COVER: Afghanistan - Sapper Brendan Treloar prods to investigate after a metal signature from his mine detector, while behind him, fellow 2 Tp 1 Fld Sqn member, Sapper Rowan Coward keeps watch. Infantry Sergeant Dan Kerwin (right) observes the Sappers at work

Well done Sappers!A different country, a different war, and forty years apart, but today’s brave Sappers in Afghanistan carry on the unique role we performed in Vietnam. And they’re doing it well.

See pages 15-21

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Personalised with the Troop/s you served with and your date/s of service. Superbly made, fully lined, and beautifully embroidered with the Tunnel Rat’s logo plus your personal details of service. These are tailored in

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Don’t send any money! Simply fill in the form above and post it to the address below. The jacket will be delivered COD to your local Post Office, who will advise

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Light Horse Landing In 1965 an M113 APC of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment arrives in Vung Tau. These were the first of Australia’s APCs in Vietnam. Over 30 Tunnel Rats would be killed or wounded riding on these vehicles over the following six years.

“Did we hit em that time Boss?” There was no shortage of big ordnance to drop on the enemy in Vietnam - from mortars right up to the life-changing B-52 bombers. “If in doubt, bomb em out” was a widely held philosophy, creating a moon-scaped terrain. It was the Tunnel Rats who then had to deal with the many unexploded bombs (UXBs), to deny the enemy access to the explosives which they would convert into mines.

3

Naval Gazing In June 1970 the Australian Navy fleet band was making a musical tour of Australian bases in South Vietnam. While at Nui Dat they visited the mines room at 1 Field Squadron where Sergeant Bevan “Percy” Percival (centre), explained the intricacies of a

. “Percy” was Troop Sergeant with 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron and went on to become RSM of SME.

captured RPG grenade launcher. Watching with interest are Leading Musician Eric Cross (left), and Musician Philip Martin (right)

NostalgiaPages

Pages of great pics from the past to amaze and amuse. Contributions welcome. Send your favourite Vietnam photos to:

Jim Marett 43 Heyington Place Toorak Vic 3142.Or by email to:tunnelrat@optusnet.com.au

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

Personalised with the Troop/s you served with and your date/s of service. Superbly made, fully lined, and beautifully embroidered with the Tunnel Rat’s logo plus your personal details of service. These are tailored in

“generous” sizes, so order your normal size, not one size up.

Only

$100Plus

PostageOrder now!Don’t send

money, we’ll bedelivering it to you COD

Tunnel Rat’s Woolen “Bomber” Jackets

TR O3 O P/67 68

Jackets are in deep navy blue onlyTunnel Rats logo is black, grey and white

Personalised lettering is in red

3 TROOP67/68

ENLARGEMENTOF EMBROIDED

BADGE & DETAILS

NAME: SERVICE NUMBER ADDRESS: POST CODE PHONE: MOBILE: EMAIL: SIZE (Please Tick): O sml O med O lge O X-lge O XX-lge O XXX-lge PLEASE TICK AND FILL IN DATE DETAILS OF UNIT/S SERVED WITH IN VIETNAM O 3 FIELD TROOP FROM TILL O 1 TROOP 1 FLD SQN FROM TILL O 2 TROOP 1 FLD SQN FROM TILL O 3 TROOP 1 FLD SQN FROM TILL

Don’t send any money! Simply fill in the form above and post it to the address below. The jacket will be delivered COD to your local Post Office, who will advise

you when the jacket arrives. You then pay the Post Office $100 plus postage. POST TO: VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOC 43 HEYINGTON PLACE TOORAK VIC 3142

Light Horse Landing In 1965 an M113 APC of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment arrives in Vung Tau. These were the first of Australia’s APCs in Vietnam. Over 30 Tunnel Rats would be killed or wounded riding on these vehicles over the following six years.

“Did we hit em that time Boss?” There was no shortage of big ordnance to drop on the enemy in Vietnam - from mortars right up to the life-changing B-52 bombers. “If in doubt, bomb em out” was a widely held philosophy, creating a moon-scaped terrain. It was the Tunnel Rats who then had to deal with the many unexploded bombs (UXBs), to deny the enemy access to the explosives which they would convert into mines.

3

Naval Gazing In June 1970 the Australian Navy fleet band was making a musical tour of Australian bases in South Vietnam. While at Nui Dat they visited the mines room at 1 Field Squadron where Sergeant Bevan “Percy” Percival (centre), explained the intricacies of a

. “Percy” was Troop Sergeant with 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron and went on to become RSM of SME.

captured RPG grenade launcher. Watching with interest are Leading Musician Eric Cross (left), and Musician Philip Martin (right)

NostalgiaPages

Pages of great pics from the past to amaze and amuse. Contributions welcome. Send your favourite Vietnam photos to:

Jim Marett 43 Heyington Place Toorak Vic 3142.Or by email to:tunnelrat@optusnet.com.au

“Now THIS is a bomb”It’s April 1971 and 2 Troop Tunnel Rat, Sapper Jim Kelton is out on operations attached to 3CAV when one of the APCs bumped into this “Fatboy” 500 pounder. The APC actually pushed the bomb out of the ground, and in the process just missed the primary igniter on the nose by about two inches. It looks like Jim has got a bit excited and slapped four slabs of C4 plastic explosive onto it “just to be sure”. Playing it safe, he even cut off and discarded around 6ft of safety fuse because it may have become damp. He was right, and evidently there was still moisture in the lit section of the fuse because it burnt for nearly 5 minutes longer than it should have. At that stage there was much cursing and understandable hesitation about going back to look at what had gone wrong. Just as this frightening task was being considered, the earth shook, trees, rocks and dirt flew into the air, much of it coming down on the Sappers and Troopers. They were positioned closer than comfortable to the bomb because one of the APCs had thrown a track only about 300m from it. The photo was taken by fellow Mini-Team member, Sapper Ron Reed.

4NOSTALGIA PAGES

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Battling the odds on APCsSappers John Nulty and Don Shields, Tunnel Rats with 3 Troop were both injured when the APC above (Call sign 13B) hit an anti-tank mine 7km SW of Xuyen Moc on 19th of April 1969. Also injured were Corporal Fred Newby and Trooper Terrance O'Callaghan of 3 CAV. Usually the Tunnel Rats rode on the lead APC. The No1 sat on the hatch behind the driver, and his job was to look for signs of mines such as disturbed earth, some plastic sheet poking out of the ground or a twig that could be a tilt switch. But in reality, the rough ride, rain or dust made it impossible to see anything, and the Sappers were being blown up with the lead APC on a regular basis – creating a situation where there was no Mini-Team to clear safe lanes to the casualties, increasing the risk of rescuers triggering anti-personnel mines. The No2 had to decide whether to sit inside where he'd be safe from an anti-personnel mine but not a big anti-tank mine, or on top where if you hit an anti-tank mine you could be flipped off and survive. Most kept swapping positions, hoping to beat the odds. Of the many Tunnel Rat casualties during the war, over 15% of our killed or wounded were from APC mine incidents.

5 NOSTALGIA PAGES

Rare photo of the infamous “F*ck You” lizard

Sappers singing up a stormThe ingredients for a good “Happening” were simple - your mates are back in camp off operations, there’s an endless supply of beer and there’s plenty of loud rock music. It was a bonus if the music was live, supplied by talented Troop mates. Three Troop in 1970 was awash with musical talent and at this happening, emerging rock group “Bomber and the RPG’s” hit the high notes. Left to Right. Terry Cartlidge (guitar), Tony “Bomber” Bower-Miles (vocals and XXXX tinny), unknown bemused GI (who could actually sing), and Chris Brooks (guitar and vocals). “We gotta get outa this place...”

Sappers setting up a few surprisesThere’s nothing inspires a Sapper to get inventive more than multiple waves of enemy attacking, firing RPG’s and AK-47’s in the middle of the night. These Sappers are at Fire Support Base Coral which suffered several such attacks in May 1968. The lads are whipping up their own versions of Claymore mines to place in front of their fighting pit on the FSB perimeter. Left to right: Sapper “Tinker Bell”, Sapper Eric McKerrow, Sapper Geoff Russel (face hidden) and no name for the guy front right (apologies mate).

Sting OperationTraveling through the bush on top of an APC (top photo) had many hazards. One of them was the Red Ants (above) which made their nest in trees by bundling leaves together. Thousands of these ants lived in each nest. They weren’t big ants, but their sting was something you remember for the rest of your life! When a nest fell onto an APC, all tactics went out the window and it was every man for himself. Shirts were ripped off, pants were dropped and cursing was the order of the day. If a can of bug spray was at hand it was quickly emptied, creating a fog of fine mist around the writhing diggers. Just another day in paradise for young Sappers.

“Now THIS is a bomb”It’s April 1971 and 2 Troop Tunnel Rat, Sapper Jim Kelton is out on operations attached to 3CAV when one of the APCs bumped into this “Fatboy” 500 pounder. The APC actually pushed the bomb out of the ground, and in the process just missed the primary igniter on the nose by about two inches. It looks like Jim has got a bit excited and slapped four slabs of C4 plastic explosive onto it “just to be sure”. Playing it safe, he even cut off and discarded around 6ft of safety fuse because it may have become damp. He was right, and evidently there was still moisture in the lit section of the fuse because it burnt for nearly 5 minutes longer than it should have. At that stage there was much cursing and understandable hesitation about going back to look at what had gone wrong. Just as this frightening task was being considered, the earth shook, trees, rocks and dirt flew into the air, much of it coming down on the Sappers and Troopers. They were positioned closer than comfortable to the bomb because one of the APCs had thrown a track only about 300m from it. The photo was taken by fellow Mini-Team member, Sapper Ron Reed.

4NOSTALGIA PAGES

l

Battling the odds on APCsSappers John Nulty and Don Shields, Tunnel Rats with 3 Troop were both injured when the APC above (Call sign 13B) hit an anti-tank mine 7km SW of Xuyen Moc on 19th of April 1969. Also injured were Corporal Fred Newby and Trooper Terrance O'Callaghan of 3 CAV. Usually the Tunnel Rats rode on the lead APC. The No1 sat on the hatch behind the driver, and his job was to look for signs of mines such as disturbed earth, some plastic sheet poking out of the ground or a twig that could be a tilt switch. But in reality, the rough ride, rain or dust made it impossible to see anything, and the Sappers were being blown up with the lead APC on a regular basis – creating a situation where there was no Mini-Team to clear safe lanes to the casualties, increasing the risk of rescuers triggering anti-personnel mines. The No2 had to decide whether to sit inside where he'd be safe from an anti-personnel mine but not a big anti-tank mine, or on top where if you hit an anti-tank mine you could be flipped off and survive. Most kept swapping positions, hoping to beat the odds. Of the many Tunnel Rat casualties during the war, over 15% of our killed or wounded were from APC mine incidents.

5 NOSTALGIA PAGES

Rare photo of the infamous “F*ck You” lizard

Sappers singing up a stormThe ingredients for a good “Happening” were simple - your mates are back in camp off operations, there’s an endless supply of beer and there’s plenty of loud rock music. It was a bonus if the music was live, supplied by talented Troop mates. Three Troop in 1970 was awash with musical talent and at this happening, emerging rock group “Bomber and the RPG’s” hit the high notes. Left to Right. Terry Cartlidge (guitar), Tony “Bomber” Bower-Miles (vocals and XXXX tinny), unknown bemused GI (who could actually sing), and Chris Brooks (guitar and vocals). “We gotta get outa this place...”

Sappers setting up a few surprisesThere’s nothing inspires a Sapper to get inventive more than multiple waves of enemy attacking, firing RPG’s and AK-47’s in the middle of the night. These Sappers are at Fire Support Base Coral which suffered several such attacks in May 1968. The lads are whipping up their own versions of Claymore mines to place in front of their fighting pit on the FSB perimeter. Left to right: Sapper “Tinker Bell”, Sapper Eric McKerrow, Sapper Geoff Russel (face hidden) and no name for the guy front right (apologies mate).

Sting OperationTraveling through the bush on top of an APC (top photo) had many hazards. One of them was the Red Ants (above) which made their nest in trees by bundling leaves together. Thousands of these ants lived in each nest. They weren’t big ants, but their sting was something you remember for the rest of your life! When a nest fell onto an APC, all tactics went out the window and it was every man for himself. Shirts were ripped off, pants were dropped and cursing was the order of the day. If a can of bug spray was at hand it was quickly emptied, creating a fog of fine mist around the writhing diggers. Just another day in paradise for young Sappers.

6NOSTALGIA PAGES

1

A revealing digFortunately this anti-tank mine was found and destroyed by Sappers from 1 Field Squadron before it could do any damage. Before destroying it though, the Sappers carved away the earth to reveal and record the layout and mechanism. On the left is the mine (Chicom explosives retrieved from UXBs and melted into a large can). In the middle is the trigger device - when pressed a nail and a metal plate make contact completing the electric circuit. On the right are the batteries. Photo by John Kemp.

Dat Do DangersThe village of Dat Do just never felt right. The inhabitants were belligerent towards us, and many were sympathetic to our enemy, the Viet Cong. Add to this mix the nearby barrier minefield, where the locals could lift M-16 mines to use against us, and you have a recipe for disaster. There were many mine incidents around Dat Do, at great cost to us in lives and terrible injuries. The village was only a few miles from our base at Nui Dat. Here, alongside the minefield we see Sapper Bernie Crooks on the detector, with his “No. 2”, Sapper Eric McKerrow keeping watch behind. In the foreground is Sapper Peter Fontanini.

Gourmet sausageWhile we had the options of Australian ration packs or US “C-Rations” out on operations, our less fortunate enemy had to make do with a plastic “sausage” tube filled with rice, which they’d enhance with fish sauce and a scrap of meat or fish. No wonder they were as thin as wisps!

Xuyen Moc TragedyIn 1969 this truck carrying nine Vietnamese civilians from Xuyen Moc village hit a mine probably meant for an Australian tank or APC. Sappers from 1 Field Squadron are clearing the area of any anti-personnel mines. Six civilians were killed, the youngest a fifteen year old girl.

Zippo CultureA very high percentage of soldiers in Vietnam smoked. The cigarettes came free with US ration packs, and there’s just something about being in a war that encourages you to light up. As a result, a unique collection of engraved Zippo cigarette lighters emerged. The sayings on the lighters ranged from hilarious to downright crude and nasty. In today’s softer, gentler light, most were sexist and all were politically incorrect. Tough Titty! And as they were locally produced by the Vietnamese, many had spell ing mistakes, like the one on the left which says “Drurkard” instead of “Drunkard”.

7 NOSTALGIA PAGES

Close shaveBeing on Ready Reaction at a Fire Support Base (FSB) for a change was a bit of a “Swan” for Sappers, compared to patrolling with the Infantry. There were usually showers and regular meals and mail. Sappers would really get into the spirit of things and slack off on silly things like shaving every day - for as long as they could get away with it. Here in 1971 at FSB Ziggy, Staff Sergeant Harry Eustace b r i n g s S a p p e r M i c k Rasmussen into order with a close shave. Photo by John Tick, Tp Comd 2 Tp 70/71.

Increasing the oddsThe Viet Cong who set up this mine figured he’d increase the chances of pressure being applied to the prongs that trigger the mine. He placed a thin sheet of wood onto the prongs in such a way it operated like a pedal. It would certainly have worked had a smart Sapper not found it first. The “pedal” was camouflaged with grass and twigs matching the vegetation in the surrounds of the track where it was found. Once the prongs are pushed a small charge at the base of the mine ignites a “powder bag” that lifts the mine out of the ground and at the same time ignites a mini-fuse which burns just long enough for the mine to reach hip height where it explodes causing horrendous injuries, many of which were impossible to survive. The mine is an M16A probably lifted from the barrier minefield.

6NOSTALGIA PAGES

1

A revealing digFortunately this anti-tank mine was found and destroyed by Sappers from 1 Field Squadron before it could do any damage. Before destroying it though, the Sappers carved away the earth to reveal and record the layout and mechanism. On the left is the mine (Chicom explosives retrieved from UXBs and melted into a large can). In the middle is the trigger device - when pressed a nail and a metal plate make contact completing the electric circuit. On the right are the batteries. Photo by John Kemp.

Dat Do DangersThe village of Dat Do just never felt right. The inhabitants were belligerent towards us, and many were sympathetic to our enemy, the Viet Cong. Add to this mix the nearby barrier minefield, where the locals could lift M-16 mines to use against us, and you have a recipe for disaster. There were many mine incidents around Dat Do, at great cost to us in lives and terrible injuries. The village was only a few miles from our base at Nui Dat. Here, alongside the minefield we see Sapper Bernie Crooks on the detector, with his “No. 2”, Sapper Eric McKerrow keeping watch behind. In the foreground is Sapper Peter Fontanini.

Gourmet sausageWhile we had the options of Australian ration packs or US “C-Rations” out on operations, our less fortunate enemy had to make do with a plastic “sausage” tube filled with rice, which they’d enhance with fish sauce and a scrap of meat or fish. No wonder they were as thin as wisps!

Xuyen Moc TragedyIn 1969 this truck carrying nine Vietnamese civilians from Xuyen Moc village hit a mine probably meant for an Australian tank or APC. Sappers from 1 Field Squadron are clearing the area of any anti-personnel mines. Six civilians were killed, the youngest a fifteen year old girl.

Zippo CultureA very high percentage of soldiers in Vietnam smoked. The cigarettes came free with US ration packs, and there’s just something about being in a war that encourages you to light up. As a result, a unique collection of engraved Zippo cigarette lighters emerged. The sayings on the lighters ranged from hilarious to downright crude and nasty. In today’s softer, gentler light, most were sexist and all were politically incorrect. Tough Titty! And as they were locally produced by the Vietnamese, many had spell ing mistakes, like the one on the left which says “Drurkard” instead of “Drunkard”.

7 NOSTALGIA PAGES

Close shaveBeing on Ready Reaction at a Fire Support Base (FSB) for a change was a bit of a “Swan” for Sappers, compared to patrolling with the Infantry. There were usually showers and regular meals and mail. Sappers would really get into the spirit of things and slack off on silly things like shaving every day - for as long as they could get away with it. Here in 1971 at FSB Ziggy, Staff Sergeant Harry Eustace b r i n g s S a p p e r M i c k Rasmussen into order with a close shave. Photo by John Tick, Tp Comd 2 Tp 70/71.

Increasing the oddsThe Viet Cong who set up this mine figured he’d increase the chances of pressure being applied to the prongs that trigger the mine. He placed a thin sheet of wood onto the prongs in such a way it operated like a pedal. It would certainly have worked had a smart Sapper not found it first. The “pedal” was camouflaged with grass and twigs matching the vegetation in the surrounds of the track where it was found. Once the prongs are pushed a small charge at the base of the mine ignites a “powder bag” that lifts the mine out of the ground and at the same time ignites a mini-fuse which burns just long enough for the mine to reach hip height where it explodes causing horrendous injuries, many of which were impossible to survive. The mine is an M16A probably lifted from the barrier minefield.

8NOSTALGIA PAGES

Fly now, pay laterThis humourous poster was produced by Survey Corp lads on one of there screen printing presses at Nui Dat. Survey Corp used to overprint the tactical maps we used with the latest mine incident locations. These critical maps were carried out on operations by the No. 1 of each Splinter Team and Mini Team.

