Long Tan - Australia's Vietnam Story

Long Tan is such an important part of Australian Military history and so often forgotten. I recommend following this video, you go and listen to 'I Was Only 19' by Redgum.
This video is a lot more serious and sombre. I hope you all enjoy it.
Join the Discord: / discord
References:
Andrew Ross, Boh Hall. "‘LANDMARK’BATTLES AND THE MYTHS CF VIETNAM." Anzac's Dirty Dozen: 12 Myths of Australian Military History (2012): 186.
Ascot, Peter. "Frankie's war: for Vietnam veteran Frank Hunt, being immortalised in song is nothing compared to the compassion it has helped generate." Big Issue Australia 252 (2006): 10-12.
Burstall, Terry. "The soldier's story: the battle at Xa Long Tan, Vietnam, 18 August 1966." (1986).
Fett, Michael J., JEAN R. NAIRN, Deirdre M. Cobbin, and Michael A. Adena. "Mortality among Australian conscripts of the Vietnam conflict era. II. Causes of death." American journal of epidemiology 125, no. 5 (1987): 878-884.
Grandin, Robert. The Battle of Long Tan: As Told by the Commanders. Allen & Unwin, 2004.
Gillespie, Christine. "Different rememberings of the Battle of Long Tan." Eureka Street 16, no. 10 (2006): 23-27.
Logan, W. "The Battles of Binh Ba and Long Tan, Vietnam: difficult war heritage and the disconnect between significance and memorialisation." In University of Melbourne Faculty of Architecture and Building symposium ‘Traditionalism, Colonialism, and Modernism: Asian Heritage Transformed, pp. 3-4. 2013.
McAulay, Lex. "The Battle of Long Tan." (No Title) (1988).
Pimlott, John. Vietnam, the Decisive Battles. Macmillan Publishing Company, 1990.
Smith, Harry. "Letters-The long battle after Long Tan." The Australian 10 (2003): 16.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Join the discord! discord.gg/dgZSaYVvXt

[@Jimmydreadful]

good man for that PTSD shout out, thats admirable stuff.

[@junesabelevans3571]

My husband was in Vietnam and suffers from ptsd ever since. 😢

[@TheSgtbk]

Thank you for mentioning my fellow KIWI mates from 161 Battery and Capt. Stanly the Fwd. observer. I watched the film Danger Close and felt the KIWI contribution was overlooked in that. This documentary seems to have got the story right this time. I know that all of us who have served in the New Zealand Army feel proud that we were there and able to help our fellow ANZACs at a time when they needed us.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you so much for your comment

[@micktaylor12]

Mate we love our kiwi brothers

[@Strength-in-Union]

Friend, I do not question how you feel about the Danger Close portrayal of the Kiwi Gunners - but please be happy in the knowledge that I love that film, and the absolute determination of the Gun Bunnies. I believe the way the big DC was absolutely focussed, and the speed at which he and the Gunners were shown to react to the Call for Fire was really good. Remember that Gunners never get the glory - only the blame. Except when the troops in contact know they're really in trouble. Ubique means that warnin’ grunt the perished linesman knows, When o’er ’is strung an’ sufferin’ front the shrapnel sprays ’is foes; An’ as their firin’ dies away the ’usky whisper runs From lips that ’ave n’t drunk all day: “The Guns! Thank Gawd, the Guns!” UBIQUE

[@alanbrooke144]

Sadly the movie portrayed Capt Stanley as a weak willed, ditherer. Which in truth couldn’t be further from the truth - this unwarranted character assassination ruined the movie.

[@Strength-in-Union]

​@alanbrooke144 Now there's a real Gunner name...

[@bkpowell7883]

Very powerful-I was in the US Army 53rd Signal Bn and was stationed at Nui-Dat in support of the 1st ATF 104 sigs in 1968. I lived "in the lines" with my Aussie Cousins for 8 months-supported ops in the filed at various FB's The battle of Long Tan broke the PAVN's back in the area-they never again tried to go head on with the Aussies. I have nothing but respect for the Aussies-"Good on ya" my Aussies mates.

[@theconvictedquokka]

I know it's super late but thank you for your service

[@johnnichol9412]

Try the Battle of Coral and Balmoral. The VC Binh Ba, Nui Le for starters.

[@35Cypher]

As an American we are taught that we basically fought in Vietnam alone. All our allies are glazed over. Their battles, their stories, their history needs to be remembered. Thank you.

[@scottcain3068]

It's no doubt the same about ww1 and ww2 and Korea,... the Balkans, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghan, Syria, and probly Taiwan, when it kicks off.. Y'all don't teach history very well. Sadly that means hundreds of thousands of American troops, especially from ww2 aren't given the recognition they deserve. Their stories remain largely untold. For a country that reveres its troops sacrifice and battles won, it's strange and a bit sad that so many are left out.. Then there's the hundreds of thousands of Aussies and millions of other allied soldiers that have fought alongside y'all for over a century..

[@generalhorse493]

The South Vietnamese military is treated as it doesn't exist, so most Americans don't realize the Vietnam war was in fact a civil war, and many South Vietnamese soldiers were killed after they were sent into operations to try and recover the bodies of fallen American servicemen.

[@williambeisel5686]

@@scottcain3068very much so, though more recently more emphasis has been put on Britain in ww2 though it’s largely still “American won it” in history classes unfortunately

[@shanemossmoss]

One of the best presentations I have seen. Well done. We must not forget their service and it must be passed on to the young ones

[@joythought]

​@@williambeisel5686 the irony of WW2 and WW1 was that the US was in an isolationist mood prior to and through the early periods of those wars. In WW2 there was a pro-German fascist movement that started and gained popularity in 1941 called America First. It should all sound way too familiar to people today.

