The next pod is a re release on 07 August 25 and the guest is John Tulloch a former officer in the New Zealand and British Armies. Every so often I look at the download statistics for a podcast episode and get surprised at how low some of them are considering the subject matter. This episode with John, who fought in Vietnam with the NZ army, is one of them. I have re edited the episode and cut it down so it concentrates purely on his time in SE Asia I’ve also cleaned up the sound for a better listener experience. John’s military career began when he was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) in 1966. He then developed his jungle warfare expertise whilst serving in Vietnam from July 1968 to July 1969 as an Forward Observation Officer (FOO) nowadays referred to as a Fire Support Team (FST) commander.
The discussion offers an in-depth look into New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War, It highlights the controversial nature of the conflict for the country, contrasting their alliance with the US and Australia to their previous ties with the UK. The discussion covers critical aspects such as pre-deployment training, the effectiveness of weaponry and communication in the jungle, and the vital role of artillery and close air support, especially during key battles like Long Tan. Furthermore, we explore the unique challenges of jungle warfare, the nature of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army adversaries, and the post-war reception of returning soldiers, and the delayed recognition of their service and health issues like Agent Orange exposure.
Why Did New Zealand Go to Vietnam?
When most people think of the Vietnam War, they picture the vast involvement of American troops and, to a lesser extent, the Australians. But often overlooked is the quiet, professional role played by New Zealand’s armed forces. Though numerically small, the New Zealand Army’s contribution was strategically significant and marked a turning point in the country’s military and foreign policy posture during the Cold War.
New Zealand’s entry into the Vietnam War was driven by a blend of alliance politics and Cold War fear. As a committed member of the ANZUS Pact (with Australia and the United States), New Zealand felt pressure to show solidarity with its allies. The government at the time, under Prime Minister Keith Holyoake, feared that the spread of communism in Southeast Asia could destabilize the region—including neighbours like Malaysia and Indonesia. Initially cautious, New Zealand ramped up its involvement gradually. In 1964, it sent a non-combat engineering team, but by 1967, New Zealand infantry were in the fight alongside Australian and American forces.
What Did the New Zealand Army Do in Vietnam?
New Zealand’s combat troops in Vietnam were part of 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF), based in Phuoc Tuy Province. Their deployment was known as V Force, and although never more than 550 soldiers at any one time, New Zealand troops served with distinction across a variety of roles:
Infantry: Most of New Zealand’s combat troops served in infantry companies—Victor and Whisky Companies—which were integrated into Australian battalions. This joint structure enhanced operational effectiveness and reflected the long-standing ANZAC tradition.
Artillery: New Zealand also deployed the 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery. Arriving in 1965, it was one of the first Commonwealth combat units in Vietnam. The battery supported not only ANZAC units but also American and South Vietnamese forces, earning praise for accuracy and reliability.
Medical and Support Roles: New Zealanders served as field medics, nurses, and in logistics. The New Zealand Services Medical Team provided vital healthcare to Vietnamese civilians and troops alike.
Combat Experience and Challenges
New Zealand troops were involved in search-and-destroy missions, patrols, and major operations such as Operation BRIBIE and Operation COBURG. The dense jungle, elusive enemy tactics, and unfamiliar terrain made every operation risky and physically grueling. Despite their small numbers, New Zealand soldiers earned a reputation for discipline and professionalism. The integration with Australian units created strong bonds but also meant that the Kiwi experience is often submerged within broader accounts of ANZAC operations.
Casualties and Legacy
In total, over 3,800 New Zealand military and civilian personnel served in Vietnam between 1964 and 1972. The cost was high: 37 were killed, and 187 wounded. However the war deeply divided New Zealand society. As public opinion turned against the conflict in the late 1960s and early 1970s, anti-war protests became more vocal. When the final New Zealand troops were withdrawn in 1972, it marked the end of an era of automatic alignment with US military policy.
Reflections and Recognition
Today, the service of New Zealand veterans is remembered with greater nuance. Vietnam veterans have fought for recognition of health issues linked to exposure to Agent Orange and for their role to be properly acknowledged by the nation. The New Zealand Army’s involvement in Vietnam was small in scale but significant in impact. It cemented trans-Tasman military cooperation, tested the limits of Cold War alliances, and left a legacy of complex political and social questions that continue to resonate in New Zealand’s defense policy.
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