Showing 167 items
matching special forces
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Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, A.B.Feure, Australian Commando: Their Secret War against the Japanese in World War II
... Australian special forces... Australian special operations Australian special forces World War II ...non-fictionww2, australian commandos, australian special operations, australian special forces, world war ii -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Parragon, World famous SAS and elite forces, 1994
... special forces - operations - 20th century...-and-the-dandenong-ranges special forces - operations - 20th century worldwar ...First hand accounts of the astonishing bravery of the SAS and other elite forces of the worldIll, p.122.First hand accounts of the astonishing bravery of the SAS and other elite forces of the worldspecial forces - operations - 20th century, worldwar 1939-1945 - special operations -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Pan, Secret armies, 1998
... special forces - operations - 20th century...-and-the-dandenong-ranges special forces - operations - 20th century Military ...This book unravels the complex workings of these deadly secret armies hidden from public scrutinyIndex, bib, ill, p.453.non-fictionThis book unravels the complex workings of these deadly secret armies hidden from public scrutinyspecial forces - operations - 20th century, military history - 20th century -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Bruce Davies, The battle at Ngok Tavak: A bloody defeat in South Vietnam 1968, 2008
... Vietnam - Special Forces..., a Special Forces Company, under the command of an Australian Army ...In 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, a Special Forces Company, under the command of an Australian Army Captain, supported by a Marine artillery detachment, occupied an old French fort, on a hill known as Ngok Tavak. The circumstances of the battle that ensued, and the subsequent retreat from Ngok Tavak, left in their wake issues that cried out for resolution for decades after the event. A number of American bodies were left where they had fallen during the battle, and another American, the nephew of Katharine Hepburn, went missing. After speaking extensively to the battle survivors and loved ones of the American warriors, and searching through accounts from official reports that included Vietnamese documents, eyewitness statements and war diaries, Bruce Davies has pieced together the evidence that will bring resolution to the questions that still haunt many of those connected to the battle. A story that needed to be told for the veterans who survived and for those who did not, for their families and for the sake of history. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cooper (Retd), Australian Infantry, South Vietnam 1971-72Index, bib, ill, p.241.non-fictionIn 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, a Special Forces Company, under the command of an Australian Army Captain, supported by a Marine artillery detachment, occupied an old French fort, on a hill known as Ngok Tavak. The circumstances of the battle that ensued, and the subsequent retreat from Ngok Tavak, left in their wake issues that cried out for resolution for decades after the event. A number of American bodies were left where they had fallen during the battle, and another American, the nephew of Katharine Hepburn, went missing. After speaking extensively to the battle survivors and loved ones of the American warriors, and searching through accounts from official reports that included Vietnamese documents, eyewitness statements and war diaries, Bruce Davies has pieced together the evidence that will bring resolution to the questions that still haunt many of those connected to the battle. A story that needed to be told for the veterans who survived and for those who did not, for their families and for the sake of history. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cooper (Retd), Australian Infantry, South Vietnam 1971-72vietnam - history 1945-1975, vietnam - special forces -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Rottman, Gordon L, US Army Long-Range Patrol Scout in Vietnam 1965-71, 2008
... United States. Army. Special Forces -- Equipment and.... Special Forces -- Equipment and supplies Vietnam War 1961-1975 ...the Vietnamese knew the Long-Range patrol Scouts as "the men with green faces"the Vietnamese knew the Long-Range patrol Scouts as "the men with green faces"united states. army. special forces -- equipment and supplies, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- regimental histories -- united states, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- reconnaissance operations, american. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, The SAS: savage wars of peace
... Special forces (Military science) - Great Britain.... Special Air Service - History Special forces (Military science ...great britain. army. special air service - history, special forces (military science) - great britain -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Donahue, James C, No Greater Love: A Day With The Mobile Guerrilla Force In Vietnam
... United States. Army. Special Forces Group.... Special Forces Group Vietnam War 1961-1975 - Personal narratives ...Authentic, down to the last insect bite...This is the way it really was.Authentic, down to the last insect bite...This is the way it really was.united states. army. special forces group, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - personal narratives, american -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Owen, William F, Blackfoot Is Missing: In a secret war there are no rules
