1.
LV Helicopter landing
0.03

2.
SV & CU Troops waiting (6 shots)
0.24

3.
GV Mascot TILT to men
0.30

4.
GV Helicopter landing (2 shots)
0.44

5.
SV Man on crutches walking towards helicopter followed by others
0.54

6.
SV Troops boarding
0.58

7.
SV Shadow of rotor blade
1.01

8.
LV Helicopter leaving
1.07

9.
LV Aircraft carrier
1.09

10.
GV Helicopter flying over carrier (2 shots)
1.14

11.
LV Helicopter landing
1.17

12.
GV Flag flying from superstructure
1.19

13.
GV Soldiers on deck
1.20

14.
SV President Thieu walking away from helicopter and inspecting guard of honour (2 shots)
1.21

15.
CU Soldier
1.33

16.
SV President Thieu meeting officers and soldiers watching (2 shots)
1.41

17.
SV Thieu talking to solders
1.46

18.
GV Troops
1.47

19.
SV & CU Thieu presenting gifts to officers
1.57



Initials ES. 1534 ES. 1557



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The combat role of Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam came to end after nine years on December the 8th when the main body of the 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment/New Zealand (ANZAC) shipped out from Vung Tau near Saigon aboard the Australian carrier Sydney.

President Nguyen Van Thieu of South Vietnam attended the ceremonial farewell to the unit aboard the Sydney.

SYNOPSIS: On December the 8th the combat role of Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam came to an end when helicopters at Vung Tau heliport near Saigon air-lifted men of the Royal Australian Regiment aboard the Australian carrier 'Sydney' for their return to base in Townsville, Australia.

These are man of the 4th Battalion of the Anzac Regiment, Australia's last major unit in South Vietnam. The Saigon-based battalion arrive in Vietnam on May 23 this year, and quickly began operations in the northern areas of Phuoc Tuy Province.

Their withdrawal ends Australia's nine-year involvement in the Vietnam war, apart from the retention of an unspecified number of advisors to help train South Vietnamese troops.

Australia's commitment began in 1962 with a group of 30 advisors at Warrant Officer level, building up to a peak commitment of 8,500.

The main Australian task force has handed over its base at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province to the South Vietnamese Army, which will take over any worthwhile material and equipment.

South Vietnam's President Nguyen Van Thieu bid a ceremonial farewell to the Anzac troops on H.M.A.S. Sydney, inspecting a Guard of Honour and talking to officers and men. He also said to the Anzacs that the areas controlled by them, particularly around Nui Dat, were by common consensus among the most secure in Vietnam. Vung Tau near Saigon, one of South Vietnam's most popular resorts and active economic centres, had also greatly benefitted from their presence, he said.