Australian veterans mark 60th anniversary of Battle of Long Tan

Australian veterans are preparing to mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, a significant engagement of the Vietnam War. Commemorative services, including one at Wagga Wagga’s Victory Memorial Gardens organized by the Vietnam Veterans Federation Riverina sub-branch, will honor those who fought in the battle.

On August 18, 1966, elements of D Company, Sixth Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, faced a massive force of North Vietnamese and Vietcong troops during a torrential downpour. Despite being outnumbered approximately 10 to 1, the Australian soldiers resisted the onslaught for nearly four hours. The battle resulted in 18 Australian deaths and 42 casualties, while 245 North Vietnamese and Vietcong troops were killed.

Survivors have described the intense combat, noting the constant bombardment and the scarcity of ammunition. A memorial erected at Long Tan three years after the battle remains a sign of respect from Vietnam.