“Look after ityou damn Aussies!”

I n Sep tember 1970 , t he Americans rather generously gave the Australians this M48 Mine-clearing tank on loan. With great ceremony it was handed over to the Sappers of 1 Field Squadron. That’s the last time the Yanks saw the tank again in one piece. After initial training on and around the base camp at Nui Dat, the Sappers figured it was time to take to the roads of Phuoc Tuy Province. A few weeks later, with Sappers at the controls, the tank itself (instead of the mine-clearing device up front) hit a massive anti-tank mine. As can be seen, the blast broke the track and blew off two road wheels. “Who’s gunna tell the yanks?”

Another WorldThe rubber plantation village at Binh Ba, a few kilometers north of our base camp at Nui Dat was the scene of an iconic battle in June 1969. The village was often cordoned and searched, and on night cordons you could catch glimpses of a world far removed from the war. In the French manager’s mansion, servants could be seen padding around the house, serving cool drinks and lighting incense to keep the mosquitoes at bay. It was rumoured that the manager led a double life, paying heavy taxes to the Viet Cong in order to continue operating. Here, in September 1968 members of the Mobile Advisory and Training Team (MATT) are outside the manager’s home. Left to right: Monsieur and Madame Georges Courcy, Pte John Murphy, Sgt Jerry Freestone, Lt John Lucaci and L/Cpl Ross Carnie.

TUNNEL RATS STUBBY HOLDERS

NAME: ADDRESS:

POST CODE: TELEPHONE: TICK THE QUANTITY: O Set of 3 holders $27 O Set of 6 holders $49 Cost includes packing and postage. You can pay by credit card (your statement will read “Ultimate Design Graphics”), or by cheque or Postal Order. Make cheques and postal orders payable to Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Tick which card you wish to use: O Visa O Master Card O Amex Card Number:

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11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

9

Wet boots again!It’s January 22nd 1969 and Cpl Derwyn Hage, a Tunnel Rat with 1 Field Squadron is out on operations with 9RAR. They were taking part in Operation Goodwood in the north west of Phuoc Tuy Province.

Where’s the mine?It’s hard to see, but the M-16 mine is in the middle of the picture. The circular outline of the top rim of the “can” is most visible, and then you can make out the ominous prongs at its centre. This mine was found by Sappers at Lo Gom.

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

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Bunkers to blowIn August 1971 Sgt Bernie Bickel (left), points out a Viet Cong bunker system on the map to Lt John Dossetor (both of 1 Fld Sqn). The system had been found the day before and was spread over a wide area.

8NOSTALGIA PAGES

Fly now, pay laterThis humourous poster was produced by Survey Corp lads on one of there screen printing presses at Nui Dat. Survey Corp used to overprint the tactical maps we used with the latest mine incident locations. These critical maps were carried out on operations by the No. 1 of each Splinter Team and Mini Team.

“Look after ityou damn Aussies!”

I n Sep tember 1970 , t he Americans rather generously gave the Australians this M48 Mine-clearing tank on loan. With great ceremony it was handed over to the Sappers of 1 Field Squadron. That’s the last time the Yanks saw the tank again in one piece. After initial training on and around the base camp at Nui Dat, the Sappers figured it was time to take to the roads of Phuoc Tuy Province. A few weeks later, with Sappers at the controls, the tank itself (instead of the mine-clearing device up front) hit a massive anti-tank mine. As can be seen, the blast broke the track and blew off two road wheels. “Who’s gunna tell the yanks?”

Another WorldThe rubber plantation village at Binh Ba, a few kilometers north of our base camp at Nui Dat was the scene of an iconic battle in June 1969. The village was often cordoned and searched, and on night cordons you could catch glimpses of a world far removed from the war. In the French manager’s mansion, servants could be seen padding around the house, serving cool drinks and lighting incense to keep the mosquitoes at bay. It was rumoured that the manager led a double life, paying heavy taxes to the Viet Cong in order to continue operating. Here, in September 1968 members of the Mobile Advisory and Training Team (MATT) are outside the manager’s home. Left to right: Monsieur and Madame Georges Courcy, Pte John Murphy, Sgt Jerry Freestone, Lt John Lucaci and L/Cpl Ross Carnie.

TUNNEL RATS STUBBY HOLDERS

NAME: ADDRESS:

POST CODE: TELEPHONE: TICK THE QUANTITY: O Set of 3 holders $27 O Set of 6 holders $49 Cost includes packing and postage. You can pay by credit card (your statement will read “Ultimate Design Graphics”), or by cheque or Postal Order. Make cheques and postal orders payable to Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Tick which card you wish to use: O Visa O Master Card O Amex Card Number:

Name on card: Expiry Date: Signature

Post to: Vietnam Tunnel Rats Assoc 43 Heyington Place Toorak Victoria 3142

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

9

Wet boots again!It’s January 22nd 1969 and Cpl Derwyn Hage, a Tunnel Rat with 1 Field Squadron is out on operations with 9RAR. They were taking part in Operation Goodwood in the north west of Phuoc Tuy Province.

Where’s the mine?It’s hard to see, but the M-16 mine is in the middle of the picture. The circular outline of the top rim of the “can” is most visible, and then you can make out the ominous prongs at its centre. This mine was found by Sappers at Lo Gom.

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

Set of 3 $27

Order Form:

Set of 6 $49

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NOSTALGIA PAGES

Bunkers to blowIn August 1971 Sgt Bernie Bickel (left), points out a Viet Cong bunker system on the map to Lt John Dossetor (both of 1 Fld Sqn). The system had been found the day before and was spread over a wide area.

10

1

Operation Pinnaroo was supporting role with 3RAR. With established clear lanes through planned as a reconnaissance-in- the intensity of mine and booby an area of brushwood on the force operation employing two trap activity evident, 2 Troop 1 approaches to the main hills to battalions with support from Field Squadron were brought the south of the feature. Rifle artil lery- tanks, APCs and into the action as well. companies established bases Engineers. The operation was C o m m e n c i n g o n 6 and began to probe towards the intended to isolate and seal off March, 2RAR established foothills, ever alert for enemy the enemy's mountainous Long blocking and ambush positions mines and booby-traps. Hai complex to permit the along the western foothills of the Concentrated artillery destruction of enemy base Long Hai hills. Rifle companies bombardment and air strikes installations and deny the Viet then began to move up the including B-52 Arc Light strikes, Cong further use of the area. ridges towards the two northern- deluged the area within the

The key to the infantry's most features, Xui Da Dung and cordon made by the battalions. access to the Long Hais would be Nui Hon Thung, in order to This heavy bombardment was the effective clearing by the ambush from those features intended to destroy or make Tunnel Rats of the many north-east to the area of the unusable all the known Viet Cong minefields and mined or booby- operation's boundary on Route installations. The artillery fire was trapped tracks, the presence of 326. On 8 March, 3RAR joined also intended to reduce the which had caused 5RAR such the operation and established a effectiveness of the minefields drastic casualties one year similar line of blocking positions and booby traps. earlier. The bulk of this task was on the eastern side of the Long initially tasked to the Sappers of 3 Hai hills, within gun range of the Troop 1 Field Squadron in their Horseshoe feature. 3RAR also

A key phase of Operation Pinnaroo took place over the period March 1 to 23 and began

An Operation that tested the Tunnel Rats to the limit Operation Pinnaroo had it all - mines and booby traps peppered the approaches to an enemy complex comprising tunnels, bunkers and huge caves that all had to be searched, cleared and then demolished in some of the largest explosive charges set by Australians during the war.

A Sapper from 1 Field Squadron clears a safe lane on Operation Pinnaroo in the Long Hai hills

11 OPERATION PINNAROO

with the clearance of the foothills. Field Engineers from 3 Troop 1 Field Squadron (protected by Infantry Companies of 3RAR) cleared the low ground to the east of the hills, destroying mines and camps not previously destroyed by artillery and air-strikes.

The 3RAR Companies and the attached Field Engineers slowly advanced towards the main enemy base camps. The area they were moving through was peppered with mines and booby traps. The Tunnel Rats moved at the front of the Battalion for three days as they led them through a huge unmapped enemy minefield – with booby traps added in for interest.

The stress was so intense the Tunnel rats were rotated every few hours. The 3 Troop Sappers found over 120 widely dispersed mines and booby traps during this approach to the enemy base.

And when they got to the base they searched eleven caves including one that went 220 metres into the mountain, one that had a room big enough for 100 men and one multi-level complex interconnected with ladders and with its own fresh water points.

Thousands of kilos of explosives were flown in for the Sappers to set up charges to destroy or deny access to these huge enemy installations. The resulting charges are believed to be the largest set up by Australian forces during the entire war.

A few days after the Operation, 3 RAR celebrated Kapyong Day – a very special day for them - and the Tunnel Rats were not only invited by the CO of the Battalion to parade with them at the Nui Dat base camp, but were drawn up, symbolically, in front of the Battalion.

It was a significant and unique honour for the Sappers.

View from a Sapper on the groundBy Sapper Peter Bennett – 2 Troop 1 Fld Sqn 1967- 68

Our understanding was that the operation was based on getting into the Long Hai Hills and securing them so 1 Field Squadrons engineers could clear and blow up the cave systems there. This would deny the various VC groups access to this stronghold with its proximity to the Minefield which had become a Q Store for the VC to get mines, which they then used against us with devastating results. I will never understand how the powers to be could have got this so wrong. Building a minefield and leaving it unprotected must be in lesson number one at officer training, yet our Task Force Commander at the time somehow made this decision and the Australian soldiers paid a huge price in lives and injuries. On Operation Pinnaroo alone, ten of our men would be killed and more than 50 wounded, most from these M-16 mines lifted from our own minefield.

It was being said at the time that this was the most dangerous operation conducted to date, certainly in terms of life lost, it was right up there. It should also be noted that after finding out during Operation Pinnaroo that the mines were being lifted so extensively from our minefield, our leaders decided it was time to take the mine field up but that's another story.The mine-clearing of safe paths to the enemy camps was very slow going due to the amount of shrapnel from the bombings and bombardments from guns onboard ships and artillery from fire support bases.

The task was testing us fully on the detectors and we had already lost one guy who stepped out of the safe lane. Overall on the operation we found hundreds of weapons, many stores and caches, and a fully equipped hospital. Over 120 M-16 mines and dozens of booby traps were cleared. The Australian forces killed 21 VC and wounded 14. Some 57 camps and bunker systems were destroyed and tonnes of C4 explosives and Beehive shaped charges were used.Over the 21 days 2 troop were on the operation we worked

Sapper Peter Bennett hamming it up with two enemy weapons he “souvenired” from Operation Pinnaroo, an M1 Carbine and a superb Ithaca pump action shotgun

10

1

Operation Pinnaroo was supporting role with 3RAR. With established clear lanes through planned as a reconnaissance-in- the intensity of mine and booby an area of brushwood on the force operation employing two trap activity evident, 2 Troop 1 approaches to the main hills to battalions with support from Field Squadron were brought the south of the feature. Rifle artil lery- tanks, APCs and into the action as well. companies established bases Engineers. The operation was C o m m e n c i n g o n 6 and began to probe towards the intended to isolate and seal off March, 2RAR established foothills, ever alert for enemy the enemy's mountainous Long blocking and ambush positions mines and booby-traps. Hai complex to permit the along the western foothills of the Concentrated artillery destruction of enemy base Long Hai hills. Rifle companies bombardment and air strikes installations and deny the Viet then began to move up the including B-52 Arc Light strikes, Cong further use of the area. ridges towards the two northern- deluged the area within the

The key to the infantry's most features, Xui Da Dung and cordon made by the battalions. access to the Long Hais would be Nui Hon Thung, in order to This heavy bombardment was the effective clearing by the ambush from those features intended to destroy or make Tunnel Rats of the many north-east to the area of the unusable all the known Viet Cong minefields and mined or booby- operation's boundary on Route installations. The artillery fire was trapped tracks, the presence of 326. On 8 March, 3RAR joined also intended to reduce the which had caused 5RAR such the operation and established a effectiveness of the minefields drastic casualties one year similar line of blocking positions and booby traps. earlier. The bulk of this task was on the eastern side of the Long initially tasked to the Sappers of 3 Hai hills, within gun range of the Troop 1 Field Squadron in their Horseshoe feature. 3RAR also

A key phase of Operation Pinnaroo took place over the period March 1 to 23 and began

An Operation that tested the Tunnel Rats to the limit Operation Pinnaroo had it all - mines and booby traps peppered the approaches to an enemy complex comprising tunnels, bunkers and huge caves that all had to be searched, cleared and then demolished in some of the largest explosive charges set by Australians during the war.

A Sapper from 1 Field Squadron clears a safe lane on Operation Pinnaroo in the Long Hai hills

11 OPERATION PINNAROO

with the clearance of the foothills. Field Engineers from 3 Troop 1 Field Squadron (protected by Infantry Companies of 3RAR) cleared the low ground to the east of the hills, destroying mines and camps not previously destroyed by artillery and air-strikes.

The 3RAR Companies and the attached Field Engineers slowly advanced towards the main enemy base camps. The area they were moving through was peppered with mines and booby traps. The Tunnel Rats moved at the front of the Battalion for three days as they led them through a huge unmapped enemy minefield – with booby traps added in for interest.

The stress was so intense the Tunnel rats were rotated every few hours. The 3 Troop Sappers found over 120 widely dispersed mines and booby traps during this approach to the enemy base.

And when they got to the base they searched eleven caves including one that went 220 metres into the mountain, one that had a room big enough for 100 men and one multi-level complex interconnected with ladders and with its own fresh water points.

Thousands of kilos of explosives were flown in for the Sappers to set up charges to destroy or deny access to these huge enemy installations. The resulting charges are believed to be the largest set up by Australian forces during the entire war.

A few days after the Operation, 3 RAR celebrated Kapyong Day – a very special day for them - and the Tunnel Rats were not only invited by the CO of the Battalion to parade with them at the Nui Dat base camp, but were drawn up, symbolically, in front of the Battalion.

It was a significant and unique honour for the Sappers.

View from a Sapper on the groundBy Sapper Peter Bennett – 2 Troop 1 Fld Sqn 1967- 68

Our understanding was that the operation was based on getting into the Long Hai Hills and securing them so 1 Field Squadrons engineers could clear and blow up the cave systems there. This would deny the various VC groups access to this stronghold with its proximity to the Minefield which had become a Q Store for the VC to get mines, which they then used against us with devastating results. I will never understand how the powers to be could have got this so wrong. Building a minefield and leaving it unprotected must be in lesson number one at officer training, yet our Task Force Commander at the time somehow made this decision and the Australian soldiers paid a huge price in lives and injuries. On Operation Pinnaroo alone, ten of our men would be killed and more than 50 wounded, most from these M-16 mines lifted from our own minefield.

It was being said at the time that this was the most dangerous operation conducted to date, certainly in terms of life lost, it was right up there. It should also be noted that after finding out during Operation Pinnaroo that the mines were being lifted so extensively from our minefield, our leaders decided it was time to take the mine field up but that's another story.The mine-clearing of safe paths to the enemy camps was very slow going due to the amount of shrapnel from the bombings and bombardments from guns onboard ships and artillery from fire support bases.

The task was testing us fully on the detectors and we had already lost one guy who stepped out of the safe lane. Overall on the operation we found hundreds of weapons, many stores and caches, and a fully equipped hospital. Over 120 M-16 mines and dozens of booby traps were cleared. The Australian forces killed 21 VC and wounded 14. Some 57 camps and bunker systems were destroyed and tonnes of C4 explosives and Beehive shaped charges were used.Over the 21 days 2 troop were on the operation we worked

Sapper Peter Bennett hamming it up with two enemy weapons he “souvenired” from Operation Pinnaroo, an M1 Carbine and a superb Ithaca pump action shotgun

12OPERATION PINNAROO

1towards laying a single complex ring main incorporating C4 and Beehives totalling 16,000 kg of explosives, the largest single blast recorded by 1 field squadron.

Our Troop Commander, Captain Rod Palmer was out with us on the operation and I believe he was having a contest with 3 Troop's Commander to see who could achieve the biggest bang in the demolition task!

I had the honour of setting this massive charge off, and interestingly, I did it from a chopper hovering over the site. On the last day it was decided to do it this way so we could get away quickly as we were using a 30-second fuse to make sure we got detonation before the VC had time to cut off the explosion and harvest a huge bounty of explosives.

Personally, I thought the idea of trying to blow up the Long Hai Hills was a big ask as the B52 bombers, the US Navy and Australian and US Artillery had delivered truck-loads of bombs and shells onto the site and not even dented it. I guess they felt that if our huge charge of 16,000 kg was strategically placed it might at least deny access to the caves.

When the Barrier minefield was eventually removed in 1969 it was confirmed that areas along the Minefield were missing large amounts of the M16 mines, with thousands of these deadly weapons being unaccounted for.

Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Daly, Chief of the General Staff visited the site, saying; “Of all the operations that stick in my memory, Operation Pinnaroo in the Long Hai hills was the most difficult and costly, extraordinarily dangerous. It was the last place I would want to have operated myself.”

On April 19th 1968, the Task Force Commander, Brigadier Hughes stated: “I want to commend all those who participated in Operation Pinnaroo for their steadiness and professional ability during an operation which I believe has been the most difficult and most dangerous yet undertaken by 1ATF. Particularly I want to commend the Engineers and Pioneers for their work in the minefields. The completion of Pinnaroo is a job well done.”

View from a Sapper Commander on the groundBy Capt Rod Palmer, Troop Commander 2 Troop 1Fld Sqn 1968

1

The Long Hai Hills were a formidable series of peaks and re-entrants, mostly barren except for the tops of the hills, which were heavily treed and the home of many monkeys. They had been constantly bombed by B52s, and because they were a base for Viet Cong, were also subjected to air drops of drums of CS gas, which, when shattered from the fall, would settle its contents into the many crevices between the rocks within the valleys, where it was known, the VC had underground facilities such as workshops, armouries and hospitals.

It was a firm base for the VC, who also used it as a starting point for lifting of mines from the barrier minefield, which they'd bring back and use against us or store them on the mountain for later use.

Many attempts to confront the VC in the lower regions of the Hills, were thwarted by casualties sustained from their clever use of those mines and a variety of booby traps on tracks and trails on the approaches to the hills. Detection of these devices with mine detectors was made difficult because of the carpet of shrapnel left from years of bomb and artillery shell hits in the area.

Some senior leaders felt that operations into the Long Hai Hills were to be avoided because of the extreme likelihood of heavy and unsustainable casualties.

I believe Operation Pinnaroo was commenced by 3RAR going into the foothills of the Long Hai Hills where casualties were inevitably sustained by the mines and booby traps planted by the VC to protect their base. This time however, somebody made the decision to bite the bullet, and an attempt was to be made to actually advance right up to the VC in their base. Initially, the Battalion advanced towards the hills, using Engineers with mine detectors and bayonet prodding in an effort to detect mines and booby traps. Progress was down to mere yards

Sappers search the Long Hai Hills, looking for cave or tunnel entrances on Operation Pinnaroo

13 OPERATION PINNAROO

per hour, as the sappers continually dug up the myriad of pieces of metal detected, only to find that, generally, it was shrapnel from the many previous bombings of the Hills. When elements finally reached the peak of one of the features, they found that, again because of the constant aerial bombing and artillery action, most of the vegetation had been cleared, leaving exposed huge rocks in the valleys. Squeezing into the crevices between these boulders often revealed openings to caves and tunnels.

