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→Battle
The reverse slope that D Company used for defense meant that the VC found it difficult to use their heavy calibre weapons effectively; the VC could only engage the Australians at close range. The VC tried to find the Australian flanks but the wide dispersal and excellent defensive position meant the VC thought they were up against a larger enemy.
The reverse slope that D Company used for defense meant that the VC found it difficult to use their heavy calibre weapons effectively; the VC could only engage the Australians at close range. The VC tried to find the Australian flanks but the wide dispersal and excellent defensive position meant the VC thought they were up against a larger enemy.
At last light two rifle companies and APCs from 1 APC Squadron arrived under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel [[Colin Townsend]] and assaulted the Vietnamese flank. In teeming rain, 3 Troop, A Company under Lieutenant Adrian Roberts and 2 Troop, A Company under Lieutenant Peter Dinham, also attacked the forward elements of D445 Battalion, taking them by surprise. A Company dismounted from 10 M-113s and attacked the fleeing enemy, withdrawing to the east. One Australian soldier from the reinforcements was killed as they attacked the D445 Battalion position.
==Reinforcements==
Back at Nui Dat, Captain Charles Mollison of the 6th Battalion was aware of what was happening at Long Tan and was anxiously awaiting orders to go to the assistance of Delta Company.
Unfortunately, the Australian commander Brigadier David Jackson was undecided. Eventually, he told Mollison he could go to the assistance of Major Smith.
At last light two rifle companies and APCs from 1 APC Squadron arrived under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel [[Colin Townsend]] and assaulted the Vietnamese flank. In teeming rain, 3 Troop, A Company under Lieutenant Adrian Roberts and 2 Troop, A Company under Lieutenant Peter Dinham, also attacked the forward elements of D445 Battalion, taking them by surprise. Earlier on, Lieutenant Roberts had not been eager to get into contact with the enemy, suspecting superior numbers. It took threats of court-martial and pistol waving from Major Mollison to keep his platoon in place.<ref>[https://independentaustralia.net/article-display/long-tan-behind-the-smokescreen,9369 Long Tan: Behind the smokescreen]</ref>
A Company dismounted from 10 M-113s and attacked the fleeing enemy, withdrawing to the east. One Australian soldier from the reinforcements was killed as they attacked the D445 Battalion position.
The fresh reinforcements formed a perimeter around D Company allowing them to treat the wounded and rest. The supporting artillery repeatedly fired on likely escape routes of the VC and some Australian wounded were evacuated by helicopter. A and B Companies were a strong force and should have been able to repulse any night attack. As it was there was no further contact.
The fresh reinforcements formed a perimeter around D Company allowing them to treat the wounded and rest. The supporting artillery repeatedly fired on likely escape routes of the VC and some Australian wounded were evacuated by helicopter. A and B Companies were a strong force and should have been able to repulse any night attack. As it was there was no further contact.