Showing 278 items
matching nva/vietcong
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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Fire Support Base Baton 1
A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery 1st Australian Field Regt RAA at Fire Support Base Baton engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base baton, nva/vc, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, gunner -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Ambush Site
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 black and white photograph of the ambush site at Hoa Long, by 8 Platoon, C Coy 8 RAR on the night of 12/07/1970 Sgt CJ Sherrin MM observed 50 to 60 NVA/VietCong pass into Hoa Long at 2100 hrs. At 0315 hrs the enemy returned and were engaged with claymores and machine gun fire, resulting in seventeen dead.photograph, 8 rar, c coy, sgt cj sherrin, nva/vc, hoa long, gibbons collection catalogue, military medal, 8 platoon, claymore mine, machine gun, killed in action, denis gibbons -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Scarf
Vietcong. These were various colours which indicated which unituniform, vietnam, general -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Scarf
Vietcong. These were various colours which indicated which unituniform, vietnam, general -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Successful Ambush
A black and white photograph of NVA/VietCong killed in a successful ambush by 2 Troop, B Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Captain Tom Arrowsmith, Campbelltown, NSW, and his 2IC Dallas Mills, Liverpool, NSW, and the 1st Australian TaskForces' D & E Platoon at Xuyen Moc.30/5/1969. The ambush nettedtwenty five enemy killed, there were no Australian casualtiesphotograph, nva/vc, 2 troop b squadron, 3rd cavalry regiment, capt tom arrowsmith, dallas mills, 1 atf base, xuyen moc, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Incensed Patient
A black and white photograph of Digger from 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) guards a VietCong prisoner captured in one of the wards at theNVA/VietCong K76A Hospital on the Nui May Tao Mountain during Operation Marsden. The VietCong prisoner was so incensed at being left behind that he led 6 RAR diggers to caches on the mountain.photograph, 6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, operation marsden, nui may tao mountain, gibbons collection catalogue, vc prisoner, digger, nva/vc -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Fire Support Base Betty
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 black and white photograph of Gunners firing on NVA Sappers at Long Bien photograph, gibbons collection catalogue, long bien, gunner, nva, sappers, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, 104 Battery RAA
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 black and white photograph of Gunners firing on NVA Sappers at Long Bien photograph, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner, long bien, nva, sappers, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Adjusting The Gunsight 1
A black and white ohotograph of Bdr. Beasley watches Gnr Dave Thomas adjusts the gun sight, while Gnr Owen Herbert readies the gun for firing, 104 Battery Royal Australian Artillery, at Fire Base Betty. The battery was in action against NVA/VietCong sappers attempting to attack the giant US supply depot at Long Binh in Bien Hoa Province during the 1969 Tet Offensivephotograph, brig beasley, gnr dave thomas, gnr owen herbert, 104 battery raa, fire base betty, nva/vc, tet offensive, 1969, long bien, bien hoa province, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Adjusting The Gunsight 2
A black and white photograph Bdr Beasley watches Gnr Dave Thomas adjust the gun sight, while Gnr Owen Herbert readies the gun for firing. 104 Battery Royal Australian Artillery at Fire Base Betty. The battery was in action against NVA/VietCong sappers attempting to attack the giant US supply depot at Long Binh in Bien Hoa Province during the 1969 Tet Offensivephotograph, 104 battery raa, brig beasley, gnr dave thomas, gnr owen herbert, fire base betty, nva/vc, long binh, bien hoa province, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Adjusting The Gunsight 6
A black and white photograph of - As one Gunner of 104 Battery RAA at Fire Base Betty flicks a 105mm round casing behind him another adjusts the gunsight while a fellow gunner looks on. The battery was firing in support of 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Infantry in contact with the NVA/VietCong sappers attempting to attack the giant US supply depot at Long Binh in Bien Hoa Province during the Tet Offensivephotograph, artillery, 104 battery raa, long bien, 4rar nz, nva/vc, tet offensive, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner, fire base betty, 105mm artillery -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Pamphlet, Cac Ban Chien Si Ben Kia Chien Tuyen Hay Chu Y - Attention Soldiers on the other side of the Battle Lines
Photo of NVA/VC bodies en-masse with text. Writing on other side.pamphlet, psycological warfare, propaganda, nva/vc -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Uniform - Uniform, Viet Cong
Mannequin dressed in NVA uniform, wearing webbing, helmet, tyre sandals and carrying a riflenva, uniform, mannequin -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Grenade
Resin copy of a Chicom Grenade used by Vietcon and NVA troops during the Vietnam Warammunition, vietnam, army -
Shepparton RSL Sub Branch
Uniform, Hat
This is an East German cap which presumably would have been worn by a German airman. It is a fairly recently made piece, dating to the 1980’s or 90’s.This cap has historic significance as a piece of East German airforce uniform. Itnis a fairly recently made piece, dating to approximately the 1980’s-90’s. It is also in excellent condition.A grey fabric peaked cap with fine blue trims and a black plastic head cover. There is a silver fabric rope looped around a silver metallic stud on either side if the cap. Attached to the front/centre of the cap is a metallic ornament depicting the east German logo in red and silver, surrounded by a silver wreath and wings. Above this is a silver metallic ornament depicting a propeller surrounded by two curved pieces of foliage. There is a faux leather strap on the interior and a square of lighter grey fabric stitched into the underside of the cap. This contains inscriptions. There is also a round yellow sticker on the interior side of the plastic head cover. This also contains an inscription.Inscriptions on the grey square of fabric on cap interior: NVA 55 1856 T Inscriptions on yellow sticker on cap interior: HA.05military, airforce, german, cap, hat, east german -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Adjusting The Gunsight 3
