Photo credit: ADF via Twitter

The partnership between Britain and Australia is significantly enhancing the combat capabilities of both nations. The Royal Navy recently led an advanced mine warfare course, underscoring this collaboration. The Australian Department of Defence shared that Australian Navy minesweepers received hands-on training in planning and eliminating sea mines, a critical step in advancing mine warfare tactics.

This specialized course, known as the Royal Navy’s Advanced Course in Sea Mine Planning and Neutralization, equips naval officers and personnel with strategic and tactical knowledge of sea mine deployment, detection, and neutralization. Training covers both theoretical and practical skills, including ‘E-mining,’ which involves using advanced sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and electronic systems to enhance mine detection and neutralization.

The course also emphasizes strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring participants can integrate mine warfare operations into broader naval strategies while minimizing risks to friendly forces.

The Royal Australian Navy’s Huon-class minehunters, specifically designed for mine hunting with advanced sonar and mine disposal systems, benefit from this training. These vessels are crucial for maintaining secure sea lanes and supporting amphibious operations by clearing mines from critical areas.

With apologies for the late notice, we have been advised of the death on 12 August 2024 of Phillip Montague Perrin.

Phillip died in Perth following a lengthy illness.

He served in Vietnam as the Officer in Charge of the Detachment, 131st Divisional Locating Battery, from January 1968 until January 1969. He later retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

A funeral for Phillip was held at Purslowe on Monday 19 August 2024. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, Son Adam and Daughter Melinda and their families.

RIP Phillip Montague Perrin.

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
pjbruce8@bigpond.net.au

The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast takes flight in sunny Queensland! Here’s some of the action from the Friday performers on August 16th. Featuring: Jeff Boerboon: Yak 110, Greg Colyer: T-33, USAF F-22, USMC MV-22, USAF C-17, USAF KC-135, RAAF F/A-18F, RAAF Roulettes, Matt Hall & Emma McDonald, L-39 jets, US Navy P-8A, Freedom Formation and more!

APS Blog

During the recent Garma Festival, the noticeable absence of leading Yes campaigners raised eyebrows. Marcia Langton, a well-known advocate for the Yes campaign, was nowhere to be seen. Equally absent were other prominent figures like Noel Pearson, as well as Uluru ‘dialogue leaders’ Megan Davis and Pat Anderson, along with the Uluru Delegates. This void has led many to question the current state of the Yes campaign and the motivations behind it.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took the stage in Parliament to reaffirm his commitment to the Voice initiative, renewing his pledge to support the Makarrata Commission-a process of truth-telling and reconciliation, defined as “coming together after a struggle.” Despite the Prime Minister’s continued dedication, the silence from key Yes campaigners suggests a deeper uncertainty.

Why, then, is Albanese pushing forward without visible backing from these prominent voices? The reality may be that figures like Marcia Langton are aware of the waning public support they once commanded. Their retreat from the spotlight could indicate a strategic shift, acknowledging that their previous bold approach failed to gain the traction they had hoped for.

Yet, despite this shift, the Prime Minister remains determined, advancing with significant social and financial commitments-many of which lack transparency and detail. Little is known about the specifics of the Makarrata process or the allocation of the committed millions. Albanese seems poised to drive the nation toward a critical vote, asking Australians to decide on an issue clouded in uncertainty.

Even though prominent Yes campaigners may have retreated, they still lend their political allegiance, with strong backing from Labor and the Greens.

ED: This is a summary of the full blog.

 

Nine Townsville-based artillery members participated in training on the K9 self-propelled howitzer, preparing to become future instructors for the vehicle, which is slated to be primarily operated by the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville by 2028.

The training took place in South Korea, where the gunners experienced firing 155mm rounds from the K9 for the first time. Compared to the traditional M777 artillery piece, the K9’s automatic aiming system simplifies the process, allowing the main gunner to review fire control data, aim, and fire with the press of a button. The K9 also offers manual and semi-automatic modes, with a joystick available for directional adjustments or direct fire.

Participants also learned essential maintenance tasks, such as removing the muzzle and tracks for repairs. One of the standout features of the K9 is its ability to shoot and move quickly, a significant upgrade from the M777. The K9 can stop and fire within 60 seconds while moving or 30 seconds when stationary, allowing for rapid repositioning to avoid counter-battery fire.

