1968
Vietnam War Timeline
1968 |
Vietnam War Timeline |
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January - 1968 - "TET" - The Offensive. Intelligence reports expected a major
enemy offensive in early 1968. The main enemy units were identified and a date in
early
February was predicted.
1 January. 
1ATF continued Operation FORREST.
(a) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continued Operation FORREST without contact. Locations: A Sqn 3 Cav Regt complete 1 AFT Base.
(b) Task Force Artillery . continued to support Operation FORREST. 135 H and I missions were fired in the reporting period. Locations: 106 Fd Bty 1 ATF Base; 108 Fd Bty YS495620; 161 Fd Buy 1 ATF Base; A Bty 1/83 Artillery (OS) 1 ATF Base.
(c) 2 RAR continued Operation FORREST without contact. Locations: 2 RAR(-) 1 ATF Base; V Coy YS554579; W Coy YS495620.
(d) 3 RAR continued construction of their base defences and patrolling of the TAOR. Location: 1 ATF Base.
(e) 7 RAR continued Operation Forrest. Locations: 7 RAR complete 1 ATF Base,
2 - 5 January.
7 RAR
conduct Operation "Elizabeth", the final phase of
Op"Forrest".
2 January. 
Battle of An Tinh, Operation Pershing I, Phu My District, Binh Dinh Province. D Co., 1/50(M) Infantry surprises three companies at seaside village of An Loc to start the Battle of An Tinh. Delta Co. cordoned off village of An Lac and caught three companies of the 97th Bn, 2nd VC Regiment, 3rd NVA Div. 1032 Hrs D 1/50 while moving into AN LAC (1) receives heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from that village and the village next to it AN TINH. D company in contact with a major force. B Company working about 8,000 meters from the contact area was committed at 1051 Hrs. At 1430 Hrs. B1/50 closed the contact area from the north. Total body count for the Battle of An Tinh was 103 enemy KIA, and 28 weapons captured. Six Americans lost their life in this battle, and 28 were wounded.
SAS Ops Patrols |
2- 3 January. - 1 SAS Sqn Op 1/68, conduct 5 man Recce Patrol. Patrol 31 inserted at YS 615994 by helicopter. Enemy contact YS 516602, 2 VC KIA. Ptl extracted by winch. 3 - 7 January. - 1 SAS Sqn Op 2/68, conduct 5 man Recce Patrol. Patrol 31 inserted at YS 591803 by helicopter. Large enemy bunker system found deserted. Ammo cache and rifles captured .En activity in the area. 7 - 11 January. - 1 SAS Sqn Op 3/68, conduct 5 man Recce Patrol. Patrol 14 inserted at YS 368825 by helicopter. Enemy activity in area. VC sighted ptl and fled. 9 January. - 1 SAS Sqn Op 7/68, conduct 5 man Recce Patrol. Patrol 11 inserted at YS 369825 by helicopter. Enemy activity in area. VC sighted. Ptl extracted by heli. |
5 January. Operation Niagara I to map NVA positions around Khe Sanh begins.
(1) 1 ATF concluded Operation FORREST with minor contact, All units are now in 1 ATF Base. TAOR patrolling continues.
(a) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt concluded Operation FORREST. Elements of A Sqn assisted in the movement and escort of 1 ATF units to 1 ATP Base. Location: 1 ATF Base.
(b) Task Force Artillery concluded support of Operation FORREST. 106 Fd Bty moved from PSB ALAKBROOKE YS 4778 to
1 ATF Base. 109 H and Is were fired in the reporting period. Location: 1 ATP Base,
(c) 2 RAR concluded Operation FORREST with minor contact. At 1115H at YS 539789, 5 PI 2 RAR contacted two VC resulting in one VC KIA. Locations: W Coy YS 495620; remainder
1 ATF Base.
(d) 3 RAR continued construction of their base defences and patrolling of the TAOR. Location: 1 ATF Base.
(e) 7 RAR concluded Operation FORREST without contact. At YS 426816, 9 PL 7 RAR found seven full M16 magazines and twenty four 7.62 rounds in a small hut. Location: 1 ATF Base.
Op ' Balaklava' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM |
Sources Used:1 ATF Daily Reports AWM95, 1/4/80 - 1-31 January 1968, Annexes (19.09Mb PDF file) |
7 January . A deception plan is executed to deceive the enemy into believing that an Operation (DUNTROON) would be conducted east of Route 2. This included a heavy artillery fire plan by two field batteries in the area between Thua Tich and Binh Gia.
Op 'BORDERTOWN'
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Formations/Units: 3RAR with under command
one combat engineer team 1 Fd Sqn; in direct support
161 Bty (NZ), one OH-13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt; in support two army aviation companies
(US).
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10 January. 1 SAS has three LRRPs deployed.
(1) 1 ATF Small Unit Action with contact TWO.
(2) Results. At 0945H at HOI MY YS502558 two VC fired on a Civil Affairs Medcap team resulting in 1 Aust WIA,
1 ARVN 1WIA and one child DOW.
Op 'Duntroon' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM
Duntroon AO Map Click to enlarge
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Formations/Units: 1 ATF,
with under command units tasked: 2 RAR, 7 RAR, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 1 Fd Sqn,161 (Indep) Recce Flt with in
support Btry A l/83d Arty (US), army aviation companies
(US), No. 9 Sqn RAAF |
SAS Ops Patrols
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10 - 14 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 4/68, conduct 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol 22 inserted at YS 684644 by helicopter. Enemy activity. 20 VC sighted. Contact at YS 698621 with 3 VC. 2 VC KIA. Patrol extracted. 10 - 15 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 6/68, conduct 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol 32 inserted at YS 684644 by helicopter. Enemy activity.Ox cart heard moving at night. Ptl member extracted with injury from animal snare. 12 - 16 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 5/68 conduct 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol 21 inserted at YS 633759 by helicopter. Enemy activity . Nil results 12 - 17 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 8/68 conduct 5 man Ambush Patrol . Patrol 13 inserted at YS 334747 by helicopter. Enemy activity nil. Nil results. 16 - 18 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 11/68 conduct 5 man Ambush Patrol . Patrol 24 inserted at YS 554858 by helicopter. Enemy activity ,shots heard nightly. Nil results. 16 - 21 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 12/68 conduct 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol 33 inserted at YS 554849 by helicopter. Enemy activity. 62X40lb bags of salt destroyed.. 17 - 21 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 10/68 conduct 5 man Ambush Patrol . Patrol 34 inserted at YS 695709 by helicopter. Enemy activity ,shots heard nightly. Nil results. 19 - 23 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 14/68 conduct 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol 31 inserted at YS 350715 by helicopter. Enemy activity ,Platoon size camp found. Bn sized camp destroyed by bombing. 19 - 23 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 15/68 conduct 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol 14 inserted at YS 562828 by helicopter. Enemy activity , documents and ammo found. 20 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 17/68 conduct 5 man Ambush Patrol . Patrol 11 inserted at YS 562828 by helicopter. Enemy activity , documents and ammo found. 21 - 23 January. 1 SAS Sqn Ops 19/68 , a 5 man Recce Patrol . Patrol12 inserted at YS 535834 by helicopter. Enemy activity. Nil results 21 - 23 January. 1 SAS Sqn Op 16/68 conduct 5 man Ambush Patrol . Patrol 22 inserted at YS 489811 by helicopter. Ambush sprung at YS 496808. 5 En moved into ambush, 2 VC KIA, 1 VC poss KIA, 1 VC unaccounted for. Ptl extracted. |
12 January. - (a) Riot Control Agent was disseminated between 120730H and 120845H on the following targets: (1) YS583587 and YS595596 (2) YS593596 and YS603612.
(b) Psy Ops. Period 6-12 January 1963. 1 Nine leaflet missions were flown. 12 voice aircraft missions were flown,
(c) 1 Aust CA Unit. 1. 1 Aust CA Unit continued.the following Engineer Projects: NGHE YS4371; A Dispensary and construction of wells at AP SUOI . Extension to the market at HQA LONG YS4263, Repairs to an Old People Home and primary school. In BARIA YS3860; School BARIA. continued.. Planned construction tasks are: Three additional classrooms for BARIA High School. Major repairs to Primary School at LONG SON Island YS3056.. Construction of a toilet block at LONG HUON . Repairs to BARIA Prison. Health and Hygiene. A 12 Medcaps wore conducted. 3 The malaria and rodent survey continued. Hygiene and sanitation education in schools Miscellaneous. A Education assistance and English classes continued. Practical help in animal husbandry at AP SUOI.
(9) SAS has one LRRP deployed
. Nil results.
13 - 14 January. SAS has four LRRP's deployed. Nil results.
15 January. 1 SAS Sqn has two LRRPs deployed . At 0845H at YS501820 a LRRP contacted 2 VC, at YS513810 a LRRP contacted 5 VC. Nil results.
16 - 17 January . 1 SAS Sqn has three LRRPs deployed . Nil results.
18 January. 1 SAS Sqn has two LRRPs deployed.
At 1620H at YS563855 a LRRP contacted 6 VC with result 4 VC KIA (BC) and one SKS rifle captured.
19 January.
1 SAS Sqn has four LRRPs deployed . Nil results.
20 January. 1 SAS has four LRRPs deployed; At 1320H at YS496803 a LRRP contacted 5 VC with the result, 3 VC KIA (BC) 1 VC KIA (Poss) One of the VC was carrying a MG or possibly RPD. At1915H at YS406649 a TAOR patrol contacted 2 armed VC without result.
21 January. Operation Pershing ends. When operation ended (343 days) the enemy lost 5,715 soldiers KIA and 2,323 were captured. 1,300 individual and 137 crew served weapons were captured. Operation Pershing was the largest single operation and the most successful in which the 1st Cavalry Division participated since its arrival in Vietnam in August 1965. The 1st Cav and the 1/50 (M) Infantry did a lot of damage to the enemy, especially in the last battles of the operation. It did not wipe out all of the NVA or VC in the area but it did great damage to them. The success of the operation can be summed up in the words of an enemy prisoner of war. The captured enemy, a sapper battalion Chief of Staff stated that "during the period from Sept. 67 to Jan. 68, the liberating forces (NVA,VC) were driven near the abyss, especially in the Binh Dinh area and two other areas." Vietnam Studies Airmobility 1961-1971 by Lt. Gen John J. Tolson. Since joining the 1st Cav in September 1967, the 1/50 played a major role in all major battles in Operation Pershing.
1 ATF concluded Operation DUNTROON without contact. All units have returned to 1 ATF Base. TAOR patrolling continues. Locations: All units less W Coy 2 RAR 1 ATF Base; W Coy 2 RAR YS495620.
22 January. 1st Cavalry Division begins Operation Pershing II.
23 January Battle of Trung Thuan, Operation Pershing II, Phu My District, Binh Dinh Province. A Co. 1/50 while on move to help a PF outpost, foils an ambush by forces of the 95th Bn., 2nd VC Regiment, 3rd NVA DIv. along Hwy. 504. The enemy responded with intense automatic weapons , recoilless rifle, rocket and mortar fire. 1050 Hrs. C 1/50 was committed to the north of the contact area. A 1/50 continued fighting along an 800 meter front. The enemy ambush had been completely routed and at 1604Hrs. the battle ended. Enemy body count was 137 killed and 33 weapons captured. Friendly casualties were 4 killed and 21 wounded.
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GEN Giap attacks the American air base at Khe Sanh with 20,000 NVA, starting a 77-day siege of the 5,000 Marines defending the post. There is enormous media attention because of inevitable comparisons to Dien Bien Phu in 1954 where the French were defeated. Operation Niagara II begins a massive aerial supply effort to the besieged Marines along with heavy B-52 bombardment of NVA troop positions. At the peak of the battle, NVA soldiers are hit round-the-clock every 90 minutes by groups of three B-52s which drop over 110,000 tons of bombs during the siege, the heaviest bombardment of a small ar ea in the history of warfare. Watch Video Here - Video Duration: 10:14 mins |
1ATF 'COBURG' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM 
Photo Courtesy of AWM Operation Coburg after action report
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25 January. - HMAS Perth under fire near Cap St Anne.
29January. - C Coy 3 RAR move to FSPB " HARRISON", Bien Hoa Province.(Op
"Coburg" - 7 RAR)
In violation of the Tet Truce, Phu My District HQ receives mortar fire and limited ground probes, as does the 41st ARVN Regimental HQ at LZ Crystal. At 1045 on 30 January, the 1/50 (M) Infantry Battalion was notified that due to enemy action, the Tet Truce was terminated effective 0945.
