40th Anniversary
Reunion
Canberra
2011

Remembrance Service Running Sheet
Remembrance Service Program
Remembrance Service Welcome Address
Chaplain's Homily & Address
Remembrance Service Address
Closing Ceremony Address
Closing Ceremony Chaplain's Address

An automated Ode presentation video used by Charlie Company during their Ainslie Club reunion dinner on Friday 14th October 2011. The video is 80MB in size and the link takes you off site for a download. (Be aware 80MB) (Right click mouse & save to file)
Download here..........

60 photographs of the Charlie Company 40th Anniversary Reunion Dinner for viewing & download.

"Yours Faithfully "

The documented story and photographs of 3rd Battalion RAR Vietnam in 1971

The book "Yours Faithfully" was first published in March 1972 and distributed to all
former members of the 3rd Battalion RAR who served in Vietnam during the
Battalion's 2nd Tour of Vietnam.

Over the years through life experiences copies once valued by members have either vanished or been misplaced. This scanned copy of Yours faithfully is available for download and viewing by the kind permission of Colonel Peter Scott, DSO (Rtd.). Commanding Officer 1969 - 1971

The "Yours Faithfully" copy is available in Adobe "pdf" format.
Please download the file for viewing.

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Operation Overlord was a combined Allied forces operation conducted in the Long Khanh province, South Vietnam. The operation called for a blocking force to be inserted with 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) deployed along the line of the Suoi Ran river. A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, was to their west and 2/8th Battalion, 3rd US Cavalry Regiment, to the north-east. Meanwhile, 3RAR - under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Peter Scott - and the Centurion tanks from C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment were tasked with driving the VC into these positions. A number of fire support bases were established with 104 Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery providing support in conjunction with American gunners, while 3RAR would search its allotted AO with three rifle companies A, B, and C with D Company held in reserve.

On the 6th of June 1971 5 Platoon B Company 3RAR located what was thought to be the main VC bunker system, but with nightfall approaching it was decided not to proceed with an attack.

The next morning artillery commenced bombarding the suspected bunker system and after half an hour of preparation 5 Platoon moved forward but after only moving 90 meters or so they came under heavy enemy fire from the front and flanks, 5 Platoon suffered several casualties in this initial burst of fire.

It soon became apparent the platoon was pinned down on the edge of a strongly defended bunker system. The platoon commander called for fire support from helicopter gun ship’s as well as indirect mortar fire. Moving to support the platoon Peter Scott ordered D Company to assault against the flank and rear of the bunker system moving with APCs and Tanks in support. Two troops of Centurions spearheaded the assault.

Meanwhile 5 Platoon was in dire straits and was beginning to run low of ammunition, with a number of its machine guns beginning to fail. Attempting to gain a better position to bring in direct artillery fire the company forward observer was killed. By 11am a second attempt to re supply B Company resulted in an Australian helicopter being shot down by heavy ground fire and exploding on impact. Two crew members were killed and another two were injured on the ground. With ammunition exploding around the burning helicopter a number of 5 Platoon soldiers rushed to their aid to rescue the survivors and bring them to safety.
By mid afternoon D Company had moved into position and commenced an assault and pushing through the bunker system with the tanks in close support. Many of the bunkers were crushed by the Centurions.

The progress was slow due to the thick vegetation and the size of the bunker system. The VC had by now vacated the system not wishing to continue the fight. By night fall D Company and the tanks had linked up with B Company and established a night defensive position.

During the assault C Company located a second bunker system which was captured by the Australians after being hastily abandoned by the enemy. Later Australian pioneer and engineer demolition teams proceeded to destroy the bunker systems.

Operation Overlord ended on 14th of June and 1ATF returned to Nui Dat. Despite the heavy contact experienced early on, it yielded little for the Australians, but neither D445 or 33NVA Regiment units were not encountered in Phuoc Tuy province again. The cost for Operation Overlord in casualties was considered high with 10 killed in action and 24 wounded. Those soldiers who were involved in Operation Overlord were a credit to their training and the ideals of the Australian Army.