Red Haze: Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam

by Leon Davidson

Here at last is the story of Australia and New Zealand's role in a controversial war, for a new generation.

Australia and New Zealand followed the Americans into Vietnam to save the country from going down the drain to the Communists. Unlike other wars, there was no front zone, no safe zone and no glory. Having survived the jungles, the landmines and the shrewdness of the Vietcong, returning soldiers were told by the army to get out of their uniforms and not tell anyone where they had been. Many had been conscripted to fight, and risked their lives, but weren't given the heroic welcome home of other wars. Instead, media coverage and widespread public protests meant the veterans became the scapegoats for a war many believed we should have stayed out of.

Leon Davison's grandfather served in both world wars and when his father volunteered for Vietnam he was knocked back because of unpaid parking fines! Leon is the author of the critically-acclaimed 'Scarecrow Army: the Anzacs at Gallipolli'.

Genres: War, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning account. As a child/teenager, my view of the Vietnam War was gained from the news footage and newspapers at the time. What a revelation to read the facts now, from the perspective of the South and North Vietnamese, as well as the ANZACS. I had no idea of the vast tunnel cities the Vietnamese hid in, and waged war from.

[Steve Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, concise and informative. A good introduction to the Vietnam War and the role that the ANZACs played.

[Anne Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good. Sad, but an interesting and informative look at what Vietnam was like. Areas were reminiscent of China Beach in the events described, like Tet.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book for my daughter's assignment. End up I am the one reading the whole book.
Very good.