The Battle of Suoi Chau Pha – 7RAR

ED: Further information on this post is provided by Ernie Chamberlain.

A Vietnamese communist account of the Battle of Suoi Pha can be found on the “independent” Vietnamese “chien tranh” website – see: https://chientruongvietnam.com/2018/01/22/tran-suoi-chau-pha-battle-chau-pha-1967/ .

An English-language translation can be sourced from Ernie Chamberlain – eg: … …

Alpha Company 7RAR – under the command of Major Ewart O’Donnell deployed and swept the Hát Dich region from 3 August. At 10.40hrs on 6 August, they were 10 kilometres to the east of Phú My and within the Suoi Châu Pha area without having been discovered. The Australian troops found a track and laid an ambush. A few minutes later, two Liberation Force soldiers moving along the track were killed – and the Australian troops moved to wipe out the following Liberation Force troops who returned fire fiercely. Alpha Company was in a dangerous situation.

O’Donnell asked Lieutenant Rod Smith – commanding 1 Platoon, to attack the Liberation Forces from the flank, but they struck fierce resistance. Heavy rain began to fall. The Liberation Forces employed “close-in” tactics to lessen the effectiveness of the American fire support. Lieutenant Neville Clark – the artillery forward observer, had to call for artillery support to within 50 metres of the Australian troops to relieve the pressure on Alpha Company. As a result, that fire support allowed the Australian to seize the advantage.

At 14.30hrs, the Liberation Forces withdrew. Documents seized by the Australians showed that the Liberation Forces belonged to C12 Company of the 274 Regiment’s 3rd Battalion – together with a reconnaissance platoon and a number of local troops.

The next day, the Australian forces discovered a Liberation Forces camp about 900 metres from that engagement – and they guessed that C12 Company and a number of other elements that had fought so bravely in order to block the Australians and allow the other units in the camp to escape their assault.

Five Australian soldiers were killed in the Battle of the Suoi Châu Pha and one was wounded seriously and also died. 20 others were wounded. Liberation Force casualties are not clear – but five were killed at the site, including a platoon commander, and the Australians seized a machine-gun, a 40mm grenade launcher, and three AK-47s. The following day, the Australian troops destroyed a battalion-sized camp and bunker system – with a large quantity of rice and medical supplies. … ”

 

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The Battle of Suoi Chau Pha – 7RAR

Amidst the volatile landscape of the Vietnam War, the Battle of Suoi Chau Pha unfolded on August 6, 1967, marking a fierce clash between Australian and Vietnamese forces. This dramatic engagement transpired within the framework of Operation Ballarat, a meticulously planned Australian search and destroy mission aimed at disrupting Viet Cong activities in the eastern Hat Dch region, situated northwest of Nui Dat in Phc Tuy province.

The operational scope of Ballarat, spanning from August 4 to 16, was conceived as a battalion-sized endeavor designed to scour the lion area of operations northwest of Nui Dat. The strategic brilliance of the Commanding Officer’s plan lay in the decision to have companies traverse the terrain overtly, eschewing helicopter insertion to maintain a heightened element of surprise. This tactical maneuver was anticipated to catch the enemy off guard and enhance the effectiveness of the Australian forces.

Tragically, the price of this intense confrontation was high for the Australian contingent. Five soldiers lost their lives in the heat of battle, while another succumbed to wounds sustained during the operation. Additionally, twenty more Australian troops endured injuries, further underscoring the severity of the conflict.

Compounding the complexity of assessing the Battle of Suoi Chau Pha was the elusive nature of determining Viet Cong casualties. The cunning tactics employed by the communists involved evacuating a substantial number of their wounded and deceased from the battlefield, echoing similar strategies employed in prior engagements. Upon a secondary sweep of the contested area by Australian forces, the discovery of five additional deceased Vietnamese combatants was made. Moreover, the presence of drag traces and significant blood trails painted a vivid picture of severe injuries suffered by the enemy, hinting at a potential toll of approximately 33 more casualties—whether killed or wounded—during the encounter.

