Australians and the battle of Binh Ba , Vietnam

[bob10]

Looking at the wider strategic context .



Strategic context: The battle of Binh Ba – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/strategic-context-the-battle-of-binh-ba/)

[bob10]

The ARVN in Vietnam, was their performance misunderstood?



The ARVN: Was their performance misunderstood? – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-arvn-was-their-performance-misunderstood/)

[bob10]

The battle of Coral, the 141 NVA regiment account.

bert Hall18 May 2018Articles (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/category/articles/), Australian Army (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/category/articles/army/), Uncategorised (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/category/uncategorised/)Leave a Comment (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-coral-so-hoi-13-may-1968-the-141st-nva-regiment-account/#respond)

By Ernie Chamberlain
The 141st North Vietnamese Regiment History (1997) [1] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-coral-so-hoi-13-may-1968-the-141st-nva-regiment-account/#_edn1) relates that:
On 12 May, we discovered a battalion of Royal Australian troops had deployed to South Sở Hội (six kilometres north of Tân Uyên), and the Regiment was ordered to launch a night attack. The night was dark, and the regimental commander – Doãn Khiết, together with the battalion commanders and the reconnaissance element went to study the battlefield. On the way, they encountered commandos and interdicting artillery fire that blocked their approaches to the target. Political Officer Nguyễn Văn Nhật and Chief of Staff Hà Xuân Trường guided the troops to occupy the battlefield. At 0300 a.m., the 1st Battalion and the 16th 82mm Mortar Company were still far away and had not reached the battlefield in time, but the Regiment was determined to commence firing. At 4.30 a.m., the order was given to open fire, and all types of our firepower continuously fired upon the targets at an intense rate. The enemy – having just arrived and with their defences not yet complete, came under our heavy shelling. They abandoned our objective and fled helter-skelter. Immediately seizing the opportunity, our infantry sections – with overwhelming bravery, assaulted and wiped out the enemy. After 30 minutes of combat, we were completely in charge of the battlefield – and then swiftly withdrew our forces so that the enemy’s aircraft and artillery could not react in time. The battle concluded quickly. We wiped out an Australian battalion, captured a prisoner, seized eight weapons (including two heavy machine guns)[2] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-coral-so-hoi-13-may-1968-the-141st-nva-regiment-account/#_edn2), a 60mm mortar, and an 81mm mortar. … The battle was truly deserving of the award of the Liberation Military Exploits Medal 3rd Class (Huân Chương Quân công Giải phóng hạng 3).

https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Map-Battle-of-Coral-V3.jpg

Battle of Coral/Sở Hội – 12/13 May 1968 (141st Regiment History – 1997)[3] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-coral-so-hoi-13-may-1968-the-141st-nva-regiment-account/#_edn3)
The 141st Regiment History included a sketch map of the first Battle of Coral/Sở Hội on 12/13 May 1968. Throughout the War, the NVA/VC used “Warsaw Pact-style” map-marking symbols – with some Vietnamese variations. In the preceding sketch map, a single enemy (Australian) battalion headquarters is shown within the FSPB (ie a triangular flag “flying” to the left) – together with the enemy (Australian) artillery and mortar positions, and two medium tanks. In “red”, the headquarters of the 141st NVA Regiment is depicted in the bottom right corner. Its three battalion headquarters – 1, 2, and 3, are shown in “red” as triangular flags, “flying” to the right. This 141st NVA Regiment sketch also omits HQ 3RAR and 161 Battery RNZAA within the FSPB Coral perimeter, and does not show the 1RAR and 3RAR companies outside the perimeter. HQ 3RAR and its D Company were, in fact, located about “300 metres” west of HQ 1RAR and were “not subjected to any ground attack”.[4] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-coral-so-hoi-13-may-1968-the-141st-nva-regiment-account/#_edn4) In the 141st NVA Regiment diagram, barbed wire is indicated around the northern, eastern and southern perimeter of FSPB Coral on 13 May 1968. However, the Australian Army official history relates that on 12/13 May: “No claymore mines or barbed wire had been laid for the defence of the fire support base; there had been no time and, in any case, the wire had not arrived.” [5] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-coral-so-hoi-13-may-1968-the-141st-nva-regiment-account/#_edn5)

[bob10]

The Australian version of the battle of Coral


Bing video (https://binged.it/2MkSlNt)

[Hogarthde]

Good stuff Bob,

as as often said , the first casualty of war is truth.
we often had ARVN with us ,or rather near us ,and I did feel sorry for the poor buggers, despite the work AATTV did. We did “joke” about the enemy , worst was white mice, then yanks then ARVN , then MP , with the VC a distant last. Sick humour I know, but we had to find something to laugh about as i’m sure you well know.