SAS Patrol Report |
Maps:
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Vietnam 1:50,000 Sheet 6431 111 and 6311 11 Pictomap Supplement 1:25,00 6431 111 S and 6311 11 S 33/68 14,31 Patrol RW12; 55. 3 1 SAS Sqn Recce in support of Operation 'Coburg'. 10 291200 H 311830 H Infiltrate by foot. Exfil by foot. NA NA Dry primary jungle with no undergrowth. Many low entanglements. YT 159233 at 291200H ptl moved WEST from 7 RAR HQ. YT 157222 at 29123OH, ptl was sighted by 2 VC 30m NORTH. Enemy:They were engaged by the ptl but en fled after throwing a dud grenade. Ptl returned to base. YT 1'59223 at 291430H ptl moved SOUTH by foot from 7 RAR HQ. YT 160210 at 291430H ptl saw 2 VC 30m EAST of ptl. The en went to ground, but fled NORTH as the ptl put in a search of the area.. YT 159218 at 291645H ptl engaged 4 VC moving WEST , with small arms. Patrol returned to 7 RAR BHQ. YT 159223 at 3012OOH ptl moved WEST . from 7 RAR HQ. YT 155224 at 301345H forward scout came under fire from a silent weapon and AK 47s. The ptl saw approx 10 VC who were carrying 2 X RCLs, and several RPG 2 rocket launchers. Ptl withdrew 50m to the EAST and the area was engaged with arty and mortars. Ptl returned to 7 RAR BHQ. Both patrols were used as Standing Patrols for the remainder of the operation. Result: Nil with en encounters. |
Vietnam 1:50,000 Sheet 6431 111 and 6311 11
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30 January. - The "Tet Offensive" erupts throughout South Vietnam, lasting until
late February. 80,000 communist troops attack cities and towns throughout South Vietnam,
in a three day cataclysm that saw Siagon, 5 out 6 autonomous cities, 36 of 44 provincial
capitals and 64 of 242 district capitals attacked. On the first day of the Tet (lunar New
Year) truce, the Viet Cong launch their biggest offensive of the war. One thousand Viet
Cong troops infiltrate the city of Saigon. The Communist troops capture the Citadel at Hue
and seize part of the US embassy in Saigon. It takes nearly two weeks to completely rout
out the Viet Cong troops. The attack is a military disaster for the Communists: they lose
over 10,000 men and do not manage to hold any of their objectives. Nevertheless, the
offensive marks a military victory for the Viet Cong. For many Americans who had believed
that the war was being won, the sight of Viet Cong troops holding the US embassy is a rude
awakening, and forces them to question the US "true" position.
The Battle for Hue City 
RAAF Canberra bombers flew sorties in support of the US Marine base at Khe Sanh.
31 January. - Baria, the provincial capital of Phouc Tuy comes under heavy attack
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The 1/50(M) battles NVA enemy which had moved in force during the Tet Truce to within striking distance on three sides of the Phu My District Headquarters. 0850 Popular Forces patrol in contact N.E. of Phu My at Tan An BR928691. B and D Companies 1/50 were directed to immediately move to the contact area. Both companies were in position by 1100 north and south of Phu My on Hwy 1. At 1105 D Co. was directed to move east to th e northern edge of Tan An, and to sweep S.W. to fix the rear of the enemy force gathered to attack Phu My. D Co. made contact with an estimated enemy company. A Co.was released from base defense at LZ Uplift , and joined D Coy' s right flank. B Co. 1/50 moved to the south side of Binh Tri (BR 912678) where contact was also made immediately. A & D 1/50 launched a simultaneous attack on the estimated enemy battalion. Co. D attacking on the left continued to encounter stiff enemy resistance from a well entrenched enemy armed with many automatic and antitank weapons. D Co. eliminated the enemy resistance and later moved to LZ Uplift for base security. A & B 1/50 stayed for the night at the contact area.
Tet Offensive 1968 Saigon and Cholon fighting |
CTZ |
General Westmoreland in 1976 wrote in his autobiography, A Soldier Reports:
"No one to my knowledge foresaw that, in terms of public opinion, press and
television would transform what was undeniably a catastrophic military defeat for the enemy
into a presumed debacle for Americans and South Vietnamese, an attitude that still lingers
today".
February - 1968
3 RAR 
Photo Courtesy of AWM P03856.018 
Photo Courtesy of AWM P03856.019 |
Formations/Units: 3 RAR in command of company groups deployed on separate missions (the first initially under command HQ 1ATF as Ready Reaction Force): A Coy less one platoon, with in direct support 161 Fd Bty (NZ), in support 3 Tp A Sqn 1 Fd Sqn, in direct support 161 Fd Bty (NZ), one OH 13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support 3 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt; and B Coy with under command one section Aslt Pnr PI and two 106 mm RCL Anti Tk PI 3 RAR, in direct support 161 Fd Bty (NZ), in support one troop A Sqn Long Dien City - 22 km NE of Vung Tau, 7 km S of NUI DAT, 4 km W of Dat
Do. Scene of heavy fighting 3-6 Feb 68, during Tet 68 and involving C & D Coy's, 3 RAR.
Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
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1 February. LTG Fred C. Weyand launches a decisive counter-attack against the Viet Cong at Tan Son Nhut airport thus protecting nearby MACV and South Vietnamese military headquarters from possible capture.
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In Saigon,a suspected Viet Cong guerrilla is shot in the head by South Vietnam's police chief Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Loan on film and still cameras from American newsmen. The haunting AP photo taken by Eddie Adams appears on the front page of most American newspapers the next morning. Americans also observe the filmed execution on NBC TV. (Click on Flag to see image) |
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1 February.1st Australian Task Force Base is mortared.
2 February. President Johnson labels the Tet Offensive "a complete failure." For the North Vietnamese, the Tet Offensive is both a military and political failure in Vietnam. The "general uprising" they had hoped to ignite among South Vietnamese peasants against the Saigon government never materialized. Viet Cong had also come out of hiding to do most of the actual fighting, suffered devastating losses, and never regained their former strength. As a result, most of the fighting will be taken over by North Vietnamese regulars fighting a conventional war.
Tet Offensive Video
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The US Embassy is invaded. |
The Battle for Hue City 1968 |
Hue City 1968 |
Enemy losses in 54 hours estimated at 5,000.
3-6 February.. D Coy 3 RAR in heavy action at Long Dien with the 2/52 ARVN Rangers.
With the road cut to Vung Tau, RAAF Caribous resupply the base at NUI DAT carrying over a
period of 3 days, 219,240 kg of cargo.
1 SAS Sqn Advance Party warned for departure to Australia via Butterworth.
5 February. B Coy 3 RAR in action at the village Hoa Long. from entrenched enemy positions.
9 enemy are killed and 6 more wounded or killed. Australian casualties are 3 KIA.
6 -February. 2 Sqn, SAS advance party arrives at 1 ATF, NUI DAT to replace 1 Sqn.
6-2-68 Ellwood S.W. Gnr NZ 161BTY RNZA KIA
The road from Vung Tau to NUI DAT is re-opened.
In successive battles, the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 1st Cav Division had leaned on the enemy and completely defeated elements of the 22nd NVA Regiment and the 2nd VC Regiment.
7 - 9 February. B Coy 3 RAR in action at Baria and Long Dien.
10 February. 3 RAR relieve 7 RAR on Op "Coburg".
11th February. 161 Fd Bty replaced 106 Fd Bty at FSB HARRISON.
13 February. SAS member SGT Baines killed in grenade range incident.
14 February. Arty Tac HQ, RHQ and 108 Fd Bty were airlifted back to NUI DAT 161 Fd Bty NZ was moved from FSB HARRISON to join B Bty 2/35 Arty at FSB Anderson. Around the 14th other elemen
ts of 131 were also withdrawn to FSB Anderson. Here they continued their surveillance, locating and defence of FSB Anderson.
1ATF 'OAKLEIGH'
Photo Courtesy of AWM:CAM/68/0137/VN 
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Formations/Units:1ATF, with under command units tasked:2 RAR, 7 RAR, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 4 Fd Regt, 1 Fd Sqn, 1 SAS Sqn, 1 ARU, Def PI HQ Coy 1 ATE, 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, Det 1 Div Int Unit, 1 Aust CA Unit, Det AFV Pro Unit, in support elements ARVN, GVN police and national police field force troops. |
18 February. 3 RAR under ground and mortar attack on FSPB "Andersen".
3 U.S. Pilots Released By Hanoi.
18 - 22 February.
A mortar and RPG attack occurred at FSB ANDERSON at 180100 H Feb. The attack commenced with the firing of a red flare to the SW of ANDERSON at an approx range of 500 metres. The first barrage of mortars cut straight through the centre of the FSB. The second barrage appeared to be adjusted by an increase in range as the rounds overshot the FSB and landed on the perimeter. A further group of rounds fell about 400 metres N of the FSB. It is estimated that approx 40 rounds were fired, 25 landing within the FSB. All rounds fell in the Eastern sector of the FSB, whilst the RPG attack was directed against the Western sector which contained the main Artillery, Cavalry and Engineer equipments. The mortars were identified as 82mm and the RPGs as B40’s (RPG2). Two rounds of B41 (RPG7) were found near a VC body but had not been fired. It is estimated that up to 60 rounds of RPG 2 were fired at the FSB.
7 RAR 'DANDENONG' 
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Formations/Units: 7 RAR (less two companies) with under operational control one troop
A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, Det 1 Div Int Unit and GVN elements in
spt. Photo Courtesy of AWM: SKE/68/0201/VN |
1ATF 'CLAYTON'
Photo Courtesy of AWM:SKE/68/0202/VN |
Formations/Units: 1ATF, with under command units tasked: 2 RAR, 7 RAR, A
Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 4 Fd Regt, 1 Fd Sqn, 1 SAS Sqn, 1 |
One day in February 1968, Brigadier Ron (Wilbur) Hughes came out of his hut at Nui Dat and said to his operations officer. Major David Smith: 'Well, it's always been there and needs to be done sooner or later. ' Smith knew from this cryptic comment that Hughes was referring to the tactical problem posed by the Long Hai Mountains. He also knew that Hughes intended to launch an attack into the mountains in what would become known as Operation Pinaroo (27 February-15 April 1968).
1ATF 'PINNAROO' THE MINEFIELD - by Greg Lockhart 
Photo Courtesy of AWM: EKT/68/0100/VN |
Formations/Units 1ATF, with under command units tasked: 2 RAR, 3 RAR,, C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 4 Fd Regt, 1 Fd :Sqn,161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support Btry A 2/35th Arty (US), Btry A l/83d Arty (US), one army aviation company (US), F. |
22-2-68 Vickers P. J. LtCdr RANHFV 33 RAN KIA GSW from ground fire near Xuan Loc.
23 February - B Company 7 RAR conduct company Operation "Mildura".
16 February - 1 Sqn, SAS depart Vietnam for Australia. During their tour the
squadron mounted 246 patrols, killed 83 VC and sighted 405 enemy. Own casualties one died
of wounds(DOW) and one wounded(WIA).24 February. U.S. Marines occupy the Imperial Palace in the heart of the citadel and defeat the North Vietnamese in the Battle of Hue. American losses are 142 Marines killed and 857 wounded, 74 U.S. Army killed and 507 wounded. South Vietnamese suffer 384 killed and 1,830 wounded. Over 5,000 NVA are killed.
27 February . 7 RAR deployed elements to assist in the clearance of HOA LONG following a series of VC attacks on the sub sector and police posts during night 26/27 Feb 68.' A VC pl was estimated to be in the village at first light. B Coy continued its task in BARIA. A Coy and Sp Coy carried out a sweep through the NORTH-WEST of HOA LONG, At 271715H C Coy were deployed to protect the Northern approaches to BARIA YS3760. D Coy continued participation in Operation COBURG. At 1930B at YS378637 a recce party from C Coy fired on two VC with no known result. Locations: Bn HQ 1 ATF Base; A Coy YS414646; B Coy YS372611; C Coy YS378637; D Coy YT210129.
28 February. 3 RAR under mortar and ground attack at FSPB "Andersen".
7 RAR continued operations in the BARIA YS376O and HOA LONG areas. B Coy remained in the BARIA area and C Coy continued to
protect the NORTHERN approaches to BARIA. A Coy in conjunction with 2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt and Det 1 Div Int Unit carried out a small operation to the SOUTH - EAST of HOA LONG. A Coy 7 RAR operating to the SOUTH - EAST of HOA LONG were involved in a series of contacts and incidents with small groups of VC resulting in 6 VC KIA, 4 VC PW including 1 VC VIA and the capture of 1 M1 carbine, 1 Swedish SMG, 1 CHICOM SKG and 2 WALTHER P38 pistols. (b) At 1848H at YS378673 C Coy 7 RAR contacted 3 VC with no known result . One AUST was slightly wounded but not evacuated. D Coy continued participation in Operation COBURG. Locations: 7 RAR (-) 1 ATF base; A Coy YS432624; B Coy YS372611; C Coy YS378637, D Coy YT210129.
28 February. Influential CBS TV news anchorman Walter Cronkite, who just returned from Saigon, tells Americans during his CBS Evening News broadcast that he is certain "the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate."
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Wheeler, at the behest of Gen. Westmoreland, asks President Johnson for an additional 206,000 soldiers and mobilization of reserve units in the U.S.
28th February. At 0100H FSB Anderson received 24 to 30 rounds of 82mm mortar inside its perimeter.
A half Squadron of Australian Centurion Tanks consisting of 1 and 2 troops arrives in
Vietnam to support the 1 ATF.
General Westmoreland's report to the President states that, despite the failure of the Tet
Offensive, the Communists have the initiative. In order to regain control, Westmoreland
requests another 200,000 troops. This would require a call up of the reserves, and the
decision is delayed. When the decision is ultimately reached to deny the request, it
represents a realization that the war can not be won by military means.
The TET offensive was to have a marked change in peoples attitude to the war in Vietnam.
The sheer audacity of the offensive destroyed the credibility of the American military
among its own people and strengthened the anti-war movement in the United States. Public
attitude were also changing in Australia.
