I made every effort to verify the information using several sources. My main source material is the book 'Vietnam Decisive Battles" by John Pimlott - since books are more difficult to change on the fly unlike online content. That said my reliance on the books information assumed the information to have been researched, vetted and documented before print. In the book it states (page 60): "...while the D445 VC Battalion (a locally raised guerilla unit) operated in the..." and later states it was a "regional" battalion of the VC. Thus, the information available to me shows that the D445 was a VC (Viet Cong) Battalion. Even Wiki (as unreliable a source as that is) states: "The 445th Battalion (D445 for short), also known as the D445 Provincial Mobile Battalion or the Ba Ria Battalion, was a local force battalion of the Viet Cong (VC) during the Vietnam War." Throughout the battle's chapter in the book the enemy is referred to as VC or Viet Cong. Later on Page 68 it reads: "...the 5th Division [NVA] was made up of two regiments, the 274th and the 275th". The Australian War Memorial does state that the 275th was a VC force while it only mentions the D445 Battalion once without specifying VC or NVA, so there appears to be some discrepancies in nomenclature based on source materials. In the Battle of Long Tan website is also states: "275 VC Main Force Regiment and D445 Battalion" but again does not specifically state whether the D445 is VC or NVA. Lastly, I also saw that Wiki states the NVA 5th Division (called PAVN - People's Army of North Vietnam) shows that division as an NVA unit, of which the 274th and 275th Regiments were part of. It reads: "The VC 5th Infantry Division was a division of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and later became part of the People's Army of Vietnam...The division later comprised the 274th Regiment (Vietnamese: 4th "Đồng Nai" Regiment) and 275th Regiment (Vietnamese: "Cá Gô" 55 Regiment) plus supporting units." The Pritzker Military Museum & Library also has a section called Vietnam Key Battles. Sadly, the battle of Long Tan is omitted. Here in the U.S. there is little contemporary history of military engagements during the Vietnam War that were not American troops. Regardless of any data source I think we can all agree that the ANZAC units, specifically these fighting in Long Tan, were bad ass. I hope that this video will bring to light one spectacular battle.
Indeed, in Lex McCauley's book, 'The Battle of Long Tan' he stated that some rifles discharged as the deceased were lifted by their comrades the next day. I have met a more recent OIC of D Co. 6RAR who stated it was a big honour as well as a big responsibility to be in that position, given the Company's history. I have also been great friends with men who have served under Major Harry Smith with 1 Commando Co. These men were the salt of the earth and I miss them greatly in today's warped world.
@@VonDutch68 you made me cry when I read your name. I was just texting with my Dad who did three tours, but still got to come home and live a good life here in Australia. I hope you are never lacking in love in this life.
I'm an American Combat American Vietnam Veteran (2/502 Inf 101st Airborne) who moved to Australian in 1979 after 9 years with the US Army to be a teacher, and all my friends in Sydney were mostly Vietnam Veterans, and like myself proud of my fellow troopers...sadly like the USA, most civilians never treated them with the respect they deserved. My friends got me to dig out my war metals, even my "Vietnamese cross of Gallantry" and march on ANZAC Day... it was a long Parade and at the end where the Yanks and British Airborne were, my Australian friends were there to cheer me on and then took me to "Philips Foot Hotel" to learn how to LOOSE at "2-up"???? Go figure ... we were at the 1984 Royal commission on Agent Orange ... 7 Aussies and myself with one US Marine ... the Judge said we had PTSD and it was all in our heads ... all 7 and the one Yank have since died of Cancers years ago .... not only brave fighters, but true loyal Australians who were treated so very bad.... "Lest we Forget" ...I can't and I won't forgive. That welcome home parade on 3 October 1987, after the Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, over 22,000 Vietnam veterans marched through the streets of Sydney. Many including myself had flown to Chicago to attend ours just before as Delta Airlines gave us a 700 and something dollar round trip flights to Chicago. We even after the parade drove to Niagara Falls and then flew to my Mum's house in Florida ... went to Disney World (she had a box of free ride tickets for us...bless her heart) and she had a stack of plastic air mattresses to sleep on.... I so miss our Friday Night piss ups and the few fights we had with some disrespectful fellas' and yes I know Central Lockup...LOL.... th-cam.com/video/1gmgwx77osw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your service and sharing this story. The Irish U.N. peacekeepers in Congo also did not receive a hero's welcome and were shunned and silenced for decades. It seems like a recurring story of all the wars in that era. You are all heroes to me and many others.
My closet friend in Vietnam had done a tour with the Peace Corps and was engaged to the village chief's daughter.... he even purchased her a new horse...that's all he talked about. He was killed doing my job as I walked point and got ill, so he volunteered to walk point for a short while, hit a land mine, died....what's sad is JFK started the Peace Corps and also the "Agent Orange" spraying in Vietnam call operation "Ranch Hand""... over 400,000 Vietnam Veterans have died from Dioxin poison in Agent orange related to their health issues. I love the "Thank you for your service" line....really?@@GeoTactics
Thank you Ken, most of us will only be remembered for a generation or so, either side of our lives, you and your comrades in arms will be remembered forever in history, Bravo Zulu my friend.
I was shocked to hear Malcolm Fraser knew a full two years before he stopped spraying his own troops as Minister for defense. Monsanto and DuPont warned the Australian Government the the Dioxin levels were triple the amount that was safe and he even lied in parliament, saying they had stopped , when in fact they hadn't for like I said almost 2 more years. It came out in the 1984 Royal commission on Agent Orange.@user-yt7go3ki9h
I was 4 years old when this battle happened, I remember seeing it on TV, still vivid to this day. My older brother who was 16 was afraid his number would come up. I thank God it did not. To all of the Aussie solders, I salute you.
My number came up in 1970, and I was sent a whole swag of letters re process. The problem was that I was an officer in the RAN (volunteer) deployed to the Far East as part of SEATO and also with two deployments to Vietnam. The last letter received just before I arrived back in Australia threatened that I would be arrested if I did not report. Nothing ever came of it, so I hope the bean brains in the Department of Labour and National Service took time out from tea breaks to find out who I was.
As an Australian infantry army veteran, the 'Battle of Long Tan' on 18 August 1966 is a historical battle in our military history that displayed's brilliant leadership and courage of the soldiers of Delta Company 6 RAR who were severely outnumbered by the VC. Captain Morrie Stanley the NZ forward observer, played a huge role in the success of the outcome of the battle relaying fire control orders back to the 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery. For most of the three and a-half hours of the battle, the Artillery guns were firing 8 rounds per minute per gun, 2 rounds above the intense rate. The 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) (APC) Squadron No. 3 Troop also played a major role in the battle, the troop traveled cross-country, forded the flooded Suoi Da Bang creek, and moved in an assault formation astride the plantation road towards D Company. It was dark and raining heavily. No. 3 Troop RAAC "scrambled" to pick up A Company and carry it from Nui Dat to D Company's position. After fighting their way through groups of the enemy, the carriers reached D Company, advancing in a sweeping arc, in a north-westerly then easterly direction, the carriers moved past D Company and through where the enemy was forming up for another attack. Without the help of the forward observer NZ Captain Stanley's cool head calling in fire support and the dedication of No.3 Troops help during this epic battle, things could have turned out unfavorably for Delta Company. A Long Tan cross and plaque was erected on 18 August 1969 by 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on the site of 11 Platoon's last stand in the Long Tan rubber plantation. 17 August 1969, Delta Company 6RAR/NZ, infantry and assault pioneers cleared rubber trees from the site of 11 Platoon’s last stand of 18 August 1966. They then erected a three-meter-high, white concrete cross, which had been constructed by the battalion’s pioneer platoon. A brass plaque on the cross bore the simple inscription: IN MEMORY OF THOSE MEMBERS OF D COY AND 3 TP 1 APC SQN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES NEAR THIS SPOT DURING THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN ON 18TH AUGUST 1966 ERECTED BY 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) BN 18 AUG 69. In April 2002, the Australian Veterans Vietnam Reconstruction Group, assisted by the Australian government and with the permission of Vietnamese authorities, completed restoring the replica Long Tan cross and memorial site. The cross was left without its plaque, though visitors can request to have the plaque brought from the local authorities’ office and displayed at the site. The replica cross has since become a focus for visits and remembrance ceremonies by Australian Vietnam Veterans, although the Long Dat District People’s Committee and the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam insist on strict protocols for ceremonies - the number of visitors is limited, no uniforms or decorations may be worn, and ceremonies must be low key. Nevertheless, the preservation of the Long Tan cross, although only a replica of the original, is a considerable concession. It remains the only foreign war memorial permitted on Vietnamese soil, aside from the single French military memorial at Dien Bien Phu. The Long Tan cross will be on display at the Australian War Memorial from 17 August 2012 until April 2013. The Long Tan cross has been generously loaned to the Australian War Memorial by the Dong Nai Museum and with the support and approval of the Ministry of Culture of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Update August 2018: The Long Tan cross will be on permanent display in the Australian War Memorial's 1945 to Today gallery from 18 August 2018. This historical battle is used in infantry promotion courses and jungle scenarios exercises as a leadership skill and also a remembrance day for the veterans of the battle and for today's 6 RAR Delta Company.
Thank you for putting this in context. The Kiwi FO's (3) attached to the D coy were actually controlling four batteries (24 guns). A master class in fire control. It must also be remembered that had the NVA been able to whistle up fire and air support as we did the result would have been the opposite.
The Australians were first in combat in 1965 with the 173rd Abn Brigade as part of Operation Crimp. The tactical differences between the US and Australians led to the Australians requesting their forces operate independently and in their own province with access to a deep water port allowing them to be resupplied by Australian assets solely. With the port of Vung Tao this met the Australian needs. The Australians achieved an almost unparalleled level of pacification of the province.
@@overworlder AU military doctrine changed with the New Guinea campaign. Many lessons learned and evolved as you say through Malaya, Borneo and even Korea. Whereas at the beginning of the New Guinea campaign the soldiers were ill equipped and trained for jungle warfare by the time of our involvement in Vietnam we were at no disadvantage fighting in that environment and our AOO became a no go zone. The SAS are mentioned in this video and their contribution in Vietnam is perhaps not well enough recognised and well worth reading about.
I am a proud Australian. I have traveled Vietnam and been to the battle sight and memorial. We layed a wreath and some roses at the cross. I wish to thank all the service men and women who have put there life's on the line for this great country. And I want to say that I am proud of all of you. 🍻🍻
I had two mates in that battle. Although one was injured in the first volley, they both made it out alive. Both have now passed, both rarely spoke about the experience. When they did, it was quietly said, to the point, then topic changed. I will always remember them.
Many have commented rightly on the leadership and military skills shown during this fight. What is often overlooked is that many of the men were conscripts undergoing their National Service obligation. 2LT Gordon Sharp, commanding 11 Platoon, who was killed doing what junior officers have been trained to do for centuries - go forward and appraise the situation - was among them. Lest we forget.
Excellent video mate. A lot of great research has gone into this 👍. Sadly, the officer commanding Delta COY 6 RAR, MAJ Harry Smith passed away a couple of days ago on the 20th August at the age of 90.
Thank-you for this fair representation of events. 'Danger Close' is a 2019 movie that covers this. I visited this region and battle ground in 2012; great respect for (like Turkey-Gallipoli) the Vietnamese for permitting our war memorial. Visit Vietnam, the people are amazing. Dad was Huey pilot in 1968-9 NuiDat. He won't go back to visit.
I Remember being in Singleton during Infantry Corp training and watching the Gates of Saigon fall. Strongest memories are the Staff we had training us, all Served in Vietman and taught us by the book, and by reality. Teachings I still carry to this day. Bless you all Guys.
I studied some of the battle of Long Tan. When the ammunition resupply some ammunition was kicked out of the helicopter. Kicked because even when the helicopter was tipped over to one side the boxes wouldn't fall of their own accord. Also when the boxes hit the ground they were still sealed with straps which made it difficult to access the ammunition. This incident led to a change in how ammunition was delivered in later live fire situations.
