Volume 48, No. 18, October 05, 2006
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FULLY
LOADED: South Vietnamese troops disembark a RAAF 9SQN Iroquois
during the Vietnam War.
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By
Andrew Stackpool
The battle of Long Tan started unofficially on the evening of
August 16 when the Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, in Phuoc
Tuy Province came under enemy mortar and recoilless rifle fire.
The Viet Cong (VC) had enjoyed total domination of the province
and believed that if they could lure the Australians into an ambush,
they would not only defeat them but also inflict a humiliation
in the eyes of the local population.
Accordingly, they began massing a major force of over 2500 soldiers.
On August 17, 6 RAR’s B Coy commenced an offensive sweep,
which indicated the presence of a heavy weapons platoon and supporting
infantry.
The next day at 11am, D Coy set out on an offensive patrol towards
the Long Tan rubber plantation. Patrols detected more evidence
of VC activities and the company spread out. At 3.15pm, 11 Platoon
made contact on a small group of VC, who fled after a short fire-fight,
which killed one of their number.
D Coy continued and shortly before 4.15pm, 11 Platoon was hit
by machine gun and rifle fire. The company went to ground and
returned fire; however, its position was very precarious.
Just then, heavy rain began falling, making visibility for the
attacking VC very difficult. Wave after wave of attackers was
cut to pieces by the Australians’ steady fire. At the same
time, a group of New Zealand artillery forward observers with
the HQ platoon called for fire support from Australian and New
Zealand gunners at Nui Dat and US artillery. Task Force HQ also
requested US air support. Aircraft arrived, but were unable to
deliver because of poor visibility.
At about 5.00pm, ammunition was running low, so troops at Nui
Dat loaded two 9SQN RAAF Iroquois. Arriving over the Australian
position at tree-top level in almost total black-out, in an extraordinary
feat of airmanship, the ‘Hueys’ banked steeply and jettisoned
the ammunition.
D Coy stepped up its fire and eventually swung the balance in
its favour.
A final blow to the VC was about to be delivered. A Coy was ordered
to reinforce D Coy and they set out in seven M-113 APCs. Crossing
a flooded river, they found themselves under fire from a substantial
enemy force. As the APC’s engaged them, 2 Platoon dismounted
and charged. The VC fled into the dark. B Coy arrived shortly
afterwards. The battle was over.
Australia lost 18 dead and 24 wounded. 245 VC bodies were found.
Documents later captured by US force indicate the VC units lost
between 500 and 700 men.