A black and white photograph of 104 Battery RAA, Gnr Leo Adams, adjust the sight of the 105mm gun while Sgt Peter Tilbrook contemplates the fire mission at Fire Support Base "Betty" . the Batter was supporting 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battallion. The battery was in action against NVA/VietCong sappers attempting to attack the giant US supply depot at Long Binh in Bien Hoa Province during the Tet Offensive 1969photograph, 104 battery raa, gnr leo adams, sgt peter tilbrook, fire base betty, 4 rar nz, long binh, bien hoa province, tet offensive, 1969, gibbons collection catalogue -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Adjusting The Gunsight 5
A black and white photograph of - As one Gunner of 104 Battery RAA at Fire Base Betty places a 105mm round in his gun his fellow Gunners check the gun sight and make other adjustments prior to firing, in support of 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) infantry elements in contact with the NVA/VietCong sappers attempting to attack the giant US supply depot at Long Binh in Bien Hoa province during the Tet Offensivephotograph, artillery, 104 battery raa, 4rar nz, nva/vc, long bien, tet offensive, gibbons collection catalogue, fire base betty, gunner, 105mm artillery -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Memorabilia of Graham Keith Lockwood
Contains x 2 copies of a booklet, The Truth of Vietcong Terror & 6 documents in Vietnamese languagevietnam war, 1961 - 1975 -- veterans -- australia, 9 rar, australia. army. royal australian regiment. battalion, 9th -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Female VC Prisoner 4
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 black and white photograph taken at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. In the left bay, a female VietCong prisoner is x-rayed and in the right bay, a male VietCong prisoner is assessed. Hospital pathology technicians are in the foreground, including Steve Modrich.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, viet cong, prisoners, pathology laboratory, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, female viet cong prisoner, male viet cong prisoner, pathology, steve modrich (medic) -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Female VC Prisoner 3
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 black and white photograph of triage at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. Here Matron Maj Nell Espie watches intently as the team work on a female VietCong prisoner whilst in the right bay, a male VietCong prisoner is being worked on.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, viet cong, maj nell espie (matron), gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, triage, female viet cong prisoner, male viet cong prisoner -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Chien Cu, 1/02/1966 12:00:00 AM
Book. Front Page Heading "Chien Cu". Two Badges - one in top left hand corner, the other in bottom right hand corner. Vietnamese writing under "Chien Cu" heading and english writing next to bottom shield. Book shows line drawings of arms, vehicles and other equipment available to the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese. Specifications and descriptions of weapons and equipment in both Vietnamese and English. 184 pagesweapons, vehicles, military, vietnam - military, vietnam war - artillery, vietnam war, 1961-1975, armoured vehicles, military - vietnam, language: vietnamese, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - equipment and supplies, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - weapons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Another Wounded VC
A black and white photograph of Medics from the 8th Field Ambulance Hospital Nui Dat, unload a second Americam dustoff medical evacuation helicopter bringing wounded NVA/Viet Cong enemy from the NVA/Viet Cong K76A Hospital wards captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC)6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, dustoff, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, 8th field ambulance, 1 atf, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, medic -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Memorabilia of Thomas Roger LLoyd
Collection comprises 5 documents including 'The September Moratorium (a Vietcong weapon)' - a publication detailing the Moratorium that was held in Adelaide, 8th May 1970vietnam war, 1961-1975 - veterans - australia, demonstrations - australia -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Another Ward
A black and white photograph of a VC patient leads Diggers of 6 RAR/NZ to another ward at the K76A Hospital where the machine gunner engages NVA/VC forces removing wounded patients from the ward. Two seriouslt ill patients were left behing by retreating NVA/VC during Operation Marsden (note text is missing from the bottom of the photograph)photograph, 6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, digger -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH VIETNAM, FRAMED, 2/6/68
Photo in collection re Geoff Murray No 3411521, Vietnam 3 Cav Regt 27.11.67 to 22.10.68, Survey Corp 15.10.69 to 15.10.70. Refer 638P.Colour photo, Vietnam showing a captured NVA soldier sitting on the ground. Attached label gives details of time and place. Frame is cream painted wood.vietnam, viet cong, fsb balmoral -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Leadership group the day before the Battle of Ngok Tavak, 9/05/1968 12:00:00 AM
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)
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
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
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
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