Fighting On Film Podcast: The Odd Angry Shot (1979)

[@rjreinhart3461]

In the U.S. here and I remember watching this film back in the 80s as a kid. My father, a U.S. vet who served in Vietnam in 63-64, referred to the movie as the most accurate depiction of his experience in the conflict. While there were clearly differences between the Australian and U.S. armies, the general feel of the war, the camaraderie and humor were the same. It's a great and sadly overlooked film in the states.

[@hoilst265]

From the few veteran reviews I've seen, that seems to be the takeaway: it was very realistic. The ambush scene was praised, especially: you'd fine maybe half a dozen VC, and either take them all out in a minute's contact, or they'd disappear into the jungle - large pitched, cinematic battles were rare. It's also one of the few films where it's professional soldiers, not draftees, so there's none of that "how dare they send us here" theme - which, don't get me wrong, is a great theme worth exploring. These guys were there to do the job they signed up for.

[@PatGilliland]

A great film and chock full of SLR. For some reason, I have always found the range scene hilarious - "Grey, Green, Brown and Oakover."

[@TheArmourersBench]

One of my favourite parts too

[@xgford94]

Oakover Sir!

[@premierdefenceagencies8145]

It's an often used joke amongst older members of the ADF. Got in trouble myself for using it when names were asked for and I was feeling humorous.

[@hoilst265]

@@premierdefenceagencies8145 Did you get the Platatac patch?

[@premierdefenceagencies8145]

No, they're a competitor and we don't and won't deal with them.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

Great film, I saw this in my teen years in the U.S. A very poignant film that made a great impression on me. Very underrated.

[@Wolfgang-Schnaufer]

Good review! I'll just clarify one point: the scene where the Bushmaster is doing miningun runs is just after they attacked that VC hide and captured one of them. So there was obviously VC in the area (at least was lol) and perhaps they were being pursued...or maybe it was just the Blue Orchids trying to show off...

[@azzamat001]

27:28 the word you are looking for is 'Pixie Shirt', that was the nickname for the green shirts with the slanted pockets at the chest. Also, Sam Neil is a New Zealander, not an Australian ... our accents are a bit similar but not that similar.

[@geebards]

I hope for your follower's sake (myself included) the rest of the ANZAC month includes the best on offer: Danger Close, Gallipoli and Beneath Hill 60.

[@TheArmourersBench]

The Lighthorsemen is next, with two more (TBD) to follow!

[@Brecconable]

Danger Close was amazing!

[@ianisted3577]

I watched back in the 1980 I think it was one best Vietnam wars film I now got this movie on DVD also got Danger close on blu rays I import from Australia 😊

[@robm4834]

Cult classic, and almost a training film. As watching this movie you can see the opposite style of patrolling/techniques and difference in training of Australian and US soldiers. Danger close is another excellent movie/example. Kokoda is another excellent Australian ww2 movie. The proposition. U may be able to fudge into a war movie genre. If not it's another obscure but amazing Australian movie. ( In my humble opinion at any rate)

[@nigelosborne7471]

Thank you I've been waiting for this one 😁

[@michaelfagan2410]

Actually based on 3 Squadron SASR during their first tour in Vietnam from June 1966 to March 1967. Bill Nagle was in the SASR serving mainly as a cook. I was in 3 Squadron during their second tour from February 1969 to February 1970 and briefly knew Bill when we served together in early 1968 before he left the army and we met again years later during an ANZAC Day march in Melbourne.

[@michaelfagan2410]

I posted my comment before listening to your whole clip. Having now done so I see you already knew 3 Squadron Vietnam tour dates. Some things you may not know but might find interesting: Bill Nagle was attending the University of WA in the few months before he was discharged - studying philosophy if I remember correctly. Each of the three sabre squadrons had different cultures and procedures etc.. I don’t know much about 1 Squadron but I did serve six weeks with 2 Squadron in January and February 1969. They modified their weapons more than 3 Squadron did - the most common modification was removing the flash eliminator from the SLR and replace it with a nut thereby making the rifle a bit shorter. The choice of weapon carried was up to the individual patrol member but most five man patrols would consist of two SLRs and three M16s (one with a grenade launcher). There would usually be an M79 grenade launcher as well as hand grenades plus several Claymore Mines carried by the patrol members. Radio communication back to squadron HQ at Nui Dat were usually scheduled for twice per day (unless there was an emergency) using an AN/PRC64 radio set using Morse code after encrypting the message using ‘one time letter pad’ codes. The encrypting and transmitting process took about 15 to 20 minutes for each check in. This was my main role in most patrols I was part of. Many patrol members modified their own webbing from US, Australian and even some UK equipment. On longer patrols of eleven or fourteen days most patrol members used Bergen rucksacks that had also been used in Borneo. There is lots more I could tell you but it might be a bit tedious for you. Regards, Michael Fagan

[@primarchechs7139]

Wow, I guessed the reason you placed the film as being the later deployment due to the M-203 as well. Earlier SASR would of had the M-79.

[@James-C24]

The pictures of the supressed sterling with the under barrel grenade launcher with the aussie sas. 👌 Excellent video thoroughly delighted to see you have covered this brilliant war movie. How do i find this "awm" field fashion video? Im currently failing rather badly.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Ahh that Sterling it brilliant, know the photo well. This is one we had to cover, great film. Thanks for listening.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Also here you go James www.awm.gov.au/collection/F04426

[@scrappydoo7887]

I love this film 👌

[@TheArmourersBench]

It's a great movie, thanks for listening!

[@scrappydoo7887]

@@TheArmourersBench it's my pleasure 👍 it's a bit of a lesser known film but I make sure to watch it every time I see it on TV. It's excellent

[@scotttaylor7767]

Check out the Nicole Kidman mini series “Vietnam “ it’s long but it expands on what the odd angry shot did. Also another mini series made at the same time “Sword of Honour “ . Not as good as “ Vietnam “ but interesting enough.

[@protea38]

You guys could check out the "Rifleman Moore" KZbin channel. He goes into great detail on Australian 56 pattern web gear.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Know him well.

[@AirsoftTipsandReviews]

Uuuu; another great show guys! Question for Robbie; where can I find more about the Australian SAS equipment and weapons that were used in Vietnam? There was a lot of talk of pistol grips as forgrips, shortend rifles, mixed pouches on webb gear... Thanks

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you! Have pinged Rob, he's been doing a lot of digging in it recently.

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

There’s an ‘Anzacs in Vietnam’ Osprey book that’s a good start and there is a whole plethora of photos and videos online in the AWM Archives

[@TheArmourersBench]

Yeah, can't recommend the Australian War Memorial archive enough.

[@angloaust1575]

Ronald harris one of the three Accidently killed in vietnam Returning from.a observation Point to his own lines and Mistaken for the enemy

[@cujimmy1366]

Is the the movie where he invents a Wanking machine....LOL

[@TheArmourersBench]

Haha, yes it is!

[@terrybarrett2368]

At this time all ranks and trades (including cooks) were berret qualified I.e. successful complete selection course and para course

[@TheArmourersBench]

Ahh that adds another aspect to it then, thanks Terry.