[@ImperialGoose]

As an American, I have a huge admiration for our ANZAC brothers across the ocean sticking with us through many conflicts, though I regret that their contributions aren’t as widely known as they should be over here. 🇺🇸🇦🇺🇳🇿

[@stickiedmin6508]

It's something we Britlanders discovered quite a while ago. The outstanding bravery, incredible skill, and unyielding loyalty of the military forces from our Commonwealth is truly astounding to behold. Even those nations who have little reason to think kindly of Britain answered the call, time and time again, fighting for *_us_* as though they were protecting their own homelands. Thinking about it never ceases to make me feel humble, as well as profoundly grateful.

[@stickiedmin6508]

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." From a humble and grateful PommIe, great video. You packed a hell of a lot into twenty minutes - I laughed out loud hearing about Private Mellor, and I wept with everyone else at the final roll call.

[@brerobsym]

Thank you. I'm currently typing this with very blurry eyes. As the child of a vet (nasho 67-69) I saw my father finally start to deal with his time after the Welcome Home March in Sydney, 1987. We drove over from Adelaide to be there (M, D, 16, 13, 11yo) and is still one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. The respect you have shown in reporting this does you credit. Thank you.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you very much. As the grandson of a RAAF officer from the war, it means a lot

[@R0d_1984]

Mate many of us love our service Men (And real Women), My family has fought and died for this country since the Boer war; Grandfather 9th Div Tobruk, later RAAF PNG, 3 uncles in the military, one served on HMAS Vampire, the one in Darling Harbour , my dad came home in a box from Nam (i was 1 YO)...

[@andante732001]

The Welcome Home March was a big turning point. How amazing for you to be there. My Dad went wuth a busload of men from Mackay, Qld, 2000km to Sydney. We saw some on tv. Normie Rowe was a legend, always revered. I used to sing and play his music at Long Tan dinners.

[@brerobsym]

@andante732001 we drove over from Adelaide and were there for the whole weekend, and didn't really see anything of him until we left to come home. He was nowhere near as angry at the RSL after that trip.

[@yelsew816]

Damn, i was hoping I wouldn't cry. The roll call got me. Thank you for remembering the real cost of war. On a less sober note, i did catch the opening of 'I was only 19'. Maybe you should do a video about how Aussie Vietnam vets were treated post war.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you for watching. I have thought about it a lot

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

Yeah, me too mate.

[@balinthehater8205]

For me it was the radio calls that broke me. Having served, it really reminded me the oftentimes unspoken expectation that the mission comes first for servicemembers, even if it costs you your life. Calling a hail of artillery, both the best friend and biggest enemy of the infantry depending on which side its coming from, ontop of your position takes guts that i can do nothing else but marvel at.

[@dannysullivan633]

Had a first cousin in Vietnam in 1966. 2 tpt platoon. He was around 20 years my senior. I still remember at my mums funeral she was very proud of my service so I wore my medals. He came up to me tapped my medals and just said "well done lad". He has passed now but this wil stick with me always. Rest easy big AL. Lest We Forget.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

I'm a US Army veteran from 99-08 and I just wanted to say Thank You for showing these veteran the amount of respect you do and keeping their stories from being lost. Recently the popular thing to do is blame the soldiers for the politics that got them there, and ignore that they had no choice or input on it at all. Most served their countries so that others don't have to.

[@aussiepilot7886]

Great use of “I was only 19” in the intro. I was privileged enough last year to meet the son of Frankie.

[@daniellebcooper7160]

Thank you for not just reading out the roll call, but for also putting faces to their names. R.I.P.

[@davidevans6758]

My uncle Ian, was a £50 Pound P.O.M that came to Australia in around 1960 and signed up for the Australian Army after being asked to leave Sandhurst a year earlier. So was sent to Nam with the combat engineer's as a junior officer. Being of average height and build he was given the job as a Tunnel Rat. From family folk lore. Now a bloke of 83, he done well to get to this age.

[@stickiedmin6508]

Please pass on our sincere and heartfelt gratitude. I can't speak for everyone else here in this comment section, but I think it's safe to assume they'd agree with me.

[@Ulquiorra4163]

As the proud great-grandson of an American WW2 vet (who sadly passed not long after I was born), I made it my personal mission to speak to every veteran I meet, and became familiar with those that'd come in my work. Sadly, they've all started to lessen and it makes me deeply sad I can't see them again. To our American Vietnam vets, I genuinely respect what you did, I don't care about the politics, you fought and died to try and help South Vietnam, there are a number of refugees that are glad you did as well or else they might not have lived to make it somewhere safe for them to live. Aussie, Kiwi, South Korean, South Vietnamese, and Thai Vietnam vets, I thank you for standing with my countrymen, again I don't care about the politics, I care you fought at their side and they yours. Lastly, my great-grandfather suffered PTSD till his dying days, it hurts we lacked the treatments we have now that might have helped him, don't stay quiet about your struggles, get the help you need.

[@johnriddington9514]

As a Kiwi born Aussie parts of this hit hard. GREAT work calling out to vets and acknowledging PTSD.

[@keithdevine8281]

No such thing as a kiwi born Aussie buffhead

[@grahamjackson8230]

Thank you for doing this My uncle was in Vietnam from 1969-1971 with the RAA enlisting in 1965 My Stepdad was a Conscript from 1970-1971with the RAEME And my RSL President was a Conscript 1969-1970 with 6RAR enlisting in 1969 and WIA on 11 Dec 1969 during Operation Marsden I work with Vietnam Veterans in my RSL Sub-Branch in Mackay every day and it's an Honour to do so. Thank you for your service to all of our Vietnam Veterans Lest We Forget

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you so much. I'm going to be making a similar video surrounding Kapyong in the near future

[@andrewpeterson2865]

Very well done video. The roll call and photos of the Australian KIAs was absolutely heartbreaking. Pte. Meller's story was classic as well.

[@niftytwo]

Hello.I AM AN Australian Vietnam Veteran and I am very Proud of my Service. I am Neville Jones. I served just short of three years during Vietnam conflict as we called it. At God help me in my life. nifty j. Neville Jones.

[@mattharcla]

Thank God for you, all of you.

[@johnnichol9412]

No Neville Jones appears on the Vietnam Nominal Roll that shows 3 years service.

[@stickiedmin6508]

​@@johnnichol9412 Does it appear anywhere?

