Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary

spidge · 19-08-2006, 11:39 AM

Forgot to post this yesterday.

The date the battle began, August 18, is commemorated in Australia as Long Tan Day, also known as Vietnam Veterans' Remembrance Day.

August 18th 1966

While not ww2, the battle of Long Tan is another battle involving the Anzac spirit.

108 soldiers stopping a force of 2500 Viet Cong. Result 18 dead Aussies and 29 injured. Viet Cong dead 275+ estimated @ 500+ and 1,000 wounded.

Supported by heavy artillery. In the midst of this fire fight ammunition that was dropped by helicopter was still in the cases and soldiers had to reload their magazines by hand. This and other procedures was changed after the battle.

Such was the ferocity of this battle, that the Viet Cong did not directly challenge Aussie troops again for the rest of the time they were in Vietnam.

Here is the background of the battle.

The Battle of Long Tan

The newly arrived 1st Australian Task Force established its Phuoc Tuy operations base in 1966 at Nui Dat, a piece of high ground surrounded by rubber plantations.

The Viet Cong had achieved dominion in the province and decided to inflict a politically unacceptable defeat on the Australians. Their plan was to lure the Australians from their base by firing recoilless rifle and mortar shells into it. They theorised that the Australians would sweep the area around the base in an attempt to stop the attacks, and the Viet Cong would ambush the sweeping forces.

On the night of 16/17 August 1966, the Viet Cong fired a barrage of shells into Nui Dat, wounding 24 Australians. Prior to this event, the Australians had become aware, from radio intercepts and sightings, that a large enemy force was operating close to the base. Australian patrols sent out specifically to find the Viet Cong had not encountered the force.

On 18 August 1966 D Company of 6RAR was patrolling in the area of the Long Tan rubber plantation when, at about 3.15pm, the lead platoon (11 Platoon, commanded by 2Lt Gordon Sharp, a national serviceman) encountered a small group of Viet Cong who fled leaving one of their number killed by the Australians. The aggressive patrolling continued until, at about 4.08pm, the main body of the Viet Cong 275 Regiment was encountered. The Viet Cong attacked vigorously with mortars, rifle and machine gun fire.

In pouring rain, the Australians returned fire with platoon weapons and artillery which was firing from the Nui Dat base, some five kilometres to the west. Close air support was also called for but couldn't be used because the target was unable to be identified accurately in the conditions.

At 5pm D Company's commander, Major Harry Smith, radioed for ammunition resupply. Two RAAF Iroquois helicopters which happened to be at Nui Dat to transport a concert party were tasked and flew at tree top level into the battle area where they successfully delivered the sorely needed boxes of ammunition.

The combination of aggressive fire from D Company soldiers plus devastating artillery fire from Nui Dat had swung the battle in the Australians' favour but the Viet Cong continued to manoeuvre to gain the upper hand. Meanwhile, A Company of 6RAR had been ordered to move to the support of the beleaguered D Company.

They did so mounted in armoured personnel carriers from 1st APC Squadron which forded a flooded stream and then shortly afterward encountered a substantial enemy force. 2 Platoon of A Company dismounted and advanced on the enemy who fled.

Although the Viet Cong could still be seen massing in failing light at 6.55pm as the relief force arrived in the D Company area, the enemy force melted away as darkness descended. The battle of Long Tan was over.

The Australians consolidated their position for the night and then commenced evacuation of their wounded using the lights from APCs to guide in helicopters. During the night the Viet Cong cleared many of their wounded and dead from the battle field. A number of the wounded Australians lay there all through the long terrifying night, as the Viet Cong moved around them.

Morning revealed that the Viet Cong force, estimated at 2,500, had been badly mauled. 245 Viet Cong bodies were found in the battle area. It was apparent that the Viet Cong commanders had failed to appreciate the effectiveness of artillery fire and had paid dearly as a result.

The Australians had lost 18 killed, 17 from D Company (including the young platoon commander of 11 platoon) and one from 1st APC Squadron, and 24 wounded.

Salvage Sailor · 19-08-2006, 12:19 PM

Aloha Spidge,

We ran a thread recently on the Australian infantryman in Vietnam on my site. Thanks for posting this remembrance.

Anchor's Aweigh
Craig

spidge · 19-08-2006, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salvage Sailor

Aloha Spidge,

We ran a thread recently on the Australian infantryman in Vietnam on my site. Thanks for posting this remembrance.

Anchor's Aweigh
Craig

Hi Craig. What context?