Once the Battalion had established itself on a number of the peaks, it was decided by the Task Force, to have the Field Engineers set up massive demolition charges to destroy the entrances to these VC underground caves, tunnels and bunkers.

Because of the huge area involved, and the enormous task in demolishing the many large rocky crevices, the decision was taken to have 3 Troop, the normal Engineer support element for 3RAR supplemented by 2 Troop, who were in base at Nui Dat at the time. Thus, both Troops were given separate valleys in which to set up their massive charges against the Viet Cong installations. Speaking of the Two Troop experience, each day saw masses of Huey helicopter sorties bringing in slung loads of explosives to be placed strategically against the many cave and tunnel openings between the rocks. Because of the huge rocky targets involved, explosives were placed still in their boxes, and sometimes stacked on top of each other, in order to get the desired maximum destructive effect.

Obviously, Three Troop was also undertaking a similar exercise in a nearby valley, with the same aim. Each Troop was given an Infantry Platoon as protection while the placing of explosives was carried out. I didn't maintain a record of the number of Huey sorties involved each day of the operation, but suffice to say, explosives were brought in for most of the daylight hours, up until around 3.00pm, to allow time for the ring main to be set, and for the Troop members to withdraw to the safe confines of the Infantry Platoon, positioned on a reverse slope, for the subsequent demolition. Again, time has dimmed the memory of how long these daily demolitions continued, but seven to ten days seems to be about correct.

There inevitably developed a daily challenge between the two Engineer Troops to see who could set the biggest bang, and it happened that Two Troop achieved that honour, with a blow of 16,000 kg of explosives from a single fire on.

The strong presence of mines created some unique operational experiences. At one point I was inserted into the operational area by helicopter, but dangling from a long cable underneath. They hovered

The CGS, Lt Gen Sir Thomas Daly chats with Pte Bill Armitage (left) of 3RAR during Operation Pinnaroo

Huge caves were found on Operation Pinnaroo, some with multiple levels and their own watering points

Shortly after the start of Operation Pinnaroo, APC call sign 33 under the command of Sergeant John Fogarty was hit by an RPG, setting the vehicle on fire and wounding the driver, L/Corporal Paul (Pommie) Atkinson, who was blown out of the vehicle

12OPERATION PINNAROO

1towards laying a single complex ring main incorporating C4 and Beehives totalling 16,000 kg of explosives, the largest single blast recorded by 1 field squadron.

Our Troop Commander, Captain Rod Palmer was out with us on the operation and I believe he was having a contest with 3 Troop's Commander to see who could achieve the biggest bang in the demolition task!

I had the honour of setting this massive charge off, and interestingly, I did it from a chopper hovering over the site. On the last day it was decided to do it this way so we could get away quickly as we were using a 30-second fuse to make sure we got detonation before the VC had time to cut off the explosion and harvest a huge bounty of explosives.

Personally, I thought the idea of trying to blow up the Long Hai Hills was a big ask as the B52 bombers, the US Navy and Australian and US Artillery had delivered truck-loads of bombs and shells onto the site and not even dented it. I guess they felt that if our huge charge of 16,000 kg was strategically placed it might at least deny access to the caves.

When the Barrier minefield was eventually removed in 1969 it was confirmed that areas along the Minefield were missing large amounts of the M16 mines, with thousands of these deadly weapons being unaccounted for.

Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Daly, Chief of the General Staff visited the site, saying; “Of all the operations that stick in my memory, Operation Pinnaroo in the Long Hai hills was the most difficult and costly, extraordinarily dangerous. It was the last place I would want to have operated myself.”

On April 19th 1968, the Task Force Commander, Brigadier Hughes stated: “I want to commend all those who participated in Operation Pinnaroo for their steadiness and professional ability during an operation which I believe has been the most difficult and most dangerous yet undertaken by 1ATF. Particularly I want to commend the Engineers and Pioneers for their work in the minefields. The completion of Pinnaroo is a job well done.”

View from a Sapper Commander on the groundBy Capt Rod Palmer, Troop Commander 2 Troop 1Fld Sqn 1968

1

The Long Hai Hills were a formidable series of peaks and re-entrants, mostly barren except for the tops of the hills, which were heavily treed and the home of many monkeys. They had been constantly bombed by B52s, and because they were a base for Viet Cong, were also subjected to air drops of drums of CS gas, which, when shattered from the fall, would settle its contents into the many crevices between the rocks within the valleys, where it was known, the VC had underground facilities such as workshops, armouries and hospitals.

It was a firm base for the VC, who also used it as a starting point for lifting of mines from the barrier minefield, which they'd bring back and use against us or store them on the mountain for later use.

Many attempts to confront the VC in the lower regions of the Hills, were thwarted by casualties sustained from their clever use of those mines and a variety of booby traps on tracks and trails on the approaches to the hills. Detection of these devices with mine detectors was made difficult because of the carpet of shrapnel left from years of bomb and artillery shell hits in the area.

Some senior leaders felt that operations into the Long Hai Hills were to be avoided because of the extreme likelihood of heavy and unsustainable casualties.

I believe Operation Pinnaroo was commenced by 3RAR going into the foothills of the Long Hai Hills where casualties were inevitably sustained by the mines and booby traps planted by the VC to protect their base. This time however, somebody made the decision to bite the bullet, and an attempt was to be made to actually advance right up to the VC in their base. Initially, the Battalion advanced towards the hills, using Engineers with mine detectors and bayonet prodding in an effort to detect mines and booby traps. Progress was down to mere yards

Sappers search the Long Hai Hills, looking for cave or tunnel entrances on Operation Pinnaroo

13 OPERATION PINNAROO

per hour, as the sappers continually dug up the myriad of pieces of metal detected, only to find that, generally, it was shrapnel from the many previous bombings of the Hills. When elements finally reached the peak of one of the features, they found that, again because of the constant aerial bombing and artillery action, most of the vegetation had been cleared, leaving exposed huge rocks in the valleys. Squeezing into the crevices between these boulders often revealed openings to caves and tunnels.

Once the Battalion had established itself on a number of the peaks, it was decided by the Task Force, to have the Field Engineers set up massive demolition charges to destroy the entrances to these VC underground caves, tunnels and bunkers.

Because of the huge area involved, and the enormous task in demolishing the many large rocky crevices, the decision was taken to have 3 Troop, the normal Engineer support element for 3RAR supplemented by 2 Troop, who were in base at Nui Dat at the time. Thus, both Troops were given separate valleys in which to set up their massive charges against the Viet Cong installations. Speaking of the Two Troop experience, each day saw masses of Huey helicopter sorties bringing in slung loads of explosives to be placed strategically against the many cave and tunnel openings between the rocks. Because of the huge rocky targets involved, explosives were placed still in their boxes, and sometimes stacked on top of each other, in order to get the desired maximum destructive effect.

Obviously, Three Troop was also undertaking a similar exercise in a nearby valley, with the same aim. Each Troop was given an Infantry Platoon as protection while the placing of explosives was carried out. I didn't maintain a record of the number of Huey sorties involved each day of the operation, but suffice to say, explosives were brought in for most of the daylight hours, up until around 3.00pm, to allow time for the ring main to be set, and for the Troop members to withdraw to the safe confines of the Infantry Platoon, positioned on a reverse slope, for the subsequent demolition. Again, time has dimmed the memory of how long these daily demolitions continued, but seven to ten days seems to be about correct.

There inevitably developed a daily challenge between the two Engineer Troops to see who could set the biggest bang, and it happened that Two Troop achieved that honour, with a blow of 16,000 kg of explosives from a single fire on.

The strong presence of mines created some unique operational experiences. At one point I was inserted into the operational area by helicopter, but dangling from a long cable underneath. They hovered

The CGS, Lt Gen Sir Thomas Daly chats with Pte Bill Armitage (left) of 3RAR during Operation Pinnaroo

Huge caves were found on Operation Pinnaroo, some with multiple levels and their own watering points

Shortly after the start of Operation Pinnaroo, APC call sign 33 under the command of Sergeant John Fogarty was hit by an RPG, setting the vehicle on fire and wounding the driver, L/Corporal Paul (Pommie) Atkinson, who was blown out of the vehicle

ARMY COMBAT BADGE

MINE INCIDENT

MINE INCIDENT

MINE INCIDENT

OPERATION PINNAROO 14

Casualty list from Operation Pinnaroo 2nd March - 12th April 1968over a large rock and lowered me onto it. This was considered the only safe spot for me to land because none of the tracks had been cleared of mines or booby traps at that stage.

Major John Kemp, the Officer Commanding (OC) of 1 Field Squadron was also to be inserted into the area by cable hanging below a chopper, but his entry nearly turned to disaster. Major Kemp was coming to check on the welfare and progress of his many men now involved on the operation. Unfortunately the area chosen for his insertion had been the subject of previous CS gas dispersal.

The downdraught from the hovering Huey stirred up the dormant CS gas crystals, and in turn sucked the CS gas fumes up towards the chopper. Major Kemp dangling on the cable and the hel icopter crew themselves all became affected by the fumes (stinging of the eyes creating huge tear flows, heavy running of moisture from the nose and massive build up of saliva in the mouth and throat). The crew had to get out of there fast while they could still control the chopper, and of course our OC, on the end of the cable had to go with them.

With Major Kemp trailing below them, the chopper steered a wobbly path to a rice paddy in the nearby foothills, where it plopped down the OC before staging a skid landing in the dry rice field where they all leapt out, retching from the effects of the gas. John Kemp joined them shortly thereafter, in a similar state.

T h e O p e r a t i o n concluded as quickly as it started, with the withdrawal of all concerned, back to the main base at Nui Dat. I remember feeling that there was still a lot of effort needed in order to deny the VC use of the Long Hai Hills. # Indicates evacuated back to Australia because of wounds

Monin A.P. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575. RTA 13.03.68.

Dwenger J.W. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Saunderson G.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575..

Harris R.S. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Waddell K.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Cummins G.P. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Lyttle W.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Bryant V.M. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Sattler G.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575..

Gillespie G.B. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Powe J.H. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.02 RAE WIA Mine at GR441575. Att. to 2RAR.

McGuire A.L. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575. RTA 13.03.68.

Kingdon G.F. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WBA Shrap to head from M79.

Connolly J.M. Capt 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Shrap wds from mine at GR441575.

Lyons P.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF KIA Mine at GR441575.

Brittain R.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Harrison R.N. LCpl 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Diebert R.L. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Whitehouse D.M. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Haenga E.R. Pte 2RAR 68.03.07 RNZIR WIA# Mine at GR455581.

Rosenthal B.A. LCpl 3RAR 68.03.13 RAINF WIA# Shrap wds in contact at GR487525.

Levy E.S. Cpl A3CAV 68.03.14 RAAC WIA APC hit mine at GR503555.

Shepherd L.J. Pte 3RAR 68.03.15 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR476567. Shrap wds

Seymour R.J. T/Cpl 2RAR 68.03.18 RNZIR WIA# Mine at GR462565. Shrap wounds

McKenzie D.W. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's at GR481512. Lost both legs in blast and R.arm later

Sanders J.E. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA GSW in contact at GR483546.

Morgan D.O. 2Lt 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA GSW in contact at GR483546.

Rapp J.R. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF KIA GSW in contact at GR483546.

Eastwood R.J. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR481512.

Coles K.G. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF KIA Mine at GR476511 in Long Hai's

Appelbee L.E.J. 2Lt 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Tobin V.J. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.22 RAE KIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Fox G.D. Cpl 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's. Lost leg.

Carroll R.J. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Coombs G.J Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.22 RAE KIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Williams P.R. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Clark R.N. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Richardson J.T. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's. Lost both legs

Storer A.T. Pte 3RAR 68.03.24 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Fraser J. 2Lt 3RAR 68.03.24 RAINF KIA Mine in Long Hai's.

Thomas M.D. LCpl 3RAR 68.03.24 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Spear M.J. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.24 RAE WIA Mine at GR481512.

Paine M.L. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.24 RAE WIA Mine at GR481512.

Davis B.L. Pte 3RAR 68.03.30 RAINF BCAS# Broke leg in Long Hai's

Haw P.R. Gnr 12FDREGT 68.04.00 RAA WIA Mine.

Cross R.P. Pte 2RAR 68.04.03 RAINF BCAS Machette cut to L.leg.

Gollagher P.J. SSgt 1FDSQN 68.04.05 RAE KIA GSW to throat while tunnel clearing in Long Hai's GR476510.

McConnell J. Sgt C1AR 68.04.06 RAAC WIA Tank hit M16 mine at GR526576.

Puckey M.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.08 RAINF WIA GSW to shoulder at GR474531.

Trevarthen D.E. Spr 1FDSQN 68.04.08 RAE BCAS Wasp stings to face. Att. 3RAR.

Nuku R.P. Pte 2RAR 68.04.10 RNZIR WIA M26 booby trap at GR517542.

Brumell F.G. Pte 2RAR 68.04.10 RNZIR WIA Booby trap at GR517542.

Davies P.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.10 RNZIR WIA M26 booby trap at GR517542.

McGregor D.M. Cpl 1FDSQN 68.04.11 RAE WIA# Boby trap at GR487503.

Barrott K. Cfn 17CONST 68.04.12 RAEME WIA Mine at GR507577.

Albert R.A. Cpl A3CAV 68.04.12 RAAC WIA Hit mine at GR512542. Shrap wds.

Hutchins A.J.E. LCpl 2RAR 68.04.12 RAINF WIA# M16 mine at GR507557.

Nicholson K.R. Spr 1FDSQN 68.04.12 RAE KIA Mine clearing at GR507557.

Akers K.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.12 RNZIR WIA M16 mine at GR507557.

Awatere W.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.12 RNZIR KIA M16 mine at GR507557.

NAME RANK UNIT DOC CORP CAS CIRCUMSTANCES

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

15

Our Sappers Today

Today’s Sappers serving in Afghanistan are carrying out the same critical tasks we did in Vietnam. They’re dealing with mines, booby-traps, demolitions and unexploded bombs as they work in close operational support of their Infantry comrades. We’re filled with pride at the superb job they’re doing, and we thank them for carrying on and enhancing the proud traditions of Sappers in combat roles. Well done Sappers!

Photos - clockwise from top:

Taking a well earned rest on Operation Tura Ghar (Left to right): Sappers Zachary Hurst, Sam Barber, Christopher Mitchell and Garret Mazurek.

Sapper Thomas O'Connor of 6 Section 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron prepares explosives to destroy a weapons cache.

Sapper Trent Goodwin on Operation Tura Ghar in the Baluchi Valley

ARMY COMBAT BADGE

MINE INCIDENT

MINE INCIDENT

MINE INCIDENT

OPERATION PINNAROO 14

Casualty list from Operation Pinnaroo 2nd March - 12th April 1968over a large rock and lowered me onto it. This was considered the only safe spot for me to land because none of the tracks had been cleared of mines or booby traps at that stage.

Major John Kemp, the Officer Commanding (OC) of 1 Field Squadron was also to be inserted into the area by cable hanging below a chopper, but his entry nearly turned to disaster. Major Kemp was coming to check on the welfare and progress of his many men now involved on the operation. Unfortunately the area chosen for his insertion had been the subject of previous CS gas dispersal.

The downdraught from the hovering Huey stirred up the dormant CS gas crystals, and in turn sucked the CS gas fumes up towards the chopper. Major Kemp dangling on the cable and the hel icopter crew themselves all became affected by the fumes (stinging of the eyes creating huge tear flows, heavy running of moisture from the nose and massive build up of saliva in the mouth and throat). The crew had to get out of there fast while they could still control the chopper, and of course our OC, on the end of the cable had to go with them.

With Major Kemp trailing below them, the chopper steered a wobbly path to a rice paddy in the nearby foothills, where it plopped down the OC before staging a skid landing in the dry rice field where they all leapt out, retching from the effects of the gas. John Kemp joined them shortly thereafter, in a similar state.

T h e O p e r a t i o n concluded as quickly as it started, with the withdrawal of all concerned, back to the main base at Nui Dat. I remember feeling that there was still a lot of effort needed in order to deny the VC use of the Long Hai Hills. # Indicates evacuated back to Australia because of wounds

Monin A.P. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575. RTA 13.03.68.

Dwenger J.W. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Saunderson G.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575..

Harris R.S. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Waddell K.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Cummins G.P. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Lyttle W.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Bryant V.M. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Sattler G.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575..

Gillespie G.B. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Powe J.H. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.02 RAE WIA Mine at GR441575. Att. to 2RAR.

McGuire A.L. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575. RTA 13.03.68.

Kingdon G.F. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WBA Shrap to head from M79.

Connolly J.M. Capt 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Shrap wds from mine at GR441575.

Lyons P.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF KIA Mine at GR441575.

Brittain R.J. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Harrison R.N. LCpl 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Diebert R.L. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR441575.

Whitehouse D.M. Pte 2RAR 68.03.02 RAINF WIA Mine at GR441575.

Haenga E.R. Pte 2RAR 68.03.07 RNZIR WIA# Mine at GR455581.

Rosenthal B.A. LCpl 3RAR 68.03.13 RAINF WIA# Shrap wds in contact at GR487525.

Levy E.S. Cpl A3CAV 68.03.14 RAAC WIA APC hit mine at GR503555.

Shepherd L.J. Pte 3RAR 68.03.15 RAINF WIA# Mine at GR476567. Shrap wds

Seymour R.J. T/Cpl 2RAR 68.03.18 RNZIR WIA# Mine at GR462565. Shrap wounds

McKenzie D.W. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's at GR481512. Lost both legs in blast and R.arm later

Sanders J.E. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA GSW in contact at GR483546.

Morgan D.O. 2Lt 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA GSW in contact at GR483546.

Rapp J.R. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF KIA GSW in contact at GR483546.

Eastwood R.J. Pte 3RAR 68.03.20 RAINF WIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR481512.

Coles K.G. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF KIA Mine at GR476511 in Long Hai's

Appelbee L.E.J. 2Lt 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Tobin V.J. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.22 RAE KIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Fox G.D. Cpl 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's. Lost leg.

Carroll R.J. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Coombs G.J Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.22 RAE KIA Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Williams P.R. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's at GR476511.

Clark R.N. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Richardson J.T. Pte 3RAR 68.03.22 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's. Lost both legs

Storer A.T. Pte 3RAR 68.03.24 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Fraser J. 2Lt 3RAR 68.03.24 RAINF KIA Mine in Long Hai's.

Thomas M.D. LCpl 3RAR 68.03.24 RAINF WIA# Mine in Long Hai's.

Spear M.J. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.24 RAE WIA Mine at GR481512.

Paine M.L. Spr 1FDSQN 68.03.24 RAE WIA Mine at GR481512.