... United States. Army. Special Forces - Fiction.... Special Forces - Fiction Vietnam Bobby Lake dropped out of Harvard ...Bobby Lake dropped out of Harvard to fight in Vietnam, because he wanted to be a hero. but how do you become a hero amongst men who only notice the cowards, where just the price of respect is high, and the cost of being a hero is hard to pay?fictionBobby Lake dropped out of Harvard to fight in Vietnam, because he wanted to be a hero. but how do you become a hero amongst men who only notice the cowards, where just the price of respect is high, and the cost of being a hero is hard to pay?united states. army. special forces - fiction, vietnam -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Lewis, Jon E, The Giant Book of SAS and Elite Forces
... Special forces (Military science) Commando troops... Newhaven phillip-island-and-the-bass-coast Special forces (Military ...Shrouded in mystery and feared throughout the world, very little is known about the Special Air Services - the soldier's soldier.Shrouded in mystery and feared throughout the world, very little is known about the Special Air Services - the soldier's soldier. special forces (military science) commando troops, vietnam -
Woodend RSL
Map, Afghanistan South Western Oruzgan Helmad and Kandahar Province’s July 2009, September 2009
... special forces... commando special forces Produced by the Defence Imagery ...Map was used by Alan Mitchell-Lapin during patrols with Commando Regiment. Alan Mitchell-Lapin is a resident of Woodend.Alan Mitchell-Lappin is a member of the Woodend RSL who served with the Commandos in Afghanistan. Alan was awarded a Commendation for Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan. The map was utilised by Alan during his patrols.Patrol map for South Western Orguzgan Helmand and Kandahar Province’s. Scale 1:200,000. Produced by Australian Government Department of Defence Intelligence and Security. Table top right -Military Legend. Tables middle right - Language distribution, and translation glossary. Table bottom right hand corner - Topograhic Legend. Table centre bottom - Grid magnetic Diagrams. Table top left corner - Tarwin Kowt weather infromation.Produced by the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation, Geospatial Analysis Centre, September 2009. Restricted at time of issue.afghanistan, map, orguzgan, helmand, kandahar, operation slipper, mitchell-lapin, 2009, digo 0098-0910, commando, special forces -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Rottman, Gordon L, The US army in the Vietnam War 1965-73, 2008
... United States - Special Forces... States - Special Forces This book provides detailed information ...This book provides detailed information about how US Army units operated in America's longest war. Special Forces veteran Gordon L. Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalion and the units that supported them, their training, armament, equipment and organization down to platoon level.This book provides detailed information about how US Army units operated in America's longest war. Special Forces veteran Gordon L. Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalion and the units that supported them, their training, armament, equipment and organization down to platoon level.vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 - united states, us army, united states - special forces -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Smith, George E, P.O.W.: Two Years With the Vietcong
... American Special Forces...-1975 - Prisoners and prisons Vietcong American Special Forces ...When Special Forces Sergeant Geoge E. Smith went to Vietnam in early 1963, he thought it was to save the "democratic" Diem regime from the Chinese Communists. Set down in a sugar plantation owned by Diem's sister-in-law Madame Nhu, he grew frustrated and synical. then guerrilla regulars overran his camp in a perfectly executed night attack. He was a prisoner of the Vietcong.When Special Forces Sergeant Geoge E. Smith went to Vietnam in early 1963, he thought it was to save the "democratic" Diem regime from the Chinese Communists. Set down in a sugar plantation owned by Diem's sister-in-law Madame Nhu, he grew frustrated and synical. then guerrilla regulars overran his camp in a perfectly executed night attack. He was a prisoner of the Vietcong. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, american, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - prisoners and prisons, vietcong, american special forces, sgt george e. smith, chinese communist, diem regime, madame nhu -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, c.1965
... 1. A delivery of cows for the Special Forces. 2... Caribou 1. A delivery of cows for the Special Forces. 2 ...Two (2) Black and white Photograph in a black frame. 1. Men crowd around the plane aft as a cow makes her way down onto the ground 2.Men move about the rear of the aircraft collecting and1. A delivery of cows for the Special Forces. 2. A delivery of concertina wire - Highlands 1965transport/deliveries, caribou -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, American Wallaby, 1966
