A DUTY DONE
(See also End Notes paragraph 28 for comments on command and control issues in this action)
2RAR/NZ and 3RAR Operations April/May 1971 The operations by 2RAR/NZ and 3RAR to track down D445 VC Battalion continued through April 1971 but despite intensive patrolling and a number of redeployments, the elusive enemy managed to withdraw north out of the Province. In the fortnight after the 31 March action 3RAR, with two 2RAR/NZ rifle companies still under operational control, had a number of minor contacts with individuals with evidence they were from D445 VC Battalion. This included Mail belonging to 1 Platoon A Company 2RAR/NZ which had been lost in the 31 March action. Towards the end of April, 2RAR/NZ with all of its companies back, redeployed to the north east of Binh Gia and had a series of contacts with elements of the enemy battalion as it sought to resupply and The following awards were made for the A Company 2RAR/NZ action on 31 March 1971 withdraw into Long Khanh Province to ‘refit’. Military Cross: 2Lt PD Savage, OC 1 Pl. Distinguished Flying Cross: 2Lt FM Gibson. Distinguished Conduct Medal: Pte DW Horrigan, Forward Scout 1 Pl. Mentioned In Dispatches: LCpl PM Wood, Sect Comd 1 Pl.
L-R: Pte GR Johnston, Pte PV Crofts and LCpl PM Wood, 1 Pl, A Coy 2RAR/NZ. WAR/70/0654/VN
Left: Private RR Klem, Forward Scout 12 Platoon, 3RAR on patrol in late May 1971. Photograph by courtesy of Ralph Klem
Right: Pte PJ Trease, C Coy 2RAR/NZ, May 71. FOD/71/0254/VN
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