| Place | Asia: Vietnam, Phuoc Tuy Province |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM40056 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Physical description | Canvas, Metal, Wood |
| Place made | China |
| Date made | c 1960 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
Type 56 (RPD) Light Machine Gun : Viet Cong
Description
Chicom Type 56 (RPD) Light Machine Gun. Machined steel receiver, air cooled barrel with a gas port underneath. A folding bipod is attached to the barrel near the muzzle. It has a wooden butt, pistol grip and two piece fore grip. The receiver top is marked with 36 in a triangle, 56, a Chinese character (type) and the serial number. The bolt and feed mechanism have been welded rendering this weapon inoperable. It is fitted with a khaki webbing sling that has leather strap ends.
History / Summary
This weapon was captured by B Company 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) on operation "Duntroon" in Phuoc Tuy Province. On night of 13 January 1968. While in a blocking position during operation "Duntroon" B Company made contact with 2 Viet Cong at about 2220 hours. The clearing patrol next morning found two VC dead plus this weapon and an AK47. The contact was with members of 274 VC Regiment. The Type 56 light machine gun is a Chinese copy of the Soviet RPD.