... at Special forces Camp at Bato.... Aircraft was damaged after landing at Special forces Camp at Bato ...unframed photo. Fitters from No 35 Sqn RAAF line-up under the wing of a Caribou aircraft. Aircraft was damaged after landing at Special forces Camp at BatoAWM VN66-54-1 (6)no 9 sqn, raaf, caribou, vung tau, bato -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Lac Thien
... , of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), at the special forces... Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), at the special forces camp at Lake ...Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A colour photograph of Capt Len Opie and WO1 Bill Birkett, of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), at the special forces camp at Lake Lac Thien where they are working with Rhade, M'nong, Muong and Sedang Montagnards.photograph, aattv, capt len opie, wo1 bill birkett, lake lac thien, sedang montagnards, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), rhade montagnards, m'nong montagnards, muong montagnards -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Letter
... with US special forces. Found in top left hand pocket of jacket... with US special forces. Found in top left hand pocket of jacket ...A letter for Capt. P.R. Young doing a refresher course for parachute jumping so that he could parachute in the couse of his duties as Australian Intelligence Service dated 10 January 1962 with US special forces. Found in top left hand pocket of jacket. Cat. No. 11889letter, young, peter raymond -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Currency - WWII money, Unknown
... WWII British Armed Forces special voucher bank note valued... of the Army Council. WWII British Armed Forces special voucher bank ...WWII Historical significanceWWII British Armed Forces special voucher bank note valued at sixpence.Issued by command of the Army Council. -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Australia's Special Operations 1940-2003. A Commemorative History
... A detailed history of Australian Special Forces operations.... melbourne A detailed history of Australian Special Forces operations ...A detailed history of Australian Special Forces operations during World War Two by the commandos of the Allied Intelligence Bureau and the Independent Companies/Commando Squadrons and through to operations in Vietnam and later conflicts. Compiled by two of Australia’s most famous military historians for the 60th anniversary of Operation JAYWICK in 2003. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Uniform - Uniform, US Army, American Jacket
... middle, also snap fastners and buttons. 1st Special Forces... middle, also snap fastners and buttons. 1st Special Forces ...American field jacket owned by Peter Raymond Young 240217, Australian Intelligence Corp (temporary) Major. Khaki lined jacket, long sleeved, four pockets in front, has plastic zipper down middle, also snap fastners and buttons. 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) shoulder sleeve insignia. Two jump wings insignia on rithe breast over the name young. Zippered pocket on back of collar240217 Capt young, Aust Int corps written in black texta on right bottom of lined jacketclothing, young, peter raymond, australian intelligence corp -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Z Special Units' Secret War- Operations SEMUT 1, 1989
... with Australian Special Forces (Services Reconnaissance Department) which... with Australian Special Forces (Services Reconnaissance Department) which ...An account of the operations of The Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB) better known as ‘Z’ Special Unit. Now a scarce and highly sought after title. The author’s personal experiences with Australian Special Forces (Services Reconnaissance Department) which involved guerrilla soldiering with the head-hunters of Japanese held Borneo during World War 2. Z Special Unit an administrative support unit of (also known as Special Operations Australia (SOA) or the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)) was a joint Allied special forces unit formed during the Second World War to operate behind Japanese lines in South East Asia. Predominantly Australian, SRD was a specialist reconnaissance and sabotage unit that included British, Dutch, New Zealand, Timorese and Indonesian members, predominantly operating on Borneo and the islands of the former Netherlands East Indies. The unit carried out a total of 81 covert operations in the South West Pacific theatre, with parties inserted by parachute or submarine to provide intelligence and conduct guerrilla warfare. The best known of these missions were Operation Jaywick and Operation RIMAU, both of which involved raids on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour; the latter of which resulted in the deaths of twenty-three commandos either in action or by execution after capture. Although the unit was disbanded after the war, many of the training techniques and operational procedures employed were later used during the formation of other Australian Army special forces units and they remain a model for guerrilla operations to this day.Hard Cover with Dust Jacket – 608 pagesInscribed by author-Bob Long AK223 SEMUT 1 Borneo 1945 -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Film - Film, DVD, Looping Film, DVD's for displays in the museum