Davis B.L. Pte 3RAR 68.03.30 RAINF BCAS# Broke leg in Long Hai's

Haw P.R. Gnr 12FDREGT 68.04.00 RAA WIA Mine.

Cross R.P. Pte 2RAR 68.04.03 RAINF BCAS Machette cut to L.leg.

Gollagher P.J. SSgt 1FDSQN 68.04.05 RAE KIA GSW to throat while tunnel clearing in Long Hai's GR476510.

McConnell J. Sgt C1AR 68.04.06 RAAC WIA Tank hit M16 mine at GR526576.

Puckey M.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.08 RAINF WIA GSW to shoulder at GR474531.

Trevarthen D.E. Spr 1FDSQN 68.04.08 RAE BCAS Wasp stings to face. Att. 3RAR.

Nuku R.P. Pte 2RAR 68.04.10 RNZIR WIA M26 booby trap at GR517542.

Brumell F.G. Pte 2RAR 68.04.10 RNZIR WIA Booby trap at GR517542.

Davies P.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.10 RNZIR WIA M26 booby trap at GR517542.

McGregor D.M. Cpl 1FDSQN 68.04.11 RAE WIA# Boby trap at GR487503.

Barrott K. Cfn 17CONST 68.04.12 RAEME WIA Mine at GR507577.

Albert R.A. Cpl A3CAV 68.04.12 RAAC WIA Hit mine at GR512542. Shrap wds.

Hutchins A.J.E. LCpl 2RAR 68.04.12 RAINF WIA# M16 mine at GR507557.

Nicholson K.R. Spr 1FDSQN 68.04.12 RAE KIA Mine clearing at GR507557.

Akers K.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.12 RNZIR WIA M16 mine at GR507557.

Awatere W.R. Pte 2RAR 68.04.12 RNZIR KIA M16 mine at GR507557.

NAME RANK UNIT DOC CORP CAS CIRCUMSTANCES

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Our Sappers Today

Today’s Sappers serving in Afghanistan are carrying out the same critical tasks we did in Vietnam. They’re dealing with mines, booby-traps, demolitions and unexploded bombs as they work in close operational support of their Infantry comrades. We’re filled with pride at the superb job they’re doing, and we thank them for carrying on and enhancing the proud traditions of Sappers in combat roles. Well done Sappers!

Photos - clockwise from top:

Taking a well earned rest on Operation Tura Ghar (Left to right): Sappers Zachary Hurst, Sam Barber, Christopher Mitchell and Garret Mazurek.

Sapper Thomas O'Connor of 6 Section 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron prepares explosives to destroy a weapons cache.

Sapper Trent Goodwin on Operation Tura Ghar in the Baluchi Valley

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OUR SAPPERS TODAY 16

Photos - clockwise from top left:

Sapper Michael Hogan (front), Sapper Thomas O'Connor (middle) and Corporal Nick Barrand (all of 6 Section 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron) search ruins for insurgent weapon and explosive caches, during operations in the Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan.

Explosive Ordnance specialist, Corporal Ryan Ireland (left) and Corporal Jamin Nest, Section Commander, 6 Section, 2Troop 1 Field Squadron (right) prepare a stack of recently discovered insurgent RPG rounds and small arms ammunition for demolition.

Corporal Robert Matheson (left) and Sapper Rowan Coward (right) scan the surrounding countryside while with Combat Team Tusk on patrol in the northern Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan.

Aided by Explosive Detection Dog, “Scuba”, men of 5 section, 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron sweep for mines near Afghanistan’s Highway 1. From left to right, Sapper Garret Mazurek, Corporal Bryan Carr, Sapper Troy Croton, Sapper Zachary Hurst, Sapper Jacob Ruane and Sapper Trent Goodwin.

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Photos - clockwise from top left:

Sapper Michael Hogan (front), Sapper Thomas O'Connor (middle) and Corporal Nick Barrand (all of 6 Section 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron) search ruins for insurgent weapon and explosive caches, during operations in the Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan.

Explosive Ordnance specialist, Corporal Ryan Ireland (left) and Corporal Jamin Nest, Section Commander, 6 Section, 2Troop 1 Field Squadron (right) prepare a stack of recently discovered insurgent RPG rounds and small arms ammunition for demolition.

Corporal Robert Matheson (left) and Sapper Rowan Coward (right) scan the surrounding countryside while with Combat Team Tusk on patrol in the northern Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan.

Aided by Explosive Detection Dog, “Scuba”, men of 5 section, 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron sweep for mines near Afghanistan’s Highway 1. From left to right, Sapper Garret Mazurek, Corporal Bryan Carr, Sapper Troy Croton, Sapper Zachary Hurst, Sapper Jacob Ruane and Sapper Trent Goodwin.

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OUR SAPPERS TODAY

Photos - clockwise from bottom left: Corporal Jamin Nest (front), Sapper Michael Eden (middle) and Sapper Thomas O'Connor (all from 6 Section 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron) uncover an insurgent weapons cache in the Mirabad region of Afghanistan.

Sapper Thomas O'Connor (left) and Sapper Michael Eden of 6 Section, 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron search an Afghan Quala for hidden insurgent weapons caches.

Explosive Ordnance specialists Corporal Thomas Collins (left) and Corporal Ryan Ireland prepare a robot to inspect an Improvised Explosive (IED) uncovered during Operation Zamarai Silawel.

Digging in for the night using shallow scrapes with sandbag surrounds - nothing changes!

18 16

FOR THE SARTORIAL SAPPERHigh quality, pure cotton, chambray shirts with the Tunnel Rats

logo embroidered on the front. Available in long sleeve and short sleeve.

ORDER FORM

If you don’t want to cut into this fantastic newsletter - simply photocopy the order form

Name: Address: Postcode: Phone: Mobile: Email:

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the shirt/s arrive. You then pay the Post Office for the shirts plus postage. POST TO:

VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOC 43 HEYINGTON PLACE

TOORAK VIC 3142

Only $47 for long sleeve and $45 for short sleeve plus postage. But don’t send money! We’ll be sending them to you COD

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

Short Sleeve $45Long Sleeve $47

Our ownTunnel Rat’s

shirts

ARMY COMBAT BADGEMINE INCIDENT

MINE INCIDENT

MINE INCIDENT

OUR SAPPERS TODAY

Photos - clockwise from bottom left: Corporal Jamin Nest (front), Sapper Michael Eden (middle) and Sapper Thomas O'Connor (all from 6 Section 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron) uncover an insurgent weapons cache in the Mirabad region of Afghanistan.

Sapper Thomas O'Connor (left) and Sapper Michael Eden of 6 Section, 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron search an Afghan Quala for hidden insurgent weapons caches.

Explosive Ordnance specialists Corporal Thomas Collins (left) and Corporal Ryan Ireland prepare a robot to inspect an Improvised Explosive (IED) uncovered during Operation Zamarai Silawel.

Digging in for the night using shallow scrapes with sandbag surrounds - nothing changes!

18 16

FOR THE SARTORIAL SAPPERHigh quality, pure cotton, chambray shirts with the Tunnel Rats

logo embroidered on the front. Available in long sleeve and short sleeve.

ORDER FORM

If you don’t want to cut into this fantastic newsletter - simply photocopy the order form

Name: Address: Postcode: Phone: Mobile: Email:

Long Sleeve Shirts – please tick size and enter quantity in brackets:

O sml ( ) O med ( ) O lge ( ) O X-lge ( ) O XX-lge ( ) O XXX-lge ( )

Short Sleeve Shirts – please tick size and enter quantity in brackets:

O sml ( ) O med ( ) O lge ( ) O X-lge ( ) O XX-lge ( ) O XXX-lge ( )

Don’t send any money! Simply fill in the form and post to the address below. The shirt/s will be delivered COD to your local Post Office, who will advise you when

the shirt/s arrive. You then pay the Post Office for the shirts plus postage. POST TO:

VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOC 43 HEYINGTON PLACE

TOORAK VIC 3142

Only $47 for long sleeve and $45 for short sleeve plus postage. But don’t send money! We’ll be sending them to you COD

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

Short Sleeve $45Long Sleeve $47

Our ownTunnel Rat’s

shirts

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

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202 TROOP IN AFGHANISTAN

increased their work tempo in an a large amount of skill to detect attempt to keep warm. them, and utilising detonation

The majority of the work cord the insurgents can link them we did in Afghanistan involved directly to the main charge searching travel routes for without needing a power source. Improvised Explosive Devices This means an IED can be (IEDs). This was achieved by emplaced very quickly, with searching likely points where minimal ground disturbance. insurgents could place IEDs to Thankfully the IEDs can still be target either Coalition Force or detected by the Sappers Afghanistan National Army providing they take their time, (ANA) convoys. Searches and technology is constantly consisted mainly of Sappers on producing new tools in the fight the ground with metal detectors, against the primary weapon of aided by the keen noses of our enemy, the IED.Explosive Detection Dogs Also keeping in line with (EDDs) and their handlers. The our proud heritage is the section of Engineers dismounted d ismounted patro l l ing we from the armoured protection of conduct with our 7RAR brethren. their vehicle and moved forward Sappers accompany our Infantry

2 Troop, 1 Field Squadron to search for the deadly devices. counterparts on all patrols has just returned to Australia As in Vietnam, this has earned conducted in the 'green zone', from a deployment with the the Sappers no end of respect the belts of vegetation that Mentoring and Liaison Task from the other members of the surround the rivers that flow Force (MRTF) in Uruzgan Battlegroup. through Afghanistan's valleys. Province, Afghanistan. Once The job of Sappers is Though certainly not as dense as again 2 Troop were deployed particularly dangerous due to the the jungles of Vietnam, this area supporting the 7th Battalion, evolving IED threat within provides us with many of the Royal Australian Regiment, just Afghanistan. The use of Anti- same challenges. as they had in Vietnam, and we Personnel (AP) Mines as The IED threat has now found many similarities between initiators makes this even more our deployment and that of our difficult. Due to the low metal predecessors in Vietnam. content of these devices it takes

Both our arrival and departure were during the warmer months and we found ourselves working in scorching temperatures, though somewhat less humid than what the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam experienced. However the heat still managed to induce more than enough sweat and steamy nights while deployed in the field. Towards the end of the year we began to experience the cold of a desert winter, a new experience for many of us Darwin based S a p p e r s . A r e c o r d l o w temperature came during a bridging task, with temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees. This “inspired” the Sappers, who

evolved into the green zone with the use of both Victim Operated (VO) and Radio Controlled (RC)

2 Troop 1 Field Squadron in Afghanistan 2008 - 2009By LT A.D. Meany, Troop Commander 2 TP 1 FD SQN MRTF-1 Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan

Engineer Corporal Brayn Carr moves in front of a patrol in southern Afghanistan 2009

Sapper Stewart Law on patrol in Phuoc Tuy Province SouthVietnam in 1966

IEDs becoming a common insurgent practice. These can be from a simple trip wire device initiating mortars, to a RCIED that could best be described as a claymore mine on steroids.

The other important function of dismounted patrolling is the conduct of search for caches. By locating caches of weapons and IED components, 2 Troop has been instrumental in the removal of the insurgent's capability to conduct attacks. Working alongside Australian mentored ANA Engineers, the sappers have located a vast array of weapons that have been confiscated or destroyed to prevent them from being employed against us or our Coalition partners.

As I am certain you would have all experienced in Vietnam, the work for Sappers never ends. On return from an operation there remains any number of tasks to be conducted within the Patrol Bases. Whilst our counterparts rest, the men tirelessly continue on with minor construction tasks to improve the standard of living for all personnel. From a command perspective, it is a fortunate aspect that the Sappers of today are kept busy. This is due to them sharing the same love for mischief as many of you during your deployment in Vietnam!

Overall, the men of 2 Troop have worked hard on their nine-month deployment, which is quite possibly the longest since your own in Vietnam. Like our forefathers, the relationships we have developed with the soldiers from 7 RAR will be eternal and the memories from this operation will remain with us forever. I speak for the entire Troop when I say we are proud to continue the traditions of 1 Field Squadron in Vietnam, and can only hope to be worthy of comparison to the Sappers who came before us. Follow the Sapper!

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Lt Col Ron Grey, CO 7RAR Vietnam 1970 - supported by 2 Tp 1 Fld Sqn

Lt Col Shane Gabriel CO 7RAR Afghanistan 2009 - supportedby 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Lt Col Ron Grey, CO 7RAR Vietnam 1970 - supported by2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Lt Col Shane Gabriel, CO 7RAR Afghanistan 2009 - supported by 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Above: Afghanistan 2009 - Sapper Jacob Gatt detects for mines around a local structure.Below: Vietnam 1967 - Sapper Les Carruthers detects for mines around a local structure while Sapper John Todd keeps watch

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202 TROOP IN AFGHANISTAN

increased their work tempo in an a large amount of skill to detect attempt to keep warm. them, and utilising detonation

The majority of the work cord the insurgents can link them we did in Afghanistan involved directly to the main charge searching travel routes for without needing a power source. Improvised Explosive Devices This means an IED can be (IEDs). This was achieved by emplaced very quickly, with searching likely points where minimal ground disturbance. insurgents could place IEDs to Thankfully the IEDs can still be target either Coalition Force or detected by the Sappers Afghanistan National Army providing they take their time, (ANA) convoys. Searches and technology is constantly consisted mainly of Sappers on producing new tools in the fight the ground with metal detectors, against the primary weapon of aided by the keen noses of our enemy, the IED.Explosive Detection Dogs Also keeping in line with (EDDs) and their handlers. The our proud heritage is the section of Engineers dismounted d ismounted patro l l ing we from the armoured protection of conduct with our 7RAR brethren. their vehicle and moved forward Sappers accompany our Infantry

2 Troop, 1 Field Squadron to search for the deadly devices. counterparts on all patrols has just returned to Australia As in Vietnam, this has earned conducted in the 'green zone', from a deployment with the the Sappers no end of respect the belts of vegetation that Mentoring and Liaison Task from the other members of the surround the rivers that flow Force (MRTF) in Uruzgan Battlegroup. through Afghanistan's valleys. Province, Afghanistan. Once The job of Sappers is Though certainly not as dense as again 2 Troop were deployed particularly dangerous due to the the jungles of Vietnam, this area supporting the 7th Battalion, evolving IED threat within provides us with many of the Royal Australian Regiment, just Afghanistan. The use of Anti- same challenges. as they had in Vietnam, and we Personnel (AP) Mines as The IED threat has now found many similarities between initiators makes this even more our deployment and that of our difficult. Due to the low metal predecessors in Vietnam. content of these devices it takes

Both our arrival and departure were during the warmer months and we found ourselves working in scorching temperatures, though somewhat less humid than what the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam experienced. However the heat still managed to induce more than enough sweat and steamy nights while deployed in the field. Towards the end of the year we began to experience the cold of a desert winter, a new experience for many of us Darwin based S a p p e r s . A r e c o r d l o w temperature came during a bridging task, with temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees. This “inspired” the Sappers, who

evolved into the green zone with the use of both Victim Operated (VO) and Radio Controlled (RC)

2 Troop 1 Field Squadron in Afghanistan 2008 - 2009By LT A.D. Meany, Troop Commander 2 TP 1 FD SQN MRTF-1 Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan

Engineer Corporal Brayn Carr moves in front of a patrol in southern Afghanistan 2009

Sapper Stewart Law on patrol in Phuoc Tuy Province SouthVietnam in 1966

IEDs becoming a common insurgent practice. These can be from a simple trip wire device initiating mortars, to a RCIED that could best be described as a claymore mine on steroids.

The other important function of dismounted patrolling is the conduct of search for caches. By locating caches of weapons and IED components, 2 Troop has been instrumental in the removal of the insurgent's capability to conduct attacks. Working alongside Australian mentored ANA Engineers, the sappers have located a vast array of weapons that have been confiscated or destroyed to prevent them from being employed against us or our Coalition partners.

As I am certain you would have all experienced in Vietnam, the work for Sappers never ends. On return from an operation there remains any number of tasks to be conducted within the Patrol Bases. Whilst our counterparts rest, the men tirelessly continue on with minor construction tasks to improve the standard of living for all personnel. From a command perspective, it is a fortunate aspect that the Sappers of today are kept busy. This is due to them sharing the same love for mischief as many of you during your deployment in Vietnam!

Overall, the men of 2 Troop have worked hard on their nine-month deployment, which is quite possibly the longest since your own in Vietnam. Like our forefathers, the relationships we have developed with the soldiers from 7 RAR will be eternal and the memories from this operation will remain with us forever. I speak for the entire Troop when I say we are proud to continue the traditions of 1 Field Squadron in Vietnam, and can only hope to be worthy of comparison to the Sappers who came before us. Follow the Sapper!

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Lt Col Ron Grey, CO 7RAR Vietnam 1970 - supported by 2 Tp 1 Fld Sqn

Lt Col Shane Gabriel CO 7RAR Afghanistan 2009 - supportedby 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Lt Col Ron Grey, CO 7RAR Vietnam 1970 - supported by2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Lt Col Shane Gabriel, CO 7RAR Afghanistan 2009 - supported by 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Above: Afghanistan 2009 - Sapper Jacob Gatt detects for mines around a local structure.Below: Vietnam 1967 - Sapper Les Carruthers detects for mines around a local structure while Sapper John Todd keeps watch

2 TROOP IN AFGHANISTAN

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Sapper Snippets

On 11th January 1966 Corporal Bob Bowtell of 3 Field Troop became the RAE’s first battle casualty in Vietnam when he died of asphyxiation while searching the Cu Chi tunnels.

Some 43 years later, on the 4th of may this year, Bob Bowtell’s grandson Chris graduated from his Combat Engineering IET course at the School of Military Engineering.

For over 12 months now the Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association has been locating next of kin of our men killed in action in Vietnam, in order to present those NOK with the coveted Army Combat Badge of their relaive KIA in Vietnam.

This opportunity was taken at SME to have Bob Bowtell’s ACB presented to his proud grandson, Sapper Chris Bowtell. The badge was presented to Sapper Bowtell by Lt Col Mark Coyle, CO/CI of SME. The ceremony was witnessed by nine Bowtell family members and also Col ‘Sandy’ McGregor (rtd), who was Bob Bowtell’s OC during 3 Fd Tp’s deployment to Vietnam.

Spr Bowtell said he was honoured to be a combat engineer. “I was always going to join the Army but it was discovering my grandfather’s links with the RAE Corps that inspired me to become a sapper,” he said.

Four decades on, another Bowtell passes through SME

TOP PHOTO: The posthumous Army Combat Badge of Cpl Bob Bowtell is

presented to Bob’s grandson, Sapper Chris Bowtell (right) by Lt Col

Mark Coyle, CO/CI of SME.

MIDDLE PHOTO: Sapper Cris Bowtell and Col Sandy MacGregor with Bowtell family members after

the presentation

BOTTOM PHOTO: The IET Course graduates with their trainers behind

them on board Landing Craft “Bowtell” at SME

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Has age been kinder and gentler on our Officers compared to us well-rounded Sappers? You be the judge. The historic photo (bottom) of 1 Field Squadron Officers in their mess at Nui Dat, Vietnam in 1969 was published in “Holdfast” issue 13. This inspired our former leaders to get together for a Reunion Dinner (top) on 6th of June at Buderim, South Queensland.