The SAS patrols are having such an impact on the VC that one report stated that the VC had
placed a bounty of $US5,000 dead or alive on the head of each 'Ma Rung' - Phantoms of the
Jungle. So far the SAS patrols have accounted for 115 enemy KIA with only 2 Aust WIA and
one Aust DOW.
30 February. Operation Pershing II ends. The operation lasted 39 days and employed 9 battalions. 1,801 VC/NVA were killed at a cost of 21 U.S. KIA
March 1968
1 March - 3 RAR return to NUI DAT from Op "Coburg".March 1st all elements involved in FSB Anderson were withdrawn to the Task Force, Phuoc Tuy. All Sections of 131 involved in FSB Anderson, returned to NUI DAT. Operation Coburg concluded.
4 March. SAS have one LRRP deployed.
5 March. SAS have two LRRP deployed.
6 March.
SAS have three LRRP deployed.
7 - 14 March.
SAS have four LRRP deployed.
10 March. 7 RAR continued Operations in BARIA YS3760 and AP SUOI NGHE YSA271. A Coy replaced B Coy at BARIA, B Coy returnod to 1 ATF Base. C Coy replaced D Coy at AP SUOI NGHE. D Coy returned to 1 ATF Base. Locations: 7 RAR {-) 1 ATF Base; A Coy YS372611; C Coy YS432722.
16 March - An SAS patrol contacts a three-man VC patrol killing one. SAS have three LRRP deployed.
16 March. A unit of Charlie Company US 1st Battalion 20th Infantry
slaughter between 200 and 500 unarmed villagers in the hamlet of My Lai. Led by Lieutenant
William Calley, the platoon is ordered to enter the village firing.
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The My Lai Massacre (pronunciation (help·info), approximately [mi.˧˩˥'lɐːj˧˧]) (Vietnamese: thảm sát Mỹ Lai) was the mass murder of 347 to 504 unarmed citizens of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), almost entirely civilians and the majority of them women and children, conducted by U.S. Army forces on March 16, 1968. Some of the victims were sexually abused, beaten, tortured, or maimed, and some of the dead bodies were mutilated. The My Lai Massacre was an operation of the Phoenix Program. |
17 March - D Coy 3 RAR joins Op "Pinnaroo". SAS have three LRRP deployed.
17 March : In a pre-planned operation, a six-man SAS patrol inserts into the
Firestone Trail near LZ Dampier and conduct a 'demolition ambush' on a VC party
transporting weapons and equipment using a tractor and trailer stolen from the Courtenay
Plantation. Fifteen VC are confirmed as killed. This Op was known as the "Tractor Job".
Firestone Trail - An enemy infiltration and communication route in Phuoc
Tuy Pro. So named because the Ho Chi Minh sandals worn by the VC plying the trail were
fabricated from automobile tire treads (such as the US brand, Firestone Tires).
20 March. At 192255H at YS371611 A Coy 7 RAR engaged an estimated PL of VC who were harrassing and attempting to infiltrate BARIA YS3761. 2 locals, 1 man and 1 girl killed as a result). SAS have five LRRP deployed.
22 March.
7 RAR continued operations in the BARIA YS3761 area and 1 ATF TAOR. B Coy relieved A Coy of its task protecting the western approaches to BARIA. Locations: 7 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; B Coy YS371611. A sweep of the area cf contact of 212330H at YS428682 by a Ptl from D Coy 7 RAR revealed 4 VC KIA (BC), 2 AK47 and 1 MU rifle were captured. At 212355H approximately 15 82mm mortar rounds were fired at 1 AIF Base fron the vicinity of YS395658. The rounds iImpacted 4-500 metres from the base perineter. The base plate position was not engaged due to the proximity of owni troops. SAS have seven LRRP deployed.
2RAR/NZ 'ASHGROVE TRAM'
|
Formations/Units: 2 RAR/NZ & A Coy 7 RAR with under
command one troop (plus) 1 Fd Sqn,
detachment AFV Pro Unit, under operational
control one troop C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, one troop
A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, A Coy 7 RAR, detachments
1 Div Int Unit and 1 Aust CA Unit, GVN
National Police, in support 161 Fd Bty (NZ),
elements 161 (Indep) Recce Flt and No. 9 Sqn RAAF, three patrol craft fast (PCF) (US),
Btry A 2/35th Arty (US), one army aviation
company (US). |
27 March - 1 RAR depart Sydney for Vietnam aboard HMAS Sydney. SAS have four LRRP deployed.
28 March. - 2 RAR remained in 1 ATF Base. A Coy relieved C Coy of their task of defending and maintaining the HORSESHOE HILL YS4962 defence locality. Locations; 2 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base. A Coy YS4962. SAS have three LRRP deployed.
Op ' Woolgoola'
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Formations Units: A Company , 7 RAR, with under operational control 2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, element 1 Fd Sqn, in direct support 1 Div Int Unit and Int GVN elements. |
29 March - At 0100h at YS416654 a five man patrol from D Coy 7 RAR contacted 5 VC resulting in 1 VC KIA(BC) and one 9mm smg being captured. There was 1 Aust WIA. At 1350h at YS343765 a SAS LRRP engaged 3 VC resulting in 2 VC KIA(BC). 7 RAR continued operations in the 1 ATF TAOR and concluded operations in the BARIA YS3761 area. Locations: 7 RAR 1 ATF Base. SAS have three LRRP deployed.
30 March. SAS have four LRRP deployed.
31 March - HMAS Perth is relieved by HMAS Hobart at Subic Bay.
Australian soldiers accused of torturing a young Vietnamese woman.
3 Troop Centurion Tank
Sqn is given approval for deployment to Vietnam to support 1 and 2 Sqn.
US President Johnson announces a unilateral bombing halt. At the end of the speech,
Johnson stuns the nation by announcing that he will not run for a second full term as
president.
7 RAR ' RODEO'
|
Formations Units: 7 RAR, with under operational control one troop A Sqn 3 Cav Regt,element 1 Fd Sqn, in direct support one OH-13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support 108 Fd Bty, No. 9 Sqn RAAF and GVN elements. |
April - 1968
1 April. The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) begins Operation Pegasus to reopen Route 9, the relief route to the besieged Marines at Khe Sanh.
In April, Task Force Clearwater's I Corps efforts were enhanced
by Operation Sea Tiger in which Task Force 115 Swift boats, River Division 543 PBRs,
Vietnamese Coastal Group 14 junks, and River Assault Group 32 units battled to secure the
Cua Dai and Hoi An Rivers in Quang Nam Province. Soon afterward, in June, naval river
forces began patrolling the vital Saigon River from Phu Cuong to Dau Tieng, the latter in
the hotly contested Michelin Rubber Plantation. This operation, designated Ready Deck,
tied in with the Giant Slingshot interdiction effort to the west.
1st Australian Field Hospital opens at Vung Tau.
2RAR/NZ 'COOKTOWN ORCHID' 
|
Formations/Units: 2 RAR/NZ with under
operational control elements of C Sqn 1 Armd Regt,
A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 1 Fd Sqn, 17 Const Sqn,
34th Engr Gp (US), in direct support 108
Fd Bty, in support 161 (Indep) Recce Flt,
elements army aviation units (US),No. 9 Sqn RAAF. Photo Courtesy of AWM : CRO/68/0327/VN |
6 April - A five-man SAS recce-ambush patrol is inserted into the area 12 klms north of Nui
Thi Vai, Ben Hoa Province and over the next 4 days discover VC camps and activity. The
patrol comes under fire, killing one VC and then extracting.
9 April - 1 RAR main body arrive at Vung Tau. 7 RAR main body depart on HMAS Sydney with HMAS Parramatta as escort.
11 April - An SAS patrol kills one VC, 7 klms north east of Binh Gia.
12 April - D Coy 3 RAR return from Op "Pinnaroo".
16 April - An SAS patrol ambushes a VC patrol, killing two and recovering two
diaries, north east of Binh Gia.
1ATF 'TOAN THANG I' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM :P03022.008 
Photo Courtesy of AWM:P01769.010 Videos
Attack Repulsed Video Duration 2:14 mins Location Map Here After Operation Report Operation" Toan Thang" |
The biggest unit level battle involving Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War. An exciting and dramatic story over twent-six days in May and June 1968, during which units of the 1st Australian Task Force fought a series of actions around FSB's Coral, Coogee and Balmoral against an enemy actively looking for a fight. |
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1RAR 'PEGASUS' Formations/Units: 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, with in direct support 102 Fd Bty, in support one army aviation company (US). |
FSB Thornton - YS 35-71 8 km WNW of NUI DAT, 4 km NNW of Nui Thi, 10 km
SE of FSB Nelson. Named in honor of New Zealand’s "Gunner General," CDS
LtGen Sir Leonard Thornton, who became the NZ Chief of Defense in 1968. Was apparently an
artillery gunner in his early years of service. 161 Bty , RNZA (Hitching’s Bty
14Apr68-18Mar69) firebase set here 21-23Apr68. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
22 April - HMAS Hobart under fire at near Dong Hoi.
23 April - HMAS Hobart under fire near Ke Anh.
3 RAR concluded operations in AO GILES. 3 RAR. less C Coy moved by AHC from FSB THOESTON YS3571 to FSB DYKE YS2780 and commenced operations in AOs KENNEDY and LAWSON without contact. Locations: Bn HQ and D Coy FSPB DYKE YS 2780; A Coy YS2698O8 B Coy YS 300816; C Coy FSPB THORNTON Y33571
An SAS patrol kill two VC 6 klms east of Dat Do.
1RAR 'BLAXLAND'
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Formations /Units: 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, with under command elements 1 Fd Sqn, under operational control two troops A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, in direct support 102 Fd Bty, one OH-13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support Btry A 2/35th Arty (US), 135fh Avn Co (US),No. 9 Sqn RAAF. Description:A reconnaissance-in-force operation in AO Blaxland of approximately 49 sq km in the Nui Dinh complex. Gently sloping terrain in the western part of the AO, becoming steep and hilly in the centre and east, covered mainly in jungle: the highest point was 504 m. The VC unit expected to be encountered was C41 Coy, of strength about 60, two platoons located in the low ground in the west of the AO; several camp sites had been identified by a PW, and resupply routes to Hoa Long and to Lang Phuoc Hoa provisionally identified. Insertion by APC and trucks, extraction by same means and helicopter. Location: Phuoc Tuy province, 10 km WSW of 1ATF base. Google 1968 Operations Map Deployment: 1 RAR commenced operations in AO BLAXLAND with minor contact. At 1505H at YS309635 2 Fl engaged 1 VC with unknown results. At 1825H at YS307645 1 Pl engaged 1 VC with unknown results. FSPB CLOWES was established at YS397633- Locations: Bn HQ 1 ATF Base: A Coy YS31363O; B Coy FSFB CL0WES YS3963; C Coy FSPB LONG YS2575; D Coy YS338624. Results: Casualties: Own: WIA 3; VC: KIA 1, wounded/escaped 1. Captured were 5 rifles, 5 RPGs, a number of grenades and claymores, a quantity of small-arms ammunition and magazines, 3.5 tonnes of rice, 23 kilos offish, a radio, equipment, documents, medical supplies and clothing. Extensive demolition was carried out on VC installations encountered, including one battalion, three company, three platoon and one section-sized camps, as well as two tunnel complexes and one bunker. |
25 April -Two SAS patrols kill seven VC approaching FSB Dyke.
25-4-68 Danilenko A. Lt-T/Capt AATTV 24 RAINF KIA N.of A-242 at Dak Pek in Quang Tri Prov.
26 April - 7 RAR arrive home in Australia.
26 April. An SAS patrol contat five VC near the Long Kanh border in Ben Hoa Province, killing one
VC then extracting.
Centurion Tanks from C Sqn conduct their first Operation.
May - 1968
1 May - 1 RAR concluded operations in AO BLAXLAND. D Coy returned to 1 ATF Base by helicopter. B Coy abondoned FSPB CLOWES at YS3963. At 0310H 4-5 VC were engaged on the perimeter of FSPB CLOWES YS3956 without results. At YS330654 12 PI found 250 lbs rice, one grenade, some medical supplies, small arms amunition and clothing in a cave. Locations; 1 RAR 1 ATF Base.
2 May - 2 RAR completed in A0 MURRAY BRIDGE and began moving into AO BELIZE without contact. Locations; Bn HQ FSPB HUNT YT2501; A Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962; B Coy YS332943; C Coy YS302929; V Coy YS302932; W Coy YS274934.
3 May - President Johnson accepts a North Vietnam offer to conduct preliminary peace talks
in Paris.
3 May - Op "Toan Thang"(Phase I). 1 RAR moved by air to FSPB WATTLE YS3591 to commonoe operations in AO BELIZE. At 2045H the Anti Tank Pi engaged 1 VC on thoir perimeter of FSPB WATTLE with unknown results. Locations: Bn HQ and A Coy FSPB WATTLE YS3591; B Coy YS337912; C Coy YS344908; D Coy YS346888. 2 RAR commenced operations in AO BELIZE without contact. At YS285919 W Coy found on unoccupied VC Battalion or Regimental sized base camp. The camp which contained approximately 250 bunkers has not been used for about one month. Locations: Bn HQ and V Coy YS301933J A Coy HORSESHOE Hill YS4962; B Coy YS330935; C Coy YS306921; W Coy YS279906. 3 RAR concluded operations in AO MURRAY BRIDGE and returned to 1 ATF Base by air. Location: 3 RAR 1 ATF Base.