@@StephanieElizabethMann Thats right. Also those boxes had loose ammunition. So loading magazines was a pain in a fire fight. After that the ammunition was supplied “ready to go”.
@@TH-cam_user3333 The Delta Coy boys wanted to lynch their CQMS for that when they got back. They had no tools to open the boxes (that had bands on them) and no time to reload the magazines on their weapons. That was one of the lessons learnt after the battle. I believe the CSM WO2 Jack Kirby resolved this issue with many acts of bravery in getting the ammo and other messages to the front line troops. He should've been awarded the VC along with the Platoon Sgt.
Australia won it’s war in Vietnam after this battle. One because they weren’t keen to take us on anymore, and because the Aussies won tremendous respect from the their enemy by bury the dead with full military honours. I’m so proud having once been an Australian soldier.
@@Pilbara_Trucking do you even know about Japanese war. My Grandfather and other family served in it. They ate Australian soldiers.. they bashed and mutated Australian soldiers. They did sick experiments of cutting out their lungs etc and see how long they would live after. They sent us on Death Marches. They would pretend were dead and as Aussies walked past they got up and shot the Aussies in the backs. After that Aussies shot all wounded or dead just so wouldn't happen again.
161 Bty , 16 field Regiment , RNZA. The longest serving unit in the whole of the war in Vietnam. The Bty stayed there for 10 years and only the gunners were rotated
I have no idea if this is true...but I heard that the reason the artillery could keep up the barrage so heavy and so long, was that they had falsified their returns, and had a lot more ammo available than they 'should' have had. Anyone who knows if this is true?
A very informative and descriptive account of, unfortunately, one of the most torrid combat encounters by Australian troops in recent history! Vale Major Harry Smith! His funeral was held on The Sunshine Coast, QLD, today!
This video tells the story of the 1966 battle with Viet Cong's 5th Division of Australia's D Company 6 Royal Australian Regiment at the village of Long Tan in the Phuoc Tuy province of Vietnam, and how the heavily outnumbered Aussies overcame insurmountable obstacles to turn an almost certain defeat into one of the most dramatic victories of the Vietnam War. This battle was one of the most important in the Vietnam War, and is still considered one of the most dramatic in Australian military history. It is ranked as one of the most decisive battles of the Vietnam war. Thank you for watching... please subscribe if you like this video, and smash that like button. It really helps out.
Australia sent 60 thousand soldiers to Vietnam, not “over 7 thousand” that you’ve got from that Wikipedia page. That number represents the most in country at one time.
@@pats3071 Hi Pat... I don't rely on WIKI for my sources, and actually use published books and records. In this case, I am quoting the book Vietnam Decisive Battles (pub. 1990) - page 60, that states Australia's "INITIAL" deployment to South Vietnam was 7,000 combat troops. Over the course of the war with replacements, and rotations, there certainly was over 60,000 by the time Australia withdrew all combat forces in January 1973. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope that clarifies the data source.
Thank's for this mate , you could do a whole series on Aussie battle's faught in War's supporting the US or for that matter all the other countries who have done the same = stories that have never been told .
@@DaveSabben thanks so much for commenting here. I've been fascinated by this battle every since I heard about it back when I was a Reservist in 2CDO COY back in the late 1970's & early 1980's. I always wanted to hear from you or Harry directly about this encounter, rather than reading about it in books. I never believed it was an ambush, more of an encounter battle where both sides surprised each other, neither expecting the other to be there and both being unsure of each other's size and dispersement. I think the enemy were used to engaging US Units and thought you were at least a Battalion in size and due to your movement during the battle they were really confused about what they'd come across. Clearly, Arty saved the day, along with the RAAF ammunition resupply, unordered I might add. But what is often overlooked was the great leadership of yourself and the other Officers and NCOs, and even the ORs who stepped up. Scheyville produced a very good Platoon Leader and that was evident in they way you all performed during the Battle. Also, it was clear that the work up training prior to the Battle and deployment made a huge difference. Some of the decisions made by higher Command were a bit questionable during the battle and things should have happened a lot faster when requested. I understand the hesitation to leave the base weakened, but who's to say the enemy would have stopped had they have wiped out D-COY. IMHO once the Battle was on, you should have been supported to the fullest extent. I have the greatest respect for you and everyone who served with you. It's good to see you finally received the recognition you deserved for your actions on that day. Lest we forget..
Spent 68-69 with our mates at Nui Dat. US 5th battalion 42 nd Arty. We were a metro unit assigned to 2/ 89th 155 SP arty unit . Spent almost 11 months at Nui Dat.Thank you to the brave boys who paved the way for all of us.
@Rodney-1984 of course I’m still with it & “with us” recently completed an ex Physio assessment with the ex Physiologist saying I passed the MINIMUM physical fitness test for a 45 year old in the Australian Regular Army, I’m happy with that.
A well researched and factual account, especially the end comment that the Australians had cleared the VC (NOT peasants in black pjs and rubber thongs) but highly trained organised and commanded shock troops as the adjunct to the NVA. However, I have one major criticism and that is the airborne support role of the two RAAF Hueys. What is presented here is a suggestion they flew in handed over ammo and disappeared. In fact in filthy weather, poor visibility and the risk of enemy fire (their waist gunners joined the fight, they made repeated treetop flights over the BZ to provide the small arms ammunition
And they took their own initiative to do it since they were never ordered to and didn't seek permission from their chain of command. The pilots just did it because it needed doing.
Thank you for covering the Australians battle at Long Tan. A lot of the guys involved in that battle were National Service ( conscripts). Maybe if you have time look up the Aussie’s in the battle for fire support bases coral and balmoral .
I've gotten several requests for Aussie’s in the battle for fire support bases coral and balmoral. I may need to work on that one. :) Thanks for the suggestion... and thanks for watching and leaving comment.
The vital 105mm artillery support was provided by New Zealanders. 'Fire for effect on my position' when being overrun. The last possible order any officer can give in extremis. Often the last order he will ever give. See 'The Odd Angry Shot' movie for the only movie I am aware of that is not Australian War Material footage. The AWM footage is worth watching, notably on SAS deployments, and the RAAF and RAN helicopter deployments.
While D company was supported by the Kiwi Battery initially, as the battle intensified the entire regiment became involved. This included the Kiwi’s and two batteries of Australian 105’s. The US 155’s also provided support in depth.
was 1 NZ artillery battery and 2 Australian and one US battery.. please research better before telling untruths. how bullshit lies of war come about. Why USA say they won in Pacific WW2 when Australia outnumbered USA by 300,000 troops from 1942-1944. America actually skipped the heavily manned islands in Pacific to reach Japan. Australia hated that.
@@petercastles5978 Yea i believed America did it all with Australia barely helping except maybe Kokoda. then after my grandfather passed and never told us what he did in WW2, i started researching his records and following his units did i find out the truth of how much Australia did in Pacific. Why Australia did the Islands with more Japanese then USA did. Not saying USA navy and airforce did less as they did the most there..
The Battle of Long Tan was an encounter battle, not an ambush. The 2,000+ Vietcong were moving towards the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat to carry out a night time base assault to destroy the Australian presence in Vietnam with a decisive victory. They were surprised to encounter just 108 light infantry of D Company five kilometres from the base late in the afternoon. Because the 3 platoons of D Company were spread out over a half kilometre front the Vietcong were unable to ascertain the size of the Australian force opposing them and assumed they must have been at least battalion sized. This caused them to hesitate with their attacks buying the Australians precious time. The heavy rain, heavy artillery and diminishing daylight undoubtedly saved their lives giving them enough time for A Company to arrive in their M113 APCs to break up the Vietcong attacks. Luck was on their side in a big way.
@@HenriHattar The enemy were not expecting to encounter the Australians and were taken by surprise as much as the Australians were. This is the definition of an Encounter Battle. Not an ambush.
@@sportsfanivosevic9885 The 2,000+ Viet Cong were moving to launch a massed night time assault directly on the 1ATF Base Nui Dat in the manner of a Khe Sanh-style siege, intending to annihilate the entire Australian force and humiliate the US effort in the country by knocking an ally out of the conflict completely. The encounter battle five kilometres from the base in the late afternoon disrupted that plan and the attack on the base was unable to proceed that night as a result.
Thanks for watching. Whether we call it by euphemisms of an "encounter with the enemy", "walking into", "coming under fire", or "the enemy lying in wait" it all means: ambush. These encounters happened on a daily basis with the U.S. troops in Vietnam, and the NVA/VC's favorite tactic was to make an initial attack (such as a harassing mortar fire) and then lure the American (or in this case at Long Tan) the Aussie forces. The Aussie's quick recovery is a testament of the leadership and training of the forces, and to the accurate and devastating counter artillery batteries from ANZAC and U.S. forces. From "Vietnam Decisive Battles" published 1990: "At 1608 as Sharpe's men entered the clearing, they were met by a hail of fire" that sounds like an ambush as they walked into a waiting enemy. Other information from the book states: "The VC also considered it a victory, due to the political success of an effective ambush and securing of the area around the village." warhistoryonline.com: "The Battle of Long Tan: 1500 Strong VC and NVA Force Ambushed 108 Australians - And Lost" Additionally, Days before the encounter, the base at Nui Dat was shelled by mortars and the expected NVA/VC attack on the base never came. Thus the enemy forces lured the patrolling Aussies into the Long Tan area. From theconversation.com: "There has also been a running debate in the veteran community about whether D Company wandered into an ambush. Chamberlain’s examinations of intelligence and a complex variety of Vietnamese sources suggest that the battle was a result of a Viet Cong (VC) tactic to “lure the tiger from the mountain” to fight the force of a new Australian base where it suited them." abc.net.au states: "the 28 men of 11 Platoon came under heavy fire from multiple directions" and: "it became clear the Australians were facing forces better equipped and more numerous than expected." These comments further suggests that the Aussie force was lured into the ambush at Long Tan. Luring the Aussies appears to have been the tactic used here by the NVA/VC, and was common during the Vietnam war. That said, they recovered quickly from the initial contact with the enemy, and with the aid of artillery/mortar and later APCs were able to defeat the enemy. I have used various published sources and certainly there may be different viewpoints. If you have any published information that suggests that this engagement was not the result of the NCA/VC luring the Aussie forces into an ambush please point me to it and I'd be happy to look at it.
The 105 howitzer battery was 161 battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery. Morrie Stanley was a New Zealand FOO, supporting the Australian infantry. Later, two NZ rifle companies joined the Australian regiment in VN. All NZ troops were volunteers.
Great video, well researched and visually great too. Just one thing to keep in mind, Australian Lieutenants in the Army are called "lef-tenants", same for Lt Col....."lef-tenant Colonel"
Good to know. Here in the US Marine Corps we sometimes call them Light Bird and Colonels are called Full Birds because of the insignias. Glad you enjoyed the video.
My father's cousin was one of the drivers of the APCS that arrived at the end of battle... nothing but the greatest respect for the brave men involved in the Long-Tan battle . A heroic battle that through everything at them . If anyone asks me what the true meaning of mateship is . I would tell them to read the book or watch the documentary about the BATTLE OF LONG TAN as told by the men who were there ... If they don't understand the meaning of true value of mateship after reading the book or watching the documentary then they never will understand it ..
My father was in Vietnam (Australian). Still got one of his green shirts that he wore. He brought it home as a souvenir along with the mesh sweat bands. He took a bullet just below the collar bone that went straight through. The medic strapped and stopped the bleeding, he couldn't use his right arm fully so he kept fighting with the left. It's still got the holes and a bit of blood stain on the short.. He loves the fact that I always were it hunting. It's my good luck shirt. I wore it a few weeks ago at the Anzac dawn service with him and wore my grandfathers medels from WW11. He was in Tobruk and then fought the Japanese in PNG. I really miss my grandfather. He taught me so much about fishing,hunting, how to use and respect firearms,Weather and how to use a knife the proper way to cut a throat. All The stuff that boys should know .
Thank you for featuring our brave soldiers in their fight against Communism. We have just celebrated/honoured their contribution on 18/8/23 - 50th Anniversary.
