Changes

Several light mortar rounds were fired towards the company position landing to the east, most likely the same mortars that had fired at the base on the night of 16 August, causing several casualties. The accompanying [[Forward Observation Officer]] (FO), New Zealand Army Captain [[Morrie Stanley]], organized counter battery fire, neutralizing them, as the mortars were not fired again. This diversion separated the main company slightly from 11 Platoon, putting the main body behind a slight rise.

Several light mortar rounds were fired towards the company position landing to the east, most likely the same mortars that had fired at the base on the night of 16 August, causing several casualties. The accompanying [[Forward Observation Officer]] (FO), New Zealand Army Captain [[Morrie Stanley]], organized counter battery fire, neutralizing them, as the mortars were not fired again. This diversion separated the main company slightly from 11 Platoon, putting the main body behind a slight rise.

As 11 Platoon continued to advance they were attacked by heavy machine gun fire and sustained several casualties. Following normal contact procedures, the platoon went into a defensive position. The VC formed an assault and attacked 11 Platoon around 20 minutes after initial contact with support from their heavy machine guns.

As 11 Platoon continued to advance they ran into a deadly ambush<ref>[https://independentaustralia.net/article-display/long-tan-behind-the-smokescreen,9369 Long Tan: Behind the smokescreen]</ref>and sustained several casualties. Following normal contact procedures, the platoon went into a defensive position. The VC formed an assault and attacked 11 Platoon around 20 minutes after initial contact with support from their heavy machine guns.

Stanley called in all available artillery support from the 1 ATF artillery units, and 10 Platoon moved up to the left of 11 Platoon to relieve pressure on them and allow them to withdraw to the company defensive position out of the heavy machine gun fire. The commander of 11 Platoon, (ex-conscript) 2nd Lt Gordon Sharp, was killed and Platoon Sergeant [[Bob Buick]] assumed command of the platoon. During this engagement both platoons' radios went out.

Stanley called in all available artillery support from the 1 ATF artillery units, and 10 Platoon moved up to the left of 11 Platoon to relieve pressure on them and allow them to withdraw to the company defensive position out of the heavy machine gun fire. The commander of 11 Platoon, (ex-conscript) 2nd Lt Gordon Sharp, was killed and Platoon Sergeant [[Bob Buick]] assumed command of the platoon. During this engagement both platoons' radios went out.