True story of ordinary boys who became extraordinary men
Here is a small amount of film of 17 year old Little Pattie and Col Joye at Nui Dat on the day of the Battle of Long Tan – 18 August 1966. Sydney entertainers Col Joye and the Joy Boys and singer Little Pattie, toured the Australian Task Force area at Nui Dat, South Vietnam […]
Lt. Col Harry Smith SG MC (retd), former Officer Commanding of Delta Company, 6RAR during the Battle of Long Tan has released his own book. Written in partnership with award-winning journalist Toni McRae, “Long Tan A lifelong battle” is also Harry’s life story and portrays his many personal battles, from failed marriages to commando-style killing; […]
Sadly, another of the brave, gallant, Battle of Long Tan veterans has passed away this week. 20 year old Harry Esler was conscripted into the Australian Army in 1965 as part of the very first intake of Australian National Servicemen for the Vietnam War. After National Service training, Private Harry Esler was posted to 10 […]
These are some recollections about a young Australian, Paul Large from Coolah in rural New South Wales who departed for the Vietnam War on his 21st birthday. He was killed in action 10 weeks later at the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. Paul was the only brother of five sisters. “… […]
The Commander at the helm of the historical and bloody Battle of Long Tan has welcomed the addition of an ‘unsung hero’ of the Vietnam War to the list of candidates for a retrospective Victoria Cross. Lt Colonel (Retired) Harry Smith said it was “only right and proper” that the Defence Honours Awards Tribunal investigate […]
By Tim McCormack “What an extraordinary coincidence that two young McCormack’s, unrelated and from different states, ended up dying next to each other on a battlefield in Vietnam.” A knock at the door….the fateful telegram….and then the 20th August 1966 headlines in that evening’s edition of the Examiner Express – ‘Launceston Boy Killed in Viet. […]
From time to time I get emails or requests for more information or a detailed list of names of those who fought in the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. There were 105 soldiers from D Company, 6RAR and 3 soldiers from 161 Battery RNZA who fought on the battlefield at Long Tan. […]
Today, Thursday 18 August 2011 is the 45th Anniversary of the legendary Battle of Long Tan. The long wait for proper recognition of the gallantry of those who fought and died in this battle is almost over. 45 years ago today 105 Australians and 3 New Zealanders fought and defeated an overwhelming enemy force of […]
There is still availability on the 7 day Long Tan Trek Tour departing 12 October 2011, and the follow-on 12 day Decisive Battlefields Tour to Vietnam 18 October 2011, both hosted and guided by Long Tan veteran, former commander of 12 Platoon, D Coy 6RAR 2Lt Dave Sabben. This Tour also makes a donation to […]
If you’ve ever wanted a more detailed understanding of The Battle of Long Tan, you should check out this fantastic, animated and interactive PowerPoint presentation created by Long Tan veteran Dave Sabben. About Dave: as a 20 year old, Dave registered for national service but his number didn’t come up. Unperturbed, Dave packed his bags, […]