[@johnnichol9412]

@@stickiedmin6508 If he provides a unit it was true I could cross reference it there. Same with Henri Hattar who makes spurious claims about his service yet doesn't appear on the rolls and when asked for a unit he replies with abuse.

[@johnnichol9412]

@@stickiedmin6508 One in the RAN did 4 trips on the HMAS Sydney roughly 4 weeks each trip. Another 1 tour 1 year with 25 Supply Platoon RAASC.

[@brianchisholm8957]

Great recollection of the war in Vietnam , my father was involved in Long Tan . I have the upmost respect for all those who served our country in a war . ❤

[@capt5656]

heck yeah, as a non-aussie, i've wanted a video on this ever since i saw the movie Danger Close. Something about how they handled the cinematography in that film made it feel much more brutal than similar films. If it doesn't get brought up in the video, what are your thoughts on the movie if you've seen it?

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

It doesn't but I'm a big fan. There's some embellishments of course, but overall I'd give it a 8.5/10 on being faithful to the events

[@padraig6200]

Just moved to Australia a few weeks ago from Ireland and the guy who did my white card course did 20 years in the RAR. He was telling me about the blokes going and visiting Long Tan when the regiment was in Malaysia, he said there wasnt a dry eye in the place, and thats from a guy who was in Somalia, East Timor and Afghanistan

[@familyfrost1399]

Thank you so much, PTSD from service in Afghanistan has cast a long shadow over the period since, it steels my heart to think someone could make such a sensitive, respectful and thoughtful video

[@stickiedmin6508]

Hang in there mate. Hope you're doing okay. Shadows always flee and disappear when you shine a light on them.

[@familyfrost1399]

@@stickiedmin6508 that’s really kind of you, thanks stickie

[@stickiedmin6508]

​@@familyfrost1399 Thanks for being here mate. It's good to be among friends. Take care.

[@haydengoodall6767]

I can't thankyou enough for being the only documentarian to recognise the NZ 161 act of gunner valour. I have viewed many long tan docos and while the depth of content is quality they all fail to credit the impact the NZ grounpounders had on this battle. Mateship.. Salute.

[@MortonBartlett-yy3cn]

There is one doco that does justice to all involved incl Kiwi gunners and Kiwi forward party, Doco includes many of those who were there. Many years after Delta Co received a Bravery Award and Harry Smith, Bill Buick & Dave Sabben jumped the ditch to give the award to the 3 Kiwi's. Morrie had terminal cancer. Is a video on KZbin covering this

[@adambane1719]

The Anzac contribution on the world stage is basically nil.

[@trevorlewis847]

Nothing wrong with u kiwis doing ur own docos then u can delete aussies from it😂😂😂

[@polasamierwahsh421]

its great that you gave several ptsd warnings , thank you

[@scottessery100]

Soldiering is a brutal job 🥺 These guys were bloody incredible… thank you for making this video

[@hectickarnt]

Your right about talking to the vets and telling there story's my dad was in 5 RAR and was in Vietnam in 1966, he like most didn't like talking about the war. When I was younger we had just went to a long tan memorial service I asked him if he was at long tan. Of course he said no but he was at the Col Joy and Little Pati concert. When the boys at Nui Dat could hear how the battle was escalating they wanted to go out and help. It was at about this time they got the order "stand to" so instead of going out to help there mates they had to stand on the perimeter and just listen and wait. He eventually told me other story's when I was older plus other bits I've picked up from the RSL and the odd reunion.

[@bobfg3130]

You're. Their. Stories.

[@hectickarnt]

@@bobfg3130 same diff 👍

[@johnnichol9412]

@@bobfg3130 If you are going to nit pick make sure that your response is correct.

[@solowingborders3239]

Beautiful video mate, I work at an RSL club so I deal with veterans often, a bunch of some of the most humble and nicest people you can meet.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you

[@PowhiroMus]

I do wonder why, in the finest traditions of the ANZAC legend, that contribution of the New Zealand military is not so recognised and acclaimed at Long Tan. Two Kiwi SAS fought with the Aussie troops and the Kiwi over-watch battery of 105mm howitzers burnt their barrels out sustaining an impossibly incredible rate of suppressive artillery fire that really hurt the attacking Viets. I later worked with the Kiwi captain who had managed the 105 howitzers fire support, he was a deaf as a rock, invalided out, a sacrifice the Kiwi gunners made to keep the rounds going in, that they got no real credit for but he used to say it was his proudest moments, doing the impossible for their Aussie mates until the other support finally got going.

[@gregneilson939]

Anyone who really has made attempt to understand the battle appreciates the contributions of all components, including in particular the Kiwi Fire battery and also nine squadron RAAF for the ammunition drops. One must also remember the critical arrival of the armoured cavalry. So whilst I agree with your concern, Be assured that Real students have history to fully appreciate the combined arms contribution to the battle outcome.

[@mickthefisherman1562]

Well said mate.

[@petermalloy5360]

Capt Stanley MM and two kiwi Lcpls were the magnificent artillery fire support team .161 Battery RNZA fired non stop for over 3 hours.HEROES

[@Broken_dish]

i live for these kinds of videos thank you for making this and helping to immortalize these heros

[@britishsamurai1596]

This is a damn good video, it needs more views than it has! Brilliant work old boy

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you old man

[@JeremyList]

Thank you for this video mate, bloody awesome!

[@heccsclips3319]

As an american who grew up hearing about our vietnam story i think its bloody awful you aussies don't get ANY credit here in the states just know some of us yanks care and appreciate the sacrifice made by our friends and allies so thank you boys

[@shanewall4470]

I had a lovely short chat with Harry at the 50th Anniversary dinner in Vũng Tàu. His love for 'the boys' (the men of D Coy) was very, very obvious. Have a dig into the bureaucratic battles he fought for them (and on behalf of all ex-ADF) in the years after the war. Amazing man!

[@jonesy279]

Mate ❤ just the few notes from “I was only 19” gave me chills. Love your work

[@jonesy279]

Also, fuck yeah, love you Kiwi brothers!

