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 Two
After a bloody start to the Vietnam War, the RAR’s tour continues as the shadow of Long Tan looms large.
Featured interviews:
- General Sir Peter John Cosgrove, AK, CVO, MC - 9RAR, 1RAR
- MAJGEN Brian Howard AO, MC, ESM (retd) - 3RAR, PIR
- Francis Peter (Peter) SCOTT DSO, MID - 3RAR
Episode cover image:
During Operation Smithfield troops moving off in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) of 1 APC Squadron in a sweep in pursuit of retreating Viet Cong in Phuoc Tuy Province. The chase followed a savage battle at Long Tan in which members of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), APCs and artillery fire killed 250 enemy troops. 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.
