1965 one of the first engagements between Australian troops and the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War
One of the first direct engagements between Australian and Viet Cong forces in the Vietnam War, notable for its unresolved recovery of two soldiers for over 40 years.
Key Facts
- Date
- 8 November 1965
- Australian unit
- A Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
- Viet Cong unit
- Company 238
- Operation
- Operation Hump
- US formation involved
- 173rd Airborne Brigade
- Missing soldiers recovered after
- More than 40 years
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During Operation Hump, a major joint US-Australian search operation in northern Biên Hòa Province, A Company of 1 RAR advanced into the Gang Toi Hills and encountered a well-prepared Viet Cong bunker system defended by Company 238.
Australian troops engaged an entrenched, company-sized Viet Cong force in fortified positions. Unable to mass sufficient combat power for a direct assault, the Australians were forced to withdraw after heavy fighting, leaving behind two soldiers who had been shot and could not be recovered under intense machine-gun and rifle fire.
A planned battalion-level attack to recover the two missing Australian soldiers was cancelled by the American brigade commander due to mounting casualties and helicopter availability. The remains of the two soldiers were not recovered until more than 40 years later and were eventually returned to Australia for burial.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent