60
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 39:
Line 39: − +
→Battle
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.
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 Lieutenant Gordon Sharp, was killed and Platoon Sergeant [[Bob Buick]] briefly assumed command of the platoon. During this engagement both platoons' radios went out. At this point, Lance-Corporal Barry Magnussen claims Sergeant Buick ran past him screaming out,''"Every man for himself!"''.<ref>[https://independentaustralia.net/article-display/long-tan-behind-the-smokescreen,9369 Long Tan: Behind the smokescreen]</ref>
Heavy monsoon rain began falling, obscuring the battlefield.
Heavy monsoon rain began falling, obscuring the battlefield.