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JANUARY

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8 - 26 January. After the success of Operation Attleboro, US Operation Cedar Falls is launched. The goal of the operation is to rout out Viet Cong base camps in the Iron Triangle. Americans commanders hoped that the Vietcong forces will stand and fight. The operation is designed as a classic Hammer and Anvil operation, and includes a number of US and ARVN divisions. The operation is successful in uncovering large caches of arms and other equipment. The Viet Cong do not choose to fight, but 750 Vietcong are killed, as opposed to 72 American deaths and 11 ARVN casulties. In the course of the operation, 5,987 residents of Ben Suc are forcibly evacuated to refugee camps.
8 Jan - 5 Mar. 6 RAR conduct Op "Woolongong"

Operation WOLLONGONG-8th January, 1967 - 21st March, 1967. This code name encompassed all the close patrolling in the Tactical Area of Responsibility for the Battalion, whether Battalion, Platoon or Company sized patrols. In conjunction with this patrolling went the development of the base area, particularly messing and canteen facilities.

16 - 17. 6 RAR conduct Op "Camden"

Operation CAMDEN - 16th - 17th January, 1967. Though the subject of an intensified program of civic action, since the establishment of the Task Force in June, 1966, in January 1967 Hoa Long still had Viet Cong elements covertly active. Shots had been fired at Task Force vehicles, meetings had been held, propaganda leaflets handed out and acts of murder and terrorism had been perpetrated. These thorns in the side of our pacification and re-settlement program were not wholly jeopardising the program, but were irritating to the extent that it became necessary to cordon and search the village for a second time. The Sixth Battalion was responsible for the cordon and search of the south-western side of the village and on 17th January the cordon troops moved into their positions under cover of darkness. A detailed search of the area and the dwellings was conducted during daylight hours on 17th January. Of note, one villager was caught by A Company, while he was attempting to escape before first light. He was later identified as a Viet Cong Cadre member. One member of C Company was evacuated after being attacked and injured by a belligerent water buffalo. D Company apprehended 2 detainees for interrogation. In this respect the operation was successful, if not spectacular.

17 January. A four man SAS patrol is inserted into the area north west of Binh Ba.
18 January. The SAS patrol contacts a large enemy group and an SAS patrol member is wounded. The patrol is extracted under fire. The SAS soldier is returned to Australia for treatment, but due to complications he dies. He is the first SAS and only Australian SAS to die from enemy action.
27 January. Believing that the town of Dat Do would be attacked during TET, three SAS partols are infiltrated into the area south east of Dat Do. During the insertion the US craft are fired on and the operation is cancelled.
28 Jan - 1 Feb. 6 RAR conduct Op "Seymour"
28-1-67 Tweedie G.L. Pte 3787416 6RAR B 21 RAIN F KBA Mistaken for VC and shot while on patrol. .

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FEBUARY

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1 - 8. 6 RAR conduct OP "Tamborine" and suffer 4 dead and 14 wounded. FSB Lance YS 51-64 FSB 8 km SE of Nui Dat, 3 km SE of Long Tan and 4 km NNE of Dat Do. 161 Bty, RNZA (Honner?s Bty 13Jun66-13May67) firebase set here  Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.

6-2-67 Kirby J.W. T/WO2 6RAR D 31 RAINF KIA FFF Shrap from 161BTY drop short at Dat Do.

6-2-67 Kelly B.W. Pte 6RAR D 20 RAINF KIA FFF Shrap from 161BTY drop short at Dat Do.

6-2-67 Cliff R.W. Gnr 1FDREGT 21RAA DOW FFF At 36EVACHOSP from 161 BTY drop short at Dat Do earlier that day..

7-2-67 Powter D.R.J. Pte 6RAR D 21 RAINF DOW FFF At 36EVACHOSP from 161BTY drop short at Dat Do on 06.02.67.

8 - 12. 6 RAR conduct "Beechmont".

Operation BEECHMONT - Sth - ]2th February, 1967. All patrolling in the immediate vicinity of the Task Force Base that was implemented during the Vietnamese Holiday period "TET" was planned under the code name of BEECHMONT. 2 Platoon of A Company on the afternoon of the 9th February, when patrolling to the west of the Task Force, heard noise on the creek line. The platoon deployed, and observed 3 male and 2 female Viet Cong washing clothes in the stream. The Platoon surrounded the enemy and captured them, without firing one shot. The Platoon also captured 3 grenades, documents and medical supplies. 2 Platoon of A Company on the afternoon of the 9th February, when patrolling to the west of the Task Force, heard noise on the creek line; the platoon deployed, and observed 3 male and 2 female Viet Cong washing clothes in the stream. The Platoon surrounded the enemy and captured them, without firing one shot. The Platoon also captured 3 grenades, documents and medical supplies.

