in and supporting pacification operations in Phuoc Tuy. This involved patrolling the province in order to engage VC units and prevent them from making contact with the civilian population. From 12 June 1970 these operations were designated Operation Cung Chung and were intensified. 8 RAR's tour of South Vietnam ended in October 1970, by which time it had lost 18 men killed in action and suffered 108 wounded. As part of the reduction of the Australian force in South Vietnam 8 RAR was not replaced by another battalion when it returned to Enoggera. The reduction in the size of the Army at the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War led to 8 RAR being amalgamated. On the morning after the Australian Labor Party won the 1972 Federal Election the battalion, like all others in the Army, was ordered to discharge all conscripts who did not wish to remain. This led to a large reduction in the size of the Army, and in 1973 it was decided to reduce the Royal Australian Regiment from nine to five battalions. This change was implemented by merging ('linking') several battalions, and on 31 October 8 RAR was linked with 9 RAR to form 8/9 RAR. Members of 8 RAR received the following decorations during its deployment to Vietnam: one Distinguished Service Order, three Military Crosses, two Military Medals and 13 Mentions in Despatches. Battle honours Vietnam 1970–71. Commanding officers The following officers commanded 8 RAR: Lieutenant Colonel J.O. Langtry (1966–1969) Lieutenant Colonel K.J. O'Neill (1969–1970) Lieutenant Colonel A. Clunies-Ross (1971) Major I.S.A. Power (1971) Lieutenant Colonel J.M. Murphy (1971–1973) Lieutenant Colonel A. Clunies-Ross (1973) Notes References Further reading External links 8 RAR "The Grey Eight" 8 Military units and formations established in 1966 Military units and formations disestablished in 1973 Military units and formations of Australia in the Vietnam War