Australian Government officially declared the end of its combat role in Vietnam in Late December 1972. The withdrawal process was largely completed by early 1973...
4RAR, the last combat troops, left mostly in December 1971 after finishing combat operations on December 9th 1971. D Company was still in Vung Tau covering 1ATF until March 12 1972.
2nd Lt Gordon Sharp (nickname “Bustler”) was a much loved workmate of the studio crew at ATN Channel 7 Sydney pre draft. He was the driver of the Studio A Camera Crane (a highly skilled & creative task). He worked on all the mainstream big budget prime time programs like the Johnny O’Keefe Show, the Mavis Brampton Show & Beauty and the Beast. We all made the sad trip to his military funeral at Armidale. I still remember him fondly - RIP Bustler. (His nickname arose from his excellent skill/luck in our down-time poker games).
There's not a lot mentioned of the battle of Fire support bases Coral land Balmoral. These were just as intense if not worse than Long Tan. The battle of Nui Le by Delta Coy 4RAR was the last major significant battle fought by Australians in Vietnam on the 21st September 1971. Gary McKay as the Platoon commander of 11 platoon wrote of the battle in his book "In Good Company"
The foward artillery party, Capt Morrie Stanley and 2 men Murray Broomhall & Willie Walker of 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery attached to Australian Task Force at Nui Dat
I wish you'll continue the way you show the graphic maps even to your next videos. One thing other good documentaries lack is the showing of visual maps. Because of map shows and movements, we can also comprehend what is the video talking. It is actually great to see pics + mapping. Photos show us the equipments, state of the men, their human faces and realness of history, and the difference between map and reality. Map on the other hand, shows the movement happening that is being conveyed, and also gives us better picture in our heads. Great combination btw. Continue this way! Thanks!
Thanks for the kudos... I intend to add more maps and visuals and try to be less of a talking head. I've been making 3D maps as well - check out my prior video "The Bakhmut Battle Explained With 3D Map Animations" - that's the direction I also take so that we can see battlefield areas in a 3D space and get a greater sense of the battle areas.
@@GeoTacticsyou even mentioned Captain Stanley the forward observer for the 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery but the way you worded it implyed he was the observer for the Australian batterys
Thanks for telling it the way it was, not the way history like it to be remembered, as a U.S war. You did mention at the beginning that New Zealand artillery were there but by the end of the video they weren't mentioned again, they played key role in this battle. If you have never seen the 2017 movie "Danger Close" watch it, it is a fairly actuate telling of the story.
Thank you for watching. I strive to tell history the way it is without a "spin", and thank you for the kind words. You are correct that the arty units did indeed continue to provide a vital role, and I should have mentioned that. I have not watched Danger Close, but definitely on my list of films to see. The Aussies were a badass units and their contribution is not forgotten.
Certainly there would have been seasoned officers in 1965. I believe most of the troops - starting with the initial deployments in South Vietnam in 1965 - were younger and greener, and their amazing effectiveness is a true testament of the training and discipline as well as the leadership from their commanding officers.
@@GeoTactics Actually were officers in Vietnam from WW2 and because of Sparrow force and special z force ww2 Australia has always been one of most elite at Jungle Guerilla warfare. Think Ghurkas and Australian are the best. Sparrow Force tactics were studied and used in British SAS. Sparrow Force was most successful and longest behind enemy lines special forces in entire WW2. they had to learn to survive off the land eating what could find. even one story where they had to attack a small Japanese camp for food still cooking on the fire. Why even today normal Australian army call SASR the chicken stranglers.. means give them a piece of string and a knife and they can survive for weeks behind enemy lines. This was proven again in Operation Anaconda Afghanistan where SASR were up in the mountains 2 weeks before that mission even began. Special Z Force did over 1200 mission in Asia Pacific WW2. Mel Gibson is even in a movie about them.
@HenriHattar But certainly, those veterans of Mayla Emergency made a huge difference . I think a large percentage of British vets were national service men. The struggle against the Japanese in Burma and Mayalisa had certainly given British forces excellent experience in the art of jungle warfare.
@@chrisholland7367 This post isn't even about British troops as barely any fought in Vietnam and is about Australian and Kiwi who did and. Australian SASR were the most feared in Vietnam even more then Seals were. Highest kill ratio of all Special Forces and only 1 KIA other 3-5 were training exercises. Battle of Long Tan was a Australian Kiwi famous Vietnamese battle. Love how Brits or Yanks make everything about them.
When I did my recruit cse at Pucka. I had the privilege of being in Long Tan platoon. Years later in 9bn 9RQR (A coy) One of the “Old Boys” was a survivor of the battle of Long Tan. In the movie Danger Close he is in the roll call.
During Alpha Company 6 RAR (A/6) three (3) fighting patrol each platoon made contact with the enemy. Also, the night/ morning the NVA/ VC mortared 1 ATF; A/6 were subject to close H&I from friendly artillery counter bombardment. On 18 August 1966, A/6 were harboured in close proximity to Long Tan rubber plantation next to Nui Dat 2. Without prejudice I truly believe that the Battle of Long Tan, with a great loss of Australian lives/ mates, may have been prevented - why? First, HQ 1 ATF failure to brief both 5 RAR and 6 RAR their recent intelligence reports regarding enemy movement of a sizeable force into Phouc Tuy Province. Therefore, secondly 5 RAR went on a battalion operation towards the north of 1 ATF base. CO/6, unaware of said intelligence, sent A/6 on a 3-day fighting patrol ending up close to Nui Dat 2 next to the enemy lair for the forthcoming battle/ ambush. Thirdly, following the enemy mortar attack on the base camp B/6 was sent out to locate the enemy, and or enemy mortar/ rocket fire base positions. Fourth, D/6, also unaware of 1 ATF intelligence were sent out to relieve B/6 and continue to search for enemy. Finally, suspect enemy dispositions as reported by A/6 Rifle Sections failed to be passed on to CHQ/A/6; and in turn to Battalion and then HQ 1 ATF. On 18 August 1966, near the crest of Nui Dat 2 the sighting of two (2) enemy (later identified as NVA by uniform) failed to be passed by platoon to company etc. Also, the location enemy communication cables from Nui Dat 2 along the extremity of Long Tan rubber plantation also not forwarded. As I personally recall, there were an uncanny quietness and uneasiness of being watched. Also, now these three (3) men patrol was too far away for any such support to come to our aid. Discretion, return to platoon HQ to report our observations. However, as we returned, we destroyed/ cut the said communication cables. Later that fate filled day, A/6 and B/6(-) joined D/6 at the bloody Battle of Long Tan, 18 August 1966.
I often wonder what our Military history would have said if it was B Company that bumped into the VC at Long Tan, as they patrolled through the same area only a few hours earlier than Delta. B Company only had about 60 Diggers out that day as the rest were on R&R and other jobs. Maybe just dumb luck we narrowly avoided a total disaster ala Mobile Group 100 a decade earlier.
It's more about the forward observer thn the actually batteries used. That was some first class work done by him, artillery units act on the fo's orders. God gun drills by all guns involved I reckon
@@robertmiller2173 the same role the other Forward Observers performed in any other Infantry company in the field in Phouc Tuy - and would still called upon the 4 different batteries of guns of which 1 of which was from New Zealand.
Cpt. Maurie Stanley was a Kiwi directing Kiwi batteries. Also should mention that many of the soldiers and two of the officers were Nashos. Otherwise excellent.
Kiwi Battery, single. There was two Australian battery's right beside them, and a US Medium battery nearby, ALL firing in support of the ongoing battle at Long Tan.
The Aussies also had a picnic with the CCP at Battle of Kapyong . 300 Aussies and 300 Canadians fought off 10-20K of them for 32 Australians and up to 1500 CCP killed
@@Rusty_Gold85 The Kiwi Arty were at Kapyong as well doing a magnificent job as always. They weren't mentioned in the Presidential Citation, only Canada, Oz, and the US. A great wrong committed there to the NZ'ds.
The VC were thought to number 2-3000 soldiers beaten back by 150 Australians . Even in the Korean War battle of Kapyong 300 Aussies and 300 Canadians fought off 4-5000 Chinese for 13 dead
Thank's for this mate , you could do a whole series on Aussie battle's faught in War's supporting the US or for that matter all the other countries who have done the same = stories that have never been told .
Great suggestion! Someone else mentioned the South Koreans which deployed over 350,000 in Vietnam. Now there's a country that really understood the danger facing Vietnam from the communists. I will definitely look at that. :). Thanks for watching and commenting.
I'm not entirely sure but at 3mins 26s in, believe the guy pictured carrying the PRC-25 is my uncle Rob. Which if so, would make that of B coy 6RAR and from a guess of history suggest that was deployment in early 1967 & thus after Long Tan battle but was the next big engagement.
The Battle of Long Tan was fought by 108 men of D Company 6th Battalion RAR (D/6) made up of a 40/60 amalgam of regular and National Servicemen fought off an ambush by engaging ground force of an estimate 4,000 Viet Cong (VC) and People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN). Both VC and PAVN forces left the battlefield in order to escape further fighting due to suffering heavy loses carrying away their wounded and a number of dead rather than keep fighting the Australians leaving 245 dead Vietnamese VC and PAVN forces behind. D Company was supported by RAAF helicopters from No. 9 Squadron, New Zealand's 161 Field Battery, the Australian 103 and 105 Field batteries and a United States battery. The Battle became a strategic victory since it prevented the VC moving against Nui Dat.
The Artillery that fired the Regimental fire mission were New Zealanders, they were the determining factor in the battle according to the Delta Company Commander, Major H. Smith.
You may like to read about Barry Peterson aka The Tiger Man of Vietnam which is also the book title. The Vietnamese hill tribes made him a demi-god. The CIA wanted to kill him. This is the remarkable true story of Australian war hero Barry Petersen. The parallels with Col Kurtz are remarkable About two years ago they released a film of the battle of Long Tan
Barry Petersen was the most succesful 'western' soldier/advisor combatting the NLF/NVA with his native Montagnard troops in the Highlands and refused to use his troops in the CIA led 'Phoenix Program'. The Montagnards were more loyal to Petersen than the corrupot South Vietnamese regime and to the US which was why they (the US) booted him out of the country. The Montagnards suffered terribly after that point being used and abused by CIA led advisors and ARVN officers who looked down upon them as undeveloped and primitive.
An interesting point, the Australians FN FAL vs AK 47s of the Viet Kong. With the FN FAL using a 7.62mm bullet, a heavier round than the 5.56mm of the Americans.
Very good video, and enjoyed it very much. Are your other videos going to be this interesting. I also was stationed in Vietnam, with the US Army, and did 2 tours. See you in the next video.
My God I was only 19 And can you tell me doctor why I still can't get to sleep And why the channel 7 chopper chills me to my feet and what's this rash that comes and goes and what does it mean Lord help me I was only 19 😢😢😢😢😢😢
@@GeoTactics That song is almost like a military anthem in Australia. Brings tears to our eyes. If you wanted intro or outro music to any Aussie battle narratives, especially Viet Nam related ones, that's your song. Sung by one of the teachers of a high school I attended - John Schuman. World war I narratives you want "And the band played Walting Matilda".
The total number of Australian Soldiers who were killed in Vietnam were 521 and 18 were killed at the Battle of Long Tan - 17 from 6 RAR and 1 from the APC Squadron.
The photo at 5m09s is of 5 diggers and the one 2nd from viewer's right is I believe of Chris Carter (vale) who later 7 years later became my Platoon's Sgt (Staff) at Balcombe AAS. Incidentally deliberately posed photo circa early 1966 next to the RSM's & CO's offices next to the parade ground of 6RAR Enogerra, Brisbane There is no way they would have been allowed to dress that way except if officially sanctioned (The presumption is the occasion was the issuing of steel helmets before deployment.) I believe they were from C Coy
I went to Vung Tau on a business trip in the mid seventies shortly after the war had ended. The seashore was run down with very few people or visitors apparent. A small gazebo style building sold beer and food. We went in ordered a beer before heading back to Saigon. While we were drinking a couple of locals came in trying to sell nuts. To cut a long story short we settled in for a long very boozy afternoon. By late afternoon the place was jumping. We had a group of Japanese tourists and just about every Vietnamese street vendor in the province. The bar cooked up a great sea food meal and kept the cold beer coming. Eventually we made to leave. The lady that owned the place insisted on a group photograph in front of her small business. At the end she put her arms around me and with tears in her eyes said: "We haven't had so much fun and laughter since the war ended, thank you." Her fond memories of the war spoke volumes about the soldiers operating in and around the Vung Tau area.