Driver training was highlighted as a critical component of the course, as operating a 50-tonne armoured vehicle is a new challenge for the gunners, who previously did not need such skills with the M777.

Next year, a more comprehensive train-the-trainer course will be conducted for potential instructors, enabling them to teach future trainees from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery at Puckapunyal. The Australian AS9 Huntsman and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, based on the Korean K9 and K10, will feature increased internal height, modernised fire control systems, additional storage, and air conditioning. The Army expects to have 30 AS9s and 15 AS10s in service by 2028, with the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville being the primary operators.

The Australian Army is continuing its implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and National Defence Strategy (NDS) by consolidating its tank capabilities in Townsville. As part of this process, the new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks will be introduced into the School of Armour and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment later this year.

This development marks the end of an era for the 7th Brigade’s 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QMI), which has operated with these vehicles since 2017 when one of its squadrons became a tank unit under Plan Beersheba. Despite the change, the move is seen as beneficial for both the unit and the Army as a whole. The consolidation will create a more focused force and reduce sustainment overheads for the main battle tank capability.

Becoming the Army’s only pure cavalry regiment will provide the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment with greater role clarity and enhance its depth in personnel and equipment. However, the implementation of the DSR and NDS will require some soldiers to transition their skill sets or relocate. Honest communication is viewed as essential in helping soldiers prepare for these changes.

Many tank crews are reportedly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and are willing to relocate to Townsville or Puckapunyal to continue their work. Centralizing the tank capability in Townsville is expected to create a critical mass, which will enhance experience, instruction, maintenance, and leadership within the tank units.

Additionally, there has been international interest in Australia’s M1A1 Abrams tanks, with discussions ongoing about the potential transfer of these vehicles to assist in global conflicts. The Australian Defence Force continues to evaluate its equipment needs and the best ways to support its allies.

As the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment transitions away from its tank unit role, there is a sense of nostalgia among its members, but also optimism for the future. Soldiers are preparing to train with the new main battle tanks and are focused on maintaining their soldiering skills while adapting to the upcoming changes.

The 7th Brigade views this transition as a significant moment and is committed to adapting quickly and effectively to the new force structure, with the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment playing a central role in this process.

As today is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tân, I thought that I might offer you some comments on DVA’s “on-line” history of the Battle – ie at: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/combat/battle-long-tan-1966
Cite this page:
DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) (2024), Battle of Long Tan 1966, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 16 August 2024, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/combat/battle-long-tan-1966.

I first passed detailed comments on that DVA on-line account on 17 October 2023 – and offered comments again today. While the DVA article on Long Tân is excellent, several passages in that DVA on-line account of the Battle are not wholly accurate regarding the “enemy” – ie in my view, including the following passages:

“On the night of 16 and 17 August, the Nui Dat base came under fire from mortars and recoilless rifles …”.
“Captured documents and information from prisoners suggested that D Company had faced some 2500 Viet Cong.”
“The Viet Cong’s 5th Infantry Division, comprising the 275th Viet Cong Main Force Regiment and 445th Battalion (D445), the local provincial mobile battalion, had been involved in the battle. When the Australians returned the next morning for the gruesome task of ‘battlefield clearance’, they found 245 enemy corpses, each of which had to be searched for intelligence purposes before burial.”
“The North Vietnamese units involved in the battle were awarded medals …”

To date, I have written and published four books that include examinations of aspects of the Battle of Long Tân – ie: The Viet Cong 275th Regiment, 2022 – 220,500 words; The Viet Cong D445 Battalion, Their Story and the Battle of Long Tan, 2011 – 145,000 words and 2016 – 348,200 words); and The Viet Cong D440 Battalion – Their Story, 2011 – 89,000 words). Complimentary copies of these works – and a large number of relevant multi-page “Research Notes” have been passed to Australian agencies including to DVA, the AWM, the AAHU, the NLA, UNSW/ADFA – and to NZ Defence, and interested military historians and veterans.