5 - 13 May. A North Vietnamese offensive begins similar to the TET offensive,
attacking 109 towns and cities throughout South Vietnam. In the course of the offensive,
5,270 Communists, 154 Americans and 326 South Vietnamese are killed.
5 May - 1 RAR moved by air to FSPB HARRISON YT1716 and commenced operations in AO COLUMBUS III. A Coy (-) moved with 1 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt to BLACKHORSE YS4395 en route to FSPB HARRISON. Locations; Bn HQ, D Coy and 1 Pl A Coy FSPB HARRISON YT1716; A Coy (-) BLACKHORSE YS4395, B Coy YT153168, C Coy YT1A7195. (e) 2 RAR moved by air to FSPB ANDERSEN YT2012 and commenced operations in AO COLUMBUS III. locations: Bn HQ and V Coy FSPB ANDERSEN YT2012, A Coy Horseshoe Hill YS4962, B Coy YT200131, C Coy YT222U8, W Coy YT197122. 3 RAR remained in 1 ATF base. Location: 3 RAR 1 ATF.
A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continued to support 1 ATF operations. 1 Tp with elements of A Coy 1 RAR moved to BLACKHORSE en route to FSPB HARRISON YT1716. HQ A Sqn and 2 Tp provided an escort for a Bty 2/35 Arty (US) from NUI DAT to FSPB ANDERSEN YT2012 and then came under operational control of 2 RAR. Locations: A Sqn (-) . FSPB ANDERSEN; YT2012; 1 Tp BLACKHORSE YSA395; 3 Tp 1 ATF base.
10 May - 3 RAR continue Op "Toan Thang"(Phase I) relieving 2 RAR at FSPB
"Andersen"
12 May - 2 RAR remained at 1 ATF Base. Locations: 2 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; A Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962. , 3 RAR commenced operations in AO SURFERS with minor contact. At 121445H a sentry of C Coy engaged 3 VC at XT907287 without result At 121809H 12 PI contacted 1 VC at XT931295 with unknown result. Locations: Bn HQ and D Coy XT931295; A Coy XT908282; B Coy XT923273; C Coy XT905294. . 1 ARU continued to protect minefield operations in AO NAPIER without contact. Location: 1 ARU YS516543.
13 May - 3 RAR take up a blocking position 20 miles north-east of Siagon.
Delegates from the US and North Vietnam hold their first meeting in Paris
15/16 May - Enemy Regimental attacks on FSPB "Coral". FSPB CORAL XT9329 was attacked by an estimated VC battalion group supported by RPG and mortar during the night 15/16 May. Contact was made at 0345H and broken at 0730H. Two separate attacks were mado on different points. Total results: 5 Aust KIA, 19 Aust UIA, 2 US WIA, 34 VC KIA (BC), 1 PW, 16 small arms, 11 crew served weapons and a quantity of ammunition was captured.
21 May - 4 RAR depart Australia on HMAS Sydney.
23 May - Centurion tanks from C Sqn (1,2 and 3 Troop) arrive at FSPB "Coral"
and provide much needed fire support.
23 May 68 - Approx 1600 hrs. George Constable of 161 Recce Flight was flying 51-11969 when the aircraft was shot down and destroyed at YT944194. George was killed in the crash. At the time he was shot down he was flying a vehicle convoy cover mission for an Australian convoy returning from Fire Support Base Coral.
24 May - 3 RAR move to FSPB "Balmoral".
An RAAF Caribou for No 35 Sqn is fired upon, wounding the pilot.
25 May - 2 Troop C Sqn Tanks move to FSPB "Balmoral".
26 May - 3 RAR at FSPB "Balmoral" comes under heavy ground and mortar attacks
from a battalion sized enemy force and repel the attacks. Mortar attacks at FSPB
"Coral".
28 May - Regiment sized attacks on 3 RAR at FSPB "Balmoral" by 165 Regiment
7th North Vietnamese Army Division.All attacks are repelled
30 May - Centurion Tanks from 1 Troop and APC's support Infantry during a
fierce fight in an enemy bunker system 3000 yards from FSPB "Coral".
May - June Australian casualties during this period are 26 killed and 110 wounded.
31 May - Operation 'Toan Thang' concludes after 60 days. 42 US and 37 ARVN
battalions have been hunting out enemy units near Saigon.
June - 1968
1 June. 4 RAR main body arrives Vung Tau and 2 RAR main body depart for
Australia on HMAS Sydney.
An SAS patrol locates an occupied enemy camp three klms north west of Binh Ba. The
camp is engaged with artillery and gunships.
1 ATF concludes Phase 1 of Operation TOAN THANG, and commences Phase Two of Operation TOAN THANG in AO SURFERS II and the 1 ATF TAOR. 4 RAR replaced 2 RAR at NUI DAT.
5 June. 3 RAR return from Op "Toan Thang"(Phase I). 1 ATF continued phase II of operation TOAN THANG in AO SURFERS II and the 1 ATF TAOR. FSP3 BALMORAL XT9333 was abandoned at 051 500H.
(a) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt commenced to move from FSPB CORAL XT9329 to 1 ATF. Location: C Sqn BEARCAT.
(b) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continued to support 1 ATF operation. 2 Tp moved from FSPB BALMORAL to FSPB CORaL. 3 Tp commenced to escort a convoy from 1 ATF Base to FSF3 CORAL. Locations: A Sqn (-) FSPB CORAL, 3 Tp BEARCAT. (
c) Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF operations. 80 H and I missions were fired during the reporting period. 102 Fd Bty returned to 1 ATF Base. Locations: 12 Fd Regt (-) 1 ATF Base; 161 Fd Bty and A Bty 2/35 (US), FSPB CORAL
(d) 1 RAR continued operation s in AO SURFERS II without contact. Platoon sized patrols were conducted to the NORTH, EAST, SOUTH-EAST and NORTH-ASST. Locations: 1 RAR, FSPB CORAL.
(e) 3 RAR abondoned FSPB BALM0RAL and returned to 1 ATF Base. Locations: 3 RAR, 1 ATF Base.
(f) 4 RAR remained in 1 ATF Base and conducted TAOR patrols. Locations: 4 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; V Coy, HORSESHOE HILL YSU-962.
6 June - 1 ATF concluded ops in AO SURFERS II and continued Operations in the 1 ATF TAOR, FSFB CORAL, XT9329, was abandoned at 0615a5h.
(a) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt moved from BEARCAT to 1 ATF Base. Locations: C Sqn 1 ATF Base.
(b) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt (-) moved from FSPB CORAL to BEARCAT. 3 Tp moved from BEARCAT to 1 ATF Base. At 061040 hrs an AFC detonated a mine at XT943266. resulting in 1 Aust WIA and one APC damaged "(base repair). Locations: A Sq:n (-), 3 Tp 1 ATF Base.
(c) Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF Operations. 30 h & I missions were fired during the reporting period. 161 Bty returned to 1 ATF Base. A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) moved from FSFB CORAL to BEARCAT. Locations: 12 Fd Regt, 1 ATF Base; A Bty 2/35 Arty (US), BEARCAT.
(d) 1 RAR concluded operations in AO SURFERS II without contact and moved by air to 1 ATF Base. Locations: 1 RAR, 1 ATF Base.
(e) 3 RAR remained in 1 ATF Base. Locations: 3 RAR
1 ATF Base.
(f) A. rar remained in 1 ATF Base and continued local patrolling in 1 ATF TAOR and familiarisation training. Locations: /, RAR (-), 1 ATF Base; V Coy, HORSESHOE Hill ys4962.
7 - 9 June. Australian Prime Minister Gorton visits Vietnam. The SAS provide
a guard.
1 RAR 3, RAR and 4 RAR in base at NUI DAT.
8 June. A six man SAS patrol is inserted into the Nui Dinh hills.
Mission. locate an enemy radio station, attack the location and seize any radio or
codebooks.
9 June. The patrol locate the enemy radio position and attack the camp,
killing eight VC, capturing the radio, M2 carbine, 45 pistol and two packs of documents.
The patrol then winches out by helicopter.
11 June - A Sqn 3 Cav Regt. 3 Tp concluded training operations with elements of C Sqn 1 Amrd Regt and 4 RAR. At approx 1715H 3 Tp deployed with B Coy 4 RAR to BARIA YS376O as part of the Ready Reaction Force. Locations: A Sqn (-) 1 ATF Base; 3 Tp YS384624, deployment returned 12 June.
13 June. 2 RAR arrive in Australia.
1ATF 'TOANTHANG II
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Formations/Units: Initially (13-23 June) Fwd Tac HQ 1ATF,
exercising operational control over 1RAR Gp,
comprising 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment with under operational control one
troop A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, element 1 Fd Sqn, two
patrols 2 SAS Sqn, in direct support 102 Fd
Bty, one OH-13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support element (6 CH-47) army
aviation company (US), element No. 9 Sqn RAAF; finally (23 June-18 July) Tac
HQ 1ATF, with under command units
tasked: 1RAR (relieved by 3RAR, 3 July),
4RAR/NZ, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt (minus),
12 Fd Regt (minus), elements of 1 Fd Sqn, 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support
elements No. 9 Sqn RAAF, No. 35 Sqn
RAAF. Description: Initially a battalion group, then a task force operation to provide ground, rocket and mortar defence for the Long Binh-Bien Hoa complex, in AO Birdsville covering the NE approaches to that complex, of initially 130 sq km, finally 214 sq 1cm.Terrain generally undulating, but hilly north of the Song Dong Nai; mainly jungle with some rice north of the Song Dong Nai, a mix of brushwood, rice, rubber and grassland in the centre, and mainly jungle in the east and SE. There were some indications of the communist 'Third General Offensive' and attacks against Saigon about to start in late June or early July; VC activity had been increasing in the Long Khan-Bien Hoa provinces' border areas between the Song Dong Nai and Route 1, a previously-used approach to the Long Binh-Bien Hoa complex. Deployment by helicopter initially, finally by helicopter, APC and truck. Location: Bien Hoa province, 59 km NW of 1ATF base. Google 1968 Operations Map Deployment: A Sqn 3 Cav Regt. 3 Tp moved by road to FSPB KAMA to support 1 RAR operations: Location: A Sqn (-) 1 ATF Base 3 Tp FSPB KIAMA YT0914. 102 Fd Bty deployed by air to FSPB KIAMA to support 1 RAR operations. Locations: 12 Fd REgt (-) and A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) 1 ATF Base; 102 Fd Bty FSPB KIAMA YT0914. 1 RAR deployed by air to AO BIRDSVILLE (MODIFIED) Centre of mass YT1216, Assuming responsibility for that area from 1200H. Locations: Bn HQ and C Coy FSPB KIAMA YT094145, A Coy YT106184, B Coy YT138157, D Coy YT083140. Results: Casualties: Own: KIA 1, WIA 1; VC: KIA 3, detainees 13. Captured were 6 weapons, and quantities of munitions, equipment, clothing, food, medical supplies and documents. A number of small camps were located. 7-7-68 O'Connor P. S. Pte 4RAR C 19 RAINF KIA GSW while on patrol.References: AWM95, 7/1/81 Part 3 - 12-16 June 1968, 1 RAR Duty Officer's log, Thoan Thang (8.34Mb PDF file) |
14 June. D Coy 3 RAR "cordon and search" Long Dien.
4RAR/NZ 'REDWING'
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Formations/Units: 4th RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion, with under command element 1 Fd Sqn, in direct support 104 Fd Bty, one OH-13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support one army aviation company (US). Description: A search operation directed at the Binh Ba rubber plantation and the jungle areas to the immediate NW, all being west of Route 2 in an AO of 10 sq km. Terrain, deployment and location as for Operatios'Balaklava (no. 42 above). VC activity comprised small groups penetrating freely at night and recently, by day, collecting taxes and rice as well as disseminating propaganda; the AO included a VC meeting place, a known north-south route for movement and an adjacent complex of small base camps. Google 1968 Operations Map En Forces. The BINH BA Rubber Plantation, centre of mass YS4475, is an area of light VC activity. It consists mainly of small groups of VC penetrating freely at night and recently during the day also. These groups have had minor clashes with RF/PF patrols. Their main activities are tax collection, propaganda dissemination and collecting rice from the rubber workers. A VC platoon is reported to meet local VC on Monday and Thursday afternoon in the NORTH WEST corner of the plantation. The area of the SUOI LUP stream is a known VC route from NORTH to SOUTH. Results: Nil. |
HMAS Hobart under fire at Cap Lay.