14 - 5 RAR lose 3 officers killed by landmine.
14-2-67 Williams P. Capt NZ 161BTY RNZA KIA Booby trap at An Nhut. Att to 5RAR as Arty FO..

14-2-67 Milligan R.B. T/Capt 5RAR C 30 RAINF KIA Booby trap at An Nhut. M16 mine.

14-2-67 Bourne D.M. Maj 5RAR C 35 RAINF KIA Booby trap at An Nhut. M16 mine.

16 . 6 RAR conduct Op "Dalby".

Operation DALBY - 16th February, 1967. Operation DALBY was a surprise heli-borne assault of one day's duration. After suppressive fire had been placed on the landing zones, the companies flew in and secured them, and then started to search their areas. At 0830 hours B Company contacted 2 Viet Cong, wounding one. To C Company went 4 prisoners who had been hiding in a tunnel. Initially it was believed that there was only one suspect, but with this man appearing it was seen that there were 3 more in the hide with him. The results were 4 Viet Cong PW and 1 Viet Cong WIA. Documents, clothing, medical supplies, 60 Ibs. of rice, 1 grenade launcher, and some ammunition were also discovered. Having made this assault on the 16th, it is of interest to remember that on the following day a heli-borne assault was launched in which the Battalion quickly deployed as a Reaction Force to prevent the withdrawal of a Viet Cong Force. It was this action which developed into Operation BRIBIE and in which A and B Companies experienced heavy contact with the Viet Cong on 17th February.

17 - 18 . 6 RAR conduct Operation "Bribie" and lose 7 killed and 26 wounded.

17-2-67 Waters B.D. Pte 6RAR B/5 21 RAINF KIA East of Hoi My in the 'Light Green'.

17-2-67 .Rooney K.M. LCpl 6RAR B/5 23 RAINF KIA East of Hoi My in the 'Light Green'.

17-2-67 Riley W.M. Pte 6RAR B/5 19 RAINF KIA East of Hoi My in the 'Light Green'.

17-2-67 Pomroy V.I. Tpr A3CAV 2Tp 21 RAAC KIA APC c/s 21B hit by 3 x 75mmRCL East of Hoi My.

17-2-67 Webster D.R. Pte 6RAR B/5 21 RAINF KIA East of Hoi My in the 'Light Green'.

17-2-67 Birchell M.J. Pte 6RAR B/5 22 RAINF KIA East of Hoi My in the 'Light Green'.

17-2-67 Arnold P.J. Pte 6RAR B/5 21 RAINF KIA East of Hoi My in the 'Light Green'.

17-2-67 Rich A.W. Pte 6RAR B 21 RAINF DOW At 2FDAMB N.D. from wds that day in the Light Green.

18 - The first RAN contingent, Clearance Diving Team 3 (CDT3) assume duties at Vung Tau. CDT's role was to inspect the hull of vessels in harbour for mines and charges and to assist in ordnance disposal, including inspection of objects thought to be mines."

Clearance Diving Team 3 (CDT3) The first contingent of six personnel arrived in Vietnam on 6 February 1967 and were initially attached to a United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team based in Saigon. They then moved to Vung Tau and assumed responsibility for the defence of shipping against enemy attack, known as Operation Stable Door. The team was responsible for searching the hulls and anchor cables of shipping in the Vung Tau anchorages or alongside, for improvised explosive devices. In one particular incident, Viet Cong sappers penetrated the Vung Tau port area and placed home-made and Russian limpet mines on the hull of the MV Heredia and a nearby wharf. The home-made device partially exploded during search operations, and team members removed the Russian mine. Additional tasks included the salvage of downed military helicopters, searching villages for ammunition caches and demolishing Viet Cong cave and tunnel complexes.

20 - 5 RAR lose 7 killed and 22 wounded by landmines in the Long Hai Hills.
20-2-67 Hanley M.P. Cpl-T/WO2 AATTV 31 AUSTINT KIA 5km SE.of A-104 Ha Thanh in Quang Ngai Prov.

20-2-67 Poole M.D. Pte 5RAR Sp 20 RAINF KIA Tripped mine in Long Hai's.

20-2-67.Clark D.M. Pte 5RAR B/4 21 RAINF KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's.

20-2-67 Green G.B. LCpl 5RAR B/4 21 RAINF KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's.

21-2-67 Mitchinson K.L. LCpl A3CAV 3Tp 22 RAAC KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's.

21-2-67 Webster J.C. Pte5RAR B/4 22 RAINF KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's.

21-2-67 Wilsen R.P. Tpr A3CAV 3Tp 21 RAAC KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's.

21-2-67 .Sandow R.W. Pte 5RAR B/4 20 RAINF KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's.

