8. From 6TTU to Vietnam – An APC for Australia
Posted on: Mon 30 May 2022
Episode 8 (The final episode in this series)
Royal Australian Armoured Corps Veterans Craig Haydock and Antony ‘Tony’ Larnach-Jones OAM.
- Tony Larnach Jones – from 1956 to 1976 with RAAC, including detachment to the British Army Royal Dragoons as a Cavalry Troop Commander in Malaya; Intelligence Officer for 4/19 PWLH; Aide-de-camp to LT GEN Sir John Wilton CGS; OC Recce Troop 1st Armoured Regt; Trials Officer at 6TTU; Setting up Scheyville; To Vietnam with 1 APC Sqn and 3 Cav Regiment.
Main Photo: During Operation Smithfield Australian Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) of 1 APC Squadron and soldiers on foot swept along in pursuit of retreating Viet Cong troops in Phuoc Tuy Province. Members of 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), climb into APCs. AWM
Throughout this 8 part series, produced via a Saluting Their Service Major Commemorative Grant, Army Veterans recount memories of heading up to Far North Queensland and the little town of Innisfail in the mid 1960s to participate in tropical trials on wheeled and tracked vehicles. Some travelled by train, some flew or drove their own vehicles and others were part of a large convoy that left Puckapunyal in 1964. Many who participated in 6 Tropical Trials Unit (6TTU) went on to serve in Vietnam.
The series is MC’d by RAAC Veteran Craig Haydock.
