Type 56 (AK47) spike bayonet : Lieutenant L J Tranter, 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment

AK-47 cruciform spike bayonet. The bayonet is made from steel and has been cast in one piece. The metal of the spike is brightly finished, while the socket portion has been blued. The bayonet is designed for a thrusting attack only and the tip of the blade is similar to the tip of a screwdriver.

Recovered from Fire Support Base Coral by Lieutenant Leslie James 'Les' Tranter who was the officer commanding the Anti-Tank/ Tracker platoon, part of 1 Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment's (1RAR) support company.

1 RAR were operating near the location where Fire Support Base (FSB) Coral was being established and the battalion moved into the incomplete base during the afternoon of 12 May 1968.

Tranter's platoon was ordered to move into position behind the Mortar platoon who were already setting up in their defensive positions. Tranter and his men had some difficulties digging in, as the ground was quite firm. By nightfall, the men had only been able to dig shell scrapes for cover.

At around 3.30 am on 13 May, FSB Coral was hit by a brief but intense mortar and rocket barrage which was immediately followed by an assault by units of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). 1 RAR's Mortar platoon position was overrun as was one of the gun positions of 102 Field Battery. Tranter and his sergeant moved around their platoon position under heavy fire, reassuring their men and making sure they had enough ammunition and water.

The men of the Anti-Tank / Tracker platoon fought at close quarters with their attackers and with the assistance of artillery and air cover, were finally able to beat back the NVA. The battle ended around 6.30 am. Later that morning, Tranter recovered this bayonet from a Type 56 (AK-47) left by a member of the NVA in front of the Mortar platoon's positions.