21-2-67 Sandow R.W. Pte 5RAR B/4 20 RAINF KIA APC c/s 33B hit mine in Long Hai's..

22 February. US Operation 'Junction City' the largest of the war so far, begins in Tay Ninh province.
23 - 27. 6 RAR conduct Op "Kirribilli".

Operation KIRRIBILLI - 23rd - 27th February, 1967. A and C Companies patrolled to the north and northeast of the Task Force area from 23rd to 27th February, 1967. There had been recent enemy activity to the south, and thus movement to the north of our area highly probable. It was known that courier and resupply routes crisscrossed the area, and had been recently used.During the patrol signs were noted of recent enemy movement, in small parties of 4-5 persons; however, no large forces were contacted. A Company saw 1 Viet Cong in grey uniform, who fled north. C Company found a camp of 40 weapon pits which was destroyed.

24-2-67 Carruthers J. T/Lt 5RAR B/4 28 RAINF DOW At 3FDHOSP from mine wds on 21.02.67 in Long Hai's.

28 February. The Mekong Delta Mobile Riverine Force is established in the Mekong delta.

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MARCH

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1 March. Operation Junction City, the largest US operation of the war, is launched. Four US divisions, as well as additional brigades, are involved in a massive search and destroy mission along the Cambodian Border. American troops overun much of the area before encountering signinficant resistance. There are three major battles, each intiated by the Viet Cong: the first, at Ap Bau Bang; the second, at Fire Support Base Gold and the third at Ap Gu. In each battle, the Vietcong attack US forces and are repulsed, suffering very heavy losses. In all, the Viet Cong lose 2,728 troops in the battles, while the US loses 282 troops. Nevertheless, the Viet Cong headquarters, one of the targets of the operation, is not captured and, once the US troops withdraw, the area is reoccupied by the Communists.

The Boonaroo is chartered to carry stores to Vietnam. The Seamen's Union refuse to man it.

BOONAROO As MV BOONAROO she completed one round trip voyage to Vietnam, departing on 17 May 1966 and returning on 8 July 1966. As HMAS BOONAROO commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy at 2100 on Wednesday 1 March 1967, after members of the Seaman’s Union refused to sail the Australian National Line ship to Vietnam with the increased cargo of Royal Australian Air Force ordnance. She was the first ship of the Royal Australian Navy to commission under the new Australian White Ensign. The master of BOONAROO, Captain P. Grimanes, Merchant Navy, was relieved by Commander P.R. Burnett RAN. Except for two engineer officers with Naval Reserve commissions, the crew was replaced by Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors.

2 March  - 1 Sqn, SAS main body arrives at Nui Dat to replace 3 Sqn, SAS.
7 - 6 RAR conduct Op "Ayr".

Operation AYR - 7th March, 1967. This operation was similar to DALBY, a heli-borne assault into a landing zone after preparatory fire by the guns. Notwithstanding the insignificant results, the operation was successful for it gave the Battalion further training in the concepts, tactics and procedures involved in an air mobile assault.

7 - Australia provides a guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart to the US 7th Fleet in the Gulf of Tonkin.
15 March - An RAAF Caribou aircraft is used in a experiment by dropping drums of fuel onto a suspected VC position with RAAF helicopters igniting the fuel with tracer rounds, in an attempt to burn away ground cover. The experiment proved a failure and was not conducted again.
15 March - 3 Sqn, SAS main body departs Nui Dat for Australia.
18 - Five SAS patrols from 1 Sqn are inserted into the area north west of Nui Dat and out to a distance of 11 klms.
20 - An SAS patrol contacts an enemy group of ten. Result 1 enemy KIA. The patrol withdraws and extracts from the area.
21 March - April 16. 6 RAR conduct OP Portsea and lose 4 dead and 6 wounded.

28-3-67 Logan B.A. Sig 552SIG 19 RASIGS KIA APC hit mine at Xuyen Loc. Att. to US 11 Armd Cav Regt..

29-3-67 Hart P.R. Pte 6RAR 22 RAINF DOW At 2FDAMB after GSW on 21.03.67.

30-3-67 Bracewell D.H. Pte 6RAR 21 RAINF DOW At 2FDAMB after wds at Ap My An on 16.03.67.

