to full strength when a large draft of soldiers from the first National Service Intake arrived in September 1965.

Vietnam 1966 – 1967

Following an intensive period of collective training for war, 6 RAR deployed to South Vietnam in May 1966. The Battalion arrived in time to celebrate its first birthday at Vung Tau before moving forward to join 5 RAR at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province and commenced operational service as part of 1 ATF.

During the period June to August 1966 6 RAR conducted two major operations. Operation ENOGGERA was the search and clearance of the previously unsettled village of Long Phuoc, and Operation HOBART was a five-day search and destroy mission. The two operations accounted for 36 enemy casualties and the destruction of several camps installations and caches.

Operation HOBART also saw the Battalion come into contact with the enemy provincial Mobile Battalion D445 which was subsequently met and defeated at Long Tan.

On the night of 16/17 August the Viet Cong attacked the 1ATF base with mortar and recoilless rifle fire, causing both damage and casualties. B Company was initially deployed to clear the area to the east of Nui Dat. On the morning of 18 August D Company relieved B Company of its task. D Company was patrolling in the vicinity of Long Tan mid-afternoon in heavy rain when the company came into contact with the 275 Viet Cong Regiment and the D445 Battalion which were moving to attack Nui Dat. Soon D Company was under sustained attack on three flanks.

Supported only by Task Force artillery because of the torrential rain and blanket of mist, D Company held its ground for three hours with grim determination and much heroism; and inflicted enormous casualties on a tenacious and determined enemy.

As dusk fell the relief force, consisting of A Company and HQ elements mounted in APCs, assaulted from the line of march. This was too much for the enemy which withdrew. D Company had won an incredible battle against an enemy force which numbered around 2000. Of course, they paid a high price with 17 killed and 21 wounded. However, the Viet Cong lost many more men and needed to replace those who were killed before they appeared in the province again. It is interesting to note that there was never a serious attempt again to attack the base. CPL Peter Clements, 1Tp, 1 APC Sqn died of wounds, increasing the Australian lost to a total of 18.

As a result of this heroic stand, D Company 6 RAR was awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation and subsequently the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry. The date of the battle, 18 August, has since become the national memorial day for the Vietnam War.

Between August 1966 and its departure to Australia in June 1967, 6 RAR took part in seventeen battalion operations and supported several operations conducted by 5 RAR. These operations, along with routine patrolling around the task force area, gradually wrestled control of the province away from the Viet Cong. During the Battalions first tour 23 members received gallantry awards and 37 members gave their lives.

Townsville 1967 – 1969

6 RAR celebrated its second birthday at sea aboard HMAS SYDNEY during the return voyage to Australia. On arrival in Townsville the Battalion occupied Long Tan Lines in Lavarack Barracks.

On 10 May 1968, His Excellency, the Governor General of Australia, The Right Honourable Lord Casey, GCMG, CH, DSO, MC, KSTJ presented 6 RAR with Queen’s and Regimental Colours. On 18 August 1968, the US Presidential Unit Citation awarded to D Company for the Battle of Long Tan was presented to the OC D Company by the Prime Minister of Australia, The Right Honourable J.G. Gorton, MP.

Vietnam 1969 – 1970

6 RAR embarked on its second tour of South Vietnam in May 1969, to relieve 4 RAR. On 19 May the Battalion was renamed 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion. This reflected the inclusion of a New Zealand component of two rifle companies, two sections of mortars and two assault pioneer sections.

The first battalion operation was one of the most productive of the tour. Operation LAVARACK started on 30 May 1969 with the establishment of a fire- support base in the north of Nui Dat. Each company then commenced reconnaissance in force in separate operational areas. The Battalion casualties were three dead and 29 wounded.

The third anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan was commemorated by a memorial service on the original battle ground during which a large cross was erected.

During the tour 15 battalion operations were conducted. Reflecting the increasing control that the Australians
exerted over the province, 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) was called on several times to assist in civil community projects and in the training of local government forces. Positive signs of the disintegration of the enemy’s command and supply system were identified and by the end of the tour the enemy were forced to operate in small groups only, and struggle for their very existence.

