By June 1971, Australia had been involved in the Vietnam War for nine years. With no end in sight to an unpopular war, the Australians – like the Americans – were reducing their forces as they prepared to pull out of Vietnam.
Australian withdrawal from Vietnam would take time and would not be easy. Aware of the enemy movement, the Australians launched Operation Overlord, aimed at destroying the enemy forces and preventing interference with the province’s security and the Australian withdrawal.
The most significant fighting took place on 7th June, 1971 with 5 Platoon B Company 3RAR isolated by fire from enemy positions as close as 15 metres. Low on ammunition, close support from Australian and US artillery and helicopter gunships helped them survive. It became known as The Battle of Long Khanh.
By June 1971, Australia had been involved in the Vietnam War for nine years. With no end in sight to an unpopular war, the Australians – like the Americans – were reducing their forces as they prepared to pull out of Vietnam.
Australian withdrawal from Vietnam would take time and would not be easy. Aware of the enemy movement, the Australians launched Operation Overlord, aimed at destroying the enemy forces and preventing interference with the province’s security and the Australian withdrawal.
The most significant fighting took place on 7th June, 1971 with 5 Platoon B Company 3RAR isolated by fire from enemy positions as close as 15 metres. Low on ammunition, close support from Australian and US artillery and helicopter gunships helped them survive. It became known as The Battle of Long Khanh.