[bob10]

Good stuff Bob,

as as often said , the first casualty of war is truth.
we often had ARVN with us ,or rather near us ,and I did feel sorry for the poor buggers, despite the work AATTV did. We did “joke” about the enemy , worst was white mice, then yanks then ARVN , then MP , with the VC a distant last. Sick humour I know, but we had to find something to laugh about as i’m sure you well know.

Dark times produce dark humour. Most of our gun line support was for ARVN, with the US Marines a close second. We could listen to the radio traffic between the ship, the ARVN unit and the spotter aircraft whilst on the flying bridge. They copped a hiding up near the DMZ, that seemed to be the most active area at that time. I felt sorry for them too.

[bob10]

Long Tan is in the news because of the movie, Danger Close. It seems we know exactly how many casualties we had, but numbers differ from the other side. Here are some numbers from the QM of the VC regiment, whose book was captured by 2RAR/NZ.


The Battle of Long Tan: Việt Cộng ‘numbers’ – 275 Regiment ‘s ‘QM notebook’ – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-battle-of-long-tan-viet-cong-numbers-and-275-regiment-s-qm-notebook/)

[bob10]

The RAAF and Canberra bombers.

2 Squadron RAAF Canberra Bombers in Vietnam – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/2-squadron-raaf-canberra-bombers-in-vietnam/)

[bob10]

The NZ part of ANZAC.

V Company and the Captured Car – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/v-company-and-the-captured-car/)

[bob10]

The RAN clearance diving team first deployment.

Clearance Diving Team 3 – 1st Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-3-1st-contingent/)

[bob10]

Operation Tong, 1969.

[1] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/operation-tong-7-8-june-1969/#_ftnref1)
Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Claude Ducker was Officer Commanding C Company 5RAR and commanded the Reaction Force sent to Hoa Long to eject the enemy from the north west quadrant of the village



Operation Tong: 7-8 June 1969 – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/operation-tong-7-8-june-1969/#_ftn1)

[bob10]

CDT3 2nd contingent.


Clearance Diving Team 3 – 2nd Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-three-2nd-contingent/)

[bob10]

CDT3 3rd contingent.


Clearance Diving Team 3 – 3rd Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-3-3rd-contingent/)

[bob10]

The TET offensive in Baria, 1968



The Tet Offensive in Ba Ria, Viet Nam 1968 – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-tet-offensive/)

[bob10]

CDT3 4th contingent.



Clearance Diving Team 3 – 4th Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-3-4th-contingent/)

[bob10]

An Australian at Hamburger Hill.



An Australian at Hamburger Hill – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/an-australian-at-hamburger-hill/)

[bob10]

CDT3 contingent 5.

A mate of mine, " Cowboy " Garrett was in this group. Awarded a mention in dispatches, for his actions diving on ships alongside Vang Tau, during which time a number of VC sappers were captured, and a new type of Russian limpit mine retrieved intact. This allowed thorough investigation of the mine, in order to formulate a plan to disarm it. " Cowboy " was a character, front row forward, we played a lot of rugby together. He married a lovely Asian woman, opened a curry restraunt in Cairns called 'the ring of fire '. Worked in civilian diving for a while, last heard of living on Russell Island, making bespoke furniture. If you meet him, buy him a beer. He deserves it.



Clearance Diving Team 3 – 5th Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-three-5th-contingent/)

[bob10]

Baria , Tet '68 , Province Senior advisor report - FEB 1968



Baria, Tet ’68: Province Senior Advisor Report – February 1968 – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/baria-tet-68-province-senior-advisor-report-february-1968/)

[bob10]

CDT3 6th contingent



Clearance Diving Team 3 – 6th Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-3-6th-contingent/)

[bob10]

MAY 1969. The switch to pacification . Interesting to see the American Pysops advisor's thoughts , in Phuoc Tuy province, Major Desmal C Smith JR.,



There is one group of military within the province that has the admiration and respect of all the citizens to include the [Viet Cong Infrastructure and Viet Cong/People’s Army of Vietnam] units. This group is the 1
st
Australian Task Force. The quickest way to bring pacification to Phuoc Tuy Province is to give the mission to the 1
st
ATF. Make the Province Senior Advisor and all district and Company advisory positions Australian positions. I know this recommendation will be frowned on and only cause me to lose more skin off my own nose, but it would work because the Australians would make it work. The only problem of trying it and seeing it work would be that we the Americans would look like hell in the other 43 provinces where our efforts and plans have failed to work.
[2] (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/may-1969-the-switch-to-pacification/#_ftn2)



​May 1969: The switch to pacification – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/may-1969-the-switch-to-pacification/)

[bob10]

CDT3 7th contingent.