As an indication of the success of the tour the enemy suffered 60 dead, 64 confirmed wounded and 51 captured as a result of battalion operations. The Battalion also captured 480 assorted weapons and 13 tonnes of rice. Battalion losses were 24 killed and 148 wounded. Twenty-eight members received gallantry awards for the second tour.

Having completed a successful second tour of duty 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) was relieved by 2 RAR in May 1970 and the Battalion returned to Townsville, occupying Samichion Lines.

Singapore

6 RAR was deployed to Singapore from January 1971, and complete with families occupied Selarang Barracks. The Battalion was part of the 28th ANZUK Brigade of the Far East Strategic Reserve. The main activity was conducting exercises in neighbouring Jahore, Malay State. The Battalion was not replaced and returned to Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane in October 1973.

Brisbane 1974 – 2000

Upon returning to Brisbane, 6 RAR was almost immediately committed to aiding the Brisbane community during and after the 1974 Australia day floods.

6 RAR managed the accommodation for 200 evacuees from Darwin following the devastation of Cyclone Tracey which occurred on Christmas Eve 1974. The Battalion replaced 5/7 RAR, in Darwin in March 1975, cleaning up the rubble from destroyed buildings until May that year.

In 1974, 6 RAR developed an airborne capability with a number of members, from across the Battalion, earning their parachute wings. This airborne group jumped into the Glenn Airfield during Exercise STRIKEMASTER, however, the role was not formalised but maintained by individuals.

In 1980, the Battalion was directed to develop doctrine for the employment of a parachute company. This role was allocated to D Company. The first full scale deployment was undertaken near Ross, Tasmania on Exercise DISTANT BRIDGE in 1981.

In 1982, 6 RAR provided significant support to the Commonwealth Games held in Brisbane. One of the most significant tasks was the provision of a BHQ Command Post and A Company as a Response Force. Additional support provided included driver support, ceremonial activities, shooting range butt parties and general administrative support. 6 RAR also provided the Flag Party for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.

At the conclusion of the 1982 Long Tan celebrations, Mrs George Chinn officially opened the Battalion Museum. The Museum was named after WO1 George Chinn, DCM, the Battalion’s first RSM.

On 15 September 1988, the Battalion was presented new Queen’s and Regimental Colours by His Excellency, The Governor of Queensland, Sir Walter Campbell, QC. The old Queen’s and Regimental Colours were laid up at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane, on 13 November 1988.

In January 1989, 6 RAR became the first unit in the Australian Army to be issued the new service rifle, the F88 Austeyr. In March that year, the Battalion deployed to California, USA, on Exercise CALTROP FORCE; an American, British, Canadian and Australian Armies exercise designed to test interoperability. This was the first battalion deployment outside of Australia since Army’s withdrawal from Singapore. 6 RAR was appointed ambassadors for the City of Brisbane to Monterey, California.

In April 1990, 6 RAR became the first unit in the Australian Amy to be issued with the new section Light Support Weapon, the F89 Minimi.

As an integrated A21 Motorised Battalion, the unit was structured with one part time and one fulltime Motorised Rifle Company (A and D respectively). Fire Support Company included Indirect Fire Platoon (artillery), and Direct Fire Platoon (LAV 25 and Weapon Locating Section). Recon and Surveillance Company included Recon Platoon, Surveillance Platoon, Combat Engineer Platoon, and a Sniper Section. Combat Service Support Company conducted all of the Admin Company functions.

A change of Government saw the A21 concept abandoned in late 1998 and the Battalion re-roled to Light Infantry.

Ready Reserve Scheme (RRES Scheme), Motorisation and A21 Trials

6 RAR was re-roled as a Motorised Battalion in February 1992. In the same year, following the introduction of the Ready Reserve Scheme (RRES), the Battalion was converted to a RRES Motorised Battalion. The unit was structured with three part time rifle companies (A, B and C) and one fulltime RRES rifle company in D Company. BHQ, Support and Admin Companies also had RRES elements.

On 9 February 1997, the RRES scheme was concluded by Government and 6 RAR was selected to trial the new initiative of “Army of the 21st Century (A21) Motorised Battalion” organisation, under the Restructuring the Army plan. On 1 July 1997 the unit adopted the A21 structure.