Horseshoe - YS 49-63 Aka FSB Horseshoe. A small, 82-meter high, steep, rock-strewn extinct volcano located roughly 9 km SE of Nui Dat, 1 km N of Dat Do, 7 km due N of FSB Herring and 1 km W of Hwy 44. Its depressed crater could comfortably hold one rifle company. It was impossible to dig here, so sand for sand bags and emplacements had to be trucked in to the site. Many tons of gravel were also trucked- in to for use in constructing the floors of gun emplacements. Used as a permanent outpost by the 1ATF (5, 6 and 7 RAR) to control the rice-rich central district of Phuoc Tuy Prov. By late 1970, the position was enhanced with generators and nightly movies. 161 Bty, RNZA, Honner?s Bty firebase first set here 22-24Mar67; Martin?s Bty here 5-17Mar68. Hitching?s Bty here: 5-17Mar68, 16-27Aug68, 5-8Dec68, left section 19-20Mar68. Andrew's Bty: alternate section: 1Nov69-5Dec69 and 10Jan-13Feb70, left section: 22Mar-4Apr70, 4- 7May70, right section: 4-17Apr70, 30Apr-7May70. Master's Bty, left section: 1Feb-10Mar71, right section: 10Mar-23April. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.The Horseshoe

24 - 25. SAS patrols are inserted into the same area as 20 Mar. Result: sighting of two enemy.
31 - HMAS Hobart comes under enemy fire north of Cap Falaise.

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APRIL

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1 April. 7 RAR Advance party departs for Vietnam.

3-4-67 Ashton W.J. Pte 6RAR 22 RAINF KIA Mine.

6 April. Three SAS ambush patrols are inserted into an area north of the Nui Thi Vai hills.

6-4-67 Lloyd R.E. Pte 5RAR B/4 21 RAINF KIA Booby trap/mine Nth of Phuoc Loi.

7-4-67 Badcoe P.J. P/Maj AATTV 33 RAINF KIA Multiple GSW during attack in Thua Thien Prov.

7-4-67 Rinkin K.P. 2Lt 5RAR B/4 21 RAINF DOW At 2FDAMB V.T. 3 hrs after booby trap/mine Nth of Phuoc Loi.

8 - 7 RAR main body departs Sydney, Australia on HMAS Sydney. "First Tour - 2 March 1967 - 26 April 1968."
Kieth White's 21st birthday in country?
9 - Two SAS patrols are inserted into an area ten klms north west of Binh Gia and contact an enemy patrol. Result: 1 enemy KIA.

10-4-67 Copeman R.J. Pte 3SAS 20 RAINF DOW* At 2CAMPHOSP Ingleburn after GSW to body on 67.01.18.

16 -RAAF No 2 Squadron of eight Canberra Bombers arrive at Phang Rang Air Base. . "No 2 Sqn within 3 years struck over 9,000 targets and dropped over 50,000 bombs.

19-4-67 Stone J.M. Sgt(T/WO2)AATTV 27 RAAC KIA GSW to head during contact in the A Shau Valley.

19 - 20 April.  7 RAR main body lands at Vung Tau and a Company of 5 RAR depart on HMAS Sydney.
20 April. US aircraft bomb Haiphong for the first time, with 86 planes taking part in the raid. Previously raids on Haiphong had been detered by the fear of hitting foreign ships.
21 April. A six man SAS patrol ambushes an enemy patrol of 4 men. Result: 2 VC KIA and 1 VC WIA. The patrol extracts.
22 April - HMAS Hobart comes under enemy fire near Song Ma river.
An SAS patrol ambushes an enemy patrol of 12 men killing 3 VC and wounding another.
23 April - No 2 Sqn RAAF(Canberra Bombers) fly their first combat mission over Vietnam.
25 April - ANZAC Day. 5 RAR., 6 RAR and 7 RAR parade together at Luscombe Field(Nui Dat).
26 - 30 April. Five SAS ambush patrols are inserted into an areas out to 15 klms from Nui Dat.
27 - 28 . 7 RAR conduct  'shake down' Operation "Puckapunyal". A three phase operation. Phase 1: secure fire support base(FSB)' Aspro', 5 klm west of Nui Dat by A Coy. >Phase 2: a helicopter airborne assault on LZ 'Bondi Beach' by C Coy. Phase 3: a battalion search and destroy operation with companies following independent routes. In support were 161 Fd Bty(RNZA), two US Army air mobile helicopter companies, two light fire teams and four RAAF Canberra Bombers loaded wth 500lb bombs.Terrain: padi, patches of spring bamboo and some light rain forest. Results : nil: Casualties: nil.
FSB Weir - YS 45-74 FSB located 4 km WNW of Nui Dat, 5 km NE of Nui Thi33 km NNE of Vung Tau. 161 Bty, RNZA (Honner?s Bty 13Jun66- 13May67) firebase set here 27Apr67. Likely named in honor of Sir Stephen Weir, the NZ Ambassador to Thailand and SVN, who had been a gunner himself and was very supportive of 161 Bty RNZA. One night (appx 22Oct68) when a US arty unit was passing through, there were 72 artillery pieces set up here. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
No 2 Sqn RAAF fly the first mission in support of  Australian troops by providing 7 RAR with air support during Operation "Puckapunyal".

