answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The battle of "Long Tan" occurred in a rubber tree plantation, near a town called "Long Tan", August 18, 1966, involving elements from the Australian's 6th Royal Regiment, which consisted mostly of conscripts (Australian Draftee's); against elements of the (VC) 275 Regiment and D445 Battalion, (which no doubt consisted mostly of conscript's also). Vietnamese losses, as has been usual in the history of the Vietnam War, are disputed, with some Australians believing some 50 Vietnamese were killed and 100 wounded (See: Helicopter pilot Cliff Dohle cited for gallantry in mission to resupply Long Tan diggers, The Australian, October 28, 2009), while others claim that at least 250 Viet Cong were killed. Australian losses were 18 men killed and 21 wounded. A number of Australian historians claim that the diary of the Viet Cong commander at Long Tan was later captured and that he listed his losses as 878 killed and 1,500 wounded. (Vietnam - The Australian War, Paul Ham, p.245 and p.704) However, Ernest Chamberlain (author of The Viet Cong D445 Battalion: Their Story) has recently claimed that no copy of that report exists. (See: Long Tan casualty figures questioned, The Canberra Times, July 27, 2012) Long Tan was one of the first large Australian battles to take place, and is considered an Australian victory.

The Battle of Long Tan was the most famous action fought by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. It was fought in a rubber tree plantation near the village of Long Tan, about 40km north-east of Vung Tau, South Vietnam on August 18, 1966 in blinding weather conditions, with the monsoonal rain reducing visibility to a mere 50 metres. (See: Vietnam ANZACs: Australian & New Zealand Troops in Vietnam 1962-72, Kevin Lyles, p 22, Osprey Publishing, 2004)

The action occurred when D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF), encountered the Viet Cong (VC) 275 Regiment. D Company was supported by other Australian units, as well as New Zealand and United States personnel.

Although veterans of the battle from both sides met many years later, relatively little of the Vietnamese side of the battle has been published in Australia.

This battle is frequently taught in Australian officer training, as it is an excellent case study of well-trained and disciplined soldiers; the importance of combining infantry, artillery, armour and aviation; coordination between units and the importance of firepower.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why was the battle of long tan important at the time?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Military History

What was the role of Australians in Long Tan?

Long Tan was the Australian Army's first large battle of the Vietnam War; and was recorded as an Australian victory.


Australian Army battles in Vietnam?

Battle of Coral; Battle of Long Tan; TET offensive; naval gun fire support from Australian Destroyers.


What was important about the battle of long tan?

AnswerThe Battle of Long Tan was the most famous action fought by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. It was fought in a rubber tree plantation near the village of Long Tan, about 40km north-east of Vung Tau, South Vietnam on August 18-19, 1966.The action occurred when D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF), encountered the Viet Cong (VC) 275 Regiment and elements of the D445 Local Forces Battalion. D Company was supported by other Australian units, as well as New Zealand and United States personnel.Although veterans of the battle from both sides met many years later, relatively little is known publicly of the Vietnamese side of the battle, due to a reluctance to discuss it, on the part of Vietnamese officials.This battle is frequently taught in Australian officer training, as it is an excellent case study of well-trained and disciplined soldiers; the importance of combining infantry, artillery, armour and aviation; coordination between units and the importance of firepower.


What is the difference between Long Tan and the Phuoc Tuy Province?

The Long Tan battle was a two day fight (August 18-19, 1966). A Previous action in Phuc Tuy Province was December 28, 1964 to January 1, 1965.


How long do you have to wait to tan after the first tan?

If you're talking about a natural tan, it'll last you a week, don't worry about it, you can do anything you want immediately after getting your tan.

Related questions

How long did the battle of long tan last?

The Battle of Long tan lasted 16 hours from early 18th August 1966 to night time.


Was the long tan war important?

The Battle of Long tan was the Australians first big fight during the Vietnam War in 1966.


How the battle of long tan started?

See site: Battle of Long Tan


Who did Australia fight in the battle of long tan?

In the Battle Of Long Tan the Australians were fighting the Viet Cong.


'Why did Vietnam war long tan start?

See: Battle of Long Tan


What are the ratings and certificates for The Battle of Long Tan - 2006 TV?

The Battle of Long Tan - 2006 TV is rated/received certificates of: Australia:M


What is the rating for the battle of long tan?

11


Where did battle of long tan take place?

At the Long Tan Rubber Plantation, about 5km from Nui Dat


What actors and actresses appeared in The Battle of Long Tan - 2006?

The cast of The Battle of Long Tan - 2006 includes: Matthew Wollaston as Australian Soldier Sam Worthington as Narrator


How many were in the battle of long tan?

That might be Australia's first battle; read about it on the website.


How many by standers were killed in the Battle of Long Tan?

17


What is the significance of the Battle of Long Tan to Australia's participation in the Vietnam War?

First large battle.