[@David-d4k9k]

Australia has stood with the USA in every war, earlier than their joining in WW1 and WW2. I was told by an American that Australia wasn’t in the Vietnamese war. Then the discussion changed to WW2, when they said they declared war on Germany to help the allies. I had to remind them that the USA did not declare war on Germany. Germany declared war on the USA two weeks after Pearl Harbour. It was only then that the USA was forced into the war in Europe.

[@adambane1719]

The Anzac contribution on the world stage is basically nil.

[@keithdurose7057]

​@adambane1719 The contribution for such small populations were huge. In the 1940's. There where more people in London, England than in the whole of Australia! Their actions are very rarely discussed. A real pity. Thank you ,ANZAC's for your service to the Crown and Wdstern values.

[@peterwebb8732]

​@@adambane1719According to Allenby, the Palestine/Megiddo campaign would have been impossible without the Light Horse. No Palestine Campaign, no defeat of the Ottoman Empire, no Mandated Territories .... and no Israel. Regardless of you opinion of that , without us the world would be different. An Australian Commander (Monash) developed and demonstrated the tactics that broke the German lines on the Western Front. The Australian capture of Mont St Quentin was described as both "impossible" and "the finest feat of arms in the War. Montgomery said similar about Australians at 2nd El Alamein. .... and we gave the Japanese their first land defeat in the Pacific Theatre. I think you need to do your homework.

[@maryannedouglas]

@@adambane1719 Quick internet search: ANZAC 1M+, adam blane 0. What have you contributed exactly?

[@alansutton9388]

​@@adambane1719 Balls

[@bradr2142]

As a American I salute you warriors. I love these guys who fought with my cousin in Vietnam. My cousin said they were go warriors professional tough as nails. He would go to Australia on vacation as he got older he loved those guys. Thank you assures your well loved by this American family thank you.

[@mark703]

Cheers cobber.

[@adambane1719]

*an

[@R0d_1984]

''hank you assures...'' Um thanks...

[@GarryMercer-tq5uo]

Yeh tough as nails maybe. A lot of them were found dead at their post with guns still trained toward the enemy. But you should know the majority of these young men were not professional soldiers at all, they were not even volunteers either. They were ordinary 18year old men who's birthday was drawn out of a hat, they were given 8 weeks training and sent to Vietnam against their will. I know, I was in that draw. The only choice at Long Tan was fight or die. That doesn't reflect in any negative way on the how they conducted themselves, in fact it just adds to our sadness of losing such courageous young men

[@jamesstevens8009]

Very well put together. This battle and its significance is lost within the history of the vietnam war. I went to vietnam for 4 days to specifically visit the long tan memorial last year, it was a very emotional and sobering experience that i will never forget. My thoughts and prayers always with 6RAR D Company. ✊️❤️

[@kiwidiesel]

Bravo, this was a brilliant piece of work and being a fan of danger close it tied in the ground movements in the movie that never really gave a viewer the angles of the fire fight.

[@BiggestCorvid]

KZbin is terrible at recommending stuff. I've clicked the damn bell. What more do they want?! Thanks for the amazing inspiring informative educational calming video!

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Think I saw a movie about this, absolutely savage engagement. Some incredible bravery

[@andante732001]

Amazing retelling. Thank you. Sue, RAAF/ Viet Vet's daughter.

[@TheMemeApprover96024]

My uncle Jason Benjamin Sturgess served in the scorpions 3rd cav but he died in a APC crash in 2002

[@sarj743]

The NZ batteries opened up first, they were joined by the 103rd Australian Field Artillery 30 mins later. This is according to a gun layer Kelvin Wormald who was there and who is watching this documentary.

[@SamO-ik2cm]

Still only 1 nz battery.

[@johnnichol9412]

6 x 105mm L5 pack howitzers of 161 Field Battery, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) 6 x 105mm L5 pack howitzers of 103 Field Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery (RAA) 6 x 105mm L5 pack howitzers 105 Field Battery, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery (RAA) 6 x M109 Self Propelled 155mm guns of A Battery, 2/35th Artillery Regiment, US Army The battleoflongtan website gives full details of the order of the battle, units involved on both sides and casualty counts. Kelvin Wormald is listed as serving with 1 Field Regiment not one of the batteries, though he more than likely assisted them during the battle.

[@sarj743]

@@johnnichol9412 Kelvin Wormald was a gun layer with the 103rd

[@johnnichol9412]

@@sarj743 I am going on what is shown on the DVA Nominal Rolls, it lists those that served in Vietnam, what unit that they served with, their rank, the time period they served plus some other basic information. It shows him as having served with 1st Field Regiment from 20 May 1966 to 03 May 1967, not with 103rd Field Battery.

[@sarj743]

@@johnnichol9412 I looked up Wormald, Kelvin Harry, service number: 5411485 only to find that he was indeed listed as a gunner, first field regiment, having served 20/5/1966 to 3/5/1967. That would make everything that he told me true thank god.

[@michaelmolloy365]

I was a very young child hanging off my front gate in Yeppoon as APC's and trucks went by on the road from Rocky on the way to Shoalwater Bay for pre deployment training. If I'd only known as a four year old. They all waved back...

[@theconvictedquokka]

Hey brother I'm in Rockhampton might have seen my pop in the apc

[@Gingerzilla]

Great film, I like the message. For all our Diggers, respect - You will never be forgotten.

[@mossena]

Very grateful for your credit to 161 Battery RNZA. I got to shake Morrie Stanley's hand at a RSA event years ago.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

I am glad you enjoyed

[@unwanted_zombie]

Danger close was an amazing movie. These aussies and kiwis are champs..

[@P_Nut8421]

absolutely stunning video.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you very much

[@johnnichol9412]

Not only New Zealand and Australia at Nui Dat. There was at the time of Long Tan A Battery, 2/35th Artillery Regiment (M109 self propelled 155 mm howitzers) who were involved in fire support during the battle. Later there was the 1st Battalion, 83rd Artillery M107 (175mm) & M110 (8") self propelled Artillery as well as the US 53rd Signal Battalion. The 2/35 was deployed at FSB Coral in 1968.