Salvage Sailor · 19-08-2006, 12:41 PM

Here ya go.....

The Australian Infantryman in Vietnam - 1971
The Australian Infantryman in Vietnam - 1971

Owen · 19-08-2006, 11:25 PM

Read a brillaint book about this about 19/20 years ago.
One bloke thats sticks in my head was "Pom" Rencher, as you can guess a Brit. Wonder where he is now?
EDIT:He appears in one of the photos in the link in my next post.

Owen · 19-08-2006, 11:46 PM

Brillaint stuff here at DiggerHistory
The Battle of Long Tan by the men who were there

Owen · 19-08-2006, 11:50 PM

Honour Roll - Battle of Long Tan

Pte Aldersea, Richard A.
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 20; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Perth, WA
Civ: Lube attendant; Married
KIA - Chest wounds
Commem: Karrakatta Cemetery, WA

Cpl Clements, Peter E
Unit: 1 APC Sqn; Age: 21; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Cunderdin, WA
Single
WIA - died at hospital
Commem: Moora Cemetery, WA

Pte Drabble, Glenn A
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Brisbane, Q.
Civ: Blinds installer; Single
KIA - Gunshot wound to head
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Pinnaroo Cemetery, Q

Pte Gant, Kenneth H
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Brisbane, Q
Civ: Butcher; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Q

Pte Grant, Ernest F
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 20; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Thurgoona, NSW
Civ: Farm hand; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Albury Cemetery, NSW

Pte Grice, Victor R
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Ballarat V
Civ: Storeman; Single
KIA
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery, Q

Pte Houston, James M
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 22; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Wallsend, NSW
Civ: Station hand; Married
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Mt Thompson Crematorium, Q

L/Cpl Jewry, Jack
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: St Mary's NSW
Civ: Apprentice electrician; Married
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, NSW
Buried at: Pine Grove Memorial Park, NSW

Pte Large, Paul A
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 22; National Serviceman
Born: Wellington, NSW
Civ: Manager; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, NSW
Buried at: Coolah Cemetery, NSW

Pte McCormack, A F
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Launceston, Tas
Civ: Clerk; Single
WIA - Died at hospital

Pte McCormack, Dennis J
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Adelaide, SA
Civ: Labourer; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Pinnaroo Cemetery, Q

Pte Mitchell, Warren D
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Dalby, Q
Civ: Clerk; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Q

Pte Salverton, Douglas J
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 20; National Serviceman
Born: Brisbane, Q
Civ: Student; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q
Buried at: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Q

2Lt Sharp, Gordon C
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Tamworth, NSW
Civ: Television cameraman; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, NSW
Buried at: Tamworth Memorial Park, NSW

Pte Thomas, David J
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Bendigo, V
Civ: Skilled labourer; Single
KIA - Chest wounds
Commem: Kangaroo Flat Cemetery, V

Pte Topp, Francis B
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 19; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Toowoomba, Q
Single
KIA
Commem: Helidon Cemetery, Q

Pte Wales, Maxwell R
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 22; Regular Army enlistee
Born: Goondiwindi, Q
Single
KIA
Commem: Moree Cemetery, NSW

Pte Whiston, Colin J
Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman
Born: Sydney, NSW
Civ: Postman; Single
KIA - Gunshot wounds
Commem: Garden of Remembrance, V
Buried at: Crib Point Cemetery, V

Lest We Forget

From Battle of Long Tan

adrian roberts · 21-08-2006, 01:06 AM

An Australian that I'm in contact with from the Great War Forum sent me this pic yesterday - he wondered jokingly if Lt Adrian Roberts was me, but I pointed out that I was in infant school at the time of Long Tan!

Adrian

Andy in West Oz · 21-08-2006, 07:36 AM

Good to see the well deserved increase in recognition these guys, and Aussie Vietnam veterans are getting too.

