and commissary service in Vietnam; special services, including established rest and recreation tours; necessary office space, equipment, and supplies; spare parts, petroleum products, and maintenance facilities for vehicles and aircraft within the capabilities of U.S. facilities and units in Vietnam.
There was no significant change in strength or mission for the New Zealand forces in South Vietnam during the remainder of 1969. (Table 2)
| Unit | Location | Authorized strength | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters, New Zealand Force, Vietnam | Saigon, Gia Dinh | 18 | Comd and admin support |
| 161st Battery, RNZIR | Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy | 131 | Combat |
| RNZIR component; various appointments with 1st Australian Task Force | Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy | 15 | Combat |
| V Company, RNZIR | Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy | 150 | Combat |
| W Company, RNZIR | Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy | 150 | Combat |
| Administrative Cell | Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy | 9 | Admin support |
| No. 4 Troop, NZ SAS | Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy | 26 | Combat |
| Logistical support element | Nui Dat, Vung Tau, Phuoc Tuy | 27 | Logistical support |
| 1 NZ Svcs Med Team | Dong Son, Binh Dinh | 16 | Asst to GVN |
While there appeared to be some hesitancy over the type and amount of New Zealand's military aid, the country's financial assistance to South Vietnam continued unabated. Commencing in 1966, financial aid averaged approximately $350,000 (U.S.) annually. This sum financed several mobile health teams to support refugee camps, the training of village vocational experts, and the establishment of the fifteen-man surgical team deployed to the Qui Nhon-Bong Son area. Other appropriated support funded the cost of medical and instructional material for Hue University and the expansion of Saigon University. During the 1967-1968 period nearly $500,000 (U.S.) of private civilian funds were donated for Vietnamese student scholarships in New Zealand and increased medical and refugee aid.
For a number of years the Australian and New Zealand troops, distinctive in their bush hats, operated in their own area of responsibility in Phuoc Tuy Province. Their job was essentially to conduct offensive operations against the enemy through