[@RocketsRedGlare23]

As an american and a military history buff I've read quite a bit about Australia's battles in Vietnam with us. From World Wars, the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan the Aussies have always fought right along side us. Australian artilley was world-class in Vietnam sending 6 rounds down range a min on average when covering their units which was insanely fast for the technology of the time.

[@jtower1000]

I apologize for the ignorance but i was a history major in college even took a course specifically on the Vietnam War and never knew of Australia's involvement. Hats off to these brave heroes

[@kiwidiesel]

Is it too late for a refund on that course😂

[@Beauloqs]

Speaks volumes to the quality of education you received.....

[@johnnichol9412]

Better go back, Australia wasn't the only one in addition to the US.

[@dominicstewart7220]

I had the honour of having Bill "Yank" Akell as my battalion 2IC. He is amazing man. It's an insane thing he did!

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Always angered me, knowing he wasn't appropriately acknowledged. But then again, not many of them were

[@simonfowler698]

The best one I read in a book from the kiwis in Vietnam was during a furious first contact once the initial contact died off one of the NZ troops yelled out “half time change sides” 😂 classic ANZAC humour & of all the Vietnam veterans I know I can see anyone of those guys saying something like that 😂

[@ClaymoreM18]

Very nice video about the event, maybe a little difficult to visualize the situation, but very good.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

The movie danger close does it well. Thank you very much

[@ClaymoreM18]

oh, thanks for the recomendation.@@HistoryofEverythingChannel

[@kiwi4779]

Finally got around to watching this after a busy month, very solemn ending

[@Gooch072]

Likely your best video.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

I agree

[@manifestman132]

My uncle fought in Vietnam he told me he still has nightmares of running through the jungle where the fire neverver catches him but he never out runs it. My grandfather was in in Korea but was stateside on a missile test range great grandfather fought in the Pacific but didn’t like to talk about it but talked to my uncle about it (I was also a young child). I also new a B24 gunner who was shot down over Yugoslavia and I met a WW2 German vet once.

[@lancebrown5334]

Had the privilege of knowing doc dobson later in his life! Used dva transport to his doctors appointments! Lovely fellow! He told me he was a vietnam veteran but I never knew his involvement until I watched a documentary and he gave an interview!

[@johnclarke25]

Great documentary and a superb film,well done veterans should be honoured.

[@TheLeadSled]

As a combat veteran (Iraq) i want to personally thank all the Vietnam Veterans, thank you and God Bless.

[@R0d_1984]

And you too Digger.

[@theconvictedquokka]

Good shit mate if you want to make another australian video from vietnam the battle of coral balmoral is another crazy battle

[@raston1961]

My eldest brother was born in '51, and he missed the 'Call Up', so he would have not been in Long Tan anyway. Still, I had daydreams of him in uniform during the day at school, he is 9 and half hears my senior. Many Salutes to All who served! Uncle and Great Uncle in the Two Big Ones.

[@KevinDunleavy-s1t]

Tear in my eye watching this. . On a War Service pension now myself and this Gold Card thing. I just wanted to try supporting the Country and doing the Military thing. I cant imagine the absolute horror these men amongst men endured but I guess my War Service might possibly fail in comparison. Afghan, Timor, etcetera etcetera.. These gentleman in Long Tahn set a bar that can never be bettered. Lest we forget our real heroes

[@zacci253]

Hey mate! You should visit Australian Sig Troop 547. Their story is fantastic. I know a couple 547 vets.

[@bananaboat30plus87]

Hey bro, i went to portsea on the weekend (the officer cedit school smith graduated from) last weekend. Because i was particularly interested in him. He was a good man from most accounts.

[@peterwebb8732]

You might want to check. The "conscripts" all volunteered for overseas service. From memory, that info came from Gary McKay's "In Good Company".

[@andante732001]

Not to my knowledge. Defence Force existimg staff were asked to volunteer. Conscripts had no choice. Google agrees. I've often heard veterans say that at least as career defence force staff they signed up and knew the responsibility, but conscripts had no choice.

[@Nairobin]

Oh damn, this one’s gonna be a doozy lol.

[@HandyMan657]

Thanks, mate. Never forget.

[@louiscarullo6034]

…this was very, VERY well done.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Thank you

[@louiscarullo6034]

Literal chills mate. Making me have feels this early in shift.

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

It's not my usual style but I'm glad it was enjoyed

[@louiscarullo6034]

@@HistoryofEverythingChannel you’re style is good content, so no this still tracks. But what I’m looking forward to is you, Animarchy, LP, and Falcon tearing the Felon to bloody shreds.

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

My CO (Royal Hampshire Regiment, c.1987) was 22 SAS who served with Australian SAS during the Vietnam War. He was an outstanding commander and soldier.

[@polasamierwahsh421]

that line was *GOLD*

[@swimmerlaw]

Sharp deserves a vc Courageous, leadership, putting himself up to the line of fire to communicate What a man!!

[@theconvictedquokka]

Sadly he wouldnt as its very difficult to be awarded a VC

[@williamwreford5759]

God bless the very brave men and woman who have put their lives on the line for their fellow Australians ......I really hope Australians appreciate the sacrifice ..... sometimes i wonder ....

[@allisalie101]

You and me both Bill. I've taught my kids to have this respect, but don't see it as much as I reckon it should be in our youth of today. And of course with all of the immigrants who just don't understand. It's a crying shame.

[@indycharlie]

First off , I want to say Welcome Home to all our Aussie allies of RVN . I " think " that the " they were put down there because it was safe " BS was because it was not terribly far from Vung Tau , which was a In Country R&R Center for we American's . I actually drove to VT one time to pick up a fellow medic who had done 3 days R&R . It was a beautiful beach. As crazy as this may sound . Other than by air , that was the first time I ever saw the ocean . Of course though , I heard the same shit about Xua Loc . In mid / late 71 we worked for some Aussie troops out of FSB Mace , I THINK . IDT we were at Dui Dat ?! Being a " Blue Team "medic in a Air Cav Unit , and recon . We were so many places I lose track . I remember meeting some Aussie guys off an active some place. They were all sitting together by their trucks drinking beer and playing some drinking game :D They asked me if I wanted to play , which I would have if we weren't there as a QRF at that time . RIP Colonel .. doc 68-71 25ID / 75th and Evac Hospital Tay Ninh ....