Top Photo: (left to right): Peter Knight, Jim Burrough, Noel Cooper, Adrian Black, Doug George, Phil Cooper (back), Rex Rowe (front), Bob Fisher, John Power and Alan Townson.

Bottom photo: (left to right): Maj Rex Rowe (OC 1 Fld Sqn), Lt Phil Cooper, Capt Janis (John) Atrens, Capt Peter Knight, Capt Adrian Black. Second row, L to R: Lt John Hopman, Capt Bruce Reid, Lt Doug George, Capt Bill Hadley, Capt John Power (RAEME), and Capt John Moller.

1 Field Squadronleaders reuniteafter 40 years

Sapper still going bush!Jim Kelton (right) served as a Tunnel Rat with 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron in 1971. As Tunnel Rats we enjoyed the rare privilege of accompanying our Infantry comrades on extended operations out bush. Though we moaned and whinged about all the “bush time”, it was this experience that bound us so closely with the Infantry, and it was those operations which gave us such unique experiences and memories of our tour. It seems Jim still can’t get enough “bush time” and is seen here checking the boundaries of his 2500 acre Kosciuszko property.

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Sapper Snippets

On 11th January 1966 Corporal Bob Bowtell of 3 Field Troop became the RAE’s first battle casualty in Vietnam when he died of asphyxiation while searching the Cu Chi tunnels.

Some 43 years later, on the 4th of may this year, Bob Bowtell’s grandson Chris graduated from his Combat Engineering IET course at the School of Military Engineering.

For over 12 months now the Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association has been locating next of kin of our men killed in action in Vietnam, in order to present those NOK with the coveted Army Combat Badge of their relaive KIA in Vietnam.

This opportunity was taken at SME to have Bob Bowtell’s ACB presented to his proud grandson, Sapper Chris Bowtell. The badge was presented to Sapper Bowtell by Lt Col Mark Coyle, CO/CI of SME. The ceremony was witnessed by nine Bowtell family members and also Col ‘Sandy’ McGregor (rtd), who was Bob Bowtell’s OC during 3 Fd Tp’s deployment to Vietnam.

Spr Bowtell said he was honoured to be a combat engineer. “I was always going to join the Army but it was discovering my grandfather’s links with the RAE Corps that inspired me to become a sapper,” he said.

Four decades on, another Bowtell passes through SME

TOP PHOTO: The posthumous Army Combat Badge of Cpl Bob Bowtell is

presented to Bob’s grandson, Sapper Chris Bowtell (right) by Lt Col

Mark Coyle, CO/CI of SME.

MIDDLE PHOTO: Sapper Cris Bowtell and Col Sandy MacGregor with Bowtell family members after

the presentation

BOTTOM PHOTO: The IET Course graduates with their trainers behind

them on board Landing Craft “Bowtell” at SME

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23 SAPPER SNIPPETS

Has age been kinder and gentler on our Officers compared to us well-rounded Sappers? You be the judge. The historic photo (bottom) of 1 Field Squadron Officers in their mess at Nui Dat, Vietnam in 1969 was published in “Holdfast” issue 13. This inspired our former leaders to get together for a Reunion Dinner (top) on 6th of June at Buderim, South Queensland.

Top Photo: (left to right): Peter Knight, Jim Burrough, Noel Cooper, Adrian Black, Doug George, Phil Cooper (back), Rex Rowe (front), Bob Fisher, John Power and Alan Townson.

Bottom photo: (left to right): Maj Rex Rowe (OC 1 Fld Sqn), Lt Phil Cooper, Capt Janis (John) Atrens, Capt Peter Knight, Capt Adrian Black. Second row, L to R: Lt John Hopman, Capt Bruce Reid, Lt Doug George, Capt Bill Hadley, Capt John Power (RAEME), and Capt John Moller.

1 Field Squadronleaders reuniteafter 40 years

Sapper still going bush!Jim Kelton (right) served as a Tunnel Rat with 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron in 1971. As Tunnel Rats we enjoyed the rare privilege of accompanying our Infantry comrades on extended operations out bush. Though we moaned and whinged about all the “bush time”, it was this experience that bound us so closely with the Infantry, and it was those operations which gave us such unique experiences and memories of our tour. It seems Jim still can’t get enough “bush time” and is seen here checking the boundaries of his 2500 acre Kosciuszko property.

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Our reunion in Hobart was an exceptional success, wi th the magic Sapper comradeship kicking in from the moment we got together on day one. A major highlight was t h e r e membrance ceremony we held for our fallen comrades at Hobart’s stunning seaside cenotaph.

After forming up we were marched up the hill (top photo) under the command of Bevan Percival (2 Tp 69/70) former RSM of SME, seen on the grass above. He surprised us all with his gutsy “Eerp,

Right !” Even slack Sappers in their sixties felt compelled to quickly fall into step. Well done Sir.

John Kemp (OC 1 Field Squadron Vietnam 1968) gave the address(middle photo), and in a very moving way, reminded us of the terrible price our mates paid, and how fortunate we were to be there in Hobart to remember them.

Jethro Thompson (1 Tp 1967) recorded the event on video (bottom photo) by deftly removing his hook and snapping his handi-cam on in its place. Sapper ingenuity!

Eerp, Eerp, Eerp

Hobart Reunion - Remembering our mates

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We now have our own website

www.tunnelrats.com.au

The Association now has its own website and it is already so highly thought of that the Australian War Memorial has taken a decision to preserve the site in their archives, and to provide public access to the site via their “Pandora” archive (see the letter of confirmation from the AWM below).

Our site is filled with information and history and will be constantly updated, particularly the Photo Gallery area. We welcome the submission of photos to include in the galleries. Key people in the photos should be identified along with their Troop, and wherever possible the unit being supported, the date and the Operation. This way we’ll build up on the site a valuable, and informative collection of photographs of the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam.

On the site you can also join the Association and buy our unique Tunnel Rat items.

The site not only gives us greater access and information, but also spreads the good word amongst serving Sappers and the general public.

The site honours our fallen comrades and pays special tribute to our Military Medal winners.

Each issue of the newsletter is on the site and each new issue will be added. This means you can share the newsletter with friends and family without handing over your printed copy - just send them a link to the website.

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Our reunion in Hobart was an exceptional success, wi th the magic Sapper comradeship kicking in from the moment we got together on day one. A major highlight was t he r emembrance ceremony we held for our fallen comrades at Hobart’s stunning seaside cenotaph.

After forming up we were marched up the hill (top photo) under the command of Bevan Percival (2 Tp 69/70) former RSM of SME, seen on the grass above. He surprised us all with his gutsy “Eerp,

Right !” Even slack Sappers in their sixties felt compelled to quickly fall into step. Well done Sir.

John Kemp (OC 1 Field Squadron Vietnam 1968) gave the address(middle photo), and in a very moving way, reminded us of the terrible price our mates paid, and how fortunate we were to be there in Hobart to remember them.

Jethro Thompson (1 Tp 1967) recorded the event on video (bottom photo) by deftly removing his hook and snapping his handi-cam on in its place. Sapper ingenuity!

Eerp, Eerp, Eerp

Hobart Reunion - Remembering our mates

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We now have our own website

www.tunnelrats.com.au

The Association now has its own website and it is already so highly thought of that the Australian War Memorial has taken a decision to preserve the site in their archives, and to provide public access to the site via their “Pandora” archive (see the letter of confirmation from the AWM below).

Our site is filled with information and history and will be constantly updated, particularly the Photo Gallery area. We welcome the submission of photos to include in the galleries. Key people in the photos should be identified along with their Troop, and wherever possible the unit being supported, the date and the Operation. This way we’ll build up on the site a valuable, and informative collection of photographs of the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam.

On the site you can also join the Association and buy our unique Tunnel Rat items.

The site not only gives us greater access and information, but also spreads the good word amongst serving Sappers and the general public.

The site honours our fallen comrades and pays special tribute to our Military Medal winners.

Each issue of the newsletter is on the site and each new issue will be added. This means you can share the newsletter with friends and family without handing over your printed copy - just send them a link to the website.

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26

Twenty-five years after the Allied landing at Normandy on 6 June 1944, another military force also crossed a start line and advanced into history at the small rubber plantation village of Binh Ba in South Vietnam.

The peaceful morning air of Phuoc Tuy Province in South Vietnam was shattered at 7.20 am by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) striking the turret of an Australian Centurion tank as it entered the village of Binh Ba, some six kilometres north of the Australian base at Nui Dat. Forty-eight hours later, the vicious Battle of Binh Ba concluded leaving one Australian dead and 10 wounded, but at least 107 enemy killed, six wounded and 29 detained for further investigation. This battle on 6 June 1969 was an undeniable success for the Australians and ranks as one of the major military victories of that force during the Vietnam War.

The question has often been asked, 'Was this an ambush or an accident?' Was the RPG fired by a nervous young local Viet Cong (VC) guerilla or a trigger-happy North Vietnamese Regular, or was this a deliberate attempt by 1st Battalion of 33rd North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment to entice the former French rubber plantation village of Binh two Australian armoured vehicles into a trap which Ba. There is no doubt that it felt threatened by the would draw resources away from the 6th Battalion hammer and anvil effect of 6 RAR pushing south Royal Australian Regimental (6 RAR) Group which towards the defended Nui Dat base.was exerting pressure on the enemy from further The RPG which hit the replacement tank -- north? This article tells the story of that modern D- being accompanied to 6 RAR by an armoured Day battle and leaves the reader to make a recovery vehicle (ARV) -- seriously wounded the decision. loader/operator and prevented the turret from

The 6th Battalion had not long been in traversing. The crew commander opened fire with a country and was still undergoing its warm-up or .30 calibre machine gun and was supported by the nursery operation which had commenced towards fire from two similar weapons on the ARV. The tank the end of May in an area some 17 km north of Nui continued north to a nearby friendly village post Dat. Their supposedly rather benign patrolling whilst the recovery vehicle withdrew south to Nui southwards had, however, inadvertently begun to Dat.encroach upon the cross-country movement of an The tank's arrival alerted the Vietnamese Regional NVA battalion which was temporarily laying up in Force (RF) Company who prepared to react

D-Day 25 Years On -- The Battle of Binh Ba

Scene from the Bruny Island tour

By Colonel Arthur Burke

The 40th Anniversary of this battle was recently commemorated in Canberra. Sappers from the Field Troops of 1 Field Squadron were intimately involved in the Battle. They were attached to the tanks and APC's as Mini-Teams, and to the Infantry as Splinter Teams. The Sappers swept through the village with their Armoured and Infantry comrades, clearing houses, tunnels and bunkers for mines and booby traps as they went. They were then tasked with clearing and destroying the vast amounts of captured enemy weapons and ammunition. Editor - Holdfast

Centurion tanks and APCs with their Engineer Mini-Teams on board move along the main road of the village past Plantation Gallia

Colonel Colin Kahn, charismatic CO of 5RAR took command of the battle, bringing maximum destruction upon the enemy, while taking great care to ensure the safety of civilian elements

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27 BATTLE OF BINH BA

against an enemy of (at that time) unknown strength. In parallel, the tank's contact report sent by radio to the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) base and a request for assistance from the Vietnamese District Chief resulted in the task force's ready reaction force -- based on D Company 5 RAR -- being mobilised at about 9 am.

Paul Stevens, a young lieutenant artillery forward observer from 105th Field Battery was attached to D Company at that time. He recalls, 'We were ordered to move to Binh Ba, join up with a tank troop, liaise with the [Vietnamese] Sector Commander, and, when given the go ahead, push the VC out of the village.' The group deployed in armoured personnel carriers (APCs) as reports from the RF company then being engaged by heavy fire in the north escalated the original estimates of an irregular enemy force of a couple of platoons. On arrival at Binh Ba, Stevens saw Vietnamese villagers being evacuated -- an obvious prelude to approval being given for the Australians' assault -- and mused that this could be a possible escape route for some Viet Cong.

At 11.20 am, the waiting force in the east came under heavy RPG fire and the District Chief immediately told D Company commander, Major Murray Blake to 'do what you have to do'. The import of this decision was not underrated because the inevitable collateral damage -- especially from the tanks' 83.4 mm main armament -- to homes in the village would be substantial. The reaction force advanced, 2nd Lieutenant Brian Sullivan's composite four tank-troop leading and Captain Ray De Vere's APCs ferrying D Company followed.

Some 600 m south of the village a machine gun fired near a flanking tank. In reply, four shotgun-type 83.4 mm cannister and 1000 tank machine gun rounds silenced this opposition. The tanks halted about 300 m away from the nearest houses and the infantry dismounted and spread out between the APCs. Desultory enemy RPG fire aimed at the tanks began, but the RPG gunners were shooting beyond effective range. The tanks returned fire, but an RPG then fired from the next house. It was not rear. Up above, a light fire support team of RAAF until the tank commanders began noting the house Bushrangers (two Iroquois helicopters equipped from which fire emanated, pausing, then firing at the with mini-guns, machine guns and rockets) next house that RPG fire decreased. engaged enemy who tried to escape from the

The village of Binh Ba was about 200 m north village.to south and 500 m east to west. It was constructed The next two hours were a mixture of cameo in a grid divided by four roads/tracks running east to memories for all concerned. Tank troop west. The buildings were constructed of concrete commander Brian Sullivan vividly describes two walls, tiled roofs and contained wooden doors and tank rounds hitting a house simultaneously with shuttered windows. De Vere ordered elements of such force from their explosion that the roof lifted, his force to each block of houses, one tank with the walls crumbled and it was possible to see APCs in support leading every group. A mopping-up clearly through the intervening space before the force of APCs carrying infantrymen brought up the roof crashed down to ground level. Sullivan soon

Scene from the Bruny Island tour

Attached to 5RAR, Sappers Mick Weston and Colin “Noddy” Norris (2 Troop 1 Fld Sqn) rest at Binh Ba on the morning of the second day .

Also attached to 5RAR for the battle, Sapper Ted Podlich (left) is seen here earlier in the year with Sapper Terry O’Donnell - enjoying a local beer.

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26

Twenty-five years after the Allied landing at Normandy on 6 June 1944, another military force also crossed a start line and advanced into history at the small rubber plantation village of Binh Ba in South Vietnam.

The peaceful morning air of Phuoc Tuy Province in South Vietnam was shattered at 7.20 am by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) striking the turret of an Australian Centurion tank as it entered the village of Binh Ba, some six kilometres north of the Australian base at Nui Dat. Forty-eight hours later, the vicious Battle of Binh Ba concluded leaving one Australian dead and 10 wounded, but at least 107 enemy killed, six wounded and 29 detained for further investigation. This battle on 6 June 1969 was an undeniable success for the Australians and ranks as one of the major military victories of that force during the Vietnam War.

The question has often been asked, 'Was this an ambush or an accident?' Was the RPG fired by a nervous young local Viet Cong (VC) guerilla or a trigger-happy North Vietnamese Regular, or was this a deliberate attempt by 1st Battalion of 33rd North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment to entice the former French rubber plantation village of Binh two Australian armoured vehicles into a trap which Ba. There is no doubt that it felt threatened by the would draw resources away from the 6th Battalion hammer and anvil effect of 6 RAR pushing south Royal Australian Regimental (6 RAR) Group which towards the defended Nui Dat base.was exerting pressure on the enemy from further The RPG which hit the replacement tank -- north? This article tells the story of that modern D- being accompanied to 6 RAR by an armoured Day battle and leaves the reader to make a recovery vehicle (ARV) -- seriously wounded the decision. loader/operator and prevented the turret from

The 6th Battalion had not long been in traversing. The crew commander opened fire with a country and was still undergoing its warm-up or .30 calibre machine gun and was supported by the nursery operation which had commenced towards fire from two similar weapons on the ARV. The tank the end of May in an area some 17 km north of Nui continued north to a nearby friendly village post Dat. Their supposedly rather benign patrolling whilst the recovery vehicle withdrew south to Nui southwards had, however, inadvertently begun to Dat.encroach upon the cross-country movement of an The tank's arrival alerted the Vietnamese Regional NVA battalion which was temporarily laying up in Force (RF) Company who prepared to react

D-Day 25 Years On -- The Battle of Binh Ba

Scene from the Bruny Island tour

By Colonel Arthur Burke

The 40th Anniversary of this battle was recently commemorated in Canberra. Sappers from the Field Troops of 1 Field Squadron were intimately involved in the Battle. They were attached to the tanks and APC's as Mini-Teams, and to the Infantry as Splinter Teams. The Sappers swept through the village with their Armoured and Infantry comrades, clearing houses, tunnels and bunkers for mines and booby traps as they went. They were then tasked with clearing and destroying the vast amounts of captured enemy weapons and ammunition. Editor - Holdfast

Centurion tanks and APCs with their Engineer Mini-Teams on board move along the main road of the village past Plantation Gallia

Colonel Colin Kahn, charismatic CO of 5RAR took command of the battle, bringing maximum destruction upon the enemy, while taking great care to ensure the safety of civilian elements

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27 BATTLE OF BINH BA

against an enemy of (at that time) unknown strength. In parallel, the tank's contact report sent by radio to the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) base and a request for assistance from the Vietnamese District Chief resulted in the task force's ready reaction force -- based on D Company 5 RAR -- being mobilised at about 9 am.

Paul Stevens, a young lieutenant artillery forward observer from 105th Field Battery was attached to D Company at that time. He recalls, 'We were ordered to move to Binh Ba, join up with a tank troop, liaise with the [Vietnamese] Sector Commander, and, when given the go ahead, push the VC out of the village.' The group deployed in armoured personnel carriers (APCs) as reports from the RF company then being engaged by heavy fire in the north escalated the original estimates of an irregular enemy force of a couple of platoons. On arrival at Binh Ba, Stevens saw Vietnamese villagers being evacuated -- an obvious prelude to approval being given for the Australians' assault -- and mused that this could be a possible escape route for some Viet Cong.

At 11.20 am, the waiting force in the east came under heavy RPG fire and the District Chief immediately told D Company commander, Major Murray Blake to 'do what you have to do'. The import of this decision was not underrated because the inevitable collateral damage -- especially from the tanks' 83.4 mm main armament -- to homes in the village would be substantial. The reaction force advanced, 2nd Lieutenant Brian Sullivan's composite four tank-troop leading and Captain Ray De Vere's APCs ferrying D Company followed.

Some 600 m south of the village a machine gun fired near a flanking tank. In reply, four shotgun-type 83.4 mm cannister and 1000 tank machine gun rounds silenced this opposition. The tanks halted about 300 m away from the nearest houses and the infantry dismounted and spread out between the APCs. Desultory enemy RPG fire aimed at the tanks began, but the RPG gunners were shooting beyond effective range. The tanks returned fire, but an RPG then fired from the next house. It was not rear. Up above, a light fire support team of RAAF until the tank commanders began noting the house Bushrangers (two Iroquois helicopters equipped from which fire emanated, pausing, then firing at the with mini-guns, machine guns and rockets) next house that RPG fire decreased. engaged enemy who tried to escape from the

The village of Binh Ba was about 200 m north village.to south and 500 m east to west. It was constructed The next two hours were a mixture of cameo in a grid divided by four roads/tracks running east to memories for all concerned. Tank troop west. The buildings were constructed of concrete commander Brian Sullivan vividly describes two walls, tiled roofs and contained wooden doors and tank rounds hitting a house simultaneously with shuttered windows. De Vere ordered elements of such force from their explosion that the roof lifted, his force to each block of houses, one tank with the walls crumbled and it was possible to see APCs in support leading every group. A mopping-up clearly through the intervening space before the force of APCs carrying infantrymen brought up the roof crashed down to ground level. Sullivan soon

Scene from the Bruny Island tour

Attached to 5RAR, Sappers Mick Weston and Colin “Noddy” Norris (2 Troop 1 Fld Sqn) rest at Binh Ba on the morning of the second day .

