This year marks the 50th anniversary of Anzac Day, which coincides with a significant historical event involving the Australian Air Force and a humanitarian mission during the final stages of the Vietnam War—Operation Babylift. Amidst the turmoil, thousands of orphans, many of whom were infants, were evacuated from Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to efforts by the US and its allies. By April 1975, many of these children arrived in dire need of medical attention as the situation deteriorated.
Many of the orphans were the children of American soldiers and Vietnamese women, and as the conflict reached its climax, there was an urgent need to ensure their safety from the advancing communist forces. The Australian War Memorial’s military history curator, Emily Hyles, notes that Operation Babylift was the largest orphan evacuation ever undertaken, with around 3,000 children relocated to the US, Australia, and various European nations.
Given the shorter flight distance, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was tasked with transporting the most critically ill children to Australia. These young evacuees were often severely malnourished, making the longer journey to the United States deemed too risky for their health.
Ten RAAF transport planes, primarily C-130 Hercules models, were deployed for this mission. Notably, pilot Hugh Howell recalls the treacherous flights from Vietnam to Bangkok, where the children were transferred to Qantas for their final leg to Australia. The journey was fraught with danger; with enemy forces close by, the aircraft took off in a zigzag pattern at a high altitude to avoid surface-to-air missile threats.
The risks associated with Operation Babylift were underscored by a tragic incident in which a C-5A Galaxy aircraft carrying orphans crashed shortly after takeoff from Saigon due to catastrophic decompression, resulting in the loss of over half of those on board, including two Australian women.
Operation Babylift remains a poignant reminder of the humanitarian contributions made by the Australian Defence Force during times of conflict, highlighting the enduring legacy of compassion amidst the chaos of war.