VETERANS and supporters gathered at a service commemorating those that served in the Vietnam War at Club Taree RSL on Tuesday, August 18, the date marking the 49th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
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The commemoration service also included a wreath laying ceremony, the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille, and the prayer for Commemoration of the Fallen.
Australia contributed 60,000 military personnel to the conflict, with more than 500 losing their lives.
From this area these included Sapper Peter J Bramble who was killed in action on May 22, 1969, Captain Robert B Milligan who was killed in action on February 14, 1967, 2nd Lieutenant Kerry P Rinkin who died of wounds on April 2, 1967, Private Allen J Wallis who was killed in action on May 16, 1968 and Lance Corporal Michael P White who died of wounds on April 26, 1969.
The Battle of Long Tan, chosen as the date to commemorate the war, is one of the most well-known Australian involvements in the Vietnam War.
During the battle, 120 Australian soldiers held off an attack from 2500 soldiers from the North Vietnamese Army until reinforcements arrived.
Eighteen Australia troops were killed during the four-hour battle.