@@GeoTactics "I am calling on Senator Marise Payne - Minister for Defence - to rescind the Military Medal awarded to Sergeant Bob Buick following the battle of Long Tan in August 1966. The awarding of a MM to a man who admits to deserting his position during the battle, who admits to leaving wounded members of his platoon behind when he ran, and who admits to murdering a wounded, unarmed Viet Cong soldier in cold blood the day after the battle is an embarrassment to all veterans of the Vietnam War, and particularly to all infantrymen of all conflicts who have served with honour. It seriously undermines the integrity of the Australian Defence Force, and makes a mockery of the gallantry award system. Worse- it compromises the integrity of the Anzac tradition, and the integrity of the Australian Defence Force. Strangely, no officer witnessed any gallantry by Buick. When questioned about this, his Company Commander - Major Harry Smith - who put Buick forward for the award says that although he never witnessed the bravery, he discerned it from listening to radio transmissions. But in his autobiography All Guts and No Glory, Buick states that communications were 'shit', that the radio had its aerial shot off. A number off men from Buick's platoon (including Cpl Barry Magnussen SG) have stated publicly that Buick ran for his life yelling, 'Every man for himself!' and that Buick had not made every man in his platoon aware of his decision to run. Buick himself admits that the 'withdrawal' was a mad scramble, contrary to Anzac tradition, in which his men crashed into each other and sent each other sprawling in their haste to flee. Privates Jim Richmond and Barry Mellor were two of the men left behind, and retrieved the next day. Even 50 years later, Jim Richmond will not speak Buick's name. The citation for Buick's award states that he 'fought his way back to the Company position'- another demonstrable lie. Even Buick states this is false. It was included in the citation by a senior officer for no other reason that to 'bulk' it up. The day after the battle, the Company returned to the battlefield. At 0920 hours, they chanced upon a wounded, unarmed enemy soldier. At 0941 hours, Buick murdered that soldier with two bullets through the heart to 'put him out of his misery'- even though an Australian medivac chopper was en route to pick up the wounded Australians. Challenged about his inaction with regard to this murder, Major Harry Smith simply pointed out that other VC soldiers were also executed that day- a stain on the battalion's reputation. Commenting on this, barrister James Fergusson Thomson (a former Australian Army legal officer who was in Vietnam at that time) wrote in a letter to the Weekend Australian in August 2000 that if he had known of Buick's admission at the time, he would have had him court-martialled for murder. It is a telling indictment of Bob Buick that not only was he bashed by fellow platoon members after the battle for his cowardice in the field under fire, but was bashed again the last time he turned up at a 6th Battalion reunion by fellow veterans from the battalion, still appalled. Buick did not endear himself to fellow Warrant Officers after Vietnam either. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for which he was not entitled) but unashamedly wore it anyway for some 20 years before being forced to hand it back. He is a medal cheat, as well as being a coward of the highest order- and the Minister for Defence needs to show some spine and act on this matter. That gallantry medal awarded to Buick was at the expense of others in the Company who demonstrated true gallantry but went unrewarded. The final consideration regards Buick's character. Most gallantry award-winners live a life of dignity, assisting fellow veterans, involving themselves in the community etc etc. Not Buick. Like most frauds, he did nothing of the sort. Instead, he inhabited a netherworld from which he could degrade the service of others, and vilify fellow veterans from the coward's bunker- anonymity. This award to Buick was based on falsehoods, and not merit, and is a national disgrace."
Thank you for a great, concise overview of what happened. Anyone interested in hearing a longer, in-depth interview with Major Harry Smith, Morrie Stanley, and the surviving platoon commanders, I highly recommend checking out Martin Walsh's 'Battle of Long Tan Documentary on Red Dune films on TH-cam. Hearing those blokes describe the events of that day is unbelievable. Again, thank you GeoTactics for honouring this battle that gets very little interest outside Oz and NZ.
Thank you for the kudos. I did my best to describe the battle as per my source material... mainly the "Vietnam Decisive Battles" by John Pimlott (1990) but also other books and online information. Any inconsistencies or errors in the story are likely due to the respective authors of said data sources. I really wanted to highlight this battle for the very reasons you pointed out - it is mostly an unknown engagement outside of Australia and New Zealand. You might also enjoy my other Aussie battle video: The Battle of Binh Ba. Check it out on my channel. Again, thanks for watching and commenting. Geo.
NVA not NBA... :) As shown in the video the 5th Division (NVA) was present at the battle's general area, augmented by the D445 VC Battalion which did most of the fighting at the plantation.
To this day in Vietnam Australia is still the only military force tonbe able to have a monument dedicated to those fallen! Thus the long tan cross . From the son of a vet.
There is a plaque in former Saigon (Ho CHi Minh City) commemorating the U.S. Marines and police that were killed at the embassy during the Tet offensive.
It was more referred to the NZ Whiskey and Victor companies posted to Vietnam. For a start they never talked in the J and cut their own trails. This allowed them to quietly seek out the enemy and destroy when they had the upper hand. Many of the Vietnam vets I served with told me they would never uses soap in J and dry shaved as you could smell soap. Two guys who came out of this but never got awards and very much deserved them were the CSM Wo2 Jack Kirby and Sgt Bob Buick. Two very very brave men indeed. For this I salute you gentlemen.
@@andysparks1973 Just remeber mate that if it wasn't for NZ 161 Bty - Captain Morrie Stanley (RIP) FSO and Cpl William Walker these brave Australians would all perished. Not forgetting the Armoured Support and Helicopters too.
@@GeoTactics I know, I was only asking because I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and have read as many books as I can from the Australian side of the Vietnam War and have just finished watching "Our Vietnam War "!
A few little inconsistencies and outright fabrications here and there. Pte Large never ran out anywhere ... nor was he on the cans and firing negligently, nor did Large and Harry Smith have any kind of altercation. Harry Smith never wanted to leave Delta - commanding a company in infantry operations in a warzone is one of the best jobs you can ever have as a combat officer ... why would he want to leave? Especially when the Commando Company's were not deployed to Vietnam. He was however a pain int eh Battalion Commander's arse always asking for the hardest assignments for Delta Company. But probably the most egregious part of the movie - was portraying 2nd Lt Gordon Sharp as a bit of a wanker, wearing sunnies, playing cards during shelling etc. He was a well respected officer, who's men though very well of him. Also, the CSM Jack Kirby (incredibly miscast with Luce Bracewell) had a very minor role in the movie, whereas he was very prominent in and during the battle. He was awarded the DCM (second only to the Victoria Cross) for his actions, not that you'd know it from the movie. But, it's better than no movie at all ;)
My dear chap, whilst D Coy, 6 RAR lost 17 men killed in the field at Long Tan, the Regiment consisting of APC's that came out to assist us lost ONE man, Corporal Peter Clements of 1 APC Squadron who died on 27 August 1966 as a result of wounds received at the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. Australia lost a total of 523 Australian heros (not 423 as stated in your podcast) at the time the pulled out of Vietnam. Most Army combat troops and members of supporting arms (Navy, Air Force) were home by December 1971. Only small detachments providing logistics and security remained in the country until the Australian Military Forces, Vietnam, was disbanded on 5 March 1972.
I made every effort to verify the information using several sources. My main source material is the book 'Vietnam Decisive Battles" by John Pimlott - since books are more difficult to change on the fly unlike online content. That said my reliance on the books information assumed the information to have been researched, vetted and documented before print.
In the book it states (page 60):
"...while the D445 VC Battalion (a locally raised guerilla unit) operated in the..." and later states it was a "regional" battalion of the VC.
Thus, the information available to me shows that the D445 was a VC (Viet Cong) Battalion. Even Wiki (as unreliable a source as that is) states: "The 445th Battalion (D445 for short), also known as the D445 Provincial Mobile Battalion or the Ba Ria Battalion, was a local force battalion of the Viet Cong (VC) during the Vietnam War."
Throughout the battle's chapter in the book the enemy is referred to as VC or Viet Cong. Later on Page 68 it reads:
"...the 5th Division [NVA] was made up of two regiments, the 274th and the 275th".
The Australian War Memorial does state that the 275th was a VC force while it only mentions the D445 Battalion once without specifying VC or NVA, so there appears to be some discrepancies in nomenclature based on source materials.
In the Battle of Long Tan website is also states: "275 VC Main Force Regiment and D445 Battalion" but again does not specifically state whether the D445 is VC or NVA.
Lastly, I also saw that Wiki states the NVA 5th Division (called PAVN - People's Army of North Vietnam) shows that division as an NVA unit, of which the 274th and 275th Regiments were part of. It reads: "The VC 5th Infantry Division was a division of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and later became part of the People's Army of Vietnam...The division later comprised the 274th Regiment (Vietnamese: 4th "Đồng Nai" Regiment) and 275th Regiment (Vietnamese: "Cá Gô" 55 Regiment) plus supporting units."
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library also has a section called Vietnam Key Battles. Sadly, the battle of Long Tan is omitted. Here in the U.S. there is little contemporary history of military engagements during the Vietnam War that were not American troops.
Regardless of any data source I think we can all agree that the ANZAC units, specifically these fighting in Long Tan, were bad ass. I hope that this video will bring to light one spectacular battle.
The KIA from 11 Platoon were found in a line, facing forward and leaning into their weapons. You can't ask for more from a soldier.
Indeed. True heroes.
RIP Sgt M Holland, A Company 6RAR 1966 Long Tan.
Indeed, in Lex McCauley's book, 'The Battle of Long Tan' he stated that some rifles discharged as the deceased were lifted by their comrades the next day. I have met a more recent OIC of D Co. 6RAR who stated it was a big honour as well as a big responsibility to be in that position, given the Company's history. I have also been great friends with men who have served under Major Harry Smith with 1 Commando Co. These men were the salt of the earth and I miss them greatly in today's warped world.
@@VonDutch68 you made me cry when I read your name. I was just texting with my Dad who did three tours, but still got to come home and live a good life here in Australia. I hope you are never lacking in love in this life.
@@melissanoyb Dad did two tours actually he went back with 8RAR , he passed on 2017 aged 82. All the best to you and yours.
I'm an American Combat American Vietnam Veteran (2/502 Inf 101st Airborne) who moved to Australian in 1979 after 9 years with the US Army to be a teacher, and all my friends in Sydney were mostly Vietnam Veterans, and like myself proud of my fellow troopers...sadly like the USA, most civilians never treated them with the respect they deserved. My friends got me to dig out my war metals, even my "Vietnamese cross of Gallantry" and march on ANZAC Day... it was a long Parade and at the end where the Yanks and British Airborne were, my Australian friends were there to cheer me on and then took me to "Philips Foot Hotel" to learn how to LOOSE at "2-up"???? Go figure ... we were at the 1984 Royal commission on Agent Orange ... 7 Aussies and myself with one US Marine ... the Judge said we had PTSD and it was all in our heads ... all 7 and the one Yank have since died of Cancers years ago .... not only brave fighters, but true loyal Australians who were treated so very bad.... "Lest we Forget" ...I can't and I won't forgive.
That welcome home parade on 3 October 1987, after the Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, over 22,000 Vietnam veterans marched through the streets of Sydney. Many including myself had flown to Chicago to attend ours just before as Delta Airlines gave us a 700 and something dollar round trip flights to Chicago. We even after the parade drove to Niagara Falls and then flew to my Mum's house in Florida ... went to Disney World (she had a box of free ride tickets for us...bless her heart) and she had a stack of plastic air mattresses to sleep on.... I so miss our Friday Night piss ups and the few fights we had with some disrespectful fellas' and yes I know Central Lockup...LOL.... th-cam.com/video/1gmgwx77osw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your service and sharing this story. The Irish U.N. peacekeepers in Congo also did not receive a hero's welcome and were shunned and silenced for decades. It seems like a recurring story of all the wars in that era. You are all heroes to me and many others.
