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MALAYA, BORNEO, AND VIETNAM

Prior to formation as a Regiment, the sub units deployed individuals and small teams to the Borneo Confrontation and the Vietnam War.

MALAYA, BORNEO, AND VIETNAM

Prior to formation as a Regiment, the sub units deployed individuals and small teams to the Borneo Confrontation and the Vietnam War. During the Borneo confrontation, Sergeant Ted Blacker of 126th Signal Squadron (Special Forces) was awarded the British Empire Medal. From 1965 the Commando Companies contributed numerous instructors, including from their reserve part-time component, to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). Two lost their lives with the AATTV, with Warrant Officer Class II John Durrington being killed in action, and Warrant Officer Class II Ron Scott dying of wounds. Whilst serving with the AATTV, Warrant Officer Class II Ray Simpson, formerly from both the Special Air Service Regiment and the 1st Commando Company, was awarded the Victoria Cross for an action in the Kontum Province on 6 May 1969. In the late 1960s, 2nd Commando Company relocated from Ripponlea to Fort Gellibrand at Williamston. In 1978, 126th Signal Squadron (Special Forces) was provided with approval to wear the green beret and in 1981 the first female passed selection and was awarded a green beret.

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