LONG TAN 40 YEARS ON

Vietnam Veterans Day Friday 18 August each year, is an opportunity to honour those Australians who served during the Vietnam War and remember those who did not come home. In 2006 the day also marked the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, arguably the most publicised and well known Australian battle of the Vietnam War. In torrential rain a rifle company of 108 withstood, for four hours, repeated massed attacks from a Viet Cong force officially estimated at 2,500.

The Australians’ discipline, steadfastness and excellent Australian & New Zealand artillery support combined with poor visibility forced the North Vietnamese force to brake off the engagement
with much loss. 

The service at Long Tan, held at the Long Tan Cross site in Vung Tau Province was well attended by veterans who held a quiet, informal service in addition to the official one.

Although access is restricted due to sensitivities regarding the Long Tan Cross memorial and because the site is located on non-public land, Naked Army was fortunate to attend the service which was held in the quiet gloom of the rubber plantation, with afternoon rain threatening – looking through the trees it was not too hard to imagine the men of D Company, 6RAR, moving quietly through the plantation before the battle.

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