Also attached to 5RAR for the battle, Sapper Ted Podlich (left) is seen here earlier in the year with Sapper Terry O’Donnell - enjoying a local beer.

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28BATTLE OF BINH BA

a platoon commander who had been wounded when he came face to face with a VC on entering a house. The officer had then survived a grenade blast before dispatching the enemy with a shot from his rifle.

The courage and leadership of junior ranks was superb. Of the 21 rifle sections involved, twelve were commanded by private soldiers. Two platoons were led by sergeants and one by a corporal. By last light, the assault force had completed this second sweep and were exhausted. Major Rein Harring's B Company 5 RAR had moved into a blocking position south of the village during the day and the battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Khan had been in a forward tactical headquarters at a village just to the north of Binh Ba since noon.

Attention now focussed on the gun end of realised that if tank gun rounds were directed at the 105th Field Battery in Nui Dat which began wooden doors of houses, the 20-pound rounds receiving incoming rockets at about 7.30 pm. Gun exploded inside, blowing out the shutters but Position Officer, Lieutenant Arthur Burke recorded containing most of the shrapnel within the building the nearest landing some 60 m from one field gun and reducing overall external destruction. This and another 100 m from the ammunition dump. The method dealt very effectively with enemy inside a mortar locating radars obtained a fix on the enemy's house. firing point and the gunners manned their guns in

The resistance was far stiffer than could retaliation. The enemy ceased firing but as the have been possible for two platoons of VC and the battery began to clean up after an hour's firing, B determination to engage tanks reflected a strong Company 5 RAR reported a contact and the guns NVA component. A United States' Air Force Forward opened up in support. That evening a huge Air Controller ('Jade 5') offered his services but De harassing and interdiction target list was handed Vere declined and himself directed helicopter down to the 105th which kept the gunners busy all gunships' rocket fire to effect upon a group of night.troublesome houses. At 6 am next morning, 7 June, B Company to

A significant number of enemy escaping the south of Binh Ba engaged an enemy force of south-west were reported from a Sioux helicopter company strength after first mistaking them for flown by 2nd Lieutenant Peter Rogers and carrying friendly Vietnamese soldiers—at first both sides 5 RAR's intelligence officer, Captain Mike Battle. waved to each other! As D Company now prepared Tank commander 2nd Lieutenant Dave Ritchie saw to sweep through Binh Ba village in a final clean-up, an opportunity and with another tank gave chase. some 80 enemy were observed in a rubber factory The second tank sustained heavy RPG fire and was at Duc Trung, 1000 m north. A Vietnamese reaction disabled. Its wounded crew had to be evacuated force assisted by elements of 5 RAR were tasked and the vehicle temporarily abandoned. but the enemy slipped out of the noose.

By 1.30 pm, crewman on three of the four D Company began its sweep from the west. tanks had been wounded, tank ammunition had The gruelling tasks of bringing out the dead and been expended and relief by Sergeant Jock searching them for documents, accepting the Browning's troop was welcomed. Major Blake's surrender of wounded enemy, relieving hiding infantry force dismounted, reformed on the western civilians, and stockpiling captured weapons and end of the village and at 2 pm swept through again ammunition made for a slow and distasteful using similar tactics to the morning's. It was now process. obvious that each house had a bunker below in The macabre scene of the day was the which enemy had escaped detection during the enemy dead in the village square, laid out under the initial sweep. After each tank/APC had fired into a District Chief's orders for a salutary warning to building, the infantry entered and hand-to-hand villagers not to harbour the enemy. One bright spot fighting increased in tempo. in this day were papers which identified the enemy

Paul Stevens found himself without any as a battalion of NVA regulars who had been trying artillery tasks because of the close fighting and to sneak across Phuoc Tuy Province to a sanctuary describes how the command vehicle had collected northeast. D Company was not surprised that they

Sapper Dave Sturmer (1 Tp 1 Fld Sqn) was attached to APCs for the battle. Six weeks later, on July 21st 1969 he was injured in a mine incident involving 26 casualties in the Long Green. He was injured again in an APC mine incident on December 8th and evacuated home

had e n re u r , u we e e y r lie d t e b e g la s b t r v r e ve a th o tco f the b tt .u me o a le

Ab u 1 p h a in r ke o t a oundo t m, e vy fir g b o u r Du u g v lla e t e n r n h r iec Tr n i g o th o th a d t e Dist ict Ch f r port d th t th p to n h d b e ve r n be e a e RF la o a e n o r u y a o t 1 0 ne tille y f e s b o g t d wn b u 0 e my. Ar r ir wa r u h oa o g t e with r w g n my n h n r h r m n st h d a in e e o t e o t e ne g o h h m t ilst e p e g n ip d e f t e a le wh h lico t r u sh sa iste c n in g h m till B mp ny ss d in o ta in t e Co a 5 RARwit u a ks a riv d wit in 2 in t s. Th h fo r t n r e h 0 m u e eso t e n pa t o D c Tr n s th n se u e , u u h r r f u u g wa e c r d b tth n my as so nte m g d wit e c n e e e w i r in le h th ivilia s inth o th th t i s g e d RF tr o s h u e n r a t wa a r e o p s o ldco d c he we p f a r a t le y n n u t t s e o th t a e . Ar il r a dBu r n e s n u d to a a t e h ra in sh a g r co tin e h r ss h wit d w ge e y t u Bu k a e g n en f 0 t n m . Ar h r r e t th u d o 1 5 hBa e y w o , W ' e e mo e o n s in h la tt r r te ' e v fir d r r u d t e st4 h u s th n h fir 2 d ys o la m n - 2 0 8 o r a t e st 0 a f st o th - 0 0r u d B Co pan b c d o t we o Du o n s'. m y lo ke n r h st f cTr n th t n hu g a ig t.

Co p n co le d its a a c o Bin D m a y mp te cle r n e f hBa a . 5 p a d we t in o a n h lo kin t 5 1 m n n t ig t b c gp sit n i he r b e e so t -w st f th o io n t u b r to th u h e o ev lla e De p e p cta io s o a NVA r tu n th i g . s ite x e t n f n e r , en h s m r ifu e ce u a l Ste e s ig t wa e c lly p a f l. P u v nd s ib d it a elic u oo n th la e f e cr e s 'd io sly c l, a d e n s o[ u be ] tr e e ch d a f r a t e e u e . r b r e s str t e s a s h ye co ld s eFr m t e o t e ve th villa e lo k d p a f l.'o h u sid , e n e g o e e ce uTh a tle o h r b t milita y a , e B t f Bin Ba o y i s r n meO e a n HAM R o clu e a 8 m n 8 n p r tio ME c n d d t a o Ju ea te fin l ee f e villa e ou te , f r a a sw p o th g . An h r la rAu tr lia ivil fa s p r on e r ive o g id s a n C Af ir e s n l a r d t u ea d a sist th e e le e t f th illa er . Ta k n s e r s tt m n o e v g s sFo ce mm n e Brig d r n y Pe r on n r Co a d r a ie Sa d a s a dL u e a t o ne lin Kh n sp k h th ie t n n C lo l Co a o e wit ew a y b t r u tr o s p io o th ir e r o b s .e r u p o d o p r r t e r tu n t a eTh wo d f a r se ta io at e y l str lia e r s o p e n t n th Ro a Au a nI fa ry Co p Co fe e e in 19 1 a tly n nt r s n r nc 8 ps m ris h p ra io . u ma e t is o e t n

h co t ct a h Ba s char c r ed y T e n a t Bin wa a te is bu a d h n ig tin of a in n ity r r ly vicio s h n to a d f h g n te s a e

qualle u in o r p r d t a . T e clo e d d r g u e io in Vie n m h sep o t o th t nk a i a a win in n r su p r f e a s w s v t l in llo g fa t y to

n r a d a o s s. En a e e ts w r t e te n cle r h u e g g m n e e ase qu r e s r q ir g ig vo me, o t r n e clo a t r e u in h h lu sh r - a g

e Bin Ba s a g ifice t xa p o clo e fir … h wa ma n n e m le f so e a n e ee in n ry a d n s g in t a co p r tio b tw n fa t n ta k a a s

e r in d u - n my.d te m e , d g in e en th v c u b tt , r e n my r eI is i io s a le a la g e e fo c

s d fe te by r p e ct n s c u a e a dwa e a d a id r a io , kill, o r g n e o r h B t f Bin w ll e it d infir p we . T e a tle o h Ba is e cr d e e 5 RAR o k Th e r f th ig r a 'on fth b o , e Y a o e T e s s e o e a r milita y vic r s o heAu tr lia F r inth m jo r to ie f t s a n o ce

t a '. H we e wh t e it s r g re s nVie n m o v r, e h r wa t ig e d a a m u h o y a cid n e a s a mys ra b s r b c e t r m in te y.

Col ne rt r urke a kee l t r s o i n i c e t y t o l A hu B , n mi i a y hi t r a s urr n l heCol ne C mman nt of t R ya R gi nt of A a i o l o da he o l e me ustr l anA i l y n Q ee a . Th s art cl mal mat s t rt l er i u nsl nd i i e a ga e heb bl o hy i h s a Maj r eral a S e ns i i grap w t hi nd o Gen P ul t ve 'p na di r e rom 19 9 w en h e l w ba t s erso l a i s f 6 h t ey were f l o su l erni 05 h F el a t r A n V etna . t ou d be n e h n 1 t i d B t e y R A i i m I sh l ot d t at,w i st ot spe fi l y f r i h B , t nc ud ng h r acti s at h l n ci ca l o B n a bu i l i t ei ont at me, h o l ng re v aw rds: i t na Col ne h ti t e f l owi cei ed a L eu e nt o lC l n K an st n ui ed ervi O r Ma or r o i h —Di i g sh S ce rde , j Mu rayB a an C t i R D V an 2n Li ut na t ri l ke d ap a n ay e ere d d e e n B anSul l iv n—Mil r Cr ss d L t na t ra i ta y o , 2n ieu e nt Pe e R ge D s i gu sh F yi g Cr ss S r ea t ri o rs— i t n i ed l n o , e g n B anLo do D sti ui he o uct da , a d C r oral eter n n— i ng s d C nd Me l n o p PS rud i k—Mi i Med .t w c l tary alT au h s i de t P l t ven Ray e re a he t or i n bted o au S e s, D Ve ndB u a o i on ruc i di o ial co t r ce C meron f r the r c st t ve e t r mmen s ondraft o his i es f t art cl .

B l , a M. E , T e the T g 5 h att i n Th att e C pt R. d he Y ar of i ers, t B al o eR yal A st i n e i e t yd y 97o u ral a R g m n , S ne , 1 0.

'He r —The le i n O ri t age Ba t t a t B h Ba— pe a t ion H MME — ou h etna ne 69 , Ir nside ThA R S t Vi m 6-8 Ju 19 ' ' o s— e Mag n f h al us r l a r ured o p , atazi e o t e Roy A t a i n A mo C r s' Comb A ms, N 2 83 P oe x Defen u i ati s, a erra,r o. 19 , h ni ce P bl c on C nb pp 3– . 10

29

During and after the battle Sappers were tasked with clearing the houses and the tunnels beneath them of UXBs and enemy weapons

The French plantation manager’s residence within the rubber plantation, with his personal airstrip behind the house

BATTLE OF BINH BA

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

28BATTLE OF BINH BA

a platoon commander who had been wounded when he came face to face with a VC on entering a house. The officer had then survived a grenade blast before dispatching the enemy with a shot from his rifle.

The courage and leadership of junior ranks was superb. Of the 21 rifle sections involved, twelve were commanded by private soldiers. Two platoons were led by sergeants and one by a corporal. By last light, the assault force had completed this second sweep and were exhausted. Major Rein Harring's B Company 5 RAR had moved into a blocking position south of the village during the day and the battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Khan had been in a forward tactical headquarters at a village just to the north of Binh Ba since noon.

Attention now focussed on the gun end of realised that if tank gun rounds were directed at the 105th Field Battery in Nui Dat which began wooden doors of houses, the 20-pound rounds receiving incoming rockets at about 7.30 pm. Gun exploded inside, blowing out the shutters but Position Officer, Lieutenant Arthur Burke recorded containing most of the shrapnel within the building the nearest landing some 60 m from one field gun and reducing overall external destruction. This and another 100 m from the ammunition dump. The method dealt very effectively with enemy inside a mortar locating radars obtained a fix on the enemy's house. firing point and the gunners manned their guns in

The resistance was far stiffer than could retaliation. The enemy ceased firing but as the have been possible for two platoons of VC and the battery began to clean up after an hour's firing, B determination to engage tanks reflected a strong Company 5 RAR reported a contact and the guns NVA component. A United States' Air Force Forward opened up in support. That evening a huge Air Controller ('Jade 5') offered his services but De harassing and interdiction target list was handed Vere declined and himself directed helicopter down to the 105th which kept the gunners busy all gunships' rocket fire to effect upon a group of night.troublesome houses. At 6 am next morning, 7 June, B Company to

A significant number of enemy escaping the south of Binh Ba engaged an enemy force of south-west were reported from a Sioux helicopter company strength after first mistaking them for flown by 2nd Lieutenant Peter Rogers and carrying friendly Vietnamese soldiers—at first both sides 5 RAR's intelligence officer, Captain Mike Battle. waved to each other! As D Company now prepared Tank commander 2nd Lieutenant Dave Ritchie saw to sweep through Binh Ba village in a final clean-up, an opportunity and with another tank gave chase. some 80 enemy were observed in a rubber factory The second tank sustained heavy RPG fire and was at Duc Trung, 1000 m north. A Vietnamese reaction disabled. Its wounded crew had to be evacuated force assisted by elements of 5 RAR were tasked and the vehicle temporarily abandoned. but the enemy slipped out of the noose.

By 1.30 pm, crewman on three of the four D Company began its sweep from the west. tanks had been wounded, tank ammunition had The gruelling tasks of bringing out the dead and been expended and relief by Sergeant Jock searching them for documents, accepting the Browning's troop was welcomed. Major Blake's surrender of wounded enemy, relieving hiding infantry force dismounted, reformed on the western civilians, and stockpiling captured weapons and end of the village and at 2 pm swept through again ammunition made for a slow and distasteful using similar tactics to the morning's. It was now process. obvious that each house had a bunker below in The macabre scene of the day was the which enemy had escaped detection during the enemy dead in the village square, laid out under the initial sweep. After each tank/APC had fired into a District Chief's orders for a salutary warning to building, the infantry entered and hand-to-hand villagers not to harbour the enemy. One bright spot fighting increased in tempo. in this day were papers which identified the enemy

Paul Stevens found himself without any as a battalion of NVA regulars who had been trying artillery tasks because of the close fighting and to sneak across Phuoc Tuy Province to a sanctuary describes how the command vehicle had collected northeast. D Company was not surprised that they

Sapper Dave Sturmer (1 Tp 1 Fld Sqn) was attached to APCs for the battle. Six weeks later, on July 21st 1969 he was injured in a mine incident involving 26 casualties in the Long Green. He was injured again in an APC mine incident on December 8th and evacuated home

a e u r d eh d been r g la s, but were very relieve at th o h toutc me of t e bat le.

A 1 p in e o t u dbout m, heavy fir g brok u aro n u g lla e t e n Duc Tr n vi g o th north a d the District Chief

o t h t o n e rrep r ed t a the RF plat o had been ov r un by e ille y f b d nabout 100 en my. Art r ire was rought ow

t h r w n n ramongst he wit d a ing e emy on the o thern t i t p iedge of the hamle wh ls helico ter gunsh ps

e c B m y assist d in ontaining them till Co pan 5 RAR i u iv it in t Tw th fo r tanks arr ed w hin 20 m u es. he o t a t D s h e us u hern p r of uc Trung wa t en s cured, b t h n m s o n it e c nt e e e y wa s i termingled w h th ivilia s in h h h t r o st e nort t a it was agreed RF t o p should o d c e e p r a le yc n u t th sw e of that a e . Artil r and

r u d a aBush angers contin e to h rass the withdr wing y t Bu k a n 0 tenem . Ar hur r e t the gun e d of 1 5 h

w e m inBattery rote, 'We've fir d ore rounds the last h n o 48 hours t a the first 20 days f last month -- 2000

o p n b o t o urounds'. B C m a y locked n r hwest f D c r n hT u g t at night.

p n o a a cD Com a y c mpleted its cle r n e of Binh a . e t in n h loBa t 5 15 pm and w n to a ig t b cking it e r o w t fpos ion in th ubber to the s uth- es o the

lla e e e a o VAvi g . D spite xpect tions f an N return, the n s r u e a l eight wa me cif lly peac ful. P u St vens d it a lic o n h escribed s 'de iously co l, a d t e lanes of [ e ] r e e h d f t u rubb r t e s str tc e as ar as he eye co ld see. F t o e lo from he utside, ev n the village oked peace ul.'T a le o r b t m ahe B tt f Binh Ba o y i s ilitary n me, O n R n nperatio HAMME concluded at 8 am o 8 Ju e a e in l e e u eft r a f a swe p of th village. An ho r lat r, Au a s p r n e g id stralian Civil Aff ir e so n l arrived to u ea d a t h e f h r a n ssis t e r settlement o t e village s. T skF m ig d r Pe n n orce Co mander Br a ie Sandy arso a dL u e p k h ie tenant Colon l Colin Khan s o e with t ew r u r h ir b seary but p o d t oops prior to t e return to a e.T a t r lia he words of a present tion a the Royal Aust a nI y o Co e 9 anfantr C rps nf rence in 1 81 ptly s is a ummar e this oper tion.

h o t Ba s h r c r d T e c n act at Binh wa c a a te ise byu a d f a n y r vicio s h n to hand fighting o n inte sit arely

u lle o r t eq a d during u period in Vie nam. The close o h k n support f t e tan s was vital in allowing infa try to

a d o s s w enter n clear h u es. Engagement ere ate u r r o m , o t clos q a ters equiring high v lu e sh r -range

a e t p o lo fire … Binh Ba was magnific n exam le f c sen e n y a d n g in cooperatio betwe n infa tr n ta ks a a st a

in d n mdeterm e , dug-in e e y.c t n m rIn this vi ious bat le, a large e e y fo ce

s e y t cwa defeat d b rapid reac ion, skill, ourage and e r h t f w e itfir powe . T e Ba tle o Binh Ba is ell cr d ed in e AR o k T f n fth 5 R b o , he Year o the Tigers as 'o e o e a m a ic r eAu r l th m jor ilit ry v to ies of th st a ian Force in

t H e h t s e Vie nam'. ow ver, w e her it wa trigger d as an u y a mamb sh or b ccident remains a ystery.

o n t r a ke l t r n i t y tC lo el Ar hu Burke, en mi i a y historia s curren l he o n C mma n o t n o A iC lo el o nda t f he Royal Regime t f ustral an

i l n Q e . T s t ma ma s t Art l ery i u ensland hi ar icle a lga te heb Ma r e abi liography with his and jo Gen r l Paul Stevens'

n d r o 9 e w b t s perso al ia ies fr m 196 wh n they were fello su al ern 0 h F e r e n o b in 1 5t i ld Batte y RAA in Vi t am. It sh uld e noted that,

s i l y f r h , t u a i s whilst not pecif ca l o Bin Ba bu incl ding their ct on ata me l n a d i n o n th t ti , the fol owi g received war s: L eute ant C lo el

a s u e v O o r Colin Kh n—Di ting ished S r ice rder, Maj r Mu raya C i R a 2 L u t i Blake nd apta n ay De Vere nd nd ie tenan Br an

l l iv M s L aSu an— il i tary Cros , 2nd ieuten nt Peter D g r r e t i Rogers— istin uished Flying C oss, Se g an Br an

d D i u h u d , d C r o a e e Lon on— ist ng is ed Cond ct Me al an o p r l P t ru k eStr dwic —Military M dal. a s d t P l t ve e The uthor i in ebted o au S e ns, Ray De Ver and

i o d a Bruce Cameron for the r c nstructive e itori l comments ond t s raf s of thi article.

