60th Anniversary of The Battle of Long Tan
On Tuesday, 18th August at 11.30am, the Broome Sub-Branch will be holding a service to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of The Battle of Long Tan, being held at Bedford Park, Broome. We would love as many veterans and service personnel, family and friends, and the general public, to attend if able. The Club will then be open for fellowship and light refreshments after the service to conclude around 2pm. Please contact the President or Secretary if you have any questions. In the meantime, we've prepared some light reading below highlighting this historic event:
60 Years On – Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2026
Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2026 marks 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant and remembered engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War.
In August 1966, the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) had been operating in Vietnam for only a few months. Based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province, Australian troops were working to establish and secure the area surrounding their new base.
During the night of 16–17 August 1966, the Nui Dat base came under mortar and artillery fire. Australian troops took cover while defenders responded to the attack. Although relatively brief, the bombardment caused significant damage and casualties. More than 20 Australian soldiers were wounded, with one later dying from his injuries.
The following day, soldiers from 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) began searching for the forces responsible for the attack, with their patrols taking them towards the nearby Long Tan rubber plantation.
On 18 August 1966, D Company of 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) continued the search. The company comprised 105 Australians, accompanied by three New Zealand artillery personnel.
As D Company moved through the rubber plantation, its soldiers encountered a small enemy patrol. After an exchange of fire, the patrol withdrew and the Australians continued forward. It soon became apparent, however, that they had encountered a much larger enemy force.
Heavy fighting followed.
With sections of D Company isolated and facing vastly greater numbers, the Australians fought to hold their positions under intense fire. Artillery support played a critical role throughout the battle, while helicopters assisted in resupplying the troops. Despite the difficult conditions and mounting casualties, the separated Australian soldiers were eventually able to regroup with the remainder of D Company.
As darkness approached, Australian reinforcements arrived aboard armoured personnel carriers. Their arrival helped bring the battle to an end.
D Company had held its ground, but the cost was considerable. Seventeen Australians were killed during the battle, with an eighteenth soldier dying from his wounds nine days later. A further 24 Australians were wounded. Australian forces subsequently recorded approximately 245 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong dead on the battlefield.
The Long Tan Cross
One of the most enduring symbols of the battle is the Long Tan Cross.
In 1969, members of 6RAR returned to the battlefield and erected a cross in memory of their fallen comrades. It became an important place of remembrance for Australian veterans and a powerful symbol of the service and sacrifice associated with Long Tan.
The original Long Tan Cross is now held and permanently displayed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
For the Australians of 1ATF, Long Tan was a confronting early experience of the war in Vietnam. The courage, endurance and sacrifice demonstrated during those hours of fighting have ensured that the battle continues to hold an important place in Australia's military history.
From Long Tan Day to Vietnam Veterans’ Day
Commemorations of the battle began on 18 August 1967, the first anniversary of Long Tan, and the date became known as Long Tan Day.
Over time, the significance of 18 August broadened beyond the battle itself. In 1988, the day became formally recognised as Vietnam Veterans’ Day, providing an opportunity for Australians to commemorate all those who served during the Vietnam War.
Today, Vietnam Veterans’ Day honours the service of all Australians who served in Vietnam, remembers those who lost their lives, and acknowledges those who returned carrying the lasting effects of their service.
60 Years On – We Remember
On the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we remember the Australians and New Zealanders who stood together on 18 August 1966 and pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
We also honour all Vietnam veterans for their service, courage and sacrifice, and acknowledge the families and loved ones whose support and sacrifices formed an important part of their service story.
Their service will not be forgotten.
Lest We Forget.
