Australia’s Vietnam War veterans will be honoured in Ocean Grove on 18 August.
The veterans will be honoured with a series of commemorative events this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said.
The Battle of Long Tan took place on 18 August, 1966. It was the most costly single battle fought by Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War, involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR and more than 2000 enemy troops. A total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds.
D Company were greatly assisted by an ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, close fire support from New Zealand’s 161 Field Battery, together with additional artillery support from the Australian task force base at Nui Dat, and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell.
“On the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan we honor and commemorate all those who served in Vietnam, including the 521 Australians who died and more than 3000 people who were wounded, injured or became ill as a result of the conflict,” Mr Tehan said.
“Our Vietnam War veterans made great sacrifices for their country and this year, the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, is an important opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge their service and sacrifice”.
Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-branch will holding a ceremony at the Ocean Grove Park Cenotaph on Friday 18 August. Assemble at 3.30pm, Service begins at 3.40pm sharp, which is the time the first shot was fired in the Long Tan conflict.
