![A 2 Squadron Canberra bomber comes to a stop after an operation. The squadron, which lost two aircraft in Vietnam, achieved an enviable record for bombing accuracy during the war. [AWM P03654.017]](images/p03654_017.jpg)
A 2 Squadron Canberra bomber comes to a stop after an operation. The squadron, which lost two aircraft in Vietnam, achieved an enviable record for bombing accuracy during the war. [AWM P03654.017]
As well as Caribous and helicopters, the RAAF sent No. 2 Squadron to Vietnam in April 1967. Equipped with Canberra bombers and flying out of Phan Rang Air Base on South Vietnam’s southern coast, some 250 kilometres north-east of Saigon, No. 2 Squadron operated day and night missions destroying a wide range of infrastructure targets as well as attacking Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops. The squadron served with the United States Air Force’s 35th Tactical Fighter Wing until leaving Vietnam on 14 June 1971. Five members of the Squadron died during the war, two on operations.
Australian Forces Identity Certificate
The majority of United States personnel to enter enemy captivity in Vietnam were aircrew. While no Australians became prisoners of war, the possibility of Australian aircrew falling into enemy hands was very real throughout the war. This card advised RAAF personnel serving at the large American base at Phan Rang Bay what information they should provide should they be captured. [AWM RC07140]