Duty First
This is Duty First, a podcast about the history of the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR). Bear witness as the regiment rises from the ashes of the Second World War to become Australia’s first ever professionalised infantry force. Told by members of the regiment who were there, enter a world where courage takes centre stage and history comes alive.
Tim Russell, Writer & Producer
Slade Gibson, Audio Producer & Composer
Paul Larter, Host
Harry Windsor, Writer
Produced by Pivot Studios for The Department of Veterans Affairs and The Royal Australian Regiment Foundation.
Duty First
Vietnam, Part One
After serving valiantly in the jungles of Malaya and Malaysia, the Royal Australian Regiment is about to face it’s toughest and bloodiest test - The Vietnam War. Join us for part one, detailing the start of the war and how the men of 6RAR fought The Battle of Long Tan.
Featured interviews:
- Dave Sabben - 6RAR
- Mike von Berg OAM - 1 & 5 RAR, SASR, 2 CDO COY
- LTCOL Edward Chitham MC, OAM (retd) aka, ”Ted” - 9RAR, 8/9RAR
Episode cover image:
Signalman John McKenzie on guard in a weapon pit on a sweep after the battle of Long Tan, part of Operation Smithfield by Cunneen, William James courtesy of AWM.
Produced by Pivot Studios for the Department of Veterans Affairs and The Royal Australian Regiment Foundation.
If you need support for PTSD or a mental health condition, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Members of the RAR can receive non urgent assistance from the RAR Foundation through battalions. Talk to your current or former battalion CO or padre for more information.