The battlefield echoed with the thunderous reverberations of artillery and mortar fire, punctuated by the ominous whirr of airstrikes. Reports from the front lines indicated that these devastating assaults contributed to an estimated 200 additional casualties among the Viet Cong forces, underscoring the ferocity and lethal consequences of the Battle of Suoi Chau Pha.

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Bushmaster – Australia’s Most Lethal Armoured Vehicle!

In the battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested help from many countries in the form of armoured vehicles. One such country is Australia and the request has been for the Bushmaster armoured vehicle. This comes as no great surprise as the Australia-made 4×4 vehicle does have a reputation of being a very capable war machine, especially proving its worth in troop-transport operations. In this video we are going to take a closer look at the vehicle named after a very venomous snake and see exactly what it is capable of.

 

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DVA services during the holiday season.

DVA will continue to provide support to veterans and families during the holiday season. However, please be aware that some services will be impacted.

Counselling and mental health support

The Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling telephone line is available to support current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Phone 1800 011 046 toll-free.

Safe Zone Support is an anonymous counselling line that is available 24/7 to support members of the current and ex-service community and families. Phone 1800 142 072 toll-free.

If you require urgent assistance, please call 000. If you are unwell, please contact your local doctor or go to your nearest hospital.

Open Arms centres will be closed for the Christmas / New Year period from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive, and will re-open on Tuesday 2 January 2024. For further mental health information and support, visit the Open Arms website.

Transport bookings for medical treatment

DVA staff will be available to process transport requests for approved medical treatment on 27, 28 and 29 December. Please call 1800 550 455.

This service will be closed on the weekends as well as 25 and 26 December and 1 January. If transport is required on these days and has not been pre-booked, you can pay for the travel and seek reimbursement when we re-open. Or, if you are an existing MyService user, you can make new transport bookings and review existing ones online.

For travel in an emergency always dial 000.

VAN offices and general enquiries

DVA offices, shopfronts and general enquiry services do not operate over weekends or public holidays.

Over the Christmas period, they will be closed from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive. This includes DVA’s General Enquiries phone line and our Veteran Access Network offices. These services will resume on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Defence Service Homes Insurance

DSH Insurance and its advisors will be available for support with any insurance needs from 8 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 27 December to Friday 29 December. Outside of business hours, and during weekends and national public holidays, calls will be diverted to DSH Insurance’s after-hours service partner, ensuring that support is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

For enquiries, or help with a policy or claim, phone 1300 552 662.

Online insurance enquiries can be made via the DSH Insurance website. They will respond to you after the public holidays.

You can also use lodge a non-urgent claim via the online claim form.

For DSH Insurance’s automated payment service, phone 1300 304 989 for the cost of a local call. This service is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Hospital admissions

Doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital over the holiday period and request retrospective approval for the admission, where required, when DVA resumes full services.

Pharmaceutical approvals

There will be no reduction in services across the Christmas/New Year period. Providers seeking prior approval for pharmaceuticals can call the Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre 24 hours a day on 1800 552 580.

Pension payments

Pension paydays are not affected over this period. So the last payment in 2023 will be on Thursday 28 December 2023. The first payment of the New Year will be Thursday 11 January 2024. See ‘Payment dates’ section below.

Incapacity payments

Incapacity payments will be paid as normal on Thursday 21 December 2023. The next payment after this is due on Thursday 4 January 2024. See ‘Payment dates’ section below.

Payment dates

As a result of differing arrangements by various banks during the holiday period, which are beyond DVA’s control, the precise day of the week you receive your pension or incapacity payment may differ from the usual. You may wish to make arrangements to ensure you have enough funds to cover any direct deposit payments.

Client Support Program

The Client Support Program (CSP) provides case management services tailored to the individual needs of clients and families. This program will be closed from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive.

CSP case managers will contact their clients prior to this period to discuss support arrangements over this period.

Veteran Support Officers

Veteran Support Officers (VSOs) provide personalised DVA services to ADF members on Defence bases.

VSOs will not be available from 23 December 2023 to 1 January 2024 inclusive.

