When the Scorpion Stings

By Paul Anderson. Allen & Unwin. 318 pages. $49.95

Reviewer :: Cpl Alisha Carr

When one thinks of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, thoughts automatically turn towards the infantry battalions that fought bloody battles and did our nation proud.

This book details a different history – the story of the 3 Cav Regt between 1965 and 1972, the only Australian combat unit that saw six years of continuous service.

The regiment was the first unit involved in the establishment of the Australian Task Force at Nui Dat and was the last to leave when the Task Force was finally disbanded.

3 Cav was responsible for providing APC support and the regiment participated in many of the major battles in the Vietnam campaign – including Long Tan in 1966.

It’s not the easiest read, but for those familiar with Army lingo – and that’s most of us – it should prove fairly easy to swallow, especially because most soldiers would feel somewhat connected to the story and the units depicted throughout.

Adding credibility to the book is the fact that the author, who passed away in 2001, was a former member of the regiment and in 1971 served a tour of duty with A Sqn in South Vietnam.