Vietnam village search DPR/TV/541

After an all-night march through deep jungle, troops of 5 Battalion RAR moved into position shortly after dawn to surround the village of Binh Ba. Vietnamese National Police and Government Officials moved the villagers into a special compound for questioning. Children were separated from adults and were given free soft drinks and sweets. While some of the troops entertained the children, others searched the village from house to house to ensure that no occupants evaded interrogators. As villagers were cleared by security they returned to the village where Australian troops gave them gifts of food and clothing. As a result of this operation, nine Viet Cong were identified and several suspects were detained for questioning. Identified personnel: Lieutenant Roger Wainwright of Woodville, SA, Corporal Russell Quinn of Villawood, Lance Corporal David Bryan of Bullen, VIC and Cameraman Sergeant M Coleridge.