Cheers

Andy

19-08-2006, 11:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
spidge Legendary Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 8,047	Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Forgot to post this yesterday. The date the battle began, August 18, is commemorated in Australia as Long Tan Day, also known as Vietnam Veterans' Remembrance Day. August 18th 1966 While not ww2, the battle of Long Tan is another battle involving the Anzac spirit. 108 soldiers stopping a force of 2500 Viet Cong. Result 18 dead Aussies and 29 injured. Viet Cong dead 275+ estimated @ 500+ and 1,000 wounded. Supported by heavy artillery. In the midst of this fire fight ammunition that was dropped by helicopter was still in the cases and soldiers had to reload their magazines by hand. This and other procedures was changed after the battle. Such was the ferocity of this battle, that the Viet Cong did not directly challenge Aussie troops again for the rest of the time they were in Vietnam. Here is the background of the battle. The Battle of Long Tan The newly arrived 1st Australian Task Force established its Phuoc Tuy operations base in 1966 at Nui Dat, a piece of high ground surrounded by rubber plantations. The Viet Cong had achieved dominion in the province and decided to inflict a politically unacceptable defeat on the Australians. Their plan was to lure the Australians from their base by firing recoilless rifle and mortar shells into it. They theorised that the Australians would sweep the area around the base in an attempt to stop the attacks, and the Viet Cong would ambush the sweeping forces. On the night of 16/17 August 1966, the Viet Cong fired a barrage of shells into Nui Dat, wounding 24 Australians. Prior to this event, the Australians had become aware, from radio intercepts and sightings, that a large enemy force was operating close to the base. Australian patrols sent out specifically to find the Viet Cong had not encountered the force. On 18 August 1966 D Company of 6RAR was patrolling in the area of the Long Tan rubber plantation when, at about 3.15pm, the lead platoon (11 Platoon, commanded by 2Lt Gordon Sharp, a national serviceman) encountered a small group of Viet Cong who fled leaving one of their number killed by the Australians. The aggressive patrolling continued until, at about 4.08pm, the main body of the Viet Cong 275 Regiment was encountered. The Viet Cong attacked vigorously with mortars, rifle and machine gun fire. In pouring rain, the Australians returned fire with platoon weapons and artillery which was firing from the Nui Dat base, some five kilometres to the west. Close air support was also called for but couldn't be used because the target was unable to be identified accurately in the conditions. At 5pm D Company's commander, Major Harry Smith, radioed for ammunition resupply. Two RAAF Iroquois helicopters which happened to be at Nui Dat to transport a concert party were tasked and flew at tree top level into the battle area where they successfully delivered the sorely needed boxes of ammunition. The combination of aggressive fire from D Company soldiers plus devastating artillery fire from Nui Dat had swung the battle in the Australians' favour but the Viet Cong continued to manoeuvre to gain the upper hand. Meanwhile, A Company of 6RAR had been ordered to move to the support of the beleaguered D Company. They did so mounted in armoured personnel carriers from 1st APC Squadron which forded a flooded stream and then shortly afterward encountered a substantial enemy force. 2 Platoon of A Company dismounted and advanced on the enemy who fled. Although the Viet Cong could still be seen massing in failing light at 6.55pm as the relief force arrived in the D Company area, the enemy force melted away as darkness descended. The battle of Long Tan was over. The Australians consolidated their position for the night and then commenced evacuation of their wounded using the lights from APCs to guide in helicopters. During the night the Viet Cong cleared many of their wounded and dead from the battle field. A number of the wounded Australians lay there all through the long terrifying night, as the Viet Cong moved around them. Morning revealed that the Viet Cong force, estimated at 2,500, had been badly mauled. 245 Viet Cong bodies were found in the battle area. It was apparent that the Viet Cong commanders had failed to appreciate the effectiveness of artillery fire and had paid dearly as a result. The Australians had lost 18 killed, 17 from D Company (including the young platoon commander of 11 platoon) and one from 1st APC Squadron, and 24 wounded. __________________ Spidge, ------------------------------------------------------- My Avatar is the memorial to the 22 Commonwealth Coastwatchers at the Temakin Cemetery on Betio (Tarawa Atoll) who were beheaded by the Japanese on 15th October 1942. http://www.dva.gov.au/media/publicat...mem_beito.html "You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor and you will have war." (Winston Churchill made this prophetic pronouncement in a House of Commons speech in 1938, just after Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich agreement with Hitler. Chamberlain returned from Germany with the signed agreement in hand, proclaiming that "peace in our time" had been achieved. Churchill attacked Chamberlain's "politics of appeasement" in this and many other speeches.) What did the Australians do in ww2 and other conflicts? Check out this site: http://www.diggerhistory.info/00-pag...ster-index.htm

19-08-2006, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Salvage Sailor Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 33	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Aloha Spidge, We ran a thread recently on the Australian infantryman in Vietnam on my site. Thanks for posting this remembrance. Anchor's Aweigh Craig

19-08-2006, 12:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Salvage Sailor Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 33	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Here ya go..... The Australian Infantryman in Vietnam - 1971 The Australian Infantryman in Vietnam - 1971

19-08-2006, 11:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
Owen Top Moose Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Under the stairs Posts: 8,995	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Read a brillaint book about this about 19/20 years ago. One bloke thats sticks in my head was "Pom" Rencher, as you can guess a Brit. Wonder where he is now? EDIT:He appears in one of the photos in the link in my next post.