My closet friend in Vietnam had done a tour with the Peace Corps and was engaged to the village chief's daughter.... he even purchased her a new horse...that's all he talked about. He was killed doing my job as I walked point and got ill, so he volunteered to walk point for a short while, hit a land mine, died....what's sad is JFK started the Peace Corps and also the "Agent Orange" spraying in Vietnam call operation "Ranch Hand""... over 400,000 Vietnam Veterans have died from Dioxin poison in Agent orange related to their health issues. I love the "Thank you for your service" line....really?@@GeoTactics
Thank you Ken, most of us will only be remembered for a generation or so, either side of our lives, you and your comrades in arms will be remembered forever in history, Bravo Zulu my friend.
Thank you....@@andreww9252
I was shocked to hear Malcolm Fraser knew a full two years before he stopped spraying his own troops as Minister for defense. Monsanto and DuPont warned the Australian Government the the Dioxin levels were triple the amount that was safe and he even lied in parliament, saying they had stopped , when in fact they hadn't for like I said almost 2 more years. It came out in the 1984 Royal commission on Agent Orange.@user-yt7go3ki9h
Big Thank you to the Aussie men who served. Lest we forget.
I was 4 years old when this battle happened, I remember seeing it on TV, still vivid to this day. My older brother who was 16 was afraid his number would come up. I thank God it did not. To all of the Aussie solders, I salute you.
My number came up in 1970, and I was sent a whole swag of letters re process.
The problem was that I was an officer in the RAN (volunteer) deployed to the Far East as part of SEATO and also with two deployments to Vietnam.
The last letter received just before I arrived back in Australia threatened that I would be arrested if I did not report. Nothing ever came of it, so I hope the bean brains in the Department of Labour and National Service took time out from tea breaks to find out who I was.
As an Australian infantry army veteran, the 'Battle of Long Tan' on 18 August 1966 is a historical battle in our military history that displayed's brilliant leadership and courage of the soldiers of Delta Company 6 RAR who were severely outnumbered by the VC. Captain Morrie Stanley the NZ forward observer, played a huge role in the success of the outcome of the battle relaying fire control orders back to the 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery. For most of the three and a-half hours of the battle, the Artillery guns were firing 8 rounds per minute per gun, 2 rounds above the intense rate. The 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) (APC) Squadron No. 3 Troop also played a major role in the battle, the troop traveled cross-country, forded the flooded Suoi Da Bang creek, and moved in an assault formation astride the plantation road towards D Company. It was dark and raining heavily. No. 3 Troop RAAC "scrambled" to pick up A Company and carry it from Nui Dat to D Company's position. After fighting their way through groups of the enemy, the carriers reached D Company, advancing in a sweeping arc, in a north-westerly then easterly direction, the carriers moved past D Company and through where the enemy was forming up for another attack. Without the help of the forward observer NZ Captain Stanley's cool head calling in fire support and the dedication of No.3 Troops help during this epic battle, things could have turned out unfavorably for Delta Company. A Long Tan cross and plaque was erected on 18 August 1969 by 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on the site of 11 Platoon's last stand in the Long Tan rubber plantation. 17 August 1969, Delta Company 6RAR/NZ, infantry and assault pioneers cleared rubber trees from the site of 11 Platoon’s last stand of 18 August 1966. They then erected a three-meter-high, white concrete cross, which had been constructed by the battalion’s pioneer platoon. A brass plaque on the cross bore the simple inscription:
IN MEMORY OF THOSE
MEMBERS OF D COY AND
3 TP 1 APC SQN WHO GAVE
THEIR LIVES NEAR THIS
SPOT DURING THE BATTLE
OF LONG TAN ON 18TH AUGUST 1966
ERECTED BY 6RAR/NZ
(ANZAC) BN 18 AUG 69.
In April 2002, the Australian Veterans Vietnam Reconstruction Group, assisted by the Australian government and with the permission of Vietnamese authorities, completed restoring the replica Long Tan cross and memorial site. The cross was left without its plaque, though visitors can request to have the plaque brought from the local authorities’ office and displayed at the site. The replica cross has since become a focus for visits and remembrance ceremonies by Australian Vietnam Veterans, although the Long Dat District People’s Committee and the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam insist on strict protocols for ceremonies - the number of visitors is limited, no uniforms or decorations may be worn, and ceremonies must be low key. Nevertheless, the preservation of the Long Tan cross, although only a replica of the original, is a considerable concession. It remains the only foreign war memorial permitted on Vietnamese soil, aside from the single French military memorial at Dien Bien Phu. The Long Tan cross will be on display at the Australian War Memorial from 17 August 2012 until April 2013. The Long Tan cross has been generously loaned to the Australian War Memorial by the Dong Nai Museum and with the support and approval of the Ministry of Culture of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Update August 2018: The Long Tan cross will be on permanent display in the Australian War Memorial's 1945 to Today gallery from 18 August 2018.
This historical battle is used in infantry promotion courses and jungle scenarios exercises as a leadership skill and also a remembrance day for the veterans of the battle and for today's 6 RAR Delta Company.
Indeed... the leadership and training was a most impressive display in the battle.
Thank you for putting this in context. The Kiwi FO's (3) attached to the D coy were actually controlling four batteries (24 guns). A master class in fire control. It must also be remembered that had the NVA been able to whistle up fire and air support as we did the result would have been the opposite.
Copy and paste much? Some if your info is 2013 and irrelevant.
hope you have recovered Hamish after your shocking para accident. all the best.
@@BobLouden-r9q At least he has taken the time to do it. What's your contribution to enlightening other people with facts not found in the video?
I've always admired the fighting ability and courage of the Diggers.
The Australians were first in combat in 1965 with the 173rd Abn Brigade as part of Operation Crimp. The tactical differences between the US and Australians led to the Australians requesting their forces operate independently and in their own province with access to a deep water port allowing them to be resupplied by Australian assets solely. With the port of Vung Tao this met the Australian needs. The Australians achieved an almost unparalleled level of pacification of the province.
Like my Soldier mate says they are trained to shoot at targets not cut the grass with sporadic firing
Cwlth experience from the Malaya Emergency may have been helpful. It only ended in 1960.
@@overworlder AU military doctrine changed with the New Guinea campaign. Many lessons learned and evolved as you say through Malaya, Borneo and even Korea. Whereas at the beginning of the New Guinea campaign the soldiers were ill equipped and trained for jungle warfare by the time of our involvement in Vietnam we were at no disadvantage fighting in that environment and our AOO became a no go zone. The SAS are mentioned in this video and their contribution in Vietnam is perhaps not well enough recognised and well worth reading about.
Very correct, but those differences also impressed GEN Westmoreland so much that he demanded more Aussies.
@@overworlder And Korea and the fighting in Borneo. The latter produced instructors with combat experience
I am a proud Australian. I have traveled Vietnam and been to the battle sight and memorial. We layed a wreath and some roses at the cross. I wish to thank all the service men and women who have put there life's on the line for this great country. And I want to say that I am proud of all of you. 🍻🍻
Thank you Aussie friends from 🇺🇸
I had two mates in that battle. Although one was injured in the first volley, they both made it out alive. Both have now passed, both rarely spoke about the experience. When they did, it was quietly said, to the point, then topic changed. I will always remember them.
Many have commented rightly on the leadership and military skills shown during this fight. What is often overlooked is that many of the men were conscripts undergoing their National Service obligation. 2LT Gordon Sharp, commanding 11 Platoon, who was killed doing what junior officers have been trained to do for centuries - go forward and appraise the situation - was among them.
Lest we forget.
Well stated.
Sad!
Excellent video mate. A lot of great research has gone into this 👍. Sadly, the officer commanding Delta COY 6 RAR, MAJ Harry Smith passed away a couple of days ago on the 20th August at the age of 90.
Sorry to hear on Maj. Smith's passing.
REST IN PEACE BOSS! I REMEMBER YOU FROM THE 2 COMMANDO COY DAYS!
My dad was Gun Sargent 161 bty based at Nui Dat. I joined the regiment in the 70's after he retired
Kiwis helped rin the battle
Thank-you for this fair representation of events. 'Danger Close' is a 2019 movie that covers this.
I visited this region and battle ground in 2012; great respect for (like Turkey-Gallipoli) the Vietnamese for permitting our war memorial. Visit Vietnam, the people are amazing.
Dad was Huey pilot in 1968-9 NuiDat. He won't go back to visit.
I Remember being in Singleton during Infantry Corp training and watching the Gates of Saigon fall. Strongest memories are the Staff we had training us, all Served in Vietman and taught us by the book, and by reality. Teachings I still carry to this day. Bless you all Guys.
😂😂Absolutely@@HenriHattar
I studied some of the battle of Long Tan. When the ammunition resupply some ammunition was kicked out of the helicopter. Kicked because even when the helicopter was tipped over to one side the boxes wouldn't fall of their own accord. Also when the boxes hit the ground they were still sealed with straps which made it difficult to access the ammunition. This incident led to a change in how ammunition was delivered in later live fire situations.
@@StephanieElizabethMann Thats right. Also those boxes had loose ammunition. So loading magazines was a pain in a fire fight. After that the ammunition was supplied “ready to go”.
@@TH-cam_user3333 The Delta Coy boys wanted to lynch their CQMS for that when they got back. They had no tools to open the boxes (that had bands on them) and no time to reload the magazines on their weapons. That was one of the lessons learnt after the battle. I believe the CSM WO2 Jack Kirby resolved this issue with many acts of bravery in getting the ammo and other messages to the front line troops. He should've been awarded the VC along with the Platoon Sgt.
@@eamonstafford2056 Yeah and it wasn’t long before the next big firefight, ready to go ammo was used with great effect on the enemy, my father said.
Australia won it’s war in Vietnam after this battle. One because they weren’t keen to take us on anymore, and because the Aussies won tremendous respect from the their enemy by bury the dead with full military honours. I’m so proud having once been an Australian soldier.
You do not have to like your enemy, but always respect them
@@smythie27 I don’t think the Aussies respected the Japanese.
@@HenriHattar well the Aussies were respected for burying the dead of our enemy.
@@Pilbara_Trucking do you even know about Japanese war.
My Grandfather and other family served in it.
They ate Australian soldiers.. they bashed and mutated Australian soldiers.
They did sick experiments of cutting out their lungs etc and see how long they would live after.
They sent us on Death Marches.
They would pretend were dead and as Aussies walked past they got up and shot the Aussies in the backs.
After that Aussies shot all wounded or dead just so wouldn't happen again.
@@nedkelly9688 what the hell are you talking about, I’m talking about the Vietnam war with viet cong not japs??
161 Bty , 16 field Regiment , RNZA. The longest serving unit in the whole of the war in Vietnam. The Bty stayed there for 10 years and only the gunners were rotated
I have no idea if this is true...but I heard that the reason the artillery could keep up the barrage so heavy and so long, was that they had falsified their returns, and had a lot more ammo available than they 'should' have had. Anyone who knows if this is true?
I think it you asked those who were there, you'd f8nd that NZ arty helped save our brothers from Australia. What else matters?
As an Australian ex army thankyou for this great presentation sir
Thank you for watching. Glad you liked it.
A very informative and descriptive account of, unfortunately, one of the most torrid combat encounters by Australian troops in recent history! Vale Major Harry Smith! His funeral was held on The Sunshine Coast, QLD, today!
RIP.
This video tells the story of the 1966 battle with Viet Cong's 5th Division of Australia's D Company 6 Royal Australian Regiment at the village of Long Tan in the Phuoc Tuy province of Vietnam, and how the heavily outnumbered Aussies overcame insurmountable obstacles to turn an almost certain defeat into one of the most dramatic victories of the Vietnam War.