15 June. An SAS patrol ambush a VC party killing six.
4RAR/NZ 'KOSCIUSKO'
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Formations/Units: 4th RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion, with under command 1 Tp 1 Fd Sqn, under operational control 2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, in direct support 104 Fd Bty, one OH-13
of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support Btry A
2/35th Arty (US), 135th Avn Co (US). Description: A recon- in- force operation in AO Thredbo of 46 sq km in the valley between Nui Dinh and Nui Toe Tien, including part of those mountain slopes, and extending from 1 km NE of Route 15 in the SW to 2 km NE of Soui Chau Pha in the NE. Terrain undulating to hilly except for the steep slopes of the dominating features; covered mainly in jungle except for some areas of clear forest near the SW boundary and in the NE third of the AO, which included also areas of rice and grassland on the NE side of the Suoi Chau Pha. The VC force targeted was C41 Coy, the area being the base from which their attacks were made on installations on Route 15. Deployment by APC, helicopter and truck. Location: Phuoc Tuy province, 11 km WNW of 1ATF base. Google 1968 Operations Map Deployment: 4 RAR deployed by air to AO THREDBO, centre of mass YS3268 and commenced operations in that area without contact. Locations: Bn HQ YS396723; B Coy FSPB THORNTON YS351711; C Coy YS346728; E Coy YS342708; Coy YS341695; V Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962. Results: Casualties: Own: WIA 1; VC: KIA 2. One large base installation was destroyed, also one battalion-sized and two small camps were located, along with some documents, rice and explosive 22-6-68 .Wickman M. J. Pte NZ 4RAR V3 RNZIR KIA In contact at YS523586. GSW to head/neck. |
C SQN 1 ARMD REGT 'BULLER'
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Formations I Units: C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, with under
operational control 2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, element 1 Fd Sqn, A Coy and one mortar section 3RAR, in
direct support one OH-13 of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, in support Btry A 2/35th Arty
(US). Description: A reconnaissance-in- force operation in AO Perisher of 17 sq km in the area surrounding Nui Nhan elevation 187 m, 3 km north of the Birth Ba rubber plantation and 3 km west of Route 2. Terrain undulating to hilly, covered in a mix of jungle, clear forest, brushwood, rubber and some small areas of grassland. Over a period of two months, SAS patrols had reported VC preparation and occupation of several base camps, also sounds of RPG, mortar and small-arms firing in this area. Deployment (engineers, infantry) by APC Location: Phuoc Tuy province, 11 km north of 1ATF base. Google 1968 Operations Map Deployment: C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, supported by 2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt and A Coy 3 RAR, carried out RIP to the West of LUC THANH in area centre of mass YS4378. Results: At YS435776 a camp consisting of 25 pits with overhead cover and capable of holding up to a company was found. It was destroyed. This camp and several tracks in the area showed signs of recent use. The force returned to 1 ATF Base at 1820H. Sources Used in Archive:AWM95, 1/4/108 - 1-31 July 1968, Annex C (9.4Mb PDF file) |
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17 June. HMAS Hobart hit by three missiles from a USAF aircraft north
of Cap Lay. NAVYM0173/14 |
17 June.
An SAS patrol is engaged by VC near the Firestone Trail in Ben Hoa province. Five VC are
killed and one member of the SAS patrol is wounded. A second patrol in the same area a few
days later kills two VC and wounding two more.
19 June. At 192304H at YS 525893 a LRHP received 6 rounds of RtPG and 7 rounds of 60 mm Mortar fire. During the night of 20 Jun the LRRP heard movement and AW fire near thoir position, and estimated that a larrge nuuber of enemy were in the aroa. During extraction several enemy were seen near the extraction point and an 0H-13 of 161 Indep Recce Flight had sporadic SA fire directed at it. Results. Nil.
20 June - 4 RAR concluded operations in AO THREDBO without contact and returned to 1 ATF Base by air and road. Locations: 4 RAR ( 1 ATF Base; V Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS 4962.
22 June. At 0850H at YS637816 a LRRP contacted an unknovm sized enemy force soon after contact, with result 1 Aust WIA. The LRRP was extracted and the area subject to airstrike.
23 June. The US base at Khe Sanh is abandoned.
4 RAR deployed by air to AO BIRDSVILLE (OP TOAN THANG II) and occupied FSPB CONCORD YT0317. Locations: Bn HQ and C Coy FSPB COUCOHD YT0317S B Coy XT99814S; D Coy YT057206; \i Coy YT032231; V Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962.
25 - 30 June. B Coy 3 RAR conduct Op "Ulladulla" with C Squadron,
1st Armoured Regiment.
C SQN 1 ARMD REGT 'ULLADULLA'
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Formations/Units: C Sqn 1
Armd Regt, with under operational control 2
Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, element 1 Fd Sqn,
B Coy (+) 3RAR, in direct
support Btry A 2/35th Arty (US). |
27-6-68 Barnett S. J. Pte 4RAR D 21 RAINF KIA In contact in Bien Hoa Prov.
30 June - 1 ATF continued Operation TOAN THANG II in AO BIRDSVILLE and 1 ATF TAOR and concluded operations in AO MARLIN.
(a) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt concluded operations in AO MARLIN without contact and returned to 1 ATF Base. Location: C Sqn 1 ATF Base.
(b) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continued to support 1 ATF operations in AO BIRDSVILLE. 2 Tp returned to 1 ATF Base on conclusion of operations in AO MARLIN. locations: A Sqn (-), LONG BINH; 1 Tp (-), FSFB CONCORD YT033175; Two Sects 1 Tp, FSFB HOTEL YT102207 ; 2 Tp, 1 ATF Base; 3 Tp, FSFB KIAMA YT093K5.
(c) Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF operations. 91 H and I missions were fired during the reporting period. A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) returned to 1 ATF Base on conclusion of operations in AO MARLIN. Locations: 102 Fd Bty, FSIB KIAMA YT093U5; 104 Fd Bty (-) and B Bty 2/35 Arty (US), FSFB CONCORD YT 033175; 1 Sect 104 Bty, FSFB HOTEL: 161 Bty and A Bty 2/35 Arty (US), 1 ATF Base.
(d) 1 RAR continued operations in AO BIRDSVILLE without contact. A Coy conducted recce in force in YT1316, YT1317, YT1318 and YT1217. B Coy conducted recce in force in YTUU, YT15U, YTU16 and YT1516. C Coy remained in FSIB HOTEL. D Coy conducted recce in force in YT1508, rTl608. YT1509 and YT1609. Locations: 1 RAR (-), FSFB KIAMA;
A Coy, YT134176; B Coy, YTU9146; C Coy, FSFB HOTEL; D Coy, YT159091.
(e) 3 RAR continued patrolling in 1 ATF TAOR without contact. B Coy returned to 1 ATF on conclusion of operations in AO MARLIN. Location: 3 RAR, 1 ATF Base.
(f) 4 RAR continued operations in AO BIRDSVILLE.
July - 1968
OPERATIONS SUMMARY as at 1 Jul 1968
1 ATF continued Operation TOAN THANG II in AO BIRDSVILLE and 1 ATF TAOR. FSPB HOTEL, YT102207, was abandoned at 011600K. 3 RAR located at 1 ATF Base.A Sqn 3 Cav Regt , 1 RAR and 4 RAR continues Ops in AO BIRDSVILLE with minor contact. Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF operations. Sect 104 Fd Bty moved from FSPB HOTEL to FSPB CONCORD. Locations 102 Fd Bty, FSPB KIAMA: 104 Fd Bty, FSPB CONCORD; 161 Fd Bty, 1 ATF Base A Bty 2/35 Arty (US), 1 ATF Base; B Bty 2/35 Arty (US), FSPB CONCORD. 1 Fd Sqn continued development of 1 ATF Fwd Base, LONG BINH.
3 July - 3 RAR relieve 1 RAR on OP "Toan Thang(Phase2)" in Area of
Operations(AO) Birdsville. 1 RAR conclude ops in AO BIRDSVILLE and return to NUI DAT.
FSB Kiama - YT 09-14 10 km ENE of Bien Hoa, 5 km WNW of FSB Kerry, 2 km N
of QL- 1. 161 Bty , RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14Apr68-18Mar69) firebase set here 3-18Jul68.
Bien Hoa Prov, III Corps.
5 July. A six man SAS patrol is engaged by a VC force of eighty men at YS612732, north
west of Xuyen Moc. The patrols withdraws and extracts by helicopter under heavy fire.
Thirteen enemy were killed.
Operation 'Blue Mountains''
|
Units Involved:
C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, 2 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt(+),1 Fd Sqn(-), 2 SAS Sqn, A Coy 1 RAR, one Mortar Sect 1 RAR, Anti-tank Pl 1 RAR . In Direct Support 102 Fd Bty, one H13 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, 1 Div Int Unit, A Bty 2/35 Arty (US),. |
6 July. SAS ptl contact en group at YS292730. 1 VC KIA, 2 VC WIA.
A Son 3 Cav Regt continued to support 1 ATP operations without contact. 3 Tp returned to 1 ATF Bate from FSPB KIAMA, YTO93145. Locations. A Sqn (-), LONG BINH, 1 Tp, FSPB CONCORD, YT033175; 2 Tp patrol base BARRACUDA; 3 Tp, 1 ATF Base. F Tp, 2/11 ACR continued recce in force in area, centre of mass YTO614, and returned to LONG BINH.
9-7-68 Murray P.E. Pte 1RAR2 Sp 21 RAINF DOW At 24EVACHOSP from shrap wds.
11 July - An SAS patrol ambushes an enemy party, killing five. The patrol
spends a harrowing night with VC searching for them.
Operation '
Albany'
|
Units Involved:
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 3 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt(+),1 Fd Sqn(-), 2 SAS Sqn. In Support 102 Fd Bty, one H13 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, A Bty 2/35 Arty (US), No. 9 Sqn RAAF. Enemy Units Involved: C25 VC Coy. Friendly Forces: 3 and 4 RAR continue ops in AO BIRDSVILLE. Descriptive Narrative of Operation: Conduct RIF ops within in the LIGHT GREEN, centre of mass YS5456 , Destroy C25 VC Coy Location: .Google 1968 Operations Map Sources Used in Archive: AWM95, 1/4/108 - 1-31 July 1968, 1 ATF Annex C (9.4Mb PDF file) References: AWM95, 7/1/85 Part 3 - 13-14 July 1968, 1 RAR Duty Officer's log, Operation Albany (1.85Mb PDF file) |
10 Jul - C Sqn 1 Armd Regt return to NUI DAT
13 July. An SAS patrol contacts enemy party. 1 VC KIA (BC). A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continued to support 1 ATF operations. 3 Tp moved to HORSESHOE HILL, YS4962, to support operations in AO SALMON. Locations: A Sqn (-) LONG BINH; 1 Tp, FSPB CONCORD YT033175; 2 Tp, FSPB KIAMA YT093145; 3 Tp, HORSESHOE HILL.
15-7-68 Borlace D. G. Cfn A3CAV LAD 24 RAEME KIA APC hit Cmd detonated mine 5km E of Hoi My in the Light Green.
17 July. An SAS patrol contacts 5 VC. 1 Aust WIA, 1 VC KIA , 2 VC WIA.
18 Jul - 1 ATF continued operation TOAN THANG II in 1 ATF TAOR. Operations in AO BIRDSVILLE concluded, and operations commenced in AO YASS (YS2684) and WAGGA (YS3080). HQ 1 ATF (Main) moved from LONG BINH to YS211821. C Sqn 1 Armd Regt group commenced RIF to North of 1 ATF Base in area of DUC THANH YS4678. 3 RAR moved by air to FSPB ARCHER and deployed into AO YASS centre of mass YS2684 without contact. Locations: Bn HQ and D Coy, FSPB ARCHER, YS2084; A Coy, YS241657; B Coy, YS226837; C Coy, YS248841. 4 RAR moved by air to FSPB CHESTNUT and deployed into AO WAGGA centre of mass YS3080 with minor contact.
Operation 'Elwood'
|
Units Involved:
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, 3 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt(+),1 Fd Sqn(-), 2 SAS Sqn, 1 ARU. In Support 102 Fd Bty, one H13 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, Det 1 Div Unit, Det 1 Aust CA Unit, A Bty 2/35 Arty (US), No. 9 Sqn RAAF Maps: :XYUEN MOC 1 : 50,000 Sheet 6430 II. PICTO 1 : 25,000 Sheet 6430 II NORTH. XA BINH GIA (Special) 1 : 10,000. Enemy Units Involved: Local VC Units. Descriptive Narrative of Operation:Cordon and Search NGAI GAIO village,, centre of mass YS4677, covering the hamlets of LA VAN and VINH THANH by 181600H Jul 69. Location: .Google 1968 Operations Map Sources Used in Archive: AWM95, 1/4/108 - 1-31 July 1968, Annex C (9.4Mb PDF file) Remarks |
Operation 'Arunta'
|
Units Involved:
C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, 3 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt(+),1 Fd Sqn(-), 2 SAS Sqn, D Coy 1 RAR, one Mortar Sect 1 RAR. In Support 102 Fd Bty, one H13 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, Det 1 Div Unit, No. 9 Sqn RAAF |
Operation '
Merino'
|
Allied Units Involved:
One Coy 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 3RAR, 4th RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion, 1 Fd Sqn, In direct support 161 Fd Bty, 12 Fd Regt, one H13 161 (Indep) Recce Flt, Det 1 Div Unit, No. 9 Sqn RAAF |
19 Jul - A Sqn 3 Cav Regt. 2 Tp escorted the final convoy from LONG BINH to 1 ATF Base, and then escorted C Coy 1 RAR from 1 ATF Base to area HQ 1 ATF (Main). 3 Tp continued operations in support of C Sqn 1 Armd Regt. Locations: A Sqn (-), YS211822; 3 Tp (-), YS45784O; 1 Sect 3 Tp, YS472837. 1 RAR. C Coy moved by road to area YS211821 to commence operations in AO GUNNING, centre of mass YS2080. 1 PI A Coy moved with A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) to YS4587S1. D Coy continued RIF operations with C Sqn 1 Armd Regt and 3 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Reg. - Locations: 1 RAR (-), 1 ATF Base; C Coy, YS211822; B Coy (-), YS457840; 10 PI, YS472837. 1 ATF continued Operation TOAN THANG II in AOs YASS, WAGGA and GUNNING and the 1 ATF TAOR.