Clearance Diving Team 3 – 7th Contingent – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/clearance-diving-team-3-7th-contingent/)

[bob10]

Keeping troops in the field / rations



Keeping the Troops in the Field. Part 1: Rations – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/keeping-the-troops-in-the-field-part-1-rations/)

[bob10]

RAN helicopter flight Vietnam


RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam History | Royal Australian Navy (http://www.navy.gov.au/history/ran-helicopter-flight-vietnam-history)

[bob10]

supply part 2 water.



Keeping the Troops in the Field. Part 2: Water Resupply – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/keeping-the-troops-in-the-field-part-2-water-resupply/)

[bob10]

Part 3 resupply.


Keeping Troops in the Field Part 3: Resupply – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/keeping-troops-in-the-field-part-3-resupply/)

[bob10]

Operation Bribie, a platoon commanders view.


Operation Bribie: A Platoon Commander’s View – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/operation-bribie/)

[bob10]

On the gun line,


'On The Gun Line' - The R.A.N's Vietnam War In Detail | GUN PLOT (http://www.gunplot.net/main/content/gun-line-rans-vietnam-war-detail)

[bob10]

HMAS Hobart first deployment.



HMAS HOBART 1st Deployment 7 March 1967 - 27 September 1967 | GUN PLOT (http://www.gunplot.net/main/content/hmas-hobart-1st-deployment-7-march-1967-27-september-1967)

[bob10]

HMAS Perth, first deployment.



HMAS Perth 1st Deployment 2 September 1967 - 10 April 1968 | GUN PLOT (http://www.gunplot.net/main/content/hmas-perth-1st-deployment-2-september-1967-10-april-1968)

[bob10]

HMAS Hobart attacked by the US Air Force. It's worthwhile reading the whole story, including the American patrol boat story.



HMAS HOBART Attacked Vietnam 1968 | GUN PLOT (http://www.gunplot.net/main/content/hmas-hobart-attacked-vietnam-1968)

[bob10]

Farewell Jim Hughes, CO 4 RAR/NZ. And the dreaded 33 NVA Regiment.



Farewell Jim Hughes, Commanding Officer 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/farewell-jim-hughes-commanding-officer-4rarnz-anzac-a-man-for-all-seasons/)

[bob10]

Australians Missing in Action, Vietnam.


Australians Missing in Action – Vietnam – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/australian-missing-in-action-vietnam/)

[bob10]

The "wandering souls " project, how Australian Vietnam veterans can help.


The Operation Wandering Souls Project – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/the-operation-wandering-souls-project/)

[bob10]

HMAS Perth, 2nd deployment.

HMAS PERTH 2nd Deployment - 19 September 1968 - 20 April 1969 | GUN PLOT (http://www.gunplot.net/main/content/hmas-perth-2nd-deployment-19-september-1968-20-april-1969)

[bob10]

This site has a lot of interactive stuff on it, not my strong suite. I'm sure you savvy people out there can work it out. In effect all contacts or incidents recorded on the site can be pulled up and perused. Go to the BATTLE MAP.

EDIT. Some information on Air sorties and gunfire support missions.

https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/new-air-sorties-and-naval-gunfire-support-data/


Battle Map (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/battlemap/?basemap=mapbox-terrain&layers=contact-individual&timeline=1965-04-30,1971-11-01&incident=2162&at=10.966588217715752,106.95086303428782,11)

[bob10]

What happens after " CONTACT! wait, out ".



‘Contact! Wait, Out’: Battle Procedure After Contact – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/contact-wait-out-battle-procedure-after-contact/)

[bob10]

Try this again.

New Air Sorties and Naval Gunfire Support data – Australia`s Vietnam War (https://vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au/new-air-sorties-and-naval-gunfire-support-data/)

[bob10]

More on the 'wandering souls' project.

Vietnam War veterans map likely burial sites of fallen soldiers in operation to bring home 'wandering souls' (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/vietnam-war-veterans-map-likely-burial-sites-of-fallen-soldiers-in-operation-to-bring-home-wandering-souls/ar-AAGZz3E?ocid=spartandhp)