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| The Vietnam Era https://ran-skilledhands.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=447 |
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| Author: | Shep [ Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
Good to hear that Wayne's still around. Hope all's well with him. |
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| Author: | Seejay [ Wed Dec 06, 2017 5:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
A very surprising announcement by the AWM today with the return of the original Long Tan Cross to Australia - it had been kept in Hanoi since the fall of Saigon. A gift of good faith by the Vietnam government, done in secret, and I believe it will engender a lot of good will and go a long way to healing some very old hurt. I know two blokes that were there, one who fought through the whole battle, and one who was part of the relief column. I hope they gain some peace from the gift. Well done, boys. |
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| Author: | Hippy Chippy [ Wed Dec 06, 2017 7:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
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| Author: | BC [ Sat May 12, 2018 10:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
There will be a National service to be held in Canberra tomorrow. This service will be to officially award of the Unit Citation for Bravery on the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Coral - Balmoral. One of Australia's bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War where Soldiers who resisted attack, which claimed 26 Australian lives. Sad it is been so long in the waiting, but glad those involved are finally recognised. Well done all concerned. 
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| Author: | Hippy Chippy [ Sat May 12, 2018 1:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
Yes, BC, some important history we must not forget.... Fifty years ago today Australian soldiers fought their largest, most sustained and arguably most hazardous battles of the Vietnam War. Units of the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) confronted regimental-sized formations of the North Vietnamese regular army in fierce actions around Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral in what was then known as Bien Hoa province. The first of the battles occurred at FSB Coral when massed enemy units attacked the base in the early hours. Australian units withstood heavy enemy attacks during which a mortar platoon and two gun positions were partly over-run. The Australians drove off the enemy after fierce close-quarter actions. The battle lasted over two hours. The task force suffered 11 killed in action and 28 wounded. In one mortar platoon five soldiers were killed and eight were wounded from a total strength of 18 men. One howitzer and two mortars were damaged. The enemy left 52 dead strewn throughout and around the fire support base. Over the following four weeks, in further actions around FSPB Coral and Balmoral, Australian soldiers accounted for over 300 enemy soldiers killed. They also captured hundreds of enemy weapons. In return, 26 Australian soldiers died: two from 12 Field Regiment; one from 104 Signals Squadron; 16 from 1 RAR; 6 from 3 RAR and one from 161 Independent Reconnaisance Squadron. Over 100 Australians were wounded. Australian Army regiments involved in the series of battles were later awarded one of the five battle honours approved for the Vietnam War. LEST WE FORGET |
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| Author: | Seejay [ Sat May 12, 2018 2:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
I have an ex-artillery mate in Townsville who survived Coral. He told me one night whilst on the booze that at one stage they were firing at 0 degrees elevation, and using canister/splintex cartridges. Basically a 105mm shotgun cartridge. The next morning they worked out how many NVA they'd nailed via the blood spatter as there wasn't much left. 
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| Author: | BC [ Sat May 12, 2018 4:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
And, as I understand, the early hours meant both Fire Bases were still in the process of being set up. So, they weren't completely at full defensive readiness. That's why the NVA decided to take an advantage to try and over run the bases. |
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| Author: | piquet [ Sat May 12, 2018 9:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
My local newsagent here was at Coral I believe. His story was about being on the perimeter when they were overrun and firing towards the centre of the FSPB and not knowing if they were going to hit their own soldiers or the NVA. |
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| Author: | Seejay [ Sun May 13, 2018 5:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
That's how the blokes on the guns thought when they were firing point blank. Didn't know if they were going to hit their own blokes on the perimeter. Old mate said the NVA were like a tide of rats. Lots of bullet strikes on the weapons as well. Poor buggers, and every one of them deserved a bravery medal. |
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| Author: | Seejay [ Wed May 16, 2018 5:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The Vietnam Era |
Arrived in Townsville this arvo and checked into the motel on The Strand, to find the place is half booked by Coral & Balmoral veterans. Big dinner tonight apparently. |
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