WHAT: 40th Anniversary Battle of Long Tan commemoration and rehearsals.

WHERE: Duncan Oval Gallipoli Barracks, Lloyd Street, Enoggera.

WHEN:
Rehearsals: 14-17 August. Full dress rehearsal: 8-9.30am Fri 18 August.
Parade: 3.45pm Fri 18 August. Concert: 6-8pm Fri 18 August.

6th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) will lead Army’s 2006 commemorations for the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. The parade, performed by around 250 personnel and veterans, includes a United Drumhead Service, an Army helicopter fly-past, and a seize and hold ground manoeuvre with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and artillery providing simulated fire. Increased noise from these activities will occur. Up to 4,000 people are expected to attend with limited parking available external to Gallipoli Barracks in Lloyd Street Enoggera. Commemorations conclude with a concert performed by the Australian Army Band – Brisbane supporting Rhonda Burchmore and Col Joye.

This year, surviving veterans from the original Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and New Zealand Army units that supported 6 RAR during the battle will parade alongside the Battalion to honour the fallen. Commanding Officer 6 RAR, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Goddard said 6 RAR is a family of families that has delivered 41 years of proud and distinguished service to the nation during times of peace and conflict. “We will commemorate the sacrifice of the fallen, the valour of the survivors and the selfless duty of all who were involved in the Battle of Long Tan both directly and indirectly. We are a family that includes current and former servicemen and their families, the next of kin of the fallen, and friends and supporters of the Battalion,” LTCOL Goddard said.

“Around 4,800 ADF personnel are currently deployed on operations and security tasks and we should take this opportunity to think of them and note that the ADF will always appreciate the support of the Australian public.”

Background:
* Largest single battle in Vietnam involving Australians; fought on afternoon 18 Aug 1966 in a rubber plantation near Australia’s main base in Phouc Tuy Province,
* 17 members of Delta Company (D Coy) 6 RAR and 1 member of 3 Troop 1 APC Squadron lost their lives with a further 24 soldiers wounded.
* D Coy awarded US Presidential Unit Citation for valour, courage and duty, by President Lyndon Johnson, which remains proudly worn by current D Coy personnel.