Friday, 21 September 2012

Journal Entry - 20 September 1971


(15 & a Wakey)

Over the radio there were snatches of contact reports that indicated that 4 RAR/NZ were in heavy contact with 3/33rd NVA Regiment.  Despite heavy resistance 4 RAR were still pushing forward. We sat in our ambush positions silently saying a prayer for our brothers-in-arms in 4 RAR/NZ.

Later we found out that this was the prelude to what was to become known as the “Battle of Nui Le”

11 Platoon of D Company 4 RAR/NZ made contact with an enemy platoon and after a half hour skirmish, four dead enemy soldiers were found on the battlefield. Their uniforms and equipment and study of the tactics used during the skirmish pointed toward the unit being from the North Vietnamese Army.  These were well trained, well equipped and highly motivated soldiers.  Tracks made by the enemy force indicated about two hundred soldiers had passed through the area.

The commander of the 33rd Regiment NVA set a number of ambushes for the expected Australian relief forces, however the Australians did not follow the route that was expected by the North Vietnamese and the Australians went around the ambush sites.



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