OPERATION PUCKAPUNYAL. Troops from 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), wait at Luscombe Field, while mates are lifted off by a fleet of Iroquois helicopters. The troops were starting Operation Puckapunyal, a short shakedown for the Battalion which had recently arrived from Australia. Photo & Text AWM

29 April - A five-man SAS patrol ambush two VC patrols(almost at the same time) Result: 5 VC KIA and 1 VC WIA.

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MAY

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US Forces now at 436,000.
- Morgan Gallup Poll indicates 62% of Australians are in favor of the war, 24% in favor of withdrawal, 14% undecide.
2 May . A five-man SAS patrol ambush an enemy group: Result: 3 VC KIA. Recovered one US M1 carbine, one French MAT49 SMG, a diary and quantity of documents. The patrol extracts.
2 - 8 . 7 RAR conduct Operation "Lismore".
3 May. An SAS patrol take enemy fire on insertion by RAAF helicopter and immediately extract, also under fire.
10-5-67 Deed R.J.P. Spr 1FDSQN 21 RAEDOW At 34EVACHOSP from wds the previous day while laying mines

11-5-67 Mathieson K.F. Pte 6RAR D/12 24 RAINF DOW* At RGH Heidelberg from wds received on 22.03.67.

11 - HMAS Hobart under enemy fire off Kien Giang.
12 - 5 RAR arrive back in Sydney.
16-23 HMAS Hobart in Op "Sea Dragon".
17. - HMAS Hobart under fire whilst bombarding Truc Li Ferry.

18 May. An SAS patrol contact a large enemy group. Result: 1 VC KIA. One SAS member is wounded and the patrol is extracted by RAAF and US helicopters, under fire.
19 - HMAS Sydney departs Brisbane with 2 RAR. "First Tour. 2 March 1967 - 18 Jun 68. Dates include Advance and Rear Parties."

20 - 7 RAR land at Vung Tau and 5 RAR depart on HMAS Sydney.
20-5-67 Brady G.V. Spr 1FDSQN 22 RAE KIA Mine laying ops.

20-5-67 Rendalls L.C. Cpl 1FDSQNWKSP 24 RAE WIA Mine laying. Frag wds from mine O'Hara laid. Also KIA Brady.

20-5-67 O'Hara J.L. Spr 1FDSQN 22 RAE KIA Mine laying..

20-5-67 Roberts B.G. Spr1FDSQN RAE WIA Mine laying. Frag wds from mine O'Hara laid. Also KIA Brady.

22 - HMAS Hobart come under enemy fire near Song Ma river.
22-5-67 Brooks D.L. Spr 1FDSQN 22 RAE DOW At 24EVACHOSP from mine wds on received 29.05.67.

24 - HMAS Hobart under enemy fire near Hon Matt Island.
24 May - 1 June.7 RAR conduct Op "Leeton", southeast of Nui Dat.

Graham's Folly - Forever after known as simply The Minefield".

 A minefield laid to the South of Horseshoe FSB from which the VC made a regular habit of stealing the ANZAC mines. The PF forces in the area failed to properly patrol access to the minefield and the author of Vietnam Gunners  speculates that more allied soldiers in Phuoc Tuy Prov may have died from these mines than died from VC bullets. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps. 

26 May. Australian Sioux Helicopter A1-409 shot down by enemy ground fire. Pilot survived.
27 May. An SAS ambush patrol kills one VC in the area of the Song Ria river.
30 - 2 RAR main body land at Vung Tau and 6 RAR main body depart on HMAS Sydney.

30-5-67 Renshaw T.J. Spr 1FDSQN 1Tp 22 RAE KIA Mine laying.
US Forces now at 436,000. May
30-5-67 Ruddy J. T/Sgt 214360 55ESSQN 32 RAE DOD Heart attack. .

Morgan Gallup Poll indicates 62% of Australians are in favor of the war, 24% in favor of withdrawal, 14% undecided.