The principal Vietnamese communist elements at the Battle of Long Tân were: the 275th VC Main Force Regiment (of the 5th VC Division) and the D445 Local Force Battalion. Importantly, the 5th VC Division’s stronger regiment – the 274th Main Force Regiment, was not involved in the Long Tân battle (despite claims in some accounts). Importantly, data on the strength and composition of the 275th VC Regiment at the Battle can be determined from the detailed notebook/diary of the 275th VC Regiment’s quartermaster (QM) “Xuân Thanh/Đào Thanh Xuân” – a document captured in early February 1968 by 2RAR/NZ (ANZAC) during Operation Coburg, but only recently translated and analysed (for detail see my Research Note 23/2018 of 23 March 2018). That notebook’s entries can probably be regarded as far more “factual” than accounts in published post-War Vietnamese histories – such as those of the 5th VC Division (2005), the 275th VC Main Force Regiment (2015), and the D445 Local Force Battalion (1991 and 2004) – and other Vietnamese communist accounts. In particular, the QM’s notebook/diary records his detailed strength-reckoning of the Regiment on 20 August (ie two days after the Long Tân battle). This list totalled “852” – ie 159 less than the strength figure of 1,011 he had recorded on 9 August. On D445 VC Local Force Battalion’s strength, the biannual reports of its commanding officer (Bùi Quang Chánh) and its political officer (Đỗ Văn Liên) – dated July and early August 1966 respectively, show that Battalion’s strength as “403” and “392”. Of course, any KIA or WIA figures for the Long Tân battle would also have to include probably quite small numbers from HQ 5th VC Division elements, the HQ Bà Rịa-Long Khánh-Biên Hòa Province Unit, the Võ Thị Sáu Civil Labour Company, C.12-65 Bình Giã Assault Youth Unit, the small “Surgery Element”, reconnaissance elements (5th VC Division; and C.982), and possibly a Z39 artillery element.

The on-line DVA “Anzac Portal” article states that the VC strength at the Battle of Long Tân was “over 2,000 troops”/”some 2,500 Viet Cong”. From my research, I have assessed the VC troop strength at Long Tân as probably numbering about 1,750 – and some 210 were killed on the battlefield. The basis for my figures includes the detailed notebook/diary of Xuân Thanh – the quartermaster of the 275th VC Regiment, ie mentioned above.

Some on-line Vietnam War articles – eg including a recent video on the FRONTLINE website titled: “Long Tan – Australia’s Vietnam Story”, cite “North Vietnamese” at the Battle. However, the enemy force at Long Tân was almost solely “Viet Cong” – noting that the 3rd Battalion/275th VC Main Force Regiment was originally the D605 NVA Battalion (of the Bắc Sơn Regiment) that had infiltrated into the South in late 1965 (a deployment of about 2,000km/112 days) – and was incorporated into the 275th VC Regiment in April 1966 following the 275th Regiment’s earlier heavy losses in attacks on posts at Vỏ Đắt. and Vỏ Su in Bình Tuy Province. As an aside, the 275th VC Regiment had its origins in the southern Mekong Delta/Cà Mâu Peninsula area of South Vietnam as the “5th Regiment” in 1964, before moving north-east in 1965 to the “Military Region 3/III CTZ” area.

Regarding the DVA on-line article noting that: “On the night of 16 and 17 August, the Nui Dat base came under fire from mortars and recoilless rifles …”, if interested see the account and analysis in my Research Note 6A/2016 of 29 June 2016 ie titled: “Vietnam War: Incoming! – The Shelling of the Nui Dat Base 17 August 1966: 70mm Japanese Howitzer (x 5 rounds), 75mm RCL (x 23 rounds), and 82mm Mortar (x 67 rounds)”.

Best wishes,
Ernie Chamberlain

 

A Calendar of Military and Political Events

14 January 1950
Nationalist leader Ho Chi Minh, who trained in the Soviet Union but received aid from the US during World War II to fight the Japanese, declares the Democratic Republic of Vietnam as the only legal government. This is recognized by the Soviet Union and China, while Australia supports the French-sponsored government of Emperor Bao Dai. The US provides military and economic aid to the French in Indochina.

7 May 1954
The French are defeated by the Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu after a 55-day siege, signaling the end of French presence in Indochina.

1955
The US begins funneling aid directly to the Saigon Government and agrees to train the South Vietnamese army.

September 1957
South Vietnam’s President Ngo Dinh Diem visits Australia, where Prime Minister Menzies reaffirms support.

