Construction moves apace in 7 RAR DPR/TV/642

Because operations are mounted regularly against the Viet Cong by the 1st Australian Task Force in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, troops from the Victorian based 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, have little time for relaxation in off periods. Living and working accommodation is constantly being improved for greater efficiency and comfort, while defenses have to be rehabilitated because of rapid deterioration caused by the heavy monsoonal rains. Because of the humid climate its shirts off during periods of heavy manual labour, but even though in the relative safety of a big military complex weapons have to be taken along. Lysaght pre-fabricated huts, are being erected on cement bases for use as messes, store rooms and operational centres when the 7th Battalion is not searching for Viet Cong but ready to move out at a moments notice. Private Harry Bailey, of Gosford (NSW), smooths out a load of cement for a hut floor, while scaffolding is tied in postion by Private Lloyd Venz, of Beaudesert in another about half completed. Segeant Eric McCoomb of Innisfail, Qld, directs operations. Vietnamese interpreters do not escape the hard manual work. They have to prepare their defences like the Australians. Here they work on the sandbagging of their tent against splinters from a chance mortar attack. Prisoners come freely on operations and a compound has to be prepared to hold them securely before on-passing for interrogation. Private Phil Cogan, of Armadale, Melbourne (Vic.), drives a nail in the compound's gate. Boots and jungle greens worn out on operations have to be replaced. Private John Stephens, of Northcote, Melbourne, arrives at the Battalion "Q" store on a captured V.C. bike. He rides away laden with supplies. Some of the hard manual labour is cut down by the use of a giant cement mixer. Sand is thrown into scoop by Craftsman Geoff Astle, of Tarragingi, Brisbane (Qld). Two soldiers level off cement for a hut's floor. A machine gun pit is prepared. Private Pat McKewin, of Toowoomba, Qld, throws dirt over the side. Troops appear in a truck. They load barbed wire.