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JUNE

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2 June 2RAR arrives in South Vietnam 2 June. An SAS patrol ambushes four VC. Result: 2 VC KIA. Documents, maps and weapons captured. One VC is identified as the company commander of C240 Mobile Force from Ben Hoa.
7 - 13 June. 7 RAR conduct combined Operation "Broken Hill" with US and SVN Forces.
9 June. An SAS patrol ambushes a VC party: Result:1 VC tax collector KIA.
14 -June,  6 RAR main body arrive home at Brisbane completing their first tour. "Casualties on first tour are 37 killed and 110 wounded."
19-6-67 La Grasta G. LAC A222023 BS F LT 21 RAA F K Stabbed in knife fight with a Vietnamese in Vung Tau. .
20 June. An SAS patrol kills one VC, ten klms north east of Nui Dat.
21 June. A five man SAS patrol comes under fire from a large enemy force who pursue the patrol all night. The patrol is extracted under fire the next morning with the assistance of gunships and air strikes.
23 June - 1 July. 7 RAR conduct search and destroy Operation "Cooparoo".
25 June. An SAS patrol kill two VC and wound another, north east of Nui Dat.
26-6-67 Cox J.G. Pte 1731426 7RAR C 22 RAINF DOWBA At 8FDAMB from GSW from other Pl. members .
27 June. An SAS five man patrol contacts a large enemy group 5 klms east of Thua Tich and is extracted under fire. This was suspected of being the VC Headquarters of 274 Regiment.

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JULY

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5 - 5 RAR complete their first tour.
An SAS patrol ambushes an enemy party, killing 4 VC and capturing documents, weapons and a diary.
FSB Tom - YS 65-76 FSB 23 km due E of Nui Dat, 18 km NE of Dat Do and appx 12 km N of the coast. Was known simply as Xuyen Moc until renamed Tom sometime in 1967. 161 Bty, RNZA (Martin's Bty 28Apr67- 6Apr68) firebase set here 8-15Jul67 . Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
Australia announces additional helicopter support including 8 RAN helicopter pilots and supporting staff who join the 135th Assault Helicopter Company
9 - 15 July. 7 RAR conduct Operation "Paddington".

10-7-67 Wride D.S. Spr 18665 1 F DSQN 23 RAE F /BCAS Tree fell on dozer during ops.

15 - 19 July. 7 RAR mount three platton sized patrols of between 2 and 3 day duration and four half platoon night ambushes. This was typical of the demand placed on battalions to provide base defence between operations and in addition to this they also provided a company on ready reaction standby.
23 July. An SAS patrol kill two VC 6 klms east of Binh Ba.
29 July. A fire breaks out on aircraft carrier USS Forrestall off the coast of North Vietnam, 

Left The Burning Deck Below the Intial Explosion Right ..A tug doing battle with the fire

killing 134 crewmen and injuring 62.
30-7-67 Briggs D.J. Cpl 215144 32SSSQN 37 RAE * At RGH Concord . NSW

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AUGUST

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1-8-67 Woolford R.M. LCpl 2RAR D21 RAINF KIA Booby trap in En.camp in the Long Green.

1-8-67 McGarry P.S. Pte 2412362 2RAR D 67.08.01 20 RAINF KIA Booby trap in En.camp in the Long Green.

2 - HMAS Hobart under enemy fire at whilst bombarding Cong Phu Railway spur.
4 - 16 August. 7 RAR conduct "Operation "Ballarat". The Battle of   Suoi Chau.
6 August  - 3 September. 7 RAR conduct Operation "Atherton" which incorporated OP "Mosman, Burnside and Ulmarra". FSB Ap Suoi Nghe - YS 43-71 FSB, appx 2 km W of Rte-2, 5 Km N of Nui Dat and on the S edge of the Binh Ba Rubber Plantation. 161 Bty, RNZA (Martin?s Bty 28Apr67-6Apr68) firebase set here 6-9Aug67 . Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
6 - A Company 7 RAR lose 6 killed and 17 wounded in a clash with the VC 274 Regiment. Five RAAF helicopters evacuate the casualties.
6-8-67 Aylett D.R. T/Cpl 7RAR A/1 22 RAINF KIA GSW/shrap wds in contact on Nui Nghe.

6-8-67 Hayes J.F. Cpl 7RAR A/1 27 RAINF KIA GSW from MG to body in contact on Nui Nghe.

6-8-67 Brophy E.F. Pte 7RAR A 22 RAINF KIA GSW/shrap wds in contact on Nui Nghe.

6-8-67 Milford D.G. Pte 7RAR A 22 RAINF KIA GSW/shrap wds in contact on Nui Nghe.

6-8-67Harstad B.A. Pte 7RAR A 21 RAINF DOW GSW/shrap wds in contact on Nui Nghe.

6-8-67 O'Connor J.M. Pte 7RAR A/2 25 RAINF DOW GSW to head in contact on Nui Nghe.

6-8-67 Downward K.R. Pte 7RAR A RAINF WIA GSW/shrap wds in contact on Nui Nghe..

9 - HMAS Hobart under fire near Sam Son.
A five man SAS patrol infiltrates into the area 4 klms south east of Thua Tich and sight at least 63 heavily armed VC. After reporting the incident, the patrol moves off and then comes under heavy fire . With one patrol member badly wounded the patrol withdrawals then extracts by helicopter, under heavy fire.
10 August. An SAS patrol kill three VC and wound another, 6 klms north east Nui Dat.
9-8-67 Donnelly D.J. T/Cpl 216445 104SIG 21 RASIGS KBA While cleaning F 1 SMG.