22 Jul - C Sqn 1 Armd Regt Group concluded RIF operations to the North of 1 ATF base without contact and returned to 1 ATF Base. Locations: C Sqn 1 Armd Regt 1 ATF Base.
23 Jul - 1 ATF continued operation TOAN THANG II in AO's YASS, WAGGA and GUNNING and the 1 ATF TAOR. 1 RAR supported by C Sqn 1 Armd Regt carried out a cordon and search of VINH THANH and LA VAN villages (YS4677). A Sqn 3 Cav Regt ; A Sqn (-) moved from YS212821 to FSPB DYKE YS2780 with C Coy 1 RAR. 3 Tp supported 1 RAR on cordon and search operations, and approximately 1600H escorted D Coy 1 RAR and A Bty 2/35 ARTY (US) from 1 ATF Base to YS251754.
26 July - An eleven man SAS patrol ambush the old FSB Dyke position, killing 5
VC and wounding another. They are extracted by helicopter, under fire.
24 Jul - 3 RAR cease ops in AO YASS and returns to 1 ATF Base, 4 RAR and C Coy 1 RAR continues ops in AO WAGGA. 1 RAR; D Coy remained as protection force to A Bty 2/$3 Arty (US). Locations: 1 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; C Coy YS303C19; D Coy YS251754.
25 Jul - 1 ATFcontinued operation TOAN THANG II in 1 ATF TAOR. Operations were concluded in AOs WAGGA and GUNNING with the return of 4 RAR and elements of 12 Fd Regt, 1 RAR and A Sqn 3 Cav Regt to 1 ATF Base. (a) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt remained in 1 ATF Base. Location: C Sqn 1 ATF Base. (b) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt. 1 and 3Tps returned to 1 ATF Base. Location: A Sqn 1 ATF Base. (c) Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF operations.104 Fd Bty returned to 1 ATF Base by air, and A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) returned to 1 ATF Base by road. Location: 12 Fd Regt and A Bty 2/35 Arty (US); 1 ATF Base. (d) 1 RAR. C and D Coys returned to 1 ATF Base. Location; 1 RAR, 1 ATF Base. (e) 3 RAR remained in 1 ATF. Location 3 RAR; 1 ATF Base. (f) 4 RAR concluded operations in AO WAGGA and returned to 1 ATF Base by air. FSPB DYKE YS2780 was abandoned. Locations: 4 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; C Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962.
29 July - C Coy 3 RAR "cordon and search" north east Hoa Long in conjunction with 1 Div Int Unit.
FSB Coolah - YS 39-86 Located in a jungle clearing covered with head-high grasses
at the southern end of the Courtenay Rubber Plantation, 20 km NNW of NUI DAT 4 km W of
Rte-2, 5 km NW of FSB Avenger. 161 Bty, RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14Apr68-18Mar69)
firebase set here 2- 9Aug68. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
Operation '
Platypus' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM
|
Allied Units Involved: 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment), 4 RAR |
August - 1968
OPERATIONS SUMMARY as at 1 August 1968
General
(1) 1 ATF continued Operation TOAN THANG II in 1 ATF TA0R; operations in AO KIMBERLEY continued. Aust Land Clearing Team deployed to AO WARBURTON, centre of mass YS3169. FSPB AVENGER was established at YS45483B.
(a) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt. 3 Tp deployed to FSPB AVENGER and assisted in securing that area. Locations: C Sqn (-), 1 ATF Base; 3 Tp, FSPB AVENGER.
(b) A Sqn 3 Cav Rogt. 1 Tp escorted V Coy 4 RAR to FSPB AVENGER and returned to 1 ATF Base. 2 Tp deployed to AO WARBURTON to support land clearing operations. 3 Tp continued to support 1 RAR operations in AO KIMBERLEY. Locations: A Sqn (-), 1 ATF Base; 2 Tp, FSPB HAGUE YS316666; 3 Tp, FSPB GLADSTONE YS262740.
(c) Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF operations. A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) deployed to FSPB AVENGER to support operations in AO KIMBERLEY.
and projected oporations in AO HAMERSLEY. Locations: 12 Fd Regt (-), 1 ATF Base; 102 Fd Bty, FSPB GLADSTONE; A Bty 2/35 Arty (US), FSPB AVENGER.
(d) 1 RAR continued recce in force operations in AO KIMBERLEY withminor contact. At 1300H at YS296787 C Coy contacted 2 enemy with the result 1 Aust WIA, enemy casualties unknowm. Locations: 1 RAR (-), FSPB GLADSTONE; A Coy, YS329701; B Coy, YS310784; C Coy, YS297790.
(e) 3 RAR continued patrolling in 1 ATF TAOR. Location:
3 RAR, 1 ATF Base.
(f) 4 RAR continued patrolling in 1 ATF TAOR. V Coy moved by APC to YS454838 and secured FSPB AVENGER. W Coy moved by APC to AO WARBURTON and secured FSPB HAGUE, YS316666, in preparation for land clearing oporations. Locations: 4 RAR (-), 1 ATF Base; C Coy, HORSESHOE HILL YS4962; V Coy, FSPB AVENGER, W Coy , FSPB HAGUE.
Operation '
Lyre Bird' 
AWM:
HIN/68/0770/VN |
Units Involved: W Coy 4 RAR,1 RAR, 3 RAR |
2 August - C Sqn 1 Armd Regt. C Sqn (-) moved to FSPB COOLAH to act as 1 ATF reserve for operations in AOs KIMBERLEY and HAMERSLEY. 3 Tp continued to secure FSPB AVENGER. Locations: C Sqn (-), FSPB COOLAH YS397684; 3 Tp, FSPB AVENGER YS454838.
3 August - FSPB GLADSTONE was abandoned and FSPB PINE YS3380 occupied. C Sqn 1 Armd Regt. C Sqn to conduct recce in force Ops NORTH EAST of FSPB COOLAH
6 August - C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, less 2 Tp, returned to 1 ATF. 2 Tp moved to FSPB AVENGER to assist in security of that area . 1 RAR concluded operations in AO KIMBERLEY and returned to 1 ATF Base, Location: 1 RAR 1 ATF Base, 102 Fd Bty reurn by air to 1 ATF Base.
8 August - A Coy 1 RAR with 1 Tp C Sqn and 2 Tp A Sqn deployed to a position north od BARIA as a ready reaction force. 1 RAR(-) 1 ATF Base. A Coy YS384623.
3 RAR concluded operations in AO HAMMERSLEY . A Coy and C Coy closed on FSPB COOLAH and D Coy moved by air to FSPB AVENGER YS4583. Locations: 3 RAR (-) FSPB COOLAH YS 3986; D Coy FSPB AVENGER YS4583.
Operation '
Nowra'
|
CTZ III TAO Phuoc Tuy Start Date End Date 8/8/1968 - 6/9/1968 Allied Units Involved: 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 1 Fd Sqn, 12 Fd Regt, 1 Aust CA Unit. 3RAR 6 Sep - 24 Sep 68 Objective of Operation: Defense of Baria and Long Dien . Location: .Google 1968 Operations Map Sources Used in Archive: AWM FSB Avenger - YS 45-83 On the W side of Rte-2, 15 km N of NUI DAT, 5 km SE of FSB Coolah and in the Cu Bi Rubber Plantation.161 Bty, RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14Apr68-18Mar69) firebase set here 9-13Aug68. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps. References: AWM95, 7/1/88 Part 3 - 6-13 August 1968,1 RAR Duty Officer's log, Operation Nowra and Normal Base Control (12.76Mb PDF) AWM95, 7/1/88 Part 9 - 29 August - 1 September 1968, 1 RAR Duty Officer's log, Operation Nowra (10.93Mb PDF file) |
13 August. 3 RAR concludes Ops and returns to 1 ATF Base.(Op LYREBIRD)
16 August. 1 ATF continued Operation TOAN THANG II in AO WARBORTON and 1 ATF TAOR. 1 RAR (-) deployed to area YS4062 North East of BARIA as ready reaction force. FSPB HAGUE YS3166 was abandoned and FSPB HOKINUI YS3470 established.
20 August. D Coy 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) takeover defence of HORSESHOE HILL YS4962 from C Coy 4 RAR/NZ.
21-8-68 Phillips B.C. POACM RANHFV 32 RAN KIA Aircraft crash from RPG near Blackhorse.
21-8-68 Casadio A.A. Lt RANHFV 23 RAN KIA Aircraft crash from RPG near Blackhorse.
22 August - Saigon under rocket fire.
1 RAR and Centurion Tanks from 1 and 3 Troop C Sqn 1 Armd Regt in fierce contact with Viet Cong occupying Long
Dien. (pdf file 148kb)
Operation 'Magnetic'
|
CTZ TAO Start Date End Date 19/9/1968 - 25/9/1968 Allied Units Involved: 3RAR, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, 104 Fd Bty, 1 Fd Sqn, HQ Coy 1 ATF, No. 9 Sqn RAAF Objective of Operation: 3 RAR TO CONDUCT RIP IN THE EAST OP LONG SON ISLAND CENTRE OP MASS NUI HUA YS293562 Location: .Google 1968 Operations Map Deployment: 3 RAR. Bn HQ, B Coy and D Coy deployed by air to LONG SON Island centre of moss YS2856 and conducted a recce in force operation with minor contact. At 1010H at YS276549 10 PI D Coy engaged 6 enemy with unknown results. At 1345H at VS270563 10 PI engaged an estimated 3 enemy with the result 1 enemy KIA (BC), 1 AK47 captured. At approx 1330H at YS280560 a squad size camp, used within the previous six hours, was located; the camp contained a quantity of food and clothing, C Coy continued patrolling in area centre of mass YS4967 without contact. Locations: 3 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; C Coy YS496665. Sources Used in Archive: AWM95-1-4-113 |
27 August. A Sqn 3 Cav Regt conduct a 'Road Runner' Op along Route 15 from YS326613 to YS198844 supported by C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, one Coy 3 RAR, 1 Fd Sqn,1 Div Int Unit
4 RAR continues Land Clearing Ops in AO WARBURTON
1 RAR continues security mission in the vicinity of BARIA and LONG DIEN.
Operation '
Diamantina' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM |
Type of Operation: RIF operation in AO COBAR |
September - 1968
1 RAR conduct "ROAD RUNNER" Op along Highway 15. Ops by day ambush by night
5 September. 3 RAR conclude Operations in AO COBAR.
A Coy 1 RAR take over Land Clearing Ops at FSPB HOKINUI
6 September- C & D Coy's 3 RAR relieve 1 RAR Coy's in the Baria and Long Dien area (Op
"Nowra").
Operation '
Nowra'
|
CTZ
Photo Courtesy of AWM |
4 RAR Bn HQ deploy to YS39772 in prep for Ops in AO ILLBILLIE, centre of mass YS4078. Op Innaminka
Operation '
Innamincka' 
AWM: BUL/68/0867/VN |
Units Involved: 4 RAR |
10 September - A Coy 3 RAR relieves C Coy 1 RAR on land clearing Ops in AO Warburton.
Operation '
Lyre Bird'
|
Units Involved: 1 RAR, 3 RAR, 4 RAR |
Operation '
Hawkesbury' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM |
Allied Units Involved:
1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment; 4th RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion |
14 September. 1 RAR concluded operations in AO TUGGERAH EAST and commenced operations in AO MUDGEE centre of mass YS4087 without contact. Bn HQ and C Coy FSPB C0OLAH YS3986, B Coy YS415918; D Coy YS403897. (Part of Op 'Toan Thang II')
15 September.
4 RAR concluded operations in AO TUGGERAH and, with the exception of V and W Coys, deployed by air to AO CAN0WINDRA of AO BOGONG. V and W Coys continued ambushing in area centre of mass YS4788 with minor contact , at 1200H at YS472886 a water party of W Coy sighted and fired on 3 enemy with unknown results. Locations: Bn HQ and Sp Coy FSPB WATTLE YS3591,; B Coy YS345922, C Coy YS346897; V Coy YS471886; W Coy YS471888; D Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962.
9 - 25 September. C Coy 3 RAR Route 2 security OP Ngai Giao area.
Operation '
Crown'
|
Units Involved: 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment;
C Company 3 RAR with; |
24 September. D Coy 3 RAR return from Baria/Long Dien.
25 - 27 September. SAS patrols kill 6 VC. 1 Aust WIA
29-9-68 Abraham D.E. Sig 104SIG 22 RASIGS KIA USA chopper shot down.
29 September - C Coy 3 RAR join OP "Windsor".
Operation '
Windsor' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM
|
Main Units Involved: 1 RAR with spt elms,
3 RAR tactical HQ, B and D Coy with spt elms. |
During September the SAS mounted 15 recce patrols and five ambush
patrols. The SAS conduct Operation 'Overboard' on the Song Ria river, with little result.
