Unknown to them Sgt Todd was between them and the enemy. 6.48pm: More waves of 2 lines of between 80-100 NVA and VC attack D Coy's position from 3 sides. On his way he comes across three enemy and kills them with a burst from his sub machinegun. Sgt Paddy Todd is accidently left behind. It is initially refused as other batteries are supporting other units. Derrill de Heer, part of a University of NSW team at the Australian Defence Force Academy that has undertaken a major research project on 1ATF combat actions in Vietnam, said "like Ernie, we have some doubts about the number of enemy killed and wounded". Australian expatriate businesspeople in Vung Tau are organising a dinner, where it is planned that Mr Smith and other returning Diggers can meet Vietnamese survivors of the battle. D Coy leave the base at Nui Dat just as a group of visiting entertainers (including Col Joye and Little Pattie) are setting up their equipment for a much anticipated concert. Australia 1. Kev Branch heard Kendall saying, 'This is it. They fan out and eventually locate sites for 5 x 82mm mortars and weapons pits for 35 men. 6.15pm: Artillery restarted as soon as choppers are clear. The 6 x US 155mm battery guns are fired in support totalling 24 guns. Peter Dinham's platoon of 30 or so A Coy infantry dismount from their APC's and attack the enemy in extended line. With the assault group around 150 yards out, the artillery would come in and wipe out the reserve group who would be about 100 yards behind the first assault group. 5.55pm: Just after the APC's begin moving out from Nui Dat Townsend advises the APC's to stop and come back and pick him up. 4.33pm: 11 Platoon commander, 21 year old Gordon Sharp is killed. 4.11pm: Stanley warns Artillery of Fire Mission. Col Joye is 'kidnapped' by a Sergeant who drove him away to drink with the soldiers. 4.22pm: First Fire Mission Regiment (all 18 guns) are fired in support of D Coy. D Coy comes under heavier contact from 3 sides. Despite their crushing defeat, Vietnam claimed in its propaganda the next day that its forces were the victors, "wiping out almost a complete battalion [ie. The intensity of the rain reduced the efficiency of the rotors and the engine in each chopper was in danger of flaming out. 5.15pm: 11 Platoon's Buick advises Harry that their situation is desperate. 4.16pm: Sharp calls for artillery and reports attacks from left, front and right. Buddy's 2IC Jack Jewry see's that Buddy is wounded, comes over to help and as he kneels down to bandage Buddy he falls across Buddy's back. Kirby says "Go, go, go!" 11 platoons situation is desperate, they are almost surrounded, half are either wounded or dead and they are running out of ammunition. This cannot be trucked in from Vung Tau due to the risk of enemy ambushes so it is brought in by Chinook choppers. Vietnam cancels Long Tan commemoration ceremony, Harry Mimi's name joins others gone before him, "We've now got closure” - Vietnam veterans spokesman, Long Tan: Australian vets to be allowed in "small groups", MP in call to action over Defence suicides. WATCH THE REPLAY HERE. As it continues to move, around 20 mortar rounds keep falling on their previous position. 2012. Morrie Stanley, D Company CSM (Company Sergeant Major Kirby) and Harry's signallers, to let them know about the patrol. Some may not have been killed on the battlefield and may have died during evacuation of the wounded or subsequently in Viet Cong medical facilities, he said. Riley insists they fly and will fly alone if needed as it's his chopper. Morrie Stanley requesting immediate artillery support. 5RAR was to the north with 1 Australian battery supporting them, the NZ 161 Bty was supporting D Coy and the other Australian battery was in general support of the task force. 6pm: Choppers above D Coy position. This is also the figure formally declared by the 1st Australian Taskforce (1AFT) and 6RAR in their after-action reports. Stanley regathers himself and recommences the artillery fire. Stanley refuses but Buick advises Stanley that they are practically out of ammunition, they are surrounded and that they only have 10 able men left. Rockhampton resident says the Emergency Department was “full of ramped stretchers” with “no room to move”. Todd says, 'You silly old bastard.' The official Australian Army history To Long Tan, by the late military historian Ian McNeill, lists the number of Vietnamese killed in action as 245 and three enemy captured. How did 100 Australians hold off 2,000 Viet Cong? To be the focal point of their own remembrance of all matters Viet Nam. 6.22pm: Adrian Roberts receives 3rd order to halt APC's and wait for Townsend. 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