[@jzdude01]

Two of the thoughts I had watching this, one from the beginning and one from the end. I’ll start with the one from the beginning because it makes chronological sense even tho I think the the point from the end is more important. So to begin, I find it interesting how that the two reasons you gave for the Aussie troops being deployed their, albeit with the asterisk that each are debated, both interestingly end up irrelevant to their actions in this battle. The first possibility you gave was they were stationed there because of their experience fighting guerrilla fighters in jungle environments form time in I think you said Malaysia? Second alternative possibility was because the Americans thought it was some backwater area where they could dump the Aussies where they’d see no battle while the Americans went and did the main fighting. Now I should note, the first one makes sense to me, but idk enough about American mentality/ego in Vietnam or their thoughts abt the Aussies, so I could buy that explanation too *if* it lines up with American attitudes. However the results of the battle show the troops going far and beyond either of those two reasons. They were fighting the NVA in this battle, not the VC. Well asides from those 6 they caught that lead to the order to pursue and this resulted in them being positioned just outside of that clearing. And those two that the private ram across after finding First platoon (using this videos nomenclature). However I think everyone can agree they were not the main issue at hand, and that it was their amazing performance against the NVA that lead to this victory. Not the type of troops or warfare they would’ve expected to be engaged in. For the second given reason, it would seem very odd that the US wouldn’t have intelligence of what I’m assuming is a Battalion (forgive me if I messed up the hierarchy, it’s whatever group size is above company since it was states it was obviously more than a platoon, and then obviously more than a single company) operating in that area. Idk maybe the the combined intelligence forces somehow missed that. Again not a VC group but a full NVA battalion, I’d assume that’s hard to not pick up on/track. Either way if they were sent to be backwater troops they obviously showed their skills as soldiers in their tactical conduct. Lacking intelligence they ended up in a horrific position, but managed to somehow get out with some alive and with the battle marked as a victory. Just interesting to me how with either explanation the Aussies and Kiwis (sorry I forgot to include them, bad habit of my dumb American brain forgetting Aussies and Kiwis are from different nations; really good education system here that it took me till 11th grade for a teacher to mention that!) still heavily outperformed their expected duties and went beyond the capabilities responsible for their position. Sorry that was over complicated, brain not working well rn. My second point about the end of the video is that I agree, too many people forget about vets. Like we support them as an idea, in abstract. But I’ve noticed that we (at least in America, tho I feel like generally within “western” cultures as well) when confronted with dealing with them as soldiers, asking about their time participating in war, we start to get squeamish. We like the idea of their sacrifice and what they’ve done for others. But I think for many they don’t like to be reminded what war actually is outside of the an abstract idea of National Defense. Either because someone might be anti-war in general but know it’s a bad look to degrade veterans or it’s someone who is fine with the status quo but gets squirmy when they start learning the realities of what fighting is. We as a culture from my perspective love to glorify the idea of war and violence, through movies and such, or the opposite and vilify or demonize it. However I think both of these perspectives miss the point. War is not desirable but also can not be ignored. The reality is though that there are people with ideas with weapons who want to expand their ideas with those weapons. Peace isn’t an option. But war is inevitable, their are ways to prevent it. But talking to vets requires understanding this idea, and so few do. So people just leave them alone, afraid of their stories and what they can mean. However I agree with you that they need to be heard, and preserved. Both to warn against spuriously going to war, but also to show the horrors that can be endured through prolonged conflict. This part is now my very American based opinion as an American, since Vietnam we’ve been scared to use our forces in places we really should, and use them in places we shouldn’t. I can think of multiple times where US intervention could have saved the lives of many by helping end a war sooner. Yes some Americans might die, but is it not worth some Americans dying fighting to protect others if the result is we save magnitudes more from war? Lebanon is one place that comes to mind for me. However I think we also need to use these stories to know why we shouldn’t go into wars without reasons; going into Iraq in 2003 being the most obvious example. In short I think we need to hear these stories both to honor the people, but also to remind ourselves of the cost of needless war as well as the cost of not engaging in war. Edit: oh also I forgot to mention how I feel we way to often forget about the Korean War, at least here in the U.S.. Its genuinely depressing how many people I’ve mentioned it too who don’t know what I’m talking about. When I ask them how North and South Korea came into existence with such a militarized border and polarized cultures they don’t seem to know, and sometimes are surprised when I tell them about the massive war between the two Korean factions, the west, and China. Oh and of course those strange incredibly experienced white North Korean pilots that kept speaking oddly broken Korean with a super thick and heavy Russian accent and also seemed to be fully fluent in Russian as they’d sometimes swap to it and speak it better than Korean. Odd North Korean pilots they were. Wink wink.

[@SkruffyTalez_TheWarzone]

Amazing story, absolute heroes the lot of them. And truth be told... "Where the F have you been" gave me a good laugh! Thank you for telling their story

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I maintain it is the best thing I've made

[@markmalone3532]

I am a very proud 6 RAR digger from 1974 to 1978, my intake were trained by hardened veterans of Vietnam many a few were still in the Battalion that were in that battle Sgt Buick was a great Sgt, hard man but a good fare NCO. God bless them all.