20 December 1960
Hanoi leaders form the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam, which the Saigon regime dubs the “Viet Cong,” meaning Communist Vietnamese.

24 May 1962
The Minister for Defence, Reginald Townley, announces the intention to send 30 army advisers to South Vietnam.

3 August 1962
The first members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrive in South Vietnam.

1 June 1963
Advisor Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation.

1 November 1963
Vietnam’s President Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu are murdered in a military coup, with the foreknowledge of the US Government.

22 November 1963
Lyndon B. Johnson becomes US president after the assassination of John F. Kennedy and announces that the US will continue its support of South Vietnam. By year’s end, 15,000 US advisors are serving in Vietnam, which received $500 million in US aid that year.

8 June 1964
The Minister for Defence, Shane Partridge, announces that the AATTV will be increased to 83 advisers with an expanded role.

6 July 1964
Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Conway becomes the first Australian to die as a result of enemy action in South Vietnam.

7 August 1964
Following a reported attack on US ships in the Tonkin Gulf, US Congress passes the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, giving President Johnson extraordinary powers to act in South Vietnam.

10 November 1964
Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies announces the introduction of national service to increase the army’s strength from 22,750 to 37,500. Opposition to the war in Vietnam is not accepted as a reason for exemption.

18 December 1964
Responding to requests from the US President and South Vietnam’s Prime Minister for 200 additional advisers, the Australian Government offers to send ground troops to South Vietnam.

29 April 1965
The Prime Minister announces the dispatch of an infantry battalion to South Vietnam, along with an armoured personnel carrier (APC) troop, a signals troop, and a logistic support company.

24 May 1965
The advance party from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), departs for South Vietnam for service with the US 173rd Airborne Division.

8 June 1965
HMAS Sydney arrives at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, carrying the bulk of the Australian force.

30 June 1965
The first national service intake begins recruit training.

17 August 1965
The Australian Government approves an increase in Australian forces to a battalion group, supported by artillery, additional APCs, engineers, army helicopters, light aircraft, and more logistic support.

September 1965
A Morgan Gallup Poll finds that 56% of those polled were in favour of continuing the war in Vietnam.

22 October 1965
A demonstration against the war in Sydney results in 65 arrests.

13 November 1965
Warrant Officer 2 Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley refuses to leave his mate, Warrant Officer 2 Bob Swanston, and is killed. His actions earned him Australia’s highest honour, the Victoria Cross.

26 January 1966
Harold Holt succeeds Menzies as Prime Minister.

6 March 1966
Prime Minister Holt announces that Australia’s commitment in South Vietnam will be increased to a 4,350-man task force, including conscripts. The 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) will include two infantry battalions, a Special Air Service squadron, combat and support logistic units, and eight RAAF Iroquois helicopters (9 Squadron). The Task Force will be supported by the 1st Australian Logistic Support Group (1 ALSG) to be established at Vung Tau. For the first time, national servicemen will be sent to South Vietnam.

24 May 1966
The 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5 RAR), deploys by helicopter from the 1ATF concentration area at Vung Tau to secure the Task Force area at Nui Dat. Private Errol Noack becomes the first national serviceman and member of the 1ATF to die from enemy action.

4 June 1966
Concentration of the 1ATF at Nui Dat is completed.

18 August 1966
During the Battle of Long Tan, D Company, 6 RAR, consisting of 108 men, battles North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces estimated at between 1,500 and 2,500 until they are relieved by A Company, carried in by armoured personnel carriers of 3 Troop, 1 APC Squadron. The enemy leaves 245 bodies on the battlefield, while 17 Australian infantrymen and one APC crewman are killed. The Company earns the US Presidential Citation.

19 November 1966
A Morgan Gallup Poll finds that 63% are in favour of conscription, but only 37% approve of sending National Servicemen to Vietnam.

7 April 1967
Major Peter Badcoe of the AATTV is killed in action while leading two companies of Vietnamese regional forces. For his outstanding heroism in this and two previous actions, he is posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

26 May 1967
A New Zealand rifle company, V Company of the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Regiment (RNZIR), arrives at Nui Dat to serve with 2 RAR. The Australian Battalion is re-designated 2RAR/NZ/ANZAC.

