'A' Coy and the APC Tp by their timely arrival on the battlefield undoubtedly saved
the day. They broke up what was developing into at least two company sized 
attacks on 'D' Coy's rear and it is doubtful if 'D' Coy could have held this and other
attacks simultaneously in progress from other directions.

'C' Coy participation in this operation was restricted to follow-up action on 10-21
August 1966. As usual their task was carried out diligently, deliberately and 
successfully. 'C' Coy search virtually confirmed the general direction of the enemy
and that enemy casualties had been evacuated from the battlefield and some had 
died and been buried enroute.

3Tp 1 APC Sqn undoubtedly saved the day with their surprise arrival at the battle 
which broke up the movement of an estimated two companies of VC to the rear
of 'D' Coy. APC's were used to evacuate the dead and wounded from the 
battlefield and were subsequently of great assistance in follow-up of the enemy 
force. 3Tp 1 APC Sqn deserves the highest praise for individual gallantry.

RAAF RW Iroquois were used to drop ammunition through the tree canopy to
'D' Coy during the battle and were later used to assist in casualty evacuation.
Also a Souix Helicopter of 161 Recce Flt was used in reconnaissance, liaison,
casualty evacuation and command and control. Both RAAF and Army RW Aircraft
were most effective and invaluable.

Strike Aircraft (USAF), due to low cloud and heavy rain preventing recognition of
own troops, dropped their ordnance throughout the battle on likely enemy assembly
areas and withdrawal routes. No assessment of enemy casualties was practicable.

'B' Coy is accredited with the locating of the mortar base plate position and the
75mm RR position used by the enemy to bombard 1 ATF area early morning on 
17 August 1966. However, 'B' Coy, being relieved by 'D' Coy, halted their return
to base when firing was heard from 'D' Coy location and were ordered to assist
'D' Coy.

'D' Coy feat was a very fine company action and the company conducted itself 
throughout the battle with calmness, determination, bravery and professional skill.
Their efforts were instrumental in turning what could have been a decisive defeat
into a magnificent victory. The supporting artillery, decisive as it was and the relief
by 'A' Coy and the APC Tp life saving events, detract nothing from 'D' Coy's very
commendable performance.

1 Fd Regt's 105mm and 155mm guns were used extensively during the battle to
give extremely close support and were instrumental in breaking up many of the 
assaults and caused heavy casualties amongst the enemy. Total rounds 
expended were:
	- 2639 X 105mm
	-   155 X 155mm
Note: OC 'D' Coy comment - the single factor that had the greatest effect on the 
outcome of the battle was the artillery.

Footnote (VC Defector)
In 1969, Ex Sgt Loc of D445 Bn, Battle of Long Tan, a guide and interpreter with 
6 RAR stated that most casualties were caused by artillery. That the total number
of VC killed in the battle was well in excess of 1,000. Most of these they were able 
to carry out on the night of 18 August to a very large hospital complex dug out in the
mountains to the North-East of the battlefield. There were also 1,000 missing from
the units. He refused to believe that the total Australian force was only about 100 
men with casualties of 18 killed and 25 wounded.