[@Breeanna73]

My dad is mate's with the guy who story that is being told. In the song I was only 19. The stories he tells are both pure hell, gruesome and horrifying. He suffers PTSD.. 💔😪😪🇦🇺

[@beckster181]

I grew up with Vietnam on the news every night. I always held the vetrans in high reguard may be because my dad was a WW2 vet, I was ashamed of how the Vietnam vets were treated. As a young adult Ijoined the military I was not the best and did my time ang got out saying not for me never again. Nine years and a few life changing experiances later, I joined the army reserves. In the 1990s I ended up in 6 RAR . It was the best unit I served in and I had the privlige to be part of the unit when it was sent overseas for war service for the first time since Vietnam , when 6 RAR was sent to East Timor taking the role of the Austrailian Battalion in the UN PEACE MAKING FORCE. Us on thr northern paft of the border and the New Zealand Battalion on the southern part of the border with west timor.

[@djbillybopdjbillybop2817]

There is a game called Rising Storm 2 Vietnam and you can play as the Australian army or VC it is a cracking game and the maps or spot on.

[@jaredstaniland9117]

The Nz artillery were good at shooting close to the Aussies. My dad was stationed at Nui Dat in the 85th transport.. One day driving a squad to an insertion point, the squad leader left his notebook in the truck so my father ran over to give it to him - as he was doing so an artillery barrage came in from Nui Dat and destroyed his truck! The kiwis were shelling the insertion point and not the enemy positions!! lol.. true story.. Needless to say, hearing such praise for the NZ artillery is a new thing for me 😉

[@oddball_the_blue]

If only we did the same in the UK for the Korean war. My granddad was so proud for the duty he did there (he was enlisted too under national service) - he saw things out there too. He also dealt with the aftermath as well as how to try and save as many as he could from both sides (he finished his tour over there as a Sergeant doing supplies/logistics and found it was much less deadly to local populations health to hire them to move/guard stuff than use UN*cough*US*cough* solders who just shot anyone on sight who got close to any supplies).

[@roberthunter6927]

To make it perfectly clear at the outset, Australian, American and New Zealand troops and mid-grade officers performed superbly and loyally at Long Tan, and other engagements in Vietnam. The senior military and civilian leadership of all three countries, not so much. And yes, I have heard all the arguments of why Australia went to Vietnam, and most of them simply don't make sense. Australia was playing at war and supporting the Americans, because Australian politicians suffered from severe delusions for over a century. The delusion was that Australia could not defend itself. So let's look at World Wars One and Two. From a population of less than 5 million in WW1, and from a population of about 7 million in WW2, Australia sent a lot of soldiers overseas. Short version, it punched well above it's weight. In WW1, Australia sent [and maintained] five full infantry divisions and a mounted division. In World War Two, pretty much on the same scale, but with more modern weapons. So the problem was not really about personnel [except that training was less than thorough in many cases]. No, it was weapons. We had to depend on the UK, and later the USA for weapons. This was due to short-sighted economic, and thus political, policy. Short version, Australia regarded itself as merely a farm and a mine. "Value-add", was simply not worth it, or so the delusion went. And sure, with heavy industry, unit cost only goes down if you can produce large volumes, and the domestic market for cars, trains, aircraft would always be relatively small. For such industries to be viable, we would have to export big-time. And sure, a small nation breaking into global markets is not easy. But look at our basics! Abundant food, energy, mineral and other resources. The only thing we lacked was population. And whatever your views, our White Australia policy did not help with the under-population problem. Fast forward to today, and we are best trading mates with Communist China, but orientate culturally, militarily and alliance-wise with the USA! But back to Vietnam. We "played" at war there. You can see in some military history books, the "fully equipped task force". Really? Seriously? An infantry brigade is at least three battalions not two, and since it was mainly an infantry war four infantry battalions would have been better. Plus you need at least a full regiment of field artillery. We had to borrow a US battery, and a NZ one, just to get up to full strength! next, a paltry engineer squadron, when there was more than enough work for a full engineer battalion, with works to be done at Nui Dat, Vung Tau, and of course, numerous civil projects. Next, Armour. initially, only a weak squadron of APC's, and tanks came nearly two years later, and again, only a squadron. And our helicopter force? Again, just a handful. And other air assets, again, small beer indeed. And logistics? Again, less than generous. And our opposition? The best part of a division, albeit not very well equipped. Nobody has ever accused me of being a genius general, but all things being equal, it is probably to have something like a 3 to 1 ratio in your favor if you want to take the military initiative, irrespective of the type of war. And war is often variable, from low intensity stuff COIN, to intense and/or prolonged engagements. The whole rationale for the Australian task force was operational independence. So with such an inadequate and weak force, it was inevitable that we would have to cry for help from out allies. In other words, in concept and execution, the Australian task force was a farce. We were both unwilling and unable to do the job properly. We were playing at war to try to persuade the USA to be our "mommy", as we had done to the UK to be our parent earlier. Far from Gallipoli being our spiritual birth as a nation, it helped cement our habit of dependency as a client state of someone else. Again, this is not to dishonor the Gallipoli war dead, or any other dead. On the contrary it honors them, for the soldier's role is to serve, and serve they did with sacrifice, distinction and honor. It was the nation, and particularly it's leaders, which failed here. As Long Tan veteran Major Kendall once remarked: "We don't have many soldiers, so please let's not waste them".

[@peterwebb8732]

Having grown up with veterans from both World Wars, and as a farmer, I have to disagree with you on several points. Economically, Australia requires overseas trade because we have made production too bloody expensive in Australia. There is a cost to making things here, and every time you make things more expensive here, you make us poorer. We are dependent on larger navies than any we can afford, for freedom of the seas. Without that, we run out of fuel in a matter of weeks. Contrary to myth and legend, joining those wars was anything but hanging "on the teat" . Within living memory, Australia had been part of an Empire, and the world was still full of them. Without freedom of the seas guaranteed by the Royal Navy and USN, we faced the high probability of having our terms of trade dictated by a foreign power. China is not our "trade buddy" . I sell into.markets in which they are major players. . They are shit to deal with, completely focused on tbeir own bebefit, as determined by the CCP. Maybe you should ask yourself how we fund a large, professional Defence Force. What would you de-fund? Perhaps you should also ask how our soldiers and military leadership can be skilled and experienced, without occasionally sending them to war. There are no free lunches.