29-9-68 Abraham D.E. Sig 104SIG 22 RASIGS KIA USA chopper shot down.
29 September - C Coy 3 RAR join OP "Windsor".
October - 1968
2 October - A Coy 3 RAR return from land clearing Ops in AO Warburton.
5 October -A seven-man SAS patrol ambush a VC Rear Services unit killing
eight VC and five oxen, 2 klms north of Nui Thi Vai.
6 October - A Coy 3 RAR fly in to join OP "Windsor".
Operation 'Track Duster'
|
Ops 6/68 |
12 October. 4 RAR deployed by air to AO DICKSON SOUTH (AO DOWNER) and commenced RIP operations without contact. Locations: Bn HQ and Sp Coy, YS505866j B Coy, HORSESHOE HILL YS4962 C Coy, YS512682; D Coy, YS513831; V Coy, YS521855I W Coy, FSPB FLINDERS YS5289.
Operation '
Capital'
|
Op CAPITAL Reference: A. Map, VIETNAM, Series L7014, Sheets 6430 I and II. Time zone used throughout this order: HOTEL. 1. Situation, a. Enemy Forces. Annex A. b. Friendly Forces. 4 RAR , 1 RAR 2. Mission. 1 ATF is to conduct reconnaissance in force in AO DICKSON. Google 1968 Operations Map FSB Wilton - YS 54-76 2 km E of FSB Longreach, 15 km NE of NUI DAT, 4 km E of Ngai Giao and 9 km E of Rte-2. 161 Bty, RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14 Apr69-18Mar69) firebase set here 22-26Oct68. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps. Casualties: 20-10-68 Tinkham J.R. Pte 4RAR D 21 RAINF KIA GSW in contact.Sources: AWM95, 1/4/121 - 1-31 October 1968, Ground Commanders Reports (SITREPS) (18.49Mb PDF file) |
10 October - HMAS Perth under fire.
11 October -A ten-man SAS patrol ambushes three VC, killing two and capturing 1
female. Ten days later the patrol ambushes a VC party in the same area, killing seven VC.
12 October - Op "Windsor" concludes. 3 RAR redeploys to AO Garran on OP
"Capital". FSB Bass - YS 49-90 On the eastern edge of the
Courtenay Rubber Plantation, 23 km NNE of NUI DAT, 4 km E of Rte-2, 10 km NE of FSB
Coolah. Located in the front yard of a picturesque French planter’s mansion. 161 Bty,
RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14Apr68-18Mar69) firebase set here 12-22Oct68. Long Khanh Prov,
III Corps.
15 October - B Coy 3 RAR return from Baria Stadium defence task.
16 October - A seven-man SAS patrol in the north east of the province contact
five VC, including one identified as European. Four VC are possibly killed.
20 October - 26 October. In Campaign TOAN THANG 11 (Complete Victory) the results for the week were; Enemy Losses:- 243 KIA, 337 detainees, 5 returnees; 89 SA, 13 crew-servod weapons, 3,840 SA rounds, 317 HE rounds, 32 grenades, 2 mines, 1 sampan, 23.65 tons of rice and .3 tons of miscellaneous food captured; 2 SA, 1 crew-served weapon, 21 sampans, 40 mines, 3 booby traps, 90 grenades, 208 HE rounds, 1,145 SA rounds, .7 tons of rice and .35 tons of salt destroyed.
Allied friendly losses: 46 KIA, 275WIA, 2 helicopters, 2 tanks, 1 ACAV and 2 trucks damaged; 2 helicopters, 3 APCs, 2 ACAVs and 1 truck destroyed.
21 October - A, B and D Coy's 3 RAR return from Op "Capital".
22 October - 3 RAR HQ and C Coy return from OP "Capital".
Operation 'Diamond Pin'
|
Op Instr No 60/68 (Op DIAMOND PIN) Units: C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, elms A Coy 1 RAR, 3 Tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt. MAPS: A. VIETNAM, Series L7014, Sheet 6430 - I, II, III and IV. 1. Situation a. Enemy Forces. Annex A, b. Friendiy Forces. (1) 3 RAR and 4 RAR continue operations in AO DICKSON. (2) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt and Atk elms of 1 RAR, 3 RAR and 4 RAR continue ROAD RUNNER operations on Route 15. (3) RP/PF posts are loc at, (a) XA BANG (YS453838) (b) XA CAM MY, (YS465924) - (close to Northern bdry of AO RAPIER). Atts and Dets. (1) Under comd from 220700H (Oct), A Coy, 1 RAR, one sect mor pl, two combat teams, 1 Fd Sqn cne mini team. (2) Under op con from 220700H - one tp A Sqn 3 Cav Regt, two M125A1 mor carriers sp wpr.8 tp, A Sqn 3 Cav Regt (3) At priority call from 220630H - one H13, 161 (Indep) Recce Fit (4) On call from 220700H - 104 Fd Bty 12 Fd Regt, t 161 Fd Bty 12 Fd Regt Mission: You are to conduct reconnaissance in force in AO RAPIER. Google 1968 Operations Map Sources: AWM95, 7/1/92 - 1-31 October 1968, Op Order Narrative, Annexes, Maps (8.88Mb PDF file) AWM95, 1/4/121 - 1-31 October 1968, Ground Commanders Reports (SITREPS) (18.49Mb PDF file) |
25 October - C Coy 3 RAR commence Op "Harvest".
Operation 'Harvest' 
Photo Courtesy of AWM |
CTZ TAO Start Date End Date 25/10/1968- 2/11/1968 Allied Units Involved: C Coy 3d Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment(3 RAR,) Enemy Units Involved Allied Operational Strength Enemy Operational Strength Allied KIA Allied WIA Allied MIA Enemy KIA Enemy WIA Objective of Operation: reconnaissance in force and interdiction operation Location: Google 1968 Operations Map Sources Used in Archive:AWM95, 1/4/121 - 1-31 October 1968, Ground Commanders Reports (SITREPS) (18.49Mb PDF file) FSB Nelson - YS 21-81 On QL-15, 18 km WNW of NUI DAT, 10 km SE of FSB Archer, 38 km NNW of Vung Tau. 161 Bty RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14Apr68- 18Mar69) firebase set here 27Oct-2Nov68 (right section). Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps. |
27 October - 3 RAR HQ Group and D Coy Join OP "Harvest".
28 October. 1 RAR deployed by air to AO WATSON, centre of mass YS6284 and commenced RIF operations without contact. Locations: Bn HQ YS598817; C Coy FSPB LION YS6181; D Coy YS637805.; A Coy YS620834; B Coy YS585815.
30 October - A Coy 3 RAR commence OP "Diamond Pin" in AO Rapier.
4 RAR concluded operations in AO DICKSON (Modified) and returned by air to 1 ATF Base. Small protective elements remained at FSPB FLINDERS and the position previously occupied by Bn HQ at YS505866. Locations; 4 RAR(-) 1 ATF Base; B Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962; Sp Coy (-) FSPB FLINDERS IS5289 and YS505866,
31October - President Johnson announces the cessation of bombing on North Vietnam.
May 1966 - October 1968. Of all Australian contacts with the enemy so
far, 74% have involved infantry, 24% involved SAS patrols, 2% involved armour. Of the
total number of 410 enemy KIA, the infantry accounted for 188, the SAS 173 and armour 49.
The Infantry suffered 9 KIA and 73 WIA, the SAS 19 WIA and armour 2 KIA and 22
WIA.(Source: Australian Army Operational Research Group).
During October SAS patrols account for 33 VC and sight a further 108.
November - 1968
1 November - US Joint Chiefs of Staff announce all sea, air and land bombardment of North
Vietnam is to cease at 2100 hrs that night.
2 November - 3 RAR HQ, C and D Coy return to NUI DAT from Op "Harvest". A Coy 3 RAR
return from Op "Diamond Pin".
3 November:
4 RAR/NZ commence Ops in AO CURTIN, centre of mass YS5588.
5 November - 9 RAR Advance Party arrive at NUI DAT . 3 RAR Advance Party return to Australia
by air.
5-11-68 Quigley A.V. LCpl 3RAR B 21 RAINF KIA In contact during night patrol. (NUI DAT)
President Nixon elected as US President and promises a gradual troop withdrawal from
Vietnam.
7 November. 1 ATF Op Order 67/68 - Op Gold Top - 1 Aust CA Unit to arrange for the registration and marking of all motor transport operating from within the Courtney Rubber Estate. Tango force to provide escort.
8 - 9 November. B-52 bombers conduct heavy raids against targets near the
Cambodian border. These raids reflect a pattern of increased bombing in South Vietnam
along supply lines since the end of the bombing of North Vietnam.
9 November - 9 RAR main body depart Port Adelaide SA on HMAS Sydney.
Operation '
Capital Il'
|
Allied Units Involved:
C Sqn 1 Armd Regt(-), A Sqn 3 Cav Regt(-),43 Inf Regt 18 ARVN Div, A Bde ARVN Marine Div, RTAVF Brigade, 4/12 Inf Bn, 2 Sqn 11 ACR, 161 Recce Sqn, 9 Sqn RAAF. Objective of Operation: 1 ATF is to conduct reconnaissance in force operations in FRANKLIN to destroy 274 VC Regt and 84 Rear Services Gp. Remarks: 4 RAR continue Op CAPITAL in AO CURTIN and destroy all enemy assets and installations found in AO CURTIN. 1 RAR continue Op CAPITAL in AO WATSON,be prepared to move to AO PEARCE 12 Nov. Sources Used in Archive: AWM 1-4-124 Casualties 16-11-68 Bensemann D.I. LCpl NZ 4RAR V3 RNZIR KIA In contact. GSW to throat. 17-11-68 Hughes R.D. Pte 1RAR2 B/6 20 RAINF DOW At 1FDHOSP after multiple GSW earlier that day 24-11-68 Langlands T.E. 2Lt 1RAR2 A/1 23 RAINF KIA GSW to body in contact in the Nui May Taos. 24-11-68 Annesley F.J. Cpl 1RAR2 A/1 22 RAINF KIA GSW to head in contact in the Nui May Taos. 24-11-68 Donnelly W.W. Pte 1RAR2 A 19 RAINF DOW At 24EVAC L.B. after GSW to head earlier that day in the Nui May Taos. Sources : AWM95, 2/3/15 - 1-31 October 1968, 1 ATF Op Ord (23.41Mb PDF file) Operational Daily Reports 1 Nov - 30 Nov 1968(SITREPS) (16.09Mb PDF file). |
19 November. 1 RAR redeployed fron AO WATSON to AO FARMER dantre of mass YS7884 without contact. Locations: Bn HQ FSPB LYNX YS7582, "A Coy YS830811j B Coy YS659S18; C Coy YS65B319; D Coy YS760835.
20 November - 9 RAR main body arrive at Vung Tau and deploy to NUI DAT. First and only tour.
3 RAR main body depart on HMAS Sydney for Australia
24 November - News breaks of the My Lai Massacre by US forces, which took place on
the 16th March.
26 - 30 November. 1 ATF extracts from AO FRANKLIN. 1 RAR extracts from AO FARRER same day.
30 November. 4 RAR/NZ(-) cease Ops in AO CURTIN, return to 1 ATF Base. 9 RAR continue training and commence Op KING HIT on 10 Dec. A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continue Road Runner Ops along QL 15.
November 1968, PBRs and riverine assault craft opened two canals between the Gulf of Siam
at Rach Gia and the Bassac River at Long Xuyen. South Vietnamese paramilitary ground
troops helped naval patrol units secure the transportation routes in this operational
area, soon named Search Turn. Later in the month, Swift boats, PBRs, riverine assault
craft, and Vietnamese naval vessels penetrated the Giang Thanh-Vinh Te canal system and
established patrols along the waterway from Ha Tien on the gulf to Chau Doc on the upper
Bassac. As a symbol of the Vietnamese contribution to the combined effort, the allied
command changed the name of this operation from Foul Deck to Tran Hung Dao I.
December - 1968
December U.S. naval forces pushed up the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay Rivers west of Saigon,
against heavy enemy opposition, to cut infiltration routes from the "Parrot's
Beak" area of Cambodia. The Giant Slingshot operation, so named for the configuration
of the two rivers, severely hampered Communist resupply in the region near the capital and
in the Plain of Reeds.
49% of Australians support the war. 37.2 want our forces withdrawn.
Ground Commander's Daily Situation Report (SITREP) Iron 010001H to 0124O0H Dec 68.
TO.
Commanding General. II Field Force Vietnam
OPERATIONS SUMMARY
a. General,
0) 1 ATF continued Operation TOAN THAHG II in the 1 ATF
TAOR.
(a) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt remained in 1 ATF Base. Location; C Sqn 1 ATF Base.
(b) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt continued to support 1 ATF Operations. Roadrunner and convoy escort tasks on QL 15 continued.
(c) Task Force Artillery continued to support 1 ATF Operations. No H and I missions were fired during the reporting period. Locations. 12 Fd Regt and A Bty 2/35th Arty (US) 1 ATF Base.
(d) 1 RAR remained in 1 ATF Base and carried out TAOR patrols. Locations: 1 RAR 1 ATF Base.
(e) 4 RAR (-) remained in 1 ATF Base and carried TAOR patrols. Locations: 4 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; W Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962.
patrols.