12-8-67 Baudistel K.W. Capt AATTV 28 RAINF KIA In contact in Thua Thien Prov.

12 August. An SAS five man patrol ambushes a group of ten enemy 8 klms north of Xuyen Moc, killing five. The patrol is extracted under fire with the RAAF helicopter sustaining hits.
18 - 26 August. Op "Atherton" conducted.
21-8-67 Siggers A.P. Sgt(T/WO2)216455 AATTV 34 RAIN F KBA Air America aircraft crashed on take off from Tam Ky.

25-8-67 Cutcliffe T.J. Pte 2RAR D 21 RAINF KIA Mine. At Lang Phuoc Hai.

26 August - First RAN casualty, Able Seaman D.C Tromp is wounded in action Phuoc Tuy province.
30 - RAAF Caribou A4-171 crashes into the water at the end of the runway at An Thoi on Phu Quoc Island, one crew member is injured.
31 August - 21 September. 7 RAR conduct Operation "Ainslie".
31 August. An SAS snatch patrol kills three VC.
Slope 30 - Area in Phuoc Tuy Prov near Duc Tanh from which 7 RAR cleared and relocated all civilians during Operation Ainslie. The displaced were moved to "Hamlet 3," aka Ap Suoi Nghe, appx 14Sep67. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
Gunflint - US General Westmoreland?s secret code name for an inspection visit to Nui Dat in Aug67.

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September

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2-9-67 Manton M. Cpl NZ 2RAR V1 RNZIR KIA Mine in the Long Green.

3 - General Nguyen Van Thieu is elected President of South Vietnam with Nguyen Cao Ky as Vice President.

Left... General Nguyen Van Hieu Right... Vice President Ngyen Cao Ky

4 - 7 September. In a 4-day battle in Que Son Valley, 114 men of the US 5th Marine Regiment are killed.
FSB Allanbroke - YS 45-78 FSB, 1 km W of Rte-2, 11 km N of Nui Dat, 5 km WNW of Ngai Giao. 161 Bty, RNZA (Martin?s Bty 13 May 67-14 Apr 68) firebase set here 5-19 Sep 67. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps
14 - HMAS Hobart completing it's first tour is relieved by HMAS Perth at Subic Bay.
20-9-67 Twomey J.W. Sgt 2RAR 33 RAINF DOW At 7SURGHOSP Long Giao from GSW during ambush that day.

29 - Thai combat troops arrive in South Vietnam.
30-9-67 .Weston L.J. Pte 2RAR 22 RAINF KIA During ambush near Dat Do.

30-9-67 .Brett W.J. Pte 2RAR Sp 21 RAINF KIA VC veh ambush east of Dat Do.
30 September - 11 October. 7 RAR conduct Operation "Kenmore".

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OCTOBER

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1-10-67 O'Shea G. Pte 18490 1SAS 20 RAIN F DOD At 36EVAC V.T. from Typhus. .

4 October. The seige at Con Thien by North Vietnamese Troops is broken.
11-10-67 Harald N.S. Pte 2RAR Sp 30RAINF DOW At 3FDHOSP of GSW from vehicle ambush at Dat Do on 30.10.67..

15-10-67 F reeman J.W. T/Cpl 2226078 1DIVINT 21 AUSTINT KBA Drowned under overturned vehicle. .

16 - 8 RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam((RANHFV) pilots and 39 supporting staff join the US Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company at Vung Tau., within a month they redeploy to Xuan Loc in Long Khan Province. "A total of 35 RAN pilots served in the RANHFV and flew a total of 33,734 hours. 5 members of the unit were lost in action."
17 - Harold Holt announces that a third Infantry battalion is to be deployed to Vietnam, with a further 8 helicopters for No 9 Squadron. A squadron of Centurion tanks "Australia's Main Battle Tank" .with 250 personnel will also be deployed. Australia's commitment is now 8,000.
18 - HMAS Perth under fire near Sam Son and is hit with one shell that wounds 7 sailors, five minimally and two seriously enough to be medevaced..
The destroyer PERTH and the cruiser US NEWPORT NEWS were engaged by 12, 85 or 100 mm batteries, which fired up to 200 rounds at them at a range of 16,500 yards
The full story of the attack on the Perth

27 October - 16 November. 7 RAR conduct Operation "Santa Fe".
29 October - 3 November. US special forces at Loc Ninh are attacked by the Viet Cong's 273rd Regiment. The special forces are quickly reinforced, and more than 900 Viet Cong are killed during the attack.
General William C. Westmoreland, Commander US Forces, Vietnam
"The war is not a stalemate. We are winning it slowly but steadily".