B , , h a t T attle Capt M.R. Ed The Year of t e Tigers, 5th B t alion heR y s i t y 9o alAu tralian Reg men , Sydne , 1 70.

' e l i nHer i t age—Th Ba t t e a t B h Ba—Opera t i on H n r n d TAMMER—South Viet am 6-8 June 1969', 'I o si es— he Ma a u r u e agazine of the Roy l A stralian A mo r d Corps', Comb t A N o e e a i s arms, o. 2 1983, Ph enix D f nce Public t on , Canberr , p 3 .p –10

29

During and after the battle Sappers were tasked with clearing the houses and the tunnels beneath them of UXBs and enemy weapons

The French plantation manager’s residence within the rubber plantation, with his personal airstrip behind the house

BATTLE OF BINH BA

30

Latest list of Tunnel Rats

Here’s our updated list of former Tunnel Rats from 3 Field Troop and 1 Field Squadron RAE, Vietnam 1965-71. This is not a complete list, it is simply a list of all the men we have been able to find and make contact with. If you can help with names and numbers, please contact our “Master of The List”, Graeme Gartside on 08 8725 2845, or by mail to Graeme Gartside, 9 Park Street Mt Gambier SA 5290 or by email: ggart@internode.on.net

Robert Laird 03 6356 1748 Tony Parmenter 0417856877 Brian Christian 07 4778 6602Brian Lamb 02 6059 6947 Brian Rankin 07 4775 5095 “Sam” Collins 08 8262 6107Kent Luttrell 0408387641 Hans Rehorn 03 5623 5572 Ron Cook 03 8787 7377

Andrew Rogers 08 8087 5671 Jock Coutts 08 9279 1946Mick Rowbotham 03 9439 7566 Bill Craig 08 9530 1008Geoff Russell 02 6342 1292Brian Sheehan 03 9336 3137James Smith 0413 669 087“Snow” Wilson 08 9752 2935

2 Troop (1968-1969)Janis Atrens +371 2944 6521 (This is Janis’s mobile in Latvia)Bob Austin 02 6644 9237Ross Bachmann 07 5495 1443Don Beale 02 6971 2424Richard Branch 07 4947 1044Harold Bromley 03 9726 8625Peter Brunton 03 5156 5531Jim Castles 02 9639 2941Harry Claassen 07 3273 6701

Kerry McCormick 03 6344 5291 Peter Clayton 0418 823 266 Richard Reilly 02 6262 7374 Rod Crane 08 9530 3083Tom Smith 07 5594 4659 John Douglas 08 8376 3788Colin Spies 07 4743 4676 Robert Earl 02 4990 3601Garry Von Stanke 08 8725 5648 Denis Crawford 03 9497 3256John Gilmore 08 9795 68473 Field Troop (1965-66) Cliff Truelove 02 6495 7844 John Crocker 07 3206 7995Stan Golubenko 03 9361 2721Peter Ash 02 6771 4623 Ken Wheatley 07 4774 0045 John Cross 02 4757 2273Paul Grills 07 4162 5235Ian Biddolph 02 4472 9434 Bob Wooley 03 6264 1485 Robin Date 03 9783 3202Geoff Handley 03 5593 1791Alan Christie 07 5494 6628 David Wright 03 9435 4131 Tom Dodds 040672260Ross Hansen 07 3202 7540Brian Cleary 07 5500 6363 Des Evans 07 4128 23901 Troop (1969-70) Wayne Hynson 03 5245 6898Allan S Coleman 07 3283 6689 Bruce Fenwick 02 4977 3530Kevin Atkinson 08 9041 1571 Ray Jurkiewicz 07 3886 9054Bill Corby 07 5502 1193 Ray Fulton 03 6288 1176Larry Batze 07 4033 2025 Brian Lamb 02 6059 6947John “Tex” Cotter 07 4723 1244 Ziggy Gniot 0418 885 830Allan S Coleman 07 3283 6689 Phil Lamb 08 8564 2001Des Evans 07 4128 2390 Bob Hamblyn 08 8672 3930Paul Cook 02 4946 5321 Wayne Lambley 07 3851 1837Wilfred Eyles 02 4390 0150 Cec Harris 02 6629 3373Garry Degering 03 9796 0136 Darryl Lavis 08 8263 9548Ray Forster 07 3409 1907 Paddy Healy 02 4930 7541John Felton 07 4661 8679 Peter Laws 02 4942 8131Geoff Green 03 6272 8167 Kevin Hodge 08 8322 2619Grahame Fletcher 0408822489 Bud Lewis 07 3881 1230Barry Harford 08 8088 4371 Paul Jones 02 6231 5963P. “Guts” Geisel 07 4092 1735 Rick Martin 02 6928 4253Sandy MacGregor 02 9457 7133 Jim Kelton 02 6948 3927Terry Gleeson 03 5623 2886 Bill Morris 08 9384 2686Frank Mallard 08 9377 4560 Chris Koolen 03 5237 1147Trevor Kelly 08 9538 1184 Don Nicholls 02 9579 4126Keith Mills 07 4770 7267 Kevin Lappin 07 3273 8614Des McKenzie 07 5448 3400 Colin Norris 02 4627 1180Warren Murray 03 5728 3341 Gary McClintock 07 4788 0123Les Slater 08 9361 0603

Bernie Pollard 08 9248 3178 Peter McCole 03 5155 9368Max Slater 0412 772 849Ross Thorburn 0408413204 Bob McGlinn 07 5426 1597Vic Smith 02 4364 0372Alan Tugwell 08 8552 5229 Ian McLean 02 6286 3928Dave Sturmer 02 8407 9812Bill Unmeopa 08 9300 5561 Jeff Maddock 03 5442 28751 Troop (1970-71) Snow Wilson Jnr 02 6649 3998 Leon Madeley 07 5497 1038

Mick Augustus 07 3205 7401OC's 1 Field Squadron Butch Marsden 08 9921 6183Eric Banfalvi 07 3201 8234

Bill Marshall 07 5545 0389John Kemp 02 6288 3428 Dan Brindley 02 6643 1693Rod O'Regan 02 6550 6068Rex Rowe 0419 251 420 Ian Cambell 03 9870 0313Graeme Pengelly 0407 138 1241 Troop (1966-67) Bruce Fraser 07 5499 0508Des Polden 03 6223 3830Dick Bentley 08 8386 2334 Peter Krause 02 6723 2835Keith Ramsay 02 6585 6503Nick Burgerhof 07 3271 1592 R Loxton 0419944755Mick Rasmussen 0428 790 645Terry O'Donnell 03 5334 3443Ray Burton 08 8268 4575 Barry Meldrum 03 5427 1162Gary Sangster 0409 522 099Ted Podlich 07 3862 9002Joe Cazey 07 3710 8102 Roger Newman 07 5450 6054John Scanlan 0488 132 903Daryl Porteous 07 4973 7663Allan S Coleman 07 3204 7401 Dennis Pegg 03 6224 9090Peter Schreiber 02 6569 3390Mick Weston 07 5444 3307Grahame Cook 02 4390 5159 John Pritchard 02 9626 3376Garry Shoemark 02 6546 6778Ray (Phillip) White 03 9740 7141 Mick George 02 6882 8574 Garry Sutcliffe 07 4684 3229Alex Skowronski 0407954570Alan Hammond 0423491091 Donald Stringer 07 4151 2659 2 Troop (1969-1970) John Smith 0400032502Cul Hart 02 4392 0912 Paul Taylor (NZ) (64)42990915 “Arab” Avotins 07 4129 8012 Roy Sojan 08 9926 1235Neil Innes MM 02 9875 2962 Terry Ward 02 6566 6163 Bruce Bofinger 02 4861 5715 John Stonehouse 08 9653 1895Ken Jolley 02 6624 4066 Jim Weston 02 4987 7179 Frank Brady 02 6555 5200 Peter Swanson 0401392617Barry Kelly 07 4661 2898 John Wright 03 6398 6211 David Brook 03 9546 2868 John Tick 04 3898 7262Axel Kraft 08 9572 9597 Jim Burrough 03 9885 82852 Troop (1966-1967) Steve Walton 07 3261 9446Peter McTiernan 02 6557 5211 Ron Coman 07 3355 7279Richard Beck 07 3208 5808 Terry Wake 07 4786 2625Gavin Menzies 02 6584 7257 Kevin Connor 0408 748 172David Buring 02 6254 6689 Dave Young 02 4283 3439John Olsen 0414433341 Garry Cosgrove 02 4845 5153Ron Cain 02 6586 1412 3 Troop (1966-67)Ron Rockliffe 02 9789 4302 Arthur Davies 07 3408 1556Graeme Carey 02 6056 0997Wilfred Eyles 02 4390 0150Trevor Shelley 0419784954 Frank Denley 02 6571 2056Terry Gribbin 03 9727 1839

Kevin Smith 03 9787 1506 Roy Elbourne 02 4868 1493Alan Hammond 0423491091John Thompson 0732168906 Grumpy Foster 07 4041 2321Bill Harrigan 08 9447 1127Ross Tulloh 0418223345 Graeme Gartside 08 8725 2845Peter Hegarty 07 4169 03721 Troop (1967-68) Doug George 03 9889 2116Graeme Leach 07 4777 8627

Greg Gough 0417 911 173Henry Baggaley 07 5433 0482 Ken McCann 03 5985 3276Brad Hannaford 08 8389 2217Reg Bament 02 6948 2524 Rod McClennan 07 3267 6907John Hopman 02 9398 5258Bruce Bevan 02 9580 3327 Noel McDuffie 0427051678 Chris Koulouris 02 4952 6341Neville Bartels 07 4055 9871 Bob McKinnon 07 3267 0310 Bill Lamb 0418 424 208Bob Coleman 03 5342 0941 Peter Matthews 03 6250 3686Mick Lee 07 5543 5001Ross Comben 08 9535 2273 Mick Shannon 08 8552 1746Marty McGrath 02 6059 1204Jack Green 07 3278 8719 Stan Shepherd 0412 232 197 3 Troop (1967-68)Jim Marett 03 9824 4967Ray Kenny 07 3881 3648 Bob Sweeney 08 9248 4432 Ken Arnold 02 6974 1181Bob Ottery 03 5199 2516Peter Koch 04 3822 3100 2 Troop (1967-1968) Chuck Bonzas 08 9330 3490Bevan Percival 07 5537 1577John Neal 02 9982 6694 M. Ballantyne 08 8298 2515 Bruce Breddin 0418766759Pedro Piromanski 08 9306 8169Clive Pearsall 03 9459 4470 John Beningfield 07 4778 4473 Norm Cairns 03 6267 4629Ian Pitt 03 5349 2018

Peter Bennett 0418915550 Kerry Caughey 03 5971 4188Jack Power 07 4955 3761Dennis Burge 08 8281 2270 David Clark 08 8388 7728Colin Redacliff 02 9673 0597Kenneth Butler 0414897889 Bob Coleman 03 5342 0941John Ronaldson New ZealandHarry Cooling 07 4778 2013 Jim Dowson 03 5662 3291Brian Scott 07 3204 5691Garry Cosgrove 02 4845 5153 Barry Gilbert 03 5023 6657Peter Scott (219) 02 4341 3782Peter Fontanini 0438 881 940 Jack Lawson 0429 798 673“Roo Dog” Scott 0400799577Roland Gloss 02 6367 5324 Peter MacDonald 08 9448 5418Les Shelley 07 3264 4041John Goldfinch 02 6674 0855 Barrie Morgan 0419 820 290Jimmy Shugg 08 9776 1471Paul Grills 07 4162 5235 Viv Morgan 02 9331 3252Bob Smith 07 5456 1194Ron Johnston 07 3351 1609 Michael O'Hearn 02 4932 7509 Mick Van Poeteren 03 9435 0383Eddie Josephs 0417882491 Gary Pohlner 0427172900Gerry Wallbridge 03 9803 4223Alan Rantall 03 9434 2031 Lew Jordan 03 6397 3261 Tom Simons 03 6344 6058Dennis Wilson 08 8892 2671Peter Sheehan 03 9390 2834 Ray Kenny 07 3881 3648 Kevin Shugg 0411144500Stephen Wilson 07 5538 2179Jim Trower 0418842744 John Kiley 02 4228 4068 Frank Sweeney 07 3882 6025

2 Troop (1970-1971)1 Troop (1968-69) David Kitley 02 4735 4991 Brian Thomson 0428551368Bruce Arrow 02 6288 3872Phil Baxter MM 02 4625 6213 Robert Knowles 08 9535 6416 Alan Tugwell 08 8552 5229Mick Bergin 03 5974 2175Peter Carrodus 02 9759 6383 Bernard Ladyman 08 9795 7900 Vic Underwood 0429 907 989Graham Besford 03 9439 2661Albert Eyssens 03 5944 3127 Warren McBurnie 02 6687 7030 Murray Walker 08 9332 6410Mal Botfield 02 9872 2594Ken Ford 02 6645 2738 Stephen McHenry 08 9344 6939 Glenn Weise 0427 741 170 John Brady 02 6888 1192Max Goiser 02 9792 1765 Eric McKerrow (Silent number) Mick Woodhams 08 9459 0130Keith Burley 07 5543 0990Peter Hollis 02 6581 5401 Dave McNair 08 9725 2821 Bob Yewen 07 5532 4560Peter Cairns 03 6267 4646George Hulse 07 3399 7659 David Matulik 07 4055 1915 Ken Young 02 9602 5204

LISTS ARE NOW ALPHABETICAL

3 Troop (1968-69)Geoff Box 08 9731 2757Eric Banfalvi 07 3201 8234Barry Chambers 08 8927 8237Neil Garrett 03 5798 1522Brian Glyde 02 4455 7404Peter Gray 02 4285 8877John Hollis 02 6662 6660“Sam” Houston 07 5495 5480Phil Lamb 08 8564 2001Ian Lauder 08 9419 5375John Murphy 08 9493 3771John Nulty 02 6931 1884Ted O'Malley 07 4054 3472Barry Parnell 07 4947 1976Bob Pritchard 07 4779 0608Greg Roberts 03 5941 2269Don Shields 08 8297 8619Ray Vanderheiden 02 4776 1373 Ray (Phillip) White 03 9740 7141

Three Troop (1969-70)Tony Bower-Miles 0412 317 306Chris Brooks 08 9271 2811Jim Burrough 03 9885 8285Terry Cartlidge 03 5367 1472Bruce Crawford 02 6628 0846Richard Day 08 8088 4129Phil Devine 0418 830 169Bob Done 02 4944 9321Ray Fulton 03 6288 1176Graham Fromm 08 8532 2561Doug George 03 9889 2116Graham Harvey 07 5445 2636Trevor Hughes 07 5532 3497Darrel Jensen 07 4938 7203Rod Kirby 07 4973 7726Peter Knight 02 6247 6272Gerry Lyall 07 3343 4725Phil McCann 03 5442 3459Chris MacGregor 02 4472 3250Norm Martin 02 4953 1331Jock Meldrum MID 0405 677 448Roelof Methorst (Silent No.)Gary Miller MM 07 5495 5647“Jacko” Miller 03 6267 4411Chris Muller 07 4653 0457Danny Mulvany 08 9356 6890Vin Neale 03 9786 1549Peter Phillips 0429362935G. Rentmeester 03 9735 5236 Brenton Smith 08 8388 5501Gordon Temby 08 9757 2016Peter Thorp MID 02 6288 0008Leon Tuttleby 08 8952 6598Hank Veenhuizen 0407 487 167“Wonzer” White 02 9833 0580

Three Troop (1970-71)Steve Armbrust 07 5545 1073Errol Armitage 0427 855 482Geoff Ansell 0448 013 712Mike Barnett 02 9869 7132John Beningfield 07 4778 4473Darryll Binns 08 8988 5827Mal Botfield 02 9872 2594Ian Campbell 03 9870 0313Bob Clare 03 5439 5532Graeme Clarke 07 4128 4660Ted Clarke 03 5682 2584Allan J Coleman 02 9838 4848Steve Collett 08 9371 0075John Davey 07 3378 4316Chris Ellis 08 9398 1718Kevin Hodge 08 8322 2619Kenny Laughton 08 8297 4010Garry Lourigan 02 4844 5545R. McKenzie-Clark 08 9729 1162Robert McLeay 03 5386 1122

Carlo Mikkelsen New Zealand 0064 9 4797857Ben Passarelli 02 9610 3949Robert Reed 07 3351 4440Paul Scott 02 6656 0730Les Shelley 07 3264 4041Gordon Temby 08 9757 2016 David Wilson 07 3855 1370

Three Troop (1971-72)Ron Byron 02 6653 4791Brenton j Smith 08 8536 2923

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I w is h to o rd e r th e fo llo w in g m a p s (p le a s e tic k ):O A u s tra lia n a re a o f O p s m a pO Nui Dat Defence plan mapN A M E :ADDRESS:

P O S T C O D E :T E L E P H O N E :T h e c o s t is $ (P le a s e fill in th e a m o u n t)Yo u c a n p a y b y c re d it ca rd (yo u r s ta te m e n t w ill re a d ! U ltim a te D e s ig nG ra p h ic s ") , o r b y c h e qu e o r P o s ta l O rd e r. P le a s e m a k e c h e q u e s a n d p o s ta lo rd e rs p a ya b le to V ie tn a m T u n n e l R a ts A s s o c ia tio nT ic k w h ic h c a rd yo u w is h to u s e : O V is a O M a s te r C a rd O A m e xC a rd N u m b e r:

N a m e o n ca rd : E xp iry D a te :Post to: Vietnam Tunnel Rats Assoc 43 Heyington Place Toorak Victoria 3142

