Series number
AWM 284
Series title
Records of 1 Field Squadron Royal Australian Engineers, Vietnam
1966-1971
Contents date range
1960-1971
Extent
4.6 metres
Access conditions
Subject to the Australian Archives Act (1983)
Agency controlling
Department of Defence
Custodial agency
Australian War Memorial
Function and
Provenance
1 Field Squadron was one element of the engineer presence in
Vietnam under
command of Headquarters 1 Australian Task Force (1 ATF). The squadron was deployed in Vietnam
from 1 April 1966 to 18
November 1971. During this
time the squadron had a number of key roles.
Firstly, the provision of engineer support for combat operations in
Phuoc Tuy Province, second, the construction and maintenance of a base for 1
ATF at Nui Dat and finally, the development of a base at Vung Tau.
The squadron carried out field works and land clearing, not
only in areas of Australian control and responsibility, but also in Vietnamese
communities. The squadron also operated
engineer combat teams which acted in support of infantry rifle companies. 1 Field Squadron had the primary task of
counteracting Viet Cong mine warfare.
They were also called upon for expertise in tunnelling and booby-trap
techniques.
The records of 1 Field Squadron during its service in Vietnam
returned to Australia
after the unit’s withdrawal in November 1971.
They remained with the Department of Defence until they were transferred
to the Australian War Memorial in 1984, accessioned as part of OW 84/5. They were subsequently re-designated series
AWM284 in November 2000, while the commander’s diary component of OW84/5 were
incorporated in series AWM95.
Content
The series consists of a variety of records concerning the
operation, management and administration of 1 Field Squadron in Vietnam. It includes operations in which the squadron
was involved, routine instructions and orders such as standing operating
procedures and directions, personnel and establishment records, accidents,
security, medical, pacification, vehicles and training. Significant portions of the series are
unregistered records of operations undertaken by the squadron.
System of arrangement
and control
The system of arrangement and control is the original
Department of the Army filing system, as used when the records were created.
Registered files
Registered items have a three-part item number conforming
with the Department of the Army registry classification of
correspondence catalogue. The first
number represents the primary topic of the item, the second and third numbers
refine the topic further.
Non registered files
Non registered items (not having registered item numbers)
were given imposed numbers by the Australian War Memorial, beginning at 1 and
continuing serially. They are single
numbers, not two or three part numbers like the registered items. They retain their original titles. Where no title was found, the AWM has
imposed one that best describes the item’s contents. All imposed information is enclosed in square brackets.
Using the series
Each item in the series is recorded on the RecordSearch database,
which researchers can access via the Internet.
Further assistance in finding relevant information may be gained from
related series of records (click on Series
Links at the bottom of this page).
Sources
AWM administrative file, AWM 284 Series Dossier
Greville, P J 2002, The Royal Australian Engineers 1945 to 1972:
paving the way, Australian Military History Publications, Melbourne.