19-08-2006, 11:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
Owen Top Moose Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Under the stairs Posts: 8,995	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Brillaint stuff here at DiggerHistory The Battle of Long Tan by the men who were there

19-08-2006, 11:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
Owen Top Moose Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Under the stairs Posts: 8,995	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Honour Roll - Battle of Long Tan Pte Aldersea, Richard A. Unit: 6RAR; Age: 20; Regular Army enlistee Born: Perth, WA Civ: Lube attendant; Married KIA - Chest wounds Commem: Karrakatta Cemetery, WA Cpl Clements, Peter E Unit: 1 APC Sqn; Age: 21; Regular Army enlistee Born: Cunderdin, WA Single WIA - died at hospital Commem: Moora Cemetery, WA Pte Drabble, Glenn A Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Brisbane, Q. Civ: Blinds installer; Single KIA - Gunshot wound to head Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Pinnaroo Cemetery, Q Pte Gant, Kenneth H Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Brisbane, Q Civ: Butcher; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Q Pte Grant, Ernest F Unit: 6RAR; Age: 20; Regular Army enlistee Born: Thurgoona, NSW Civ: Farm hand; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Albury Cemetery, NSW Pte Grice, Victor R Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Ballarat V Civ: Storeman; Single KIA Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery, Q Pte Houston, James M Unit: 6RAR; Age: 22; Regular Army enlistee Born: Wallsend, NSW Civ: Station hand; Married KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Mt Thompson Crematorium, Q L/Cpl Jewry, Jack Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: St Mary's NSW Civ: Apprentice electrician; Married KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, NSW Buried at: Pine Grove Memorial Park, NSW Pte Large, Paul A Unit: 6RAR; Age: 22; National Serviceman Born: Wellington, NSW Civ: Manager; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, NSW Buried at: Coolah Cemetery, NSW Pte McCormack, A F Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Launceston, Tas Civ: Clerk; Single WIA - Died at hospital Pte McCormack, Dennis J Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Adelaide, SA Civ: Labourer; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Pinnaroo Cemetery, Q Pte Mitchell, Warren D Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Dalby, Q Civ: Clerk; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Q Pte Salverton, Douglas J Unit: 6RAR; Age: 20; National Serviceman Born: Brisbane, Q Civ: Student; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, Q Buried at: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Q 2Lt Sharp, Gordon C Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Tamworth, NSW Civ: Television cameraman; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, NSW Buried at: Tamworth Memorial Park, NSW Pte Thomas, David J Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; Regular Army enlistee Born: Bendigo, V Civ: Skilled labourer; Single KIA - Chest wounds Commem: Kangaroo Flat Cemetery, V Pte Topp, Francis B Unit: 6RAR; Age: 19; Regular Army enlistee Born: Toowoomba, Q Single KIA Commem: Helidon Cemetery, Q Pte Wales, Maxwell R Unit: 6RAR; Age: 22; Regular Army enlistee Born: Goondiwindi, Q Single KIA Commem: Moree Cemetery, NSW Pte Whiston, Colin J Unit: 6RAR; Age: 21; National Serviceman Born: Sydney, NSW Civ: Postman; Single KIA - Gunshot wounds Commem: Garden of Remembrance, V Buried at: Crib Point Cemetery, V Lest We Forget From Battle of Long Tan

21-08-2006, 01:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
adrian roberts Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Kent, England Posts: 763	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary An Australian that I'm in contact with from the Great War Forum sent me this pic yesterday - he wondered jokingly if Lt Adrian Roberts was me, but I pointed out that I was in infant school at the time of Long Tan! Adrian __________________ for heathen heart that puts its trust in reeking tube and iron shard all valiant dust that builds on dust and guarding, calls not thee to guard thy mercy on thy people, Lord (Kipling)

21-08-2006, 07:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
Andy in West Oz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: House of Bedfords, Perth, Western Australia Posts: 772	Re: Australians - Vietnam - Battle of Long Tan 40th Anniversary Good to see the well deserved increase in recognition these guys, and Aussie Vietnam veterans are getting too. Cheers Andy __________________ Cheers Andy Apres moi le deluge But there are deeds that should not pass away....And names that must not wither - Byron HMAS Sydney II - lost with all hands and waiting to be found

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