This battle was one of the most important in the Vietnam War, and is still considered one of the most dramatic in Australian military history. It is ranked as one of the most decisive battles of the Vietnam war.
Thank you for watching... please subscribe if you like this video, and smash that like button. It really helps out.
Australia sent 60 thousand soldiers to Vietnam, not “over 7 thousand” that you’ve got from that Wikipedia page. That number represents the most in country at one time.
@@pats3071 Hi Pat... I don't rely on WIKI for my sources, and actually use published books and records. In this case, I am quoting the book Vietnam Decisive Battles (pub. 1990) - page 60, that states Australia's "INITIAL" deployment to South Vietnam was 7,000 combat troops. Over the course of the war with replacements, and rotations, there certainly was over 60,000 by the time Australia withdrew all combat forces in January 1973. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope that clarifies the data source.
Thank's for this mate , you could do a whole series on Aussie battle's faught in War's supporting the US or for that matter all the other countries who have done the same = stories that have never been told .
FSB Coral/Balmoral please.
@@DaveSabben thanks so much for commenting here. I've been fascinated by this battle every since I heard about it back when I was a Reservist in 2CDO COY back in the late 1970's & early 1980's. I always wanted to hear from you or Harry directly about this encounter, rather than reading about it in books. I never believed it was an ambush, more of an encounter battle where both sides surprised each other, neither expecting the other to be there and both being unsure of each other's size and dispersement. I think the enemy were used to engaging US Units and thought you were at least a Battalion in size and due to your movement during the battle they were really confused about what they'd come across. Clearly, Arty saved the day, along with the RAAF ammunition resupply, unordered I might add. But what is often overlooked was the great leadership of yourself and the other Officers and NCOs, and even the ORs who stepped up. Scheyville produced a very good Platoon Leader and that was evident in they way you all performed during the Battle. Also, it was clear that the work up training prior to the Battle and deployment made a huge difference. Some of the decisions made by higher Command were a bit questionable during the battle and things should have happened a lot faster when requested. I understand the hesitation to leave the base weakened, but who's to say the enemy would have stopped had they have wiped out D-COY. IMHO once the Battle was on, you should have been supported to the fullest extent. I have the greatest respect for you and everyone who served with you. It's good to see you finally received the recognition you deserved for your actions on that day. Lest we forget..
Knew ex 2rar veterans from Vietnam ,they were patients in the mental health unit at Concord Hospital, it was an honour to have looked after them.
Spent 68-69 with our mates at Nui Dat. US 5th battalion 42 nd Arty. We were a metro unit assigned to 2/ 89th 155 SP arty unit . Spent almost 11 months at Nui Dat.Thank you to the brave boys who paved the way for all of us.
Well made presentation, as an Aussie Vietnam Veteran an informative succinct presentation
Thank you for the kind words. I am planning 2 more videos on Aussies in Vietnam. Hope to have them up soon.
@Rodney-1984 of course I’m still with it & “with us” recently completed an ex Physio assessment with the ex Physiologist saying I passed the MINIMUM physical fitness test for a 45 year old in the Australian Regular Army, I’m happy with that.
A well researched and factual account, especially the end comment that the Australians had cleared the VC (NOT peasants in black pjs and rubber thongs) but highly trained organised and commanded shock troops as the adjunct to the NVA.
However, I have one major criticism and that is the airborne support role of the two RAAF Hueys. What is presented here is a suggestion they flew in handed over ammo and disappeared. In fact in filthy weather, poor visibility and the risk of enemy fire (their waist gunners joined the fight, they made repeated treetop flights over the BZ to provide the small arms ammunition
And they took their own initiative to do it since they were never ordered to and didn't seek permission from their chain of command. The pilots just did it because it needed doing.
@@tlevans62 and knew they couldn't be told not to go if they didn't ask.
Thank you for covering the Australians battle at Long Tan. A lot of the guys involved in that battle were National Service ( conscripts). Maybe if you have time look up the Aussie’s in the battle for fire support bases coral and balmoral .
I've gotten several requests for Aussie’s in the battle for fire support bases coral and balmoral. I may need to work on that one. :)
Thanks for the suggestion... and thanks for watching and leaving comment.
RIP Adrian ROBERTS, best English Teacher I ever had.
The vital 105mm artillery support was provided by New Zealanders.
'Fire for effect on my position' when being overrun. The last possible order any officer can give in extremis. Often the last order he will ever give.
See 'The Odd Angry Shot' movie for the only movie I am aware of that is not Australian War Material footage. The AWM footage is worth watching, notably on SAS deployments, and the RAAF and RAN helicopter deployments.
While D company was supported by the Kiwi Battery initially, as the battle intensified the entire regiment became involved. This included the Kiwi’s and two batteries of Australian 105’s.
The US 155’s also provided support in depth.
@@stephenrogers7362 And they all did an insanely good job that day. Really earned the nick name the 9 mile snipers
was 1 NZ artillery battery and 2 Australian and one US battery.. please research better before telling untruths. how bullshit lies of war come about.
Why USA say they won in Pacific WW2 when Australia outnumbered USA by 300,000 troops from 1942-1944.
America actually skipped the heavily manned islands in Pacific to reach Japan. Australia hated that.
@@nedkelly9688 Ned, you are correct. I have noticed over the years that if a battle is won everyone, including the mailman, claims battle honours!
@@petercastles5978 Yea i believed America did it all with Australia barely helping except maybe Kokoda. then after my grandfather passed and never told us what he did in WW2, i started researching his records and following his units did i find out the truth of how much Australia did in Pacific.
Why Australia did the Islands with more Japanese then USA did.
Not saying USA navy and airforce did less as they did the most there..
The Battle of Long Tan was an encounter battle, not an ambush. The 2,000+ Vietcong were moving towards the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat to carry out a night time base assault to destroy the Australian presence in Vietnam with a decisive victory. They were surprised to encounter just 108 light infantry of D Company five kilometres from the base late in the afternoon. Because the 3 platoons of D Company were spread out over a half kilometre front the Vietcong were unable to ascertain the size of the Australian force opposing them and assumed they must have been at least battalion sized. This caused them to hesitate with their attacks buying the Australians precious time. The heavy rain, heavy artillery and diminishing daylight undoubtedly saved their lives giving them enough time for A Company to arrive in their M113 APCs to break up the Vietcong attacks. Luck was on their side in a big way.
@@HenriHattar The enemy were not expecting to encounter the Australians and were taken by surprise as much as the Australians were. This is the definition of an Encounter Battle. Not an ambush.
@@HenriHattar 2,000 Vietcong had no pre prepared positions. End of story. Do you know what an encounter battle is?
@@wattlebough They were in the vicinity of an Australian base and you claim they were not expecting to encounter Australians ???
@@sportsfanivosevic9885 The 2,000+ Viet Cong were moving to launch a massed night time assault directly on the 1ATF Base Nui Dat in the manner of a Khe Sanh-style siege, intending to annihilate the entire Australian force and humiliate the US effort in the country by knocking an ally out of the conflict completely. The encounter battle five kilometres from the base in the late afternoon disrupted that plan and the attack on the base was unable to proceed that night as a result.
Thanks for watching. Whether we call it by euphemisms of an "encounter with the enemy", "walking into", "coming under fire", or "the enemy lying in wait" it all means: ambush. These encounters happened on a daily basis with the U.S. troops in Vietnam, and the NVA/VC's favorite tactic was to make an initial attack (such as a harassing mortar fire) and then lure the American (or in this case at Long Tan) the Aussie forces.
The Aussie's quick recovery is a testament of the leadership and training of the forces, and to the accurate and devastating counter artillery batteries from ANZAC and U.S. forces.
From "Vietnam Decisive Battles" published 1990: "At 1608 as Sharpe's men entered the clearing, they were met by a hail of fire" that sounds like an ambush as they walked into a waiting enemy.
Other information from the book states: "The VC also considered it a victory, due to the political success of an effective ambush and securing of the area around the village."
warhistoryonline.com: "The Battle of Long Tan: 1500 Strong VC and NVA Force Ambushed 108 Australians - And Lost"
Additionally, Days before the encounter, the base at Nui Dat was shelled by mortars and the expected NVA/VC attack on the base never came. Thus the enemy forces lured the patrolling Aussies into the Long Tan area.
From theconversation.com: "There has also been a running debate in the veteran community about whether D Company wandered into an ambush. Chamberlain’s examinations of intelligence and a complex variety of Vietnamese sources suggest that the battle was a result of a Viet Cong (VC) tactic to “lure the tiger from the mountain” to fight the force of a new Australian base where it suited them."
abc.net.au states: "the 28 men of 11 Platoon came under heavy fire from multiple directions"
and:
"it became clear the Australians were facing forces better equipped and more numerous than expected." These comments further suggests that the Aussie force was lured into the ambush at Long Tan.
Luring the Aussies appears to have been the tactic used here by the NVA/VC, and was common during the Vietnam war.
That said, they recovered quickly from the initial contact with the enemy, and with the aid of artillery/mortar and later APCs were able to defeat the enemy.
I have used various published sources and certainly there may be different viewpoints. If you have any published information that suggests that this engagement was not the result of the NCA/VC luring the Aussie forces into an ambush please point me to it and I'd be happy to look at it.
The 105 howitzer battery was 161 battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery. Morrie Stanley was a New Zealand FOO, supporting the Australian infantry. Later, two NZ rifle companies joined the Australian regiment in VN. All NZ troops were volunteers.
Great video, well researched and visually great too.
Just one thing to keep in mind, Australian Lieutenants in the Army are called "lef-tenants", same for Lt Col....."lef-tenant Colonel"
Good to know. Here in the US Marine Corps we sometimes call them Light Bird and Colonels are called Full Birds because of the insignias. Glad you enjoyed the video.
My father's cousin was one of the drivers of the APCS that arrived at the end of battle... nothing but the greatest respect for the brave men involved in the Long-Tan battle . A heroic battle that through everything at them .
If anyone asks me what the true meaning of mateship is . I would tell them to read the book or watch the documentary about the BATTLE OF LONG TAN as told by the men who were there ... If they don't understand the meaning of true value of mateship after reading the book or watching the documentary then they never will understand it ..
My father was in Vietnam (Australian).
Still got one of his green shirts that he wore. He brought it home as a souvenir along with the mesh sweat bands.
He took a bullet just below the collar bone that went straight through. The medic strapped and stopped the bleeding, he couldn't use his right arm fully so he kept fighting with the left.
It's still got the holes and a bit of blood stain on the short.. He loves the fact that I always were it hunting. It's my good luck shirt.
I wore it a few weeks ago at the Anzac dawn service with him and wore my grandfathers medels from WW11. He was in Tobruk and then fought the Japanese in PNG.
I really miss my grandfather. He taught me so much about fishing,hunting, how to use and respect firearms,Weather and how to use a knife the proper way to cut a throat.
All The stuff that boys should know .
My grandfather was at Tobruk, like my dad in Vietnam, the family didn't talk much about them, i didn't know my father was in nam until i was 18...
Thank you for featuring our brave soldiers in their fight against Communism. We have just celebrated/honoured their contribution on 18/8/23 - 50th Anniversary.
Excellent narration...well done Sir, well done indeed.
Thank you. Much appreciated.
1972 mate, the Aussies were there kicking ass until December 1972!!
Australian Government officially declared the end of its combat role in Vietnam in Late December 1972. The withdrawal process was largely completed by early 1973...
4RAR, the last combat troops, left mostly in December 1971 after finishing combat operations on December 9th 1971. D Company was still in Vung Tau covering 1ATF until March 12 1972.
My uncle Ray ward served with the 5th battalion royal Australian regiment in the Vietnam war and fought in a battle of binh ba 1969 in the Vietnam war
2nd Lt Gordon Sharp (nickname “Bustler”) was a much loved workmate of the studio crew at ATN Channel 7 Sydney pre draft. He was the driver of the Studio A Camera Crane (a highly skilled & creative task). He worked on all the mainstream big budget prime time programs like the Johnny O’Keefe Show, the Mavis Brampton Show & Beauty and the Beast. We all made the sad trip to his military funeral at Armidale. I still remember him fondly - RIP Bustler. (His nickname arose from his excellent skill/luck in our down-time poker games).