... ); Infantry (Part D); ARVN Special Forces, TET Offensive, 1968 (Part E...); Armour (Part C); Infantry (Part D); ARVN Special Forces, TET ...Copies of the 12 Film, DVD's used in the VDU's in the museum.Contains: Artillery (Part A); Navy (Part B); Armour (Part C); Infantry (Part D); ARVN Special Forces, TET Offensive, 1968 (Part E); Gallipoli Submarine, AE2 (Part F) ; Army Nurses in Vietnam (Part G); Vietnam, Armour, Artillery, Infanty, RAAF, helicopters, Magpie, Vung Tau (Part H); 2 Sqn Magpie Part I); Helicopters Vietnam (Part J); 9 Squadron RAAF (Part K); Vung Tau (Part L).film, dvd, national vietnam veterans museum -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Badge
... Regional Force Surveillance and Special Forces units of the Army... Regional Force Surveillance and Special Forces units of the Army ...The Royal Australian Infantry Corps (RA Inf) is the parent corps for all infantry regiments of the Australian Army. It was established on 14 December 1948, with its Royal Corps status being conferred by His Majesty King George VI. At her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II became Colonel-in-Chief of the corps. Major components of the RA Inf include the various battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and the six state-based Reserve infantry regiments, such as the Royal New South Wales Regiment. The various Regional Force Surveillance and Special Forces units of the Army are also part of the corps. The Infantry School is located at Singleton, New South Wales.Pressed metal cap badge for the Royal Australian Infantry Corp. This badge is brass alloy with two pins at rear for securing to the cap when worn."Royal Australian Infantry Corps" -
Bendigo Military Museum
Currency - PAPER CURRENCY, Imperial Japanese Govt, 1. Asian. 2. 3. 4. British Army Forces, cWW2
... : 561037 1136422. 2. British Armed Forces - Special voucher. Three...: 561037 1136422. 2. British Armed Forces - Special voucher. Three ...1. Old Japanese 100 year old note. Black and Red printing on face, blue ink on rear side. Face side has image of a building and traditional man. rear side images has buildings and two dragons. NRS: 561037 1136422. 2. British Armed Forces - Special voucher. Three pence. printing on front is in brown green and red ink. rear side, brown ink. 3. British Armed Forces - Special voucher. Six pence. Printing on front is in blue, orange and green ink - rearside in blue ink. 4. British Armed Forces - Special voucher. One shilling. Printing on front is in red, blue and green ink - rearside in red ink.army overseas, barracks money, japan, britian -
Rye RSL Sub Branch
Newsletter, Commando Association, MV Krait, After 1966
... by English and Australian Commandoes or Special Unit Forces, launched... by English and Australian Commandoes or Special Unit Forces, launched ...One of the most important and successful attacks on merchant ships inside an enemy harbour during world war two by English and Australian Commandoes or Special Unit Forces, launched from Australia. Nil deaths by the Commandoes were recorded, and 40000 tons of enemy ships were damaged or destroyed. To enlighten RSL Members and the public, the history of the MV Krait and the importance of our Military History. The newsletter has a typed story and pictures of members of M and Z Special Force. Krait took a small force on one of its missions and they sank about 38,000 tons of Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour in 1943. The newsletters front page has pink large writng on a white background. The word Krait and a photo of it on the Brisbane River. The newsletter is 4 pages with a photo of the men on board on page 2. Page 3 has another photo of the Krait. It is on loan from Mr.Jim Muir, world war two, pamphlet, short story, mv krait, motor vessel, singapore, singapore harbour, 1943 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
The Sea Devils. Operation STRUGGLE and the last great raid of World War II
... Zealand special forces from a top-secret underwater warfare unit... Zealand special forces from a top-secret underwater warfare unit ...July 1945. Eighteen young British, Australian and New Zealand special forces from a top-secret underwater warfare unit prepare to undertake three audacious missions against the Japanese. Using XE-craft midget submarines, the raiders will creep deep behind Japanese lines to sink two huge warships off Singapore and sever two vitally important undersea communications cables. Success will hasten ultimate victory over Japan; but if any of the men are captured they can expect a gruesome execution. Can the Sea Devils overcome Japanese defences, mechanical failures, oxygen poisoning and submarine disasters to fulfill their missions? Mark Felton tells the true story of a band of young men living on raw courage, nerves and Adrenalin as they attempt to pull off what could be the last great raid of World War Two.ww2, special operations, submarine operations -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Leadership group the day before the Battle of Ngok Tavak, 9/05/1968 12:00:00 AM
... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Banner - Banner, framed, 11 Co (Nung)
... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Captain John White, AATTV, arrives in Vietnam, January 1968, 1/01/1968 12:00:00 AM
... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Plaque, Mobile Strike Force Shield
... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Sketch of Battle Map, Ngok Tavak, Mary 1968
... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian... lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian ...Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Annotated hand-drawn map of the fort at Ngok Tavak, 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, john white, battle map