East Timor 2000

6 RAR, which included around 200 General Reserve soldiers, replaced 5/7 RAR in Balibo, East Timor as AUSBATT II on 25 April 2000. The Battalion quickly embarked on an aggressive patrolling program to improve security and reduce infiltrators and militia activity. Throughout the deployment, 6 RAR had at least fourteen contacts with trained militia. The Battalion also established good relations with the local people. In October 2000, 6 RAR completed its tour of duty and was replaced by 1 RAR.

To commemorate the Royal Australian Regiment’s contribution to the peace and security of the world’s newest nation, Assault Pioneer Platoon constructed a memorial. Erected at the foot of AUSBATT’s former home, Fort Balibo, the memorial was dedicated in the presence of the Regiment’s COL COMDT, MAJGEN Jim Connelly, AO CSC, and Prime Minister Timor Lesté, Mari Alkatiri.

East Timor 2003 – 2004

In November 2003, 6 RAR deployed on Operation CITADEL to East Timor to relieve 1 RAR. The Battalion Group, dubbed WESTBATT, was reduced in size to coincide with the final drawdown phase of the UN mission and consisted of a Headquarters, one Australian and one Fijian Rifle Company, Recon and Surveillance Platoon and a Rapid Response Platoon. WESTBATT also include an APC Troop, S-70 Blackhawk Troop, and Engineer Troop. 1 Field Regiment provided a Civil-Military Cooperation Team, while 2 Health Support Battalion deployed a fully equipped surgical team. The Battalion deployed in a series of sub-unit rotations.

Operational emphasis was directed at supporting local security agencies, including the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) and the Timor Lesté Police Force (PNTL), as these agencies would become responsible for security in the region upon WESBATT’s departure. In addition, the battalion provided support to Timor Lestés Defence Force (F-FDTL) in the form of training and advice.

Enoggera 2004 – 2006

Iraq – SECDET 6. In December 2004, A Company formed the core component of Security Detachment 6 (SECDET 6) and deployed on Operation CATALYST to Baghdad, Iraq. The primary task was the protection of the Australian Ambassador and supporting diplomatic staff. SECDET 6 was subject to the substantial bombing their base, known as the Flats and improvised explosive device (IED) attack on an ASLAV.

SECDET 7. In May 2005, C Company formed the core component of SECDET 7 and deployed to relieve SECDET 6, returning to Australia in September 2005.

Solomon Islands. In April 2005, 6 RAR provided an infantry platoon headquarters and rifle section, at short notice, for deployment on Operation ANODE in the Solomon Islands. They were force assigned to Joint Task Force 631 (JTF 631) and tasked to provide security for Rove Prison, Honiara, as well a Quick Reaction Force (QRF). The contingent returned to Australia in August 2005.

Afghanistan – SOTG 1. In October 2005, 6 RAR deployed the first Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) Detachment on operational service, in support to the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan. The section strength deployment provided a significant capability brick in support to all SOTG offensive operations against the Taliban.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. In February 2006, A Company was deployed to Melbourne on Operation ACOLYTE as the Response Force in direct support to the 4 RAR Tactical Assault Group – East. A Company deployed with their IMV and proved the operational utility and flexibility of the motorised infantry capability in support to a domestic event support operation (DESO).

Afghanistan – SOTG 2 and 3. In February and June 2006, 6 RAR deployed additional IMV Detachments in support to SOTG Rotation 2 and Rotation 3 on Operation SLIPPER to Afghanistan that returned to Australia in October 2006. The service of SOTG Rotations 1 to 3 was recognised by the subsequent awarding of the Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG) for collective gallantry and was presented by the Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC, (Retired) at a ceremonial parade at 4 RAR on 26 October 2007. The inclusive nature of this gallantry award and the 6 RAR soldiers’ attendance at the formal parade was a most fitting recognition of their operational duty and professionalism.

Iraq – OBG-W 1. In May 2006, 6 RAR deployed a platoon strength IMV Detachment from Suport Company, in support to the 2 RAR led deployment of the Overwatch Battle Group – West Rotation 1 (OBG-W I) to southern Iraq. The IMV Det returned to Australia in December 2006.

On 31 July 2006, the Chief of Army granted Blue Dog, official Unit Mascot status and PTE Ridgeleigh Blue III was enlisted into the Australian Regular Army with the Regimental Number MA 444.