See the movie Danger Close released a couple of years ago. It does a pretty good job of showing what it was like
There's not a lot mentioned of the battle of Fire support bases Coral land Balmoral. These were just as intense if not worse than Long Tan. The battle of Nui Le by Delta Coy 4RAR was the last major significant battle fought by Australians in Vietnam on the 21st September 1971. Gary McKay as the Platoon commander of 11 platoon wrote of the battle in his book "In Good Company"
I visited Pte Paul Large grave yesterday, he was killed in last moments of the battle protecting his mates.
🙏
The foward artillery party, Capt Morrie Stanley and 2 men Murray Broomhall & Willie Walker of 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery attached to Australian Task Force at Nui Dat
Morrie Stanley was a FOO for 161 battery, the NZ 105 battery deployed with the Australians.
I wish you'll continue the way you show the graphic maps even to your next videos.
One thing other good documentaries lack is the showing of visual maps. Because of map shows and movements, we can also comprehend what is the video talking. It is actually great to see pics + mapping. Photos show us the equipments, state of the men, their human faces and realness of history, and the difference between map and reality. Map on the other hand, shows the movement happening that is being conveyed, and also gives us better picture in our heads. Great combination btw.
Continue this way! Thanks!
Thanks for the kudos... I intend to add more maps and visuals and try to be less of a talking head. I've been making 3D maps as well - check out my prior video "The Bakhmut Battle Explained With 3D Map Animations" - that's the direction I also take so that we can see battlefield areas in a 3D space and get a greater sense of the battle areas.
@@GeoTacticsyou even mentioned Captain Stanley the forward observer for the 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery but the way you worded it implyed he was the observer for the Australian batterys
Thanks for telling it the way it was, not the way history like it to be remembered, as a U.S war. You did mention at the beginning that New Zealand artillery were there but by the end of the video they weren't mentioned again, they played key role in this battle. If you have never seen the 2017 movie "Danger Close" watch it, it is a fairly actuate telling of the story.
Thank you for watching. I strive to tell history the way it is without a "spin", and thank you for the kind words. You are correct that the arty units did indeed continue to provide a vital role, and I should have mentioned that. I have not watched Danger Close, but definitely on my list of films to see. The Aussies were a badass units and their contribution is not forgotten.
@@GeoTactics The liaison officer was a Kiwi by the name of Dryer ? who went to Fairfield collage .
@@GeoTactics You don't seem to understand that New Zealand is a different country from Australia.
@@iatsd it's not in times of war - that's the whole point of being ANZACs
Bloody good mates are the Kiwis. They deserved a better mention. William Steele
Morrie Stanley was a kiwi artillery spoter, Aussie diggers can thank Morrie Stanley for his work at long tan.
Yes and Willi Walker too. Not forgetting the Helicopter pilots and the Armoured support who arrived at the end just in the nic of time.
RIP Harry.......fought for recognition for his men for the rest of his life. 👍
This is a great presentation. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
So proud of these blokes they never backed down and really took the fight to the cong
The Australians and New Zealand troops had ,had real fighting experience in Mayla during the emergency with the British from 1948 to 1960 .
Certainly there would have been seasoned officers in 1965. I believe most of the troops - starting with the initial deployments in South Vietnam in 1965 - were younger and greener, and their amazing effectiveness is a true testament of the training and discipline as well as the leadership from their commanding officers.
@@GeoTactics Actually were officers in Vietnam from WW2 and because of Sparrow force and special z force ww2 Australia has always been one of most elite at Jungle Guerilla warfare. Think Ghurkas and Australian are the best.
Sparrow Force tactics were studied and used in British SAS. Sparrow Force was most successful and longest behind enemy lines special forces in entire WW2. they had to learn to survive off the land eating what could find. even one story where they had to attack a small Japanese camp for food still cooking on the fire.
Why even today normal Australian army call SASR the chicken stranglers.. means give them a piece of string and a knife and they can survive for weeks behind enemy lines.
This was proven again in Operation Anaconda Afghanistan where SASR were up in the mountains 2 weeks before that mission even began.
Special Z Force did over 1200 mission in Asia Pacific WW2. Mel Gibson is even in a movie about them.
@@GeoTactics Also many battle experienced NCO's from a various conflicts.
@HenriHattar But certainly, those veterans of Mayla Emergency made a huge difference .
I think a large percentage of British vets were national service men.
The struggle against the Japanese in Burma and Mayalisa had certainly given British forces excellent experience in the art of jungle warfare.
@@chrisholland7367 This post isn't even about British troops as barely any fought in Vietnam and is about Australian and Kiwi who did and.
Australian SASR were the most feared in Vietnam even more then Seals were.
Highest kill ratio of all Special Forces and only 1 KIA other 3-5 were training exercises.
Battle of Long Tan was a Australian Kiwi famous Vietnamese battle.
Love how Brits or Yanks make everything about them.
I just found this channel, This video is so high quality! Good work man
Thanks... much appreciated. Putting more and more videos out... stay tuned as always. Thank you for watching.
When I did my recruit cse at Pucka. I had the privilege of being in Long Tan platoon. Years later in 9bn 9RQR (A coy) One of the “Old Boys” was a survivor of the battle of Long Tan. In the movie Danger Close he is in the roll call.
During Alpha Company 6 RAR (A/6) three (3) fighting patrol each platoon made contact with the enemy. Also, the night/ morning the NVA/ VC mortared 1 ATF; A/6 were subject to close H&I from friendly artillery counter bombardment. On 18 August 1966, A/6 were harboured in close proximity to Long Tan rubber plantation next to Nui Dat 2. Without prejudice I truly believe that the Battle of Long Tan, with a great loss of Australian lives/ mates, may have been prevented - why? First, HQ 1 ATF failure to brief both 5 RAR and 6 RAR their recent intelligence reports regarding enemy movement of a sizeable force into Phouc Tuy Province. Therefore, secondly 5 RAR went on a battalion operation towards the north of 1 ATF base. CO/6, unaware of said intelligence, sent A/6 on a 3-day fighting patrol ending up close to Nui Dat 2 next to the enemy lair for the forthcoming battle/ ambush. Thirdly, following the enemy mortar attack on the base camp B/6 was sent out to locate the enemy, and or enemy mortar/ rocket fire base positions. Fourth, D/6, also unaware of 1 ATF intelligence were sent out to relieve B/6 and continue to search for enemy. Finally, suspect enemy dispositions as reported by A/6 Rifle Sections failed to be passed on to CHQ/A/6; and in turn to Battalion and then HQ 1 ATF. On 18 August 1966, near the crest of Nui Dat 2 the sighting of two (2) enemy (later identified as NVA by uniform) failed to be passed by platoon to company etc. Also, the location enemy communication cables from Nui Dat 2 along the extremity of Long Tan rubber plantation also not forwarded. As I personally recall, there were an uncanny quietness and uneasiness of being watched. Also, now these three (3) men patrol was too far away for any such support to come to our aid. Discretion, return to platoon HQ to report our observations. However, as we returned, we destroyed/ cut the said communication cables. Later that fate filled day, A/6 and B/6(-) joined D/6 at the bloody Battle of Long Tan, 18 August 1966.
I often wonder what our Military history would have said if it was B Company that bumped into the VC at Long Tan, as they patrolled through the same area only a few hours earlier than Delta. B Company only had about 60 Diggers out that day as the rest were on R&R and other jobs. Maybe just dumb luck we narrowly avoided a total disaster ala Mobile Group 100 a decade earlier.
New Zealand artillery responded with 105mm
Post mortar attack and during battle
Ripper of a yarn but!
It's more about the forward observer thn the actually batteries used. That was some first class work done by him, artillery units act on the fo's orders. God gun drills by all guns involved I reckon
The Kiwis played a far bigger role in this battle than we have been credited with! No surprises there Jonesy!
The Kiwi's were 1 battery out of 4 that fired in support of Delta Company during the battle. How about a bit of respect for the other 3 ;)
@@OldFellaDave what roll did Maurice Stanly play in this battle?
LOL. Crackup, Jonesy.
@@robertmiller2173 the same role the other Forward Observers performed in any other Infantry company in the field in Phouc Tuy - and would still called upon the 4 different batteries of guns of which 1 of which was from New Zealand.
Not only Aussie guns, remember that Kiwi guns were also there. Obviously video not made by an Aussie or Kiwi.
Well researched and portrayed!!
Thank you.
Danger close great film
Excellent, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Cpt. Maurie Stanley was a Kiwi directing Kiwi batteries. Also should mention that many of the soldiers and two of the officers were Nashos. Otherwise excellent.
Kiwi Battery, single. There was two Australian battery's right beside them, and a US Medium battery nearby, ALL firing in support of the ongoing battle at Long Tan.
It was 4800 Vietnamese against 120 Australia infantry, god bless the Aussies.
The Aussies also had a picnic with the CCP at Battle of Kapyong . 300 Aussies and 300 Canadians fought off 10-20K of them for 32 Australians and up to 1500 CCP killed
@@Rusty_Gold85 The Kiwi Arty were at Kapyong as well doing a magnificent job as always. They weren't mentioned in the Presidential Citation, only Canada, Oz, and the US. A great wrong committed there to the NZ'ds.
God bless the VN army and the people suffering during that damn war.
@Peter Castles The kiwis were awarded the South korean presidential unit citation .We would of been in all sorts of strife without you blokes .
@@darren5971 Thanks for that, Darren. I had never heard that before. Regards, Peter.
Location was also because Australia/NZ could supply their own logistics. A big weight off the US logistical effort.
The VC were thought to number 2-3000 soldiers beaten back by 150 Australians . Even in the Korean War battle of Kapyong 300 Aussies and 300 Canadians fought off 4-5000 Chinese for 13 dead
Thank's for this mate , you could do a whole series on Aussie battle's faught in War's supporting the US or for that matter all the other countries who have done the same = stories that have never been told .
Great suggestion! Someone else mentioned the South Koreans which deployed over 350,000 in Vietnam. Now there's a country that really understood the danger facing Vietnam from the communists. I will definitely look at that. :). Thanks for watching and commenting.
Long live the people of Viet Nam. They won the war
@@GeoTactics Research the Battle of Binh Ba. Australian tanks in a built up area of SVN.
Saw the movie "Danger Close", which is base on this situation.
I'm not entirely sure but at 3mins 26s in, believe the guy pictured carrying the PRC-25 is my uncle Rob. Which if so, would make that of B coy 6RAR and from a guess of history suggest that was deployment in early 1967 & thus after Long Tan battle but was the next big engagement.
great video thanks mate!
Glad you liked it!
The Battle of Long Tan was fought by 108 men of D Company 6th Battalion RAR (D/6) made up of a 40/60 amalgam of regular and National Servicemen fought off an ambush by engaging ground force of an estimate 4,000 Viet Cong (VC) and People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN). Both VC and PAVN forces left the battlefield in order to escape further fighting due to suffering heavy loses carrying away their wounded and a number of dead rather than keep fighting the Australians leaving 245 dead Vietnamese VC and PAVN forces behind. D Company was supported by RAAF helicopters from No. 9 Squadron, New Zealand's 161 Field Battery, the Australian 103 and 105 Field batteries and a United States battery. The Battle became a strategic victory since it prevented the VC moving against Nui Dat.
I have been to the site of that battle in 2019. It was very moving thinking about what the diggers went through . God bless them all
Thanks for your comment.
Great doc but just over 60.000 australian troops/naval and airforce personal served in vietnam not 7000.
7,000 were initial deployment but yes, over 60,000 over the course of the war.
The Artillery that fired the Regimental fire mission were New Zealanders, they were the determining factor in the battle according to the Delta Company Commander, Major H. Smith.
Well done boys 👍🇦🇺
Nice work mate!