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NOVEMBER

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2- 135th Assault Helicopter Coy commence combat operations.
3 - 25 November. Fifteen SAS fighting patrols are inserted into the area along a line from north of Binh Gia to east of Xuyen Moc.
3 - 22 November. One of the bloodiest battles of the war takes place in the Central Highlands near Dak To. About 4,500 troops of the US 4th Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade face off 6,000 North Vietnamese troops of the 174th regiment. The North Vietnamese are forced to withdraw, with 1,455 dead troops. US casualities number 285 killed and 985 wounded.
5-11-67 Tregear B. Gnr 4FDREGT 108Bty 29 RAA DOW From wds received on 4.11.67.

6 November. An SAS patrol ambushes a VC patrol killing three VC, 6 klms east of Bing Gia.
8 - 9 November. A ten man SAS fighting patrol kill one VC and locate an enemy camp, two klms south of Thua Tich. Further SAS patrols kill 4 VC in the vicinity.
10-11-67 .Allen N.G. Pte 7RAR A/2 21 RAINF KIA Mine. D10 at FSB Lion

10-11-67 .Fallon B.E. Pte 7RAR A/2 31 RAINF KIA Mine. D10 at FSB Lion.

16-11-67 Moore B.J. T/WO2 1FDSQN 30 RAE KIA Mine clearing near Long Hai.

16-11-67 Hutchinson M.J. T/Cpl 1FDSQN 28 RAE KIA Mine. Att. to 2RAR.

17 November. An SAS patrol ambushes a VC patrol killing three, close to Nui Dinh.
20 November. - Bell Helicopter A1-401 shot down enemy ground fire.Crew survives and the aircraft is destroyed by airstrike.

23 November - 5 January 1968. 7 RAR conduct Operations "Oodnadatta, Shepparton, Dimboola, Melbourne,

 27-11-67 Pettitt N.C. Pte 2RAR 21 RAINF DOW At 8FDAMB from wds earlier that day.

27-11-67 Rivett J.C. Pte 2RAR A 24 RAINF KIA Booby trap.

27-11-67 Cullen B.T. Pte 7RAR D 20 RAINF KIA GSW to head.

27-11-67 Hawker N.V.G. Pte 7RAR D 22 RAINF DOW At 24EVACHOSP from GSW earlier that day.

30-11-67 .Bell R.J. Pte 2RAR 22 RAINF KIA Cmd detonated mine Nth of Rt. 23.

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DECEMBER

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1-12-67 Hyland F.A. Pte 2RAR A 22 RAINF DOW At 36EvacHosp after mine wds the previous day...

3 - HMAS Perth under fire in Bay of Brandon.
4-12-67 Fewquandie F .J Pte 1411181 2RAR 23 RAIN F KBA Mistaken for VC and shot while on sentry.

5-12-67 Robertson A.J. Sgt(T/WO2) 2411510 AATTV 30 RAIN F DOD Adm to 17 F DHOSP with Malaria 01.12.67. Trans to 3 F DHOSP T.S.N.

10-12-67 Birse R.G. Lt 215349 4 F DREGT 33 RAA M/AUST Murdered by Gnr L. Newman with M26 grenade in a pit at F SB Bravo.

12 December. A ten-man SAS patrol(including two US SEAL personnel) ambush a VC patrol, killing seven.
16 - 3 RAR main body departs Port Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAS Sydney. "First Tour. 12 Dec1967 - 5 Dec 1968. Dates include Advance and Rear Parties."
16-12-67 .Seiler R. Sgt(T/WO2)AATTV 28 RAINF KIA VC vehicle ambush at Duc Thanh.

16-12-67 .Henderson M.A. WO2 AATTV 36 RAAOC KIA Vehicle ambush at Duc Thanh.

16 - FSB Charlie - YS 29-62 FSB. A "crab-covered seaside position" on Rte 15, 20 km due N of Vung Tau, 9 km W of Ba Ria, and 15 km SW of Nui Dat. 161 Bty, RNZA (Martin?s Bty 13May67-14Apr68) firebase set here 16Dec67 and other days in Dec67. Phuoc Tuy Prov, III Corps.
17 - Prime Minister Harold Holt wades into the surf off Portsea and disappears.

 His body is never recovered. 

HMAS Perth under fire off Dong Hoi.
27 - 3 RAR arrive at Vung Tau on HMAS Sydney for their first tour and deploy to Nui Dat.
31 - US military strength now at 486,000. 135th AHC operate from Xuan Loc.
General William C. Westmoreland, Commander US Forces, Vietnam

"The enemy has been defeated at every turn"