Sergeant ‘Al' Don was part of the initial deployment to the Republic of South Vietnam. The main body deployed to Bien Hoa, a provincial capital, 29km north-east of Saigon on the banks of the Song Dong Nai River in nine C-130 loads or ‘chalks' flown by No.
During the battle at Long Tan I was busily trying to get myself below ground level by trying to dig a hole lying down. It was amazing what you can achieve when you are being shot at. My attention was taken by a man 'standing' beside me, and he was asking me how I was doing!
During the battle at Long Tan I was busily trying to get myself below ground level by trying to dig a hole lying down. It was amazing what you can achieve when you are being shot at. My attention was taken by a man 'standing' beside me, and he was asking me how I was doing!
On 27 May 1965, the New Zealand Government, after a great deal of anguish and hand wringing, announced that it was to send 161 Battery RNZA for active duty in Vietnam. I must confess that I and the rest of the Battery greeted that decision with glee.
On 27 May 1965, the New Zealand Government, after a great deal of anguish and hand wringing, announced that it was to send 161 Battery RNZA for active duty in Vietnam. I must confess that I and the rest of the Battery greeted that decision with glee.
On 27 May 1965, the New Zealand Government, after a great deal of anguish and hand wringing, announced that it was to send 161 Battery RNZA for active duty in Vietnam. I must confess that I and the rest of the Battery greeted that decision with glee.
This tale was compiled at my urging by Bruce ‘Issy' Isbister and is designed to put to bed once and for all the myths surrounding our ‘acquisition' of an NVA staff car.
This is the fourth in an occasional series of tales relating to Victor 3 Company's tour. It is recorded in my 'battle diary', which appears to include pages fashioned out of toilet paper from ration packs.
