Operation Darwin DPR/TV/635

Accession Number F03889
Collection type Film
Measurement 3 min 38 sec
Object type Actuality footage, Television news footage
Physical description 16mm/b&w/silent
Maker Campbell, Byron Charles
Place made Vietnam: Phuoc Tuy Province
Date made 8 June 1967
Access Open
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Copyright Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
Creative Commons License This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
Description

Operation Darwin, the second search and destroy operation in Viet Nam for troops of the Second Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, resulted in three enemy bunkers being destroyed and an old base camp and wooden shelter being located. As in the Battalion's first operation, no direct contact was made with the Viet Cong. Watched by Australian Task Force Commander in Viet Nam, troops of 2 RAR were lifted into Suoi Da Bang area north east of Nui Dat task force base in waves by United States' Army utility helicopters. Viet Cong activity had earlier been reported in the area and artillery officers were with the battalion in case artillery supprot was required. On the ground, company commanders checked likely areas where Viet Cong activity could be expected and the two-day operation was underway. Troops moved quietly and cautiously through the light secondary jungle and prickly bamboo to the end of an uneventful first day. After a night's rest, it was a quick shave, a brew and a bite to eat and then back to the patrolling and searching. First indication of Viet Cong activity was found in a semi-cleared area. A disused hut was destroyed and several suspected tunnels searched by the assault pioneers. The suspected tunnels were found to be well constructed bunkers which also were destroyed, before the never ending search for the elusive Viet Cong continued. Identified personnel: Capt. Bob Copely, of Wacol, Qld; lt. Ed Matlin of California, U.S.A.' Maj. Jim Monteath of Claremont W.A.; Lieut. John George of Salisbury North, SA; L/Cpl Don Campbell of Penrith, NSW; Bmdr Gavne Doyle of West Swan W.A.; Bmdr. Geoff Webster of Inala, Qld; Pte John Hielman, of Canning W.A. ;Lieut John George; Cpl John Darren, of Centennial Park, Adelaide, Assault Pioneer Robert Cook, of Singleton, NSW; May Jim Monteath the OC "C" Coy

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  • Video of Operation Darwin DPR/TV/635 (video)