ADF members can continue to book VSO appointments over the holiday period by emailing .

Scam and fraud tip-offs

The Scam and Fraud Tip-Off mailboxes will not be monitored between 23 December 2023 and 1 January 2024 inclusive.

If you believe you have been the victim of a Scam, please review the options available at IDCARE Official Website – Identity Theft & Cyber Support.

For all serious matters, please contact your local police.

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Invictus Pathway Program extended.

The success of the University of South Australia’s (UniSA) Invictus Pathways Program (IPP) is making a significant impact on the lives of Australian veterans and current Defence Force personnel. Developed to assist Defence veterans in training for and participating in the Invictus Games, the program addresses the challenges faced by military personnel transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Annually, around 6,000 military personnel make this transition, and approximately 18 percent are discharged on medical grounds. Although combat casualties have decreased, the number of returning injured military personnel, particularly at a younger age, has risen. This trend places a strain on rehabilitation services and contributes to increased healthcare costs.

A recent study conducted by the University of South Australia precedes the 2023 Senate inquiry report into the value of adaptive sports programs for ADF veterans. The IPP was recognized in the report as an exemplary initiative providing care to serving members during their transition from military service to civilian life.

The core objective of the IPP is to support military personnel by utilizing the benefits of sport and exercise to facilitate rehabilitation, recovery, and community reintegration. The study revealed significant improvements in veterans’ physical, mental, and social well-being through various physical activity and exercise programs. Participants reported feeling healthier, more positive about their lives, and more connected to their communities.

According to the UniSA study, veterans expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by adaptive sports to re-engage with the community. They noted a sense of belonging in the UniSA environment and highlighted their ability to continue serving the community by supporting student learning.

In response to the evolving needs of participants, the IPP has expanded to include first responders in the exercise training component of the program. It has also moved beyond its original focus on preparing veterans for the Invictus Games, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness in addressing the broader challenges faced by individuals transitioning from military service.

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Death Notice – Peter Cimbaljevic – RAA

We have received advice of the death on 17 November 2023 of Peter Cimbaljevic.  Peter was called up for National Service in 1970 and remained in the Army and the RAA for over 35 years. The pinnacle of his ARA service was Warrant Officer Class One, and a posting as Divisional Artillery Sergeant Major.

Peter later accepted a PSO commission and served as a Forward Observer, Battery Captain and Battery Commander on promotion to Major, of an Army Reserve Battery. He was a very proud gunner who had attended the recent Australian Artillery Association dinner at Caloundra in August this year. 

A funeral for Peter will be held at the Albany Creek Memorial Park, The Garden Chapel, 400 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs, Queensland on Wednesday 29 November 2023 at 1.30pm.  A wake to remember the life of Peter will be held at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 50 Graham Road, Carseldine, following the funeral. No RSVP is required.

 Messages of condolence may be sent to me and will be forward to the family.

 RIP Peter Cimbaljevic.

 Peter Bruce, OAM

Obituary Resource Officer

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USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Aircraft Carrier Approaches Iran Border.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, arrived near the Iranian border. The ship has a key role in sea power projection and supporting air operations in the region. Its presence in the Gulf of Oman demonstrates the United States’ commitment to stability and security in the region, as well as the carrier’s sea power projection capabilities.

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HMAS Toowoomba Naval Divers Forced to Leave Water Due to Sonar Pulses from Chinese Warship

ED: A sonar pulse, derived from the term “Sound Navigation And Ranging,” is a fundamental component of underwater acoustics used for various naval applications. Sonar technology encompasses two primary types: passive sonar and active sonar.

Passive sonar relies on specialized transducers known as hydrophones, which function as underwater microphones. Instead of emitting sound signals, passive sonar involves listening for acoustic signals generated by nearby ships. This approach allows vessels to detect and monitor potential threats without revealing their own location.

On the other hand, active sonar involves emitting controlled sound signals into the water. These signals travel through the water, reflect off underwater objects, and return as echoes to a receiver. Active sonar is further characterized by emitting short bursts or pings, rather than a continuous stream of sound. The returning echoes provide valuable information about the location and characteristics of submerged objects.