May 1967
A Morgan Gallup Poll finds 62% in favour of continuing the war in Vietnam.

18 October 1967
The Prime Minister announces an increase of 1,700 to Australia’s commitment in South Vietnam, including a third infantry battalion and a tank squadron.

17 December 1967
Prime Minister Harold Holt is presumed drowned off Portsea in Victoria. His body is never recovered.

28 December 1967
The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), establishes itself at Nui Dat as the 1 ATF’s third battalion.

10 January 1968
John Grey Gorton is sworn in as Prime Minister.

29 January 1968
Communist forces in South Vietnam launch the Tet Offensive, with concentrated attacks against every major city and regional centre. Although Tet costs the Communists 45,000-50,000 troops, it sows serious doubt in the minds of the Australian and American people and leads to major changes in government policy towards the conflict in South Vietnam.

1 February 1968
Tet comes to Baria, the capital of Phuoc Tuy province. A Company of 3 RAR and a troop of APCs fight a savage 24-hour battle to clear the town.

12 February 1968
Prime Minister Gorton indicates that Australia will not increase its commitment to Vietnam.

13 May 1968
The Battle of Coral & Balmoral begins at Fire Support Base (FSB) Coral with an enemy attack that overruns 1 RAR Mortar Platoon and captures one of 102 Field Battery’s gun pits. The base is cleared with the help of helicopter gunships. After a second attack on May 15, Australian casualties around Coral stand at 15 killed and 56 wounded, while enemy losses are estimated to exceed 100 dead.

16 March 1968
A massacre of civilians by US soldiers occurs at My Lai village, resulting in the deaths of at least 450 unarmed people.

26 May 1968
At FSB Balmoral, near Coral, infantry supported by Centurion tanks turn back an assault by two battalions of NVA regulars.

27 May 1968
A sweep outside Coral by D Company 1 RAR, supported by four Centurion tanks, destroys an enemy bunker system and kills a large number of VC and NVA.

28 May 1968
A second attack on Balmoral is crushed by combined infantry, tank, artillery, and mortar fire, leaving 47 enemy dead and six prisoners for one Australian killed.

6/11 May 1968
Serving as a company commander with a Vietnamese mobile strike force, Warrant Officer 2 Ray Simpson displays outstanding heroism and disregard for personal safety in two firefights with enemy forces. His actions earn him the Victoria Cross, making him the third member of the AATTV to receive this honour.

24 May 1969
Warrant Officer 2 Keith Payne, also a company commander with a mobile strike force, leads his forces in a counterattack on a strong enemy force. His courage and leadership under fire earn him the Victoria Cross, the fourth awarded to an Australian in the Vietnam War.

August 1969
A Morgan Gallup Poll finds that 55% of those polled favour bringing Australian forces home.

December 1969
A report by the US Department of Defense questions the effectiveness of the war effort and places most of the blame on the Saigon Government and the South Vietnamese Army.

16 March 1970
The Prime Minister announces that Australia’s battalion strength in Vietnam will be reduced by one, and that the third battalion will not be replaced at the end of its tour in October.

September 1970
A Morgan Gallup Poll finds that 50% of Australians polled are in favour of bringing the troops home.

7 October 1970
The Prime Minister announces that 8 RAR will be withdrawn from South Vietnam and not replaced, leaving two battalions in the field.

18 September 1971
The Prime Minister announces that 1 ATF will be withdrawn from South Vietnam and that the establishment of the AATTV will be reduced from 227 to 150.

7 November 1971
The last Australian battalion (4RAR) leaves Nui Dat and returns to Australia.

5 March 1972
The Minister for Defence announces that the AATTV will be withdrawn from South Vietnam by December.

24 April 1975
The Prime Minister announces that all Australian embassy staff and their dependents will be evacuated from South Vietnam.

29 April 1975
The last Australian personnel are evacuated by RAAF Hercules from Tan Son Nhut Airport, shortly before the North Vietnamese enter Saigon.

Courtesy of the VVAA Museum Sub-Branch.  Includes material from the Special Edition of the Australian on Thursday August 18 1988, with attribution to Stuart Rintoul’s “Ashes of Vietnam” (William Heineman, Australia).