Afghanistan – RTF 1. In September 2006, 6 RAR deployed a platoon strength IMV Det from Support Company, in support to the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) led inaugural deployment of the Reconstruction Task Force Rotation 1 (RTF 1) on Operation SLIPPER to Afghanistan. The IMV Det supported the Engineer Task Group and Security Task Group provided by 7 RAR. The IMV Det returned to Australia in May 2007.

Timor Lesté 2006

In September 2006, BHQ, A Company, C Company, Support Company and Admin Company formed the core component of the Timor Lesté Battle Group Rotation I (TLBG 1) that deployed on Op ASTUTE to Timor Lesté. TLBG 1 was recognised as the ANZAC BG in theatre due to the force assignment of a RNZIR Rifle Company. With effect November 2006, V Company, 1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) was deployed with 6 RAR; something that had not occurred on an operational deployment since May 1969 in Vietnam.

The Battalion returned to Australia over March-April 2007 after extensive security and stability operations in Dili and throughout the TLAO.

Enoggera 2007 – 2009

Afghanistan – SOTG 4 and 5. In May and September 2007, 6 RAR again deployed IMV Dets in support to the redeployed SOTG mission on Operation SLIPPER to Afghanistan.

On 6 June 2007, PTE Ridgeleigh Blue III was promoted to the rank of LCPL.

Iraq – SECDET 12. In September 2007, D Company formed the core component of. SECDET 12 and deployed on Operation CATALYST in Baghdad, Iraq.

Afghanistan – RTF 3. In September 2007, 6 RAR again deployed a reinforced platoon strength IMV Det in support to the 3 CER led RTF 3 deployment on Op SLIPPER to Afghanistan.

Iraq – OBG-W 4. In November 2007, 6 RAR deployed a heavily reinforced A Company composed of a reinforced platoon strength IMV Det, Sniper Cell and Logistics Det in support to the 2/14 LHR (QMI) led OBG-W 4 deployment on Operation CATALYST to Iraq.

On 24 August, a combined MT D / 1st Kandak patrol, from Patrol Base Anar Joy into the Tangi Valley, resulted in a prolonged and deadly engagement in the vicinity of the village of Derapet. For his actions that day CPL Daniel Keighran was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery.

MTF1’s losses were six killed in action and 33 wounded in action. Mentoring Task Force 1 (MTF1) was engaged by IEDs on nearly 60 occasions, however over 120 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were detected and rendered safe by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD); a testament to the superior training of the Australian Sappers.

MTF1 completed its tour of duty in December 2010, having been relieved by the 5 RAR lead MTF2. For its outstanding performance, the unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation. Seventeen (17) members received awards for gallantry and distinguished service on operations.

Afghanistan 2010

Nearly 500 members of 6 RAR formed the core of the 6 RAR Battlegroup – Mentoring Task Force 1 (MTF1). The Battlegroup, comprised of predominantly 7 Brigade personnel but with over 40 ADF units contributing, concentrated in Brisbane in September 2009. MTF1 commenced its deployment in mid- January 2010 and relieved the 1 RAR Battlegroup on 14 February. MTF1’s mission was to mentor and partner with the 4th Brigade, 205th (HERO) Corps, Afghan National Army (ANA) in Oruzgan Province.

Over the course of the tour, the prevailing and pervasive threat remained the IED, while there remained a significant small arms fire threat. MTF1 patrols and PB were regularly engaged by enemy patrols at long range as a ‘come on’ or enticement to move into their engagement areas. These incidents resulted in nearly 100 contacts with several lasting 2-3 hours.

By early August, the structure of the MTF changed dramatically as staff were taken from the HQ to form HQ Combined Team-Uruzgan; a combined US and Australian HQ to replace the Dutch HQ Task Force-Uruzgan. In addition, Combat Team D (Cbt M D) re-roled to a Mentoring Team (MT) to assume the mentorship and partnering task with the 1st Kandak in the Deh Rawood area. These changes resulted in MTF1 having over 500 members of the Battlegroup living in patrol bases forward of Tarin Kowt and occupying an additional four patrol bases with their Afghan National Army (ANA) counterparts.