Naval platforms, including submarines and warships, leverage sonar technology for two primary purposes:

  1. Safe Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance: Sonar aids in navigating deep waters and avoiding obstacles. By emitting sound signals and analyzing the returning echoes, naval vessels can create a detailed picture of the underwater environment, identifying potential hazards and ensuring safe navigation.
  2. Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Anti-submarine warfare sonar equipment is a crucial tool for naval platforms engaged in detecting, classifying, tracking, and countering underwater threats. This includes identifying submarines, torpedoes, and naval mines. Active sonar plays a significant role in ASW operations by actively seeking out and engaging potential threats beneath the water’s surface.

In the specific incident involving HMAS Toowoomba and the Chinese warship, the use of sonar pulses by the latter posed a risk to Australian naval divers who were conducting operations to clear fishing nets. The sonar pulses emitted by the Chinese warship not only raised safety concerns but also highlighted the significance of responsible and coordinated use of sonar technology in international waters.

Understanding the multifaceted applications of sonar technology is crucial for ensuring maritime safety, effective navigation, and the successful execution of anti-submarine warfare operations. The incident underscores the need for adherence to established protocols and international norms to prevent unsafe and unprofessional interactions in shared maritime spaces.

 

HMAS Toowoomba Naval Divers Forced to Leave Water Due to Sonar Pulses from Chinese Warship

Minor injuries have been reported among Australian naval personnel who were exposed to sonar pulses from a Chinese warship. The federal Opposition is urging the Prime Minister to clarify whether he raised the issue with President Xi Jinping.

The incident took place in international waters off Japan, where HMAS Toowoomba was supporting a United Nations mission to enforce sanctions. While the Australian frigate’s divers were engaged in clearing fishing nets from its propellers, the Chinese warship activated its hull-mounted sonar.

Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the Australian frigate had issued multiple warnings about ongoing diving operations in the area. Despite acknowledging these communications, the Chinese vessel approached at a closer range. Subsequently, it was observed operating its hull-mounted sonar in a manner that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers, who were forced to exit the water. The divers sustained injuries to their ears, likely attributed to the sonar pulses.

Expressing serious concerns, the federal government has communicated the incident to the Chinese government. Minister Marles characterized the interaction as “unsafe and unprofessional.” He emphasized that Australian Defence Force (ADF) vessels have been conducting maritime surveillance activities in the region for decades, adhering to international law.

While the frigate was in international waters, it remained within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone, sailing towards Japan for a scheduled port visit. Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie criticized the government for disclosing the incident after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had left for the APEC summit in the US. Hastie called on the Prime Minister to explain the timing of the disclosure and whether he raised the matter directly with President Xi Jinping at APEC.

The incident occurred shortly after Prime Minister Albanese’s official visit to Beijing, described as a meeting of goodwill with President Xi Jinping. Only days later, President Xi met with US President Joe Biden in San Francisco, where both leaders pledged to resume military-to-military communications.

This incident follows heightened tensions between Australia and China last year when a Chinese surveillance ship operated off the West Australian coast near the secretive naval communications base at Exmouth.

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Austal Unveils Missile-Toting ‘Lethal Cape-Class’ Patrol Boat

Australian shipbuilder Austal has shown off a sleigh of new models and concepts at last weeks Indo Pacific Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Underscoring the uncertainty over the future focus of the Royal Australian Navy, the company presented these solutions for quick realisation and concepts applicable to both Australian and global requirements in the longer term. Furthermore the product range shown through models and digital presentations included corvettes, light frigates, multimission support and logistics concepts. Notable here is Austal’s “Lethal Cape”, an evolution of the company’s existing Cape- and “Evolved” Cape-class offshore patrol vessels in service with the Australian Border Force and the Australian Navy.

CLICK LINK to continue reading.

Austal Unveils Missile-Toting ‘Lethal Cape-class’ Patrol Boat (navalnews.com)

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