(each one approx 36"x26")Highly detailed with fascinating information

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Huge historic maps

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Nui Dat defence plan map, with units, roads& all defence positions

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Australian area of Ops mapshowing all fire support bases

30

Latest list of Tunnel Rats

Here’s our updated list of former Tunnel Rats from 3 Field Troop and 1 Field Squadron RAE, Vietnam 1965-71. This is not a complete list, it is simply a list of all the men we have been able to find and make contact with. If you can help with names and numbers, please contact our “Master of The List”, Graeme Gartside on 08 8725 2845, or by mail to Graeme Gartside, 9 Park Street Mt Gambier SA 5290 or by email: ggart@internode.on.net

Robert Laird 03 6356 1748 Tony Parmenter 0417856877 Brian Christian 07 4778 6602Brian Lamb 02 6059 6947 Brian Rankin 07 4775 5095 “Sam” Collins 08 8262 6107Kent Luttrell 0408387641 Hans Rehorn 03 5623 5572 Ron Cook 03 8787 7377

Andrew Rogers 08 8087 5671 Jock Coutts 08 9279 1946Mick Rowbotham 03 9439 7566 Bill Craig 08 9530 1008Geoff Russell 02 6342 1292Brian Sheehan 03 9336 3137James Smith 0413 669 087“Snow” Wilson 08 9752 2935

2 Troop (1968-1969)Janis Atrens +371 2944 6521 (This is Janis’s mobile in Latvia)Bob Austin 02 6644 9237Ross Bachmann 07 5495 1443Don Beale 02 6971 2424Richard Branch 07 4947 1044Harold Bromley 03 9726 8625Peter Brunton 03 5156 5531Jim Castles 02 9639 2941Harry Claassen 07 3273 6701

Kerry McCormick 03 6344 5291 Peter Clayton 0418 823 266 Richard Reilly 02 6262 7374 Rod Crane 08 9530 3083Tom Smith 07 5594 4659 John Douglas 08 8376 3788Colin Spies 07 4743 4676 Robert Earl 02 4990 3601Garry Von Stanke 08 8725 5648 Denis Crawford 03 9497 3256John Gilmore 08 9795 68473 Field Troop (1965-66) Cliff Truelove 02 6495 7844 John Crocker 07 3206 7995Stan Golubenko 03 9361 2721Peter Ash 02 6771 4623 Ken Wheatley 07 4774 0045 John Cross 02 4757 2273Paul Grills 07 4162 5235Ian Biddolph 02 4472 9434 Bob Wooley 03 6264 1485 Robin Date 03 9783 3202Geoff Handley 03 5593 1791Alan Christie 07 5494 6628 David Wright 03 9435 4131 Tom Dodds 040672260Ross Hansen 07 3202 7540Brian Cleary 07 5500 6363 Des Evans 07 4128 23901 Troop (1969-70) Wayne Hynson 03 5245 6898Allan S Coleman 07 3283 6689 Bruce Fenwick 02 4977 3530Kevin Atkinson 08 9041 1571 Ray Jurkiewicz 07 3886 9054Bill Corby 07 5502 1193 Ray Fulton 03 6288 1176Larry Batze 07 4033 2025 Brian Lamb 02 6059 6947John “Tex” Cotter 07 4723 1244 Ziggy Gniot 0418 885 830Allan S Coleman 07 3283 6689 Phil Lamb 08 8564 2001Des Evans 07 4128 2390 Bob Hamblyn 08 8672 3930Paul Cook 02 4946 5321 Wayne Lambley 07 3851 1837Wilfred Eyles 02 4390 0150 Cec Harris 02 6629 3373Garry Degering 03 9796 0136 Darryl Lavis 08 8263 9548Ray Forster 07 3409 1907 Paddy Healy 02 4930 7541John Felton 07 4661 8679 Peter Laws 02 4942 8131Geoff Green 03 6272 8167 Kevin Hodge 08 8322 2619Grahame Fletcher 0408822489 Bud Lewis 07 3881 1230Barry Harford 08 8088 4371 Paul Jones 02 6231 5963P. “Guts” Geisel 07 4092 1735 Rick Martin 02 6928 4253Sandy MacGregor 02 9457 7133 Jim Kelton 02 6948 3927Terry Gleeson 03 5623 2886 Bill Morris 08 9384 2686Frank Mallard 08 9377 4560 Chris Koolen 03 5237 1147Trevor Kelly 08 9538 1184 Don Nicholls 02 9579 4126Keith Mills 07 4770 7267 Kevin Lappin 07 3273 8614Des McKenzie 07 5448 3400 Colin Norris 02 4627 1180Warren Murray 03 5728 3341 Gary McClintock 07 4788 0123Les Slater 08 9361 0603

Bernie Pollard 08 9248 3178 Peter McCole 03 5155 9368Max Slater 0412 772 849Ross Thorburn 0408413204 Bob McGlinn 07 5426 1597Vic Smith 02 4364 0372Alan Tugwell 08 8552 5229 Ian McLean 02 6286 3928Dave Sturmer 02 8407 9812Bill Unmeopa 08 9300 5561 Jeff Maddock 03 5442 28751 Troop (1970-71) Snow Wilson Jnr 02 6649 3998 Leon Madeley 07 5497 1038

Mick Augustus 07 3205 7401OC's 1 Field Squadron Butch Marsden 08 9921 6183Eric Banfalvi 07 3201 8234

Bill Marshall 07 5545 0389John Kemp 02 6288 3428 Dan Brindley 02 6643 1693Rod O'Regan 02 6550 6068Rex Rowe 0419 251 420 Ian Cambell 03 9870 0313Graeme Pengelly 0407 138 1241 Troop (1966-67) Bruce Fraser 07 5499 0508Des Polden 03 6223 3830Dick Bentley 08 8386 2334 Peter Krause 02 6723 2835Keith Ramsay 02 6585 6503Nick Burgerhof 07 3271 1592 R Loxton 0419944755Mick Rasmussen 0428 790 645Terry O'Donnell 03 5334 3443Ray Burton 08 8268 4575 Barry Meldrum 03 5427 1162Gary Sangster 0409 522 099Ted Podlich 07 3862 9002Joe Cazey 07 3710 8102 Roger Newman 07 5450 6054John Scanlan 0488 132 903Daryl Porteous 07 4973 7663Allan S Coleman 07 3204 7401 Dennis Pegg 03 6224 9090Peter Schreiber 02 6569 3390Mick Weston 07 5444 3307Grahame Cook 02 4390 5159 John Pritchard 02 9626 3376Garry Shoemark 02 6546 6778Ray (Phillip) White 03 9740 7141 Mick George 02 6882 8574 Garry Sutcliffe 07 4684 3229Alex Skowronski 0407954570Alan Hammond 0423491091 Donald Stringer 07 4151 2659 2 Troop (1969-1970) John Smith 0400032502Cul Hart 02 4392 0912 Paul Taylor (NZ) (64)42990915 “Arab” Avotins 07 4129 8012 Roy Sojan 08 9926 1235Neil Innes MM 02 9875 2962 Terry Ward 02 6566 6163 Bruce Bofinger 02 4861 5715 John Stonehouse 08 9653 1895Ken Jolley 02 6624 4066 Jim Weston 02 4987 7179 Frank Brady 02 6555 5200 Peter Swanson 0401392617Barry Kelly 07 4661 2898 John Wright 03 6398 6211 David Brook 03 9546 2868 John Tick 04 3898 7262Axel Kraft 08 9572 9597 Jim Burrough 03 9885 82852 Troop (1966-1967) Steve Walton 07 3261 9446Peter McTiernan 02 6557 5211 Ron Coman 07 3355 7279Richard Beck 07 3208 5808 Terry Wake 07 4786 2625Gavin Menzies 02 6584 7257 Kevin Connor 0408 748 172David Buring 02 6254 6689 Dave Young 02 4283 3439John Olsen 0414433341 Garry Cosgrove 02 4845 5153Ron Cain 02 6586 1412 3 Troop (1966-67)Ron Rockliffe 02 9789 4302 Arthur Davies 07 3408 1556Graeme Carey 02 6056 0997Wilfred Eyles 02 4390 0150Trevor Shelley 0419784954 Frank Denley 02 6571 2056Terry Gribbin 03 9727 1839

Kevin Smith 03 9787 1506 Roy Elbourne 02 4868 1493Alan Hammond 0423491091John Thompson 0732168906 Grumpy Foster 07 4041 2321Bill Harrigan 08 9447 1127Ross Tulloh 0418223345 Graeme Gartside 08 8725 2845Peter Hegarty 07 4169 03721 Troop (1967-68) Doug George 03 9889 2116Graeme Leach 07 4777 8627

Greg Gough 0417 911 173Henry Baggaley 07 5433 0482 Ken McCann 03 5985 3276Brad Hannaford 08 8389 2217Reg Bament 02 6948 2524 Rod McClennan 07 3267 6907John Hopman 02 9398 5258Bruce Bevan 02 9580 3327 Noel McDuffie 0427051678 Chris Koulouris 02 4952 6341Neville Bartels 07 4055 9871 Bob McKinnon 07 3267 0310 Bill Lamb 0418 424 208Bob Coleman 03 5342 0941 Peter Matthews 03 6250 3686Mick Lee 07 5543 5001Ross Comben 08 9535 2273 Mick Shannon 08 8552 1746Marty McGrath 02 6059 1204Jack Green 07 3278 8719 Stan Shepherd 0412 232 197 3 Troop (1967-68)Jim Marett 03 9824 4967Ray Kenny 07 3881 3648 Bob Sweeney 08 9248 4432 Ken Arnold 02 6974 1181Bob Ottery 03 5199 2516Peter Koch 04 3822 3100 2 Troop (1967-1968) Chuck Bonzas 08 9330 3490Bevan Percival 07 5537 1577John Neal 02 9982 6694 M. Ballantyne 08 8298 2515 Bruce Breddin 0418766759Pedro Piromanski 08 9306 8169Clive Pearsall 03 9459 4470 John Beningfield 07 4778 4473 Norm Cairns 03 6267 4629Ian Pitt 03 5349 2018

Peter Bennett 0418915550 Kerry Caughey 03 5971 4188Jack Power 07 4955 3761Dennis Burge 08 8281 2270 David Clark 08 8388 7728Colin Redacliff 02 9673 0597Kenneth Butler 0414897889 Bob Coleman 03 5342 0941John Ronaldson New ZealandHarry Cooling 07 4778 2013 Jim Dowson 03 5662 3291Brian Scott 07 3204 5691Garry Cosgrove 02 4845 5153 Barry Gilbert 03 5023 6657Peter Scott (219) 02 4341 3782Peter Fontanini 0438 881 940 Jack Lawson 0429 798 673“Roo Dog” Scott 0400799577Roland Gloss 02 6367 5324 Peter MacDonald 08 9448 5418Les Shelley 07 3264 4041John Goldfinch 02 6674 0855 Barrie Morgan 0419 820 290Jimmy Shugg 08 9776 1471Paul Grills 07 4162 5235 Viv Morgan 02 9331 3252Bob Smith 07 5456 1194Ron Johnston 07 3351 1609 Michael O'Hearn 02 4932 7509 Mick Van Poeteren 03 9435 0383Eddie Josephs 0417882491 Gary Pohlner 0427172900Gerry Wallbridge 03 9803 4223Alan Rantall 03 9434 2031 Lew Jordan 03 6397 3261 Tom Simons 03 6344 6058Dennis Wilson 08 8892 2671Peter Sheehan 03 9390 2834 Ray Kenny 07 3881 3648 Kevin Shugg 0411144500Stephen Wilson 07 5538 2179Jim Trower 0418842744 John Kiley 02 4228 4068 Frank Sweeney 07 3882 6025

2 Troop (1970-1971)1 Troop (1968-69) David Kitley 02 4735 4991 Brian Thomson 0428551368Bruce Arrow 02 6288 3872Phil Baxter MM 02 4625 6213 Robert Knowles 08 9535 6416 Alan Tugwell 08 8552 5229Mick Bergin 03 5974 2175Peter Carrodus 02 9759 6383 Bernard Ladyman 08 9795 7900 Vic Underwood 0429 907 989Graham Besford 03 9439 2661Albert Eyssens 03 5944 3127 Warren McBurnie 02 6687 7030 Murray Walker 08 9332 6410Mal Botfield 02 9872 2594Ken Ford 02 6645 2738 Stephen McHenry 08 9344 6939 Glenn Weise 0427 741 170 John Brady 02 6888 1192Max Goiser 02 9792 1765 Eric McKerrow (Silent number) Mick Woodhams 08 9459 0130Keith Burley 07 5543 0990Peter Hollis 02 6581 5401 Dave McNair 08 9725 2821 Bob Yewen 07 5532 4560Peter Cairns 03 6267 4646George Hulse 07 3399 7659 David Matulik 07 4055 1915 Ken Young 02 9602 5204

LISTS ARE NOW ALPHABETICAL

3 Troop (1968-69)Geoff Box 08 9731 2757Eric Banfalvi 07 3201 8234Barry Chambers 08 8927 8237Neil Garrett 03 5798 1522Brian Glyde 02 4455 7404Peter Gray 02 4285 8877John Hollis 02 6662 6660“Sam” Houston 07 5495 5480Phil Lamb 08 8564 2001Ian Lauder 08 9419 5375John Murphy 08 9493 3771John Nulty 02 6931 1884Ted O'Malley 07 4054 3472Barry Parnell 07 4947 1976Bob Pritchard 07 4779 0608Greg Roberts 03 5941 2269Don Shields 08 8297 8619Ray Vanderheiden 02 4776 1373 Ray (Phillip) White 03 9740 7141

Three Troop (1969-70)Tony Bower-Miles 0412 317 306Chris Brooks 08 9271 2811Jim Burrough 03 9885 8285Terry Cartlidge 03 5367 1472Bruce Crawford 02 6628 0846Richard Day 08 8088 4129Phil Devine 0418 830 169Bob Done 02 4944 9321Ray Fulton 03 6288 1176Graham Fromm 08 8532 2561Doug George 03 9889 2116Graham Harvey 07 5445 2636Trevor Hughes 07 5532 3497Darrel Jensen 07 4938 7203Rod Kirby 07 4973 7726Peter Knight 02 6247 6272Gerry Lyall 07 3343 4725Phil McCann 03 5442 3459Chris MacGregor 02 4472 3250Norm Martin 02 4953 1331Jock Meldrum MID 0405 677 448Roelof Methorst (Silent No.)Gary Miller MM 07 5495 5647“Jacko” Miller 03 6267 4411Chris Muller 07 4653 0457Danny Mulvany 08 9356 6890Vin Neale 03 9786 1549Peter Phillips 0429362935G. Rentmeester 03 9735 5236 Brenton Smith 08 8388 5501Gordon Temby 08 9757 2016Peter Thorp MID 02 6288 0008Leon Tuttleby 08 8952 6598Hank Veenhuizen 0407 487 167“Wonzer” White 02 9833 0580

Three Troop (1970-71)Steve Armbrust 07 5545 1073Errol Armitage 0427 855 482Geoff Ansell 0448 013 712Mike Barnett 02 9869 7132John Beningfield 07 4778 4473Darryll Binns 08 8988 5827Mal Botfield 02 9872 2594Ian Campbell 03 9870 0313Bob Clare 03 5439 5532Graeme Clarke 07 4128 4660Ted Clarke 03 5682 2584Allan J Coleman 02 9838 4848Steve Collett 08 9371 0075John Davey 07 3378 4316Chris Ellis 08 9398 1718Kevin Hodge 08 8322 2619Kenny Laughton 08 8297 4010Garry Lourigan 02 4844 5545R. McKenzie-Clark 08 9729 1162Robert McLeay 03 5386 1122

Carlo Mikkelsen New Zealand 0064 9 4797857Ben Passarelli 02 9610 3949Robert Reed 07 3351 4440Paul Scott 02 6656 0730Les Shelley 07 3264 4041Gordon Temby 08 9757 2016 David Wilson 07 3855 1370

Three Troop (1971-72)Ron Byron 02 6653 4791Brenton j Smith 08 8536 2923

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1 Troop, 2 Troop or 3 Troop of 1 By wrongly claiming Tunnel Field Sqn. Rat status, some men from non-

field Troops have begun to blur the However, we are honoured line defining the unique role of the to now also warmly welcome the Tunnel Rats. If it became generally Sappers of today as our Associate accepted that all Engineer units in members. Vietnam were Tunnel Rats, then our A status would be reduced. Nobody has a right to do that. We should not a l low anybody to d imin ish something we are so proud of. The forming of the Association is not an elitist thing, it is simply intense pride in what we did and a move to protect our status.

Who can join?Our Association now has

two categories of membership:(1): “Members” - men who

served in the Field Troops in Vietnam.

(2): “Associate Members” - Why we formed the Vietnam Current serving soldiers in the Tunnel Rats AssociationRoyal Australian Engineers Corp. Our status seemed to be

Associate members will getting a bit blurred. It had reached receive a printed copy of the the point where any Engineer who newsletter each issue plus a special served in Vietnam was calling membership card and they can himself a Tunnel Rat. The members

purchase any of our items for sale.. of the Field Troops fought alongside the Infantry plus they performed The Association was formed their additional tasks of mine and for all who served with one of the booby trap detection and clearing, Field Troops. Full membership is plus bunker and tunnel searching exclusively for men who served in and demolition. Vietnam with either 3 Field Troop or

superb personalised “Tunnel Rats” membership card provided for “Members” and “Associate Members”.

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N A M E : S E R V IC E N U M B E R A D D R E S S : P O S T C O D E P H O N E : M O B IL E : E M A IL : F O R V E R IF IC A T IO N P L E A S E T IC K A N D F IL L IN D E T A IL S O F U N IT /S S E R V E D W IT H IN V IE T N A M O 3 F IE L D T R O O P F R O M T IL L O 1 T R O O P 1 F L D S Q N F R O M T IL L O 2 T R O O P 1 F L D S Q N F R O M T IL L O 3 T R O O P 1 F L D S Q N F R O M T IL L

T h e c o s t is $ 3 8 . Y o u c a n p a y b y c re d it c a rd (y o u r s ta te m e n t w ill re a d “U ltim a te D e s ig n G ra p h ic s ” ) , o r b y c h e q u e o r p o s ta l o rd e r . P le a s e m a k e c h e q u e s a n d p o s ta l

o rd e rs p a y a b le to V ie tn a m T u n n e l R a ts A s s o c ia tio n T ic k w h ic h c a rd y o u w is h to u s e : O V is a O M a s te r C a rd C a rd n u m b e r N a m e o n c a rd E x p iry D a te S ig n a tu re : P O S T T O : V IE T N A M T U N N E L R A T S A S S O C 4 3 H E Y IN G T O N P L A C E T O O R A K V IC 3 1 4 2

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If currently serving, state rank and RAE unit:

Vietnam Veterans please tick unit/s served with and fill in dates of service in Vietnam

Current serving Sapperscan now join our Assoc

Holdfast Newsletter is edited by Jim Marettand published quarterlyby the Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Inc. 43 Heyington Place

Toorak Vic 3142Ph: 03-9824 4967(H)Ph; 03-9690 7888 (W)Mobile 0403041962

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