Royal Australian Regiment in Tonga
Introduction
Troops from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) were deployed to Tonga in November 2006 following rioting in the capital Nuku’alofa
Government sources:
Triumph in Tonga, Captain Al Green, Army News, Volume 11, No. 58, 14 December 2006
“1RAR’s Ready Company Group completed another successful mission when it returned to Townsville on November 30 from its third overseas deployment for 2006 after helping to restore calm in Tonga. At the heart of the successful execution, according to Australian force commander Maj Jim Hammett, were proven systems and mechanisms from the strategic through to the tactical side of operations.
“The troops were deployed to Tonga as a company minus, specifically 3 Pl, A Coy, known as “the dogs”, and a Company HQ with the usual attachments – support section, signallers and a medic. Higher level medical support such as a resuscitation team and aeromedical evacuation resources were provided by the New Zealanders. It was an international effort with diplomacy the driver.”
Australian Forces assist in Tonga, ADF website
“Private Eliesa Holaafolau of 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) in conversation with a Tongan Defence Service’s soldier during a joint patrol on the streets of Nuku’alofa. Private Eliesa Holaafolau lived in Tonga as a child.”
“Private James Browne of 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) during joint security operations in support of the Tongan Defence Service, protecting the radio and television station.”