[@roberthunter6927]

@@peterwebb8732 Sorry, but what you say is bullshit. Australia was not competitive in industry because governments let foreign corporations dominate business sectors, and all profits went overseas. As usual, those of the far right will blame Australian workers, rather than corporations which milk the country dry. Australia is not even capitalist, because the essence of capitalism is free trade. Or to put it another way, the rich felt themselves entitled to vast profits, while the workers, which produced almost all of the wealth, did not receive a living wage. [Workers too, have to receive more than just survival]. If a worker makes a profit [more than just enough to survive] he also becomes a consumer, rather than just a producer. he can buy a house, a car, and other goods because of disposable income. He can invest, preferably with the business or corporation where he is employed. But for a long time [most of Australian history] the worker was denied shares in the company that he worked. And you seem to have little comprehension of English. Yes, the Chinese are at best, our competitors, and at worst, our enemies. And yet our governments and corporations insist on trading with them. They are not, and have never been, our friends. How to pay for a strong defense force? Reasonable taxes. despite the government spending billions on infrastructure to enable corporation to do their business, they very rarely pay fair taxes. The vast bulk of taxes in Australia are paid by workers, and small businesses. And yet the con is by corporations to turn worker and small business owner into enemies, while the rich laugh all the way to the bank. The iron ore royalties while Menzies was in power was 65 cents per ton. No wonder he was having problems funding the war in Vietnam. And don't straw-man me about soldiers and officers unable to gain experience because I would have them never to go to war. That is dishonest. Do you know how many wars and conflicts we have been involved in? Hundreds. I am no "peacenik". It would not be so bad if Australian troops were led by Australian officers, but almost always, it was by British or American Generals. We lost a whole division in WW2 [the 8th] because moron British generals could not defend Malaya and Singapore despite having 3 times the force of the Japanese invaders. Churchill kept our best troops [the 6th, 7th, and 9th divisions] in the mid-east for way too long, forcing us to send poorly equipped and largely untrained militia to New Guinea, Timor etc, to try to hold the line. And if you knew how US General MacArthur squandered Australian troops by ordering them to attack against a vastly superior Japanese force, you would have a more balanced approach to our allies. The 39th Militia battalion, being vastly outnumbered by the Japanese [numbering almost a division] on the Kokoda Trail for many weeks., until eventually being reinforced by elements of the 7th division. It was a suburb feat of arms, and of the 550 of the 39th men who went up the track, only 150 men came down. Australia's allies can be as much a problem as our enemies. I am not saying that alliances are all bad, but there are serious problems. In Vietnam, Australian Navy pilots were ordered to shave off their beards by the American command. There was no military rationale to do so. I suggest you read a little history about the wars. And I mean histories, not propaganda pieces written by our allies.

[@ronaldchow9892]

By God, why is it so difficult to recognize and give credit to those who died and sacrifice so bravely for the country. What is the Govt so afraid off? The Australians in Long Tan did their country proud, is that so hard to even say thank you? It is time they are given the true recognition they so rightly deserve by their own country!!

[@R0d_1984]

They are commies and hate us.

[@dougm5341]

Well done

[@Autobotmatt428]

Loved Danger Close was a great film

[@Ourjudd]

Have you ever watched the bush tucker man? He was in Vietnam. Les Hiddins is his name.

[@R0d_1984]

He live in the same little town/city i do...

[@huongphamthi4946]

Xin tri ân các chiến sỹ quân lực thế giới tự do đã hy sinh vì 1 thế giới hoà bình ❤

[@allisalie101]

I really wish that the whole world were free. Oppressors should never have any authority over anyone.

[@huongphamthi4946]

@allisalie101 you mean communism

[@luiul1]

powerful closing

[@peterwebb8732]

I grew up knowing returned men from both World Wars. Just spent a week with three Timor, Iraq and Afghan Vets. Good men all....

[@AtholAnderson]

18:02 Those 3 hours were probably the longest 3 days of those men's lives.

[@arizona-hunter6684]

I've heard about this battle before but I didn't release how bad it was. Thanks for telling us about this. Long Live the Kangaroo. (When is Russia's Navy Sucks P4 coming out?)

[@HistoryofEverythingChannel]

Should be out in 2 weeks

[@allisalie101]

LOL, Roos to us, are like deer to the Yanks. A real pain in the arse, but I get your drift mate. Stay safe and be well mate. All the best.

[@lorddavid5995]

Thank you

[@edwardtsoukalidis2071]

Thank you.

[@rutherglenroad8109]

Those who have never been to war may never experience PTSD. I was raised with it. My dad returned from WW2 a shattered man. Eventually he died a casualty of the war albeit 40 years later. Without the constant support of my mum who held him together I doubt he'd have lasted 10 years. I have nothing but respect for every serviceman or woman who struggles to return to a 'normal' life after experiecing what no-one should have to experience. To be ignored by the people they served on behalf of heaps travesty on travesty.

[@niftytwo]

You were perfectly correct. The Kiwis stopped at nothing. They were Darn GREAT Soldiers and even today Iam proud of being side by side with the Kiwis. Nifty J.

[@allisalie101]

No Shit! I'm a nobody Aussie, and I love our Kiwi Bro's like they truly are my Bro's. Can't help hanging shit on em, just as much as they can't help giving it back etc. Why, we're the same people, and there's nowhere else in this world that two nations can truly say the same, not even our sometimes ancestors in the UK. Our relationship is our own and is never truly understood unless you're one of us. It's as simple as that.

[@thecomander466]

Good effort

[@Oistopthat]

My grandpa who was apart of a mechanized division was almost sent to vietnam, and i will always think hes a true badass, told me a story once when were both a bit drunk how when he was training out of California he was in his 113 and dropping off men to secure an objective (apart of his training) and a lieutenant came up and said “hey can i drive this back to the motor pool?” And my grandpa just told him to just fuck off and drove back. Hes still alive and i thank the lord that hes my grandpa.

[@martinkeith5543]

my mate was there they walked the artillery over the nva positions and escape trails all night next day they collected the remains many blown apart he said to me we counted over 500 pairs of hands of nva dead