You may like to read about Barry Peterson aka The Tiger Man of Vietnam which is also the book title. The Vietnamese hill tribes made him a demi-god. The CIA wanted to kill him. This is the remarkable true story of Australian war hero Barry Petersen. The parallels with Col Kurtz are remarkable
About two years ago they released a film of the battle of Long Tan
That is an excellent book about a very brave and clever Australian soldier operating in the hills around Pleiku.
Barry Petersen was the most succesful 'western' soldier/advisor combatting the NLF/NVA with his native Montagnard troops in the Highlands and refused to use his troops in the CIA led 'Phoenix Program'. The Montagnards were more loyal to Petersen than the corrupot South Vietnamese regime and to the US which was why they (the US) booted him out of the country. The Montagnards suffered terribly after that point being used and abused by CIA led advisors and ARVN officers who looked down upon them as undeveloped and primitive.
An interesting point, the Australians FN FAL vs AK 47s of the Viet Kong. With the FN FAL using a 7.62mm bullet, a heavier round than the 5.56mm of the Americans.
Not sure of ccuracy but heard that NVA unit was demoted to a transport unit.
Yes, they were busy transporting their dead out of there. 😂🤣
Very good video, and enjoyed it very much. Are your other videos going to be this interesting. I also was stationed in Vietnam, with the US Army, and did 2 tours. See you in the next video.
Thank you... I'm working on new videos.
My God I was only 19
And can you tell me doctor why I still can't get to sleep
And why the channel 7 chopper chills me to my feet and what's this rash that comes and goes and what does it mean Lord help me I was only 19 😢😢😢😢😢😢
I remember that song.
@@GeoTactics That song is almost like a military anthem in Australia.
Brings tears to our eyes. If you wanted intro or outro music to any Aussie battle narratives, especially Viet Nam related ones, that's your song.
Sung by one of the teachers of a high school I attended - John Schuman.
World war I narratives you want "And the band played Walting Matilda".
Great video. You should do show on John Monash, the best General of ww1. The man who started it all.
What did he start?
@@GeoTactics Modern combined arms warfare as well as individual command structure.
The total number of Australian Soldiers who were killed in Vietnam were 521 and 18 were killed at the Battle of Long Tan - 17 from 6 RAR and 1 from the APC Squadron.
The photo at 5m09s is of 5 diggers and the one 2nd from viewer's right is I believe of Chris Carter (vale) who later 7 years later became my Platoon's Sgt (Staff) at Balcombe AAS.
Incidentally deliberately posed photo circa early 1966 next to the RSM's & CO's offices next to the parade ground of 6RAR Enogerra, Brisbane There is no way they would have been allowed to dress that way except if officially sanctioned (The presumption is the occasion was the issuing of steel helmets before deployment.) I believe they were from C Coy
Rommel did say this about the ANZAC's "If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it".
I lived and worked in Saigon, now I know why I met so many Aussies that settled in Vungh Tao
I went to Vung Tau on a business trip in the mid seventies shortly after the war had ended. The seashore was run down with very few people or visitors apparent. A small gazebo style building sold beer and food. We went in ordered a beer before heading back to Saigon. While we were drinking a couple of locals came in trying to sell nuts. To cut a long story short we settled in for a long very boozy afternoon. By late afternoon the place was jumping. We had a group of Japanese tourists and just about every Vietnamese street vendor in the province. The bar cooked up a great sea food meal and kept the cold beer coming. Eventually we made to leave. The lady that owned the place insisted on a group photograph in front of her small business. At the end she put her arms around me and with tears in her eyes said: "We haven't had so much fun and laughter since the war ended, thank you." Her fond memories of the war spoke volumes about the soldiers operating in and around the Vung Tau area.
There's quite a bit of conjecture about Bob Buicks behaviour when pulling 11 Plt out tbh.
Please give us more information. Thanks for watching.
@@GeoTactics www dot change dot org dot p/minister-for-defence-rescind-the-gallantry-medal-awarded-to-robert-bob-buick
@@GeoTactics
"I am calling on Senator Marise Payne - Minister for Defence - to rescind the Military Medal awarded to Sergeant Bob Buick following the battle of Long Tan in August 1966.
The awarding of a MM to a man who admits to deserting his position during the battle, who admits to leaving wounded members of his platoon behind when he ran, and who admits to murdering a wounded, unarmed Viet Cong soldier in cold blood the day after the battle is an embarrassment to all veterans of the Vietnam War, and particularly to all infantrymen of all conflicts who have served with honour.
It seriously undermines the integrity of the Australian Defence Force, and makes a mockery of the gallantry award system.
Worse- it compromises the integrity of the Anzac tradition, and the integrity of the Australian Defence Force.
Strangely, no officer witnessed any gallantry by Buick. When questioned about this, his Company Commander - Major Harry Smith - who put Buick forward for the award says that although he never witnessed the bravery, he discerned it from listening to radio transmissions. But in his autobiography All Guts and No Glory, Buick states that communications were 'shit', that the radio had its aerial shot off.
A number off men from Buick's platoon (including Cpl Barry Magnussen SG) have stated publicly that Buick ran for his life yelling, 'Every man for himself!' and that Buick had not made every man in his platoon aware of his decision to run. Buick himself admits that the 'withdrawal' was a mad scramble, contrary to Anzac tradition, in which his men crashed into each other and sent each other sprawling in their haste to flee.
Privates Jim Richmond and Barry Mellor were two of the men left behind, and retrieved the next day. Even 50 years later, Jim Richmond will not speak Buick's name.
The citation for Buick's award states that he 'fought his way back to the Company position'- another demonstrable lie. Even Buick states this is false. It was included in the citation by a senior officer for no other reason that to 'bulk' it up.
The day after the battle, the Company returned to the battlefield. At 0920 hours, they chanced upon a wounded, unarmed enemy soldier. At 0941 hours, Buick murdered that soldier with two bullets through the heart to 'put him out of his misery'- even though an Australian medivac chopper was en route to pick up the wounded Australians.
Challenged about his inaction with regard to this murder, Major Harry Smith simply pointed out that other VC soldiers were also executed that day- a stain on the battalion's reputation.
Commenting on this, barrister James Fergusson Thomson (a former Australian Army legal officer who was in Vietnam at that time) wrote in a letter to the Weekend Australian in August 2000 that if he had known of Buick's admission at the time, he would have had him court-martialled for murder.
It is a telling indictment of Bob Buick that not only was he bashed by fellow platoon members after the battle for his cowardice in the field under fire, but was bashed again the last time he turned up at a 6th Battalion reunion by fellow veterans from the battalion, still appalled.
Buick did not endear himself to fellow Warrant Officers after Vietnam either. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for which he was not entitled) but unashamedly wore it anyway for some 20 years before being forced to hand it back.
He is a medal cheat, as well as being a coward of the highest order- and the Minister for Defence needs to show some spine and act on this matter. That gallantry medal awarded to Buick was at the expense of others in the Company who demonstrated true gallantry but went unrewarded.
The final consideration regards Buick's character. Most gallantry award-winners live a life of dignity, assisting fellow veterans, involving themselves in the community etc etc.
Not Buick. Like most frauds, he did nothing of the sort. Instead, he inhabited a netherworld from which he could degrade the service of others, and vilify fellow veterans from the coward's bunker- anonymity.
This award to Buick was based on falsehoods, and not merit, and is a national disgrace."
Thank you for a great, concise overview of what happened. Anyone interested in hearing a longer, in-depth interview with Major Harry Smith, Morrie Stanley, and the surviving platoon commanders, I highly recommend checking out Martin Walsh's 'Battle of Long Tan Documentary on Red Dune films on TH-cam. Hearing those blokes describe the events of that day is unbelievable. Again, thank you GeoTactics for honouring this battle that gets very little interest outside Oz and NZ.
Thank you for the kudos. I did my best to describe the battle as per my source material... mainly the "Vietnam Decisive Battles" by John Pimlott (1990) but also other books and online information. Any inconsistencies or errors in the story are likely due to the respective authors of said data sources. I really wanted to highlight this battle for the very reasons you pointed out - it is mostly an unknown engagement outside of Australia and New Zealand.
You might also enjoy my other Aussie battle video: The Battle of Binh Ba. Check it out on my channel.
Again, thanks for watching and commenting.
Geo.
I did enjoy this video, "Danger close". "Diggers".🇳🇿
In recognition of their outstanding service, the ARA has kept those same M113s in service to this day.
I watched the movie about this battle 😢
Great film.
The enemy force were actually well trained NBA regulars.
NVA not NBA... :)
As shown in the video the 5th Division (NVA) was present at the battle's general area, augmented by the D445 VC Battalion which did most of the fighting at the plantation.
NBA? You mean they were professional basketball players? No wonder they got their asses kicked!! 😂🤣
To this day in Vietnam Australia is still the only military force tonbe able to have a monument dedicated to those fallen! Thus the long tan cross . From the son of a vet.
There is a plaque in former Saigon (Ho CHi Minh City) commemorating the U.S. Marines and police that were killed at the embassy during the Tet offensive.
1:30 not 1 RAR. 1 RAR wore green puggarees (jungle battalion) not light khaki like the rest of the Australian Army
They Vietnamese called the Aussies ghosts. In that they were very good at jungle counter insurgency
It was more referred to the NZ Whiskey and Victor companies posted to Vietnam. For a start they never talked in the J and cut their own trails. This allowed them to quietly seek out the enemy and destroy when they had the upper hand. Many of the Vietnam vets I served with told me they would never uses soap in J and dry shaved as you could smell soap. Two guys who came out of this but never got awards and very much deserved them were the CSM Wo2 Jack Kirby and Sgt Bob Buick. Two very very brave men indeed. For this I salute you gentlemen.
@@eamonstafford2056 lol .
@@andysparks1973 Ever been in the Army pal? No I didn't think so. Not a fighting one anyway. The Salvation Army doesn't count
@@andysparks1973 Just remeber mate that if it wasn't for NZ 161 Bty - Captain Morrie Stanley (RIP) FSO and Cpl William Walker these brave Australians would all perished. Not forgetting the Armoured Support and Helicopters too.
Brave Aussies
Forever proud of our Kiwi gunners…, hell of a wall they put up… not stop hand loading…. 🥝
Thanks for watching. You might also enjoy this one: th-cam.com/video/s5cbwR6DsPg/w-d-xo.html
How accurate is the movie?
It's a movie not a documentary.
@@GeoTactics I know, I was only asking because I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and have read as many books as I can from the Australian side of the Vietnam War and have just finished watching "Our Vietnam War "!
A few little inconsistencies and outright fabrications here and there. Pte Large never ran out anywhere ... nor was he on the cans and firing negligently, nor did Large and Harry Smith have any kind of altercation. Harry Smith never wanted to leave Delta - commanding a company in infantry operations in a warzone is one of the best jobs you can ever have as a combat officer ... why would he want to leave? Especially when the Commando Company's were not deployed to Vietnam. He was however a pain int eh Battalion Commander's arse always asking for the hardest assignments for Delta Company. But probably the most egregious part of the movie - was portraying 2nd Lt Gordon Sharp as a bit of a wanker, wearing sunnies, playing cards during shelling etc. He was a well respected officer, who's men though very well of him. Also, the CSM Jack Kirby (incredibly miscast with Luce Bracewell) had a very minor role in the movie, whereas he was very prominent in and during the battle. He was awarded the DCM (second only to the Victoria Cross) for his actions, not that you'd know it from the movie.
But, it's better than no movie at all ;)
Until 1973!!
Correct... January 1973 Australia withdrew their remaining combat troops from South Vietnam.
My dear chap, whilst D Coy, 6 RAR lost 17 men killed in the field at Long Tan, the Regiment consisting of APC's that came out to assist us lost ONE man, Corporal Peter Clements of 1 APC Squadron who died on 27 August 1966 as a result of wounds received at the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. Australia lost a total of 523 Australian heros (not 423 as stated in your podcast) at the time the pulled out of Vietnam. Most Army combat troops and members of supporting arms (Navy, Air Force) were home by December 1971. Only small detachments providing logistics and security remained in the country until the Australian Military Forces, Vietnam, was disbanded on 5 March 1972.
You never let your mates down, what ever the situation.
Good job.
Thanks!