Enoggera 2011 - 2017

Upon its return to Australia, the Battalion’s modernisation and training regime over this period was a reflection of broader Army modernisation direction – principally Plan Beersheba which sought to rebalance Army to three ‘like’ combat Brigades. which would enable more common training for the sustainable generation of the forces required for contingency and scheduled operations. By the end 0f 2014 the Battalion had adopted a Standard Infantry Battalion (SIB) ORBAT. While a number of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles were retained; the Battalion transitioned to a more traditional ‘light Infantry’ Battalion structure. The Battalion retained only three rifle companies (A, B and D) in order to afford growth of integral Manoeuvre Support (weapons) sections within each of the Rifle Platoons.

In 2015 the Battalion prepared for and undertook responsibilities as the Ready Battle Group (RBG). This was a first for 7 Brigade, as the Battalion provided the core of, and led, a composite combined-arms Battle Group of approximately 1100 personnel from across the Brigade. Held at a short readiness notice, the Battalion was prepared to assume the lead land force element in response to an array of contingencies including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief through to Security and Stability Operations. The Battalion retained this responsibility until June 2016.

On 18 Aug 16 the Battalion marked the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, at Gallipoli Barracks, with a Regimental Parade and Drum Head Service. The Reviewing Officer was His Excellency, the Governor General of Australia, General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, CVO, MC. There was an exceptional turn out by the 6 RAR Association and the veterans of Long Tan, including 3 Tp, 1 APC Sqn veterans.

Under Army’s Plan Keogh, 6 RAR was directed to adopt a Mechanised Battalion structure and, in late 2017, took receipt of their first M113 APC from 2/14 LHR (QMI) and other units. The Battalion continued as a Mechanised unit until 2024.

Iraq and Afghanistan 2018-2019

The Battalion formed the core of and led the Taji TG in 2018 in Iraq (OP OKRA) and provided D Company to perform Force Protection Element (FPE) tasks in Afghanistan (OP HIGH ROAD). Upon completion of these tours, the Battalion provided personnel contribution to the follow-on Taji TG (led by 2/14 LHR, QMI) and B Company replaced D Company in Afghanistan in 2019.

2019 - 2022

Operation Bushfire Assist NSW 2019 – 2020. 6 RAR provided support in the clean up after bushfires ravished northern NSW.

Within a month of returning from Op Bushfire Assist NSW the Battalion was tasked with boarder security for Op COVID19 Assist. Company groups supported communities and Qld Government agencies in securing QLD boarders from unauthorised entry during the COVID19 pandemic. This role continued throughout 2019 and early 2020, until the pandemic was downgraded.

Riffle Company Butterworth (134) 2021. A Company undertook training in Butterworth for approximately three months at the end of 2021.

Operation NSW Flood Assist 2021. 6 RAR provided clean up support to the northern rivers area of NSW after devastating floods.

Operation Flood Assist QLD and NSW 2022. In February 2022, and again in May 2022, the Brigade assisted communities in clean up and recovery after some of the worst flooding in over two decades across South-east Qld and Northern NSW. 6 RAR tasked with assisting Brisbane, Ipswich and Gympie communities worked tirelessly to get communities back operational.

Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2022. In May/June 2022 6 RAR took part in Ex Southern Jackaroo training alongside components of US Marines and Japanese military forces at Shoalwater Bay. The exercise helped the three countries build stronger bonds and assisted the defence members to learn new combat skills from each other. The exercise was very successful in building the Brigades’ alliance with the US and Japan.

2023 - Current

Changing of the Colours. On the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 the crown passed to King Charles III. In November 2023 the King’s and Regimental Colours were presented to the Battalion, with a large number of Vietnam era ex-soldiers making a guard of honour as the Queen’s and Regimental Colours were retired. The Queen’s and Regimental Colours were laid up in St John’s Cathedral, Ann Street, Brisbane with the previous two sets of Colours.

Exercise Tagata Toa. April 2024 saw members of the Battalion from Brisbane to Noumea pause to commemorate ANZAC Day with our Battalion friends, family and partners from across the region. It also had 12 Platoon deployed to New Caledonia on Ex Tagata Toa, strengthening regional ties with our longterm partners from FRANC and NZDF.

Exercise Diamond Dagger. May 2024 saw the Battalion taking part in Ex Diamond Dagger, where they worked hard to build warfighting capability by conducted training in the urban operations training facilities, bedded in Mortars, and combined arms training.