This year marks 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam

It began on 18 August 1966 in a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, when Australian soldiers were sent to investigate enemy movements following a series of attacks on the nearby ANZAC base at Nui Dat. As they advanced through the plantation, they encountered a much larger force of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops and came under heavy attack.

Three New Zealand soldiers from 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, played a crucial role in the battle.

Outnumbered by an estimated enemy force of 1,500 to 2,500 troops, the 108 ANZAC soldiers, including New Zealand artillery personnel, faced intense fighting in difficult conditions. Their task was made even more challenging by a torrential monsoon storm that swept across the battlefield.

As the Australians came under repeated attacks, artillery support from 161 Battery and three Australian batteries proved critical.

After several hours of fierce fighting, reinforcements from Nui Dat broke through to support the Australian position. By nightfall, the enemy had withdrawn from the battlefield, leaving the ANZAC force in control of the area.

The Battle of Long Tan remains one of the most significant engagements involving New Zealand personnel during the Vietnam War.

Key Facts

Date: 18 August 1966

Location: Long Tan rubber plantation, about 5 km east of the Australian base at Nui Dat.

Forces: 105 Australians and 3 New Zealanders vs. an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops.

Casualties and Outcome ANZAC Losses: 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded.

Enemy Losses: At least 245 killed