(f) 9 RAR remain 1 ATF Base. TAOR Patriols Locations: 9 RAR 1 ATF Base.
2 December - 3 RAR main body arrive home at Port Adelaide, South Australia.
Operation '
Goodwood'
Photo Courtesy AWM: Operational Daily Reports |
OpO 19/68 Op GOODWOOD- December 3, 1968 - January 1, 1969 (1st RAR); December 11, 1968- 13 January 1969 (4 RAR); January 1 - February 17, 1969 (9th RAR); January 13 - 27, 1969 (1st RAR) Ref : A 1 ATF OpO 72/68 (op GOODWOOD) of 30 Nov 68. B: Map VIETNAM series L7014 sheets 643O I, II, III, and IV. Time zone used throughout this order: HOTEL 1. Situation: a. En forces. Annex A. b. Friendly Forces (1) 4 RAR cont on trg programme in 1 ATF Base. (2) 9 RAR cont bn trg and commences Op KING HIT on 10 Dec 68. (3) 2 SA3 Sqn commences Op STELLAR BRIGHT on 9 DeC 68 (4) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt with allotted bn a-tk elms cont ROAD RUNNIER ops along QL15. (5) RTAVF Bde commences Op G00DWOD in AO BANGLANE on 3 Dec 68. (6) PCF unit from 13 Coastal Comd cont ops in river SONG THI VAI (7) 4/12 Inf En, 199th (LIB) in '£ 1 ATF from 03O70OE until rel, (8) Two tps, 3/11 ACR in DS 1 ATP from 030700H until rel. (9) 2nd ARVN AB Bde in DS 1 ATF from 03O7O0H until rel. c, Atts and Dets (1) Under cond from 03063OH four combat teams, one D8 Dozer with crewuntil rel, 1 Fd Sqn. (2) Under op con from time of arrival PSPB DYKE until rel C Sqn 1 Armd Regt, less two tps. (3) In DS from 03O63OH - 102 Fd Bty, 12 Fd Regt. One H13 161 (Indep) Recce Fit (4) On call One pl 8 in SP guns at F3PB CHESTNUT (YS2279). 2. Mission. 1 RAR is to conduct RIP ops in AO WONDAI to achieve rapid destruction of 3/271 Bn or other VC elns in the AO, and en instl /assets discovered. Location: Google 1968 Operations Map Disposition: Day 1 - (a) 1 RAR commenced operations in AO WONDAI centre of mass YS3084 without contact. Locations: Bn HQ FSPB DYXE YS2780; A Coy YS295823; B Coy YS293830; C Coy YS304834; D Coy YS273822. (b) C Sqn 1 Armd Regt. C Sqn (-) deployed to PSPB DYKE YS2780. Locations: C Sqn (-) FSPB DYKE YS2780; 2 Tp YS295823; 1 Tp and 4 Tp 1 ATP Base NUI DAT. (c) A Sqn 3 Cav Regt. A Sqn (-) provided escort for the road convoy from 1 ATF Base NUI DAT. Locations: A Sqn (-) JULIA YS2281; 1 Tp 1 ATF Base NUI DAT. (d) 102 Fd Bty deployed by road to FSPB DYKE YS2780 end A Bty 2/35 Arty (US) deployed by road to FSPB CHESTNUT YS2280. C Bty 2/4O Arty (US) became in direct support of 1 ATF at 03O7O0H and moved by road to FSPB CHESTNUT YS2280. Locations: 12 Fd Regt (-) 1 ATF Base NUI DAT; 102 Fd Bty FSPB DYKE YS2780; A Bty 2/35 Arty (.US) and C Bty 2/40 Arty (US) FSFB CHESTNUT YS2280. Sources Used in Archive: AWM 95-1-4-131 FSB Avenger - YS 45-83 On the W side of Rte-2, 15 km N of NUI DAT, 5 km SE of FSB Coolah and in the Cu Bi Rubber Plantation. 161 Bty , RNZA (Hitching’s Bty 14Apr68-18Mar69) firebase set 12-24Dec68. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps. AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 1 - 3-5 December 1968, Duty Officer's log, 1 RAR Operation Goodwood (10.46Mb PDF file) AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 2 - 6-9 December 1968, Duty Officer's log,1 RAR Operation Goodwood (9.17Mb PDF file )AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 3 - 10-12 December 1968, Duty Officer's log, 1 RAR Operation Goodwood (11.27Mb PDF file) AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 4 - 12-15 December 1968, Duty Officer's log,1 RAR Operation Goodwood (11.65Mb PDF file) AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 5 - 15-18 December 1968, Duty Officer's log, 1 RAR Operation Goodwood (11.73Mb PDF file) AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 6 - 18-20 December 1968, Duty Officer's log, 1 RAR Operation Goodwood (9.73Mb PDF file) AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 7 - 12-25 December 1968, Duty Officer's log, 1 RAR Operation Goodwood (10.37Mb PDF file) AWM95, 7/1/99 Part 8 - 26-30 December 1968, Duty Officer's log,1 RAR Operation Goodwood (12.21Mb PDF file) Casualties. 12-12-68.Rands J.M. LCpl 1RAR2 D/12 22 RAINF KIA GSW/RPG in contact during ambush setup. Body not recovered until next day. 14-12-68 Hannaford M.J. Tpr C1AR 3Tp 21 RAAC KIA Tank 169017 c/s 33B hit mine blowing out floor plug. 16-12-68 Gaffney R.J. Pte 9RAR C 21 RAINF KIAFFF Two patrols clashed 19-12-68 Kalma J.H. LCpl 1RAR2 A/222 RAINF KIA Mine. 23-12-68 Roost C.W. Pte 4RAR C 22 RAINF KIA GSW during contact in Bien Hoa Prov. 28-12-68 Cox R.J. Pte 1RAR2 C 22 RAINF KIA GSW/RPG at bunker system. |
Operation 'Stellar Bright' |
SAS conduct Operation 'Stellar Bright'. A squadron operation, deployed by APC to the area south east of Bing Gia. Result 5 VC KIA. 1 RAR continues Op Goodwood in AO Townsville. |
10 December. 9 RAR. Bn HQ deployed to HORSESHOE HILL in preparation for coming operations. TAOR patrols continued. Locations: 9 RAR (-) 1 ATF Base; Bn HQ HORSESHOE HILL YS4962.
11 December. 4 RAR (-) deployed from 1 ATF Base to AO KILCOY. Looations: 4 RAR (-) YS1987; W Coy HORSESHOE HILL YS4962, V Coy 1 ATF Base.
Operation'
King Hit' 
|
CTZ Photo Courtesy of AWM: THO/69/0007/VN |
FSB Avenger - YS 45-83 On the W side of Rte-2, 15 km N of NUI DAT, 5 km
SE of FSB Coolah and in the Cu Bi Rubber Plantation. 161 Bty , RNZA (Hitching’s Bty
14Apr68-18Mar69) firebase set 12-24 Dec 68. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
12 December - 4 Troop, New Zealand Special Air Service Rangers arrive and join the
Australian 2 SAS Sqn already at Niu Dat
25 December - C Sqn Centurion Tanks defend FSB "Julia".
Operation 'Boundary Rider''
|
CTZ III TAO Phuoc Tuy Province Start Date End Date 27/12/1968 - 31/12/1968 Allied Units Involved: 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Objective of Operation: blocking and search operation Location: Google 1968 Operations Map Descriptive Narrative of Operation:9 RAR deployed into AO BALHAHNAH centre of mass YS4157 and commenced operations in conjunction with Provincial Forces. The area of the salt pans YS4158 was cordoned and a search commenced. Locations: Bn HQ YS407596; A Coy 1 ATF Base; B Coy YS409588; C Coy YS42157O; D Coy YS414583. Sources Used in Archive: Operational Daily Reports 1 Dec - 31 Dec 1968(SITREPS) (19.81Mb PDF file) |
30 December - 4 January. Eight SAS patrols deploy on Operation 'Silk Cord' and
are inserted into the area south east of Xuyen Moc, in response to intelligence indicating
that the VC D445 Battalion are using the beaches to land arms and stores by boat.
31December - US military strength now at 536,000. US KIA 30,568.
As U.S. forces prepared the South Vietnamese military to assume complete responsibility
for the war, they also worked to keep pressure on the enemy. In fact, from 1968 to 1971,
the allies exploited the Communists' staggering battlefield losses during the Tet attacks
by pushing the enemy's large main force units out to the border areas, extending the
government's presence into Viet Cong strongholds, and consolidating control over
population centers.
Australian Government Office Bearers - 1968
Prime Minister
19 December 1967 - 10 January 1968 John McEwen
10 January 1968 - 10 March 1971 John Grey Gorton
Minsiter for External Affairs
24 April 1964 - 11 Febraury 1969 Paul Meernaa Caedwalla Hasluck
Minister of Defence
26 January 1966 - 12 November 1969 Allen Fairhall
Ambassadors
United States
18 August 1964 - 1 June 1970 Sir John Keith Waller
Saigon
7 July 1966 - 9 August 1968 Lewis Harold Border
9 August 1968 - 29 December 1970 Ralph Linsday Harry
Digger’s Rest - YS 27-87 27 km NW of NUI DAT, 3 km SW of FSB
Cedar, 3 km NE of FSB Hawk, 16 km W of FSB Coolah and 8 km NE of QL-15. Author of Vietnam
Gunners wrote at pg 82 that it was built by 9 RAR beginning 1Jan69, as a complete,
state-of-the-art FSB, "A fortress of sandbags, bunds, culverts, barbed wire, [PSP]
gun platforms, [MG] posts and dug-in [CP]." 161 Bty RNZA (Hitching’s Bty
14Apr68- 18Mar69) firebase set here 31Dec68 (left section), and both sections 1-29Jan69.
When sent there 29 Sep-1Nov69, Andrew’s Bty found the site of old Digger’s rest
was under water and had to move it roughly 800 meters from the old position. Bien Hoa
Prov, III Corps.
Red Haze Missions - Artillery missions the were fired based upon
infra-red intelligence photographs showing suspected VC positions hidden by the jungle,
but revealed by red heat spots on the film.
COMMONLY USED FRIENDLY DESIGNATI0NS FOR GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS.
ANGELS WING - XT2627 - XT3213 - XT2614. CAMBODIAN Border area (adjoining southern TAT NINH Prov.)
BLACK VIRGIN. NUI BADEN mountain In TAY NINH Prov. (XT2858)
BOI LOI WOODS. Heavily wooded command, control and storage area in the vicinity of XT5035. (SE TAY NINH Prov.),
CITADEL.
Vicinity XT5124 (Northern HAU NG HIA Prov.) heavily fortified area with numerous bunkers, tunnels, trenches and hedgerows.
CRESCENT. A heavily woodod area bounded by co-ords XT4347 - XT4452 - XT3956 in eastorn TAY NINH Prov.
ELEPHANTS EAR. (Aka DOG'S FACE). Bounded by co-ordinates XT0487 - WT9790 - WT8984 . WT9078 and WT9676 and the Cambodian border in NW TAT NINH Prov.
FISHHOOK. The large bend in the Cambordian / Vietnamese border in the vicinity of XT5890 at the junction of the TAY NINH - BINH LONG province borders. The area houses a COSVN Support Base.
HAT DICH. The area bounded by co-ordinates YS1790 - YS469O - YS2572 - and YS4572 and contains the jungle area south of the BINH SON Rubber Plantation and east of Route 15 to Route 2 with NUI THI VAI on the south.
HO BO WOODS.
Extends from XT5633 to XT6424 a former rubber plantation offering cover and concealment to enemy forces. (SE TAY NINH Western BINH DUONG Provinces).
IRON TRIANGLE.
A cleared jungle area centred in vicinity XT7127, bounded on the north by the BENCAT - Route H Road, on the east by the THI THINH River and on the west by the SAIGON River (Southern BINH DUONG Prov).
LIGHT GREEN.
A narrow area of light scrub and grass beginning at the eastern foothills of the NUI DIEN BA (YS4954) and runnirg NE between the hamlets of AP LO GOM and XA HOI MY parallel to the lateral coastal sand dunes as far as the mouth of the BA DAP River at YS580570. The BA DAP River forms the northern side of this area.
LONG GREEN. Light and thick scrub with swamps lying in an area bounded to the west by PHUOC LOI Hamlet (YS5057) and DAT DO (YS5060), to the north by Route 23 to the east by the SONG HAI and to the south by the SONG BA DAP.
MICHELIN PLANTATION.
A large rubber plantation of approx. 100 sq kms centred in vic XT5552
PARROTS BEAK.
XS3097 - XS3193 - XS2895 along Cambodian border, at the junction of HAU NGHIA and KIEN TUONG Provinces.
SLOPE 30. An area in PHUOC TUY Province bounded by co-ords YS4681 - YS4781 YS4784 and YS4584 along Route 2. This is an area where French units were constantly ambushed by the Viet Minh.
STRAIGHT EDGE WOODS.
XT1332 - XT1338 - XT1839 - XT183A. Heavily wooded area in SW TAY NINH Province near Cambodian border frequently used by the enemy, contains numerous bunkers, trenches and tunnels.
TRAPEZOID. The area south of the MICHELIN, bounded by the SAIGON and THI THIHH Rivers centred in area vicinity XT5941 and whose southern boundary is the northern boundary of the IRON TRIANGLE (BINH DUONG Prov).
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