Chicom Type 54 Semi Automatic Pistol and Holster : Viet Cong

Chicom Type 54 semi automatic pistol and holster. The top slide has three Chinese characters and the serial number. The frame has the serial number and 1959. It has black plastic grips and an eight round magazine. The pistol is contained in a brown leather holster that has a top flap with a strap to attach to a body stud. There are loops for a cleaning rod at the front and a spare magazine in a pouch. The rear has two D rings but the two point shoulder strap has been cut off.

This weapon was captured by A company, 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) on Operation Coburg in Bien Hoa Province in 1968. In the late afternoon some 12 enemy were engaged by 3 Platoon, A Company in an action that lasted 60 minutes, resulting in 3 Viet Cong killed in action, one wounded in action taken prisoner and one wounded escaping. The prisoner later revealed that he had been involved in the attack on Bien Hoa Air Base, a major target of the Tet offensive. Six other weapons were also captured as a result of the action.