aug 1, 1966 - The Great Battle of Long Tan

Description:

The Battle of Long Tan was one of the most significant battles fought by Australians during the Vietnam War. D Company lost 42 men, including 18 killed, or more than one-third of their strength, and 245 enemy forces were killed. The plantation was a few kilometres from the Nui Dat location of the 1st Australian Task Force. For nearly 4 hours they fought and the Aussie and New Zealanders being outnumbered by 10 to 1

The Australians and New Zealanders were ambushed by the Viet Cong while on patrol in South Vietnam. D company was caught in a trap which continued for hours longer, under heavy fire. Survived off supply drops from helicopters until A and b company were alerted and transported their way.

Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces posed a threat to Australian supremacy in Phuoc Tuy province. The Battle of Long Tan was seen by many as a decisive moment in the Vietnam War. But it was not a decisive struggle or a turning point in the conflict.

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: