Centurions arrive DPR/TV/791

The first heavy Australian tanks to be used in the Vietnam war have arrived at Nui Dat, Headquarters of 1st Australian Task Force in Phuoc Tuy Province. Equipment was checked, weapons were cleaned ready for immediate action, and ammunition was stowed aboard the giant Centurions, before members of C Squadron, the 1st Armoured Regiment, based at Puckapunyal, VIC, boarded the 50 ton leviathans. Then the tanks moved off across Vung Tau beach, to be loaded into American landing craft by huge floating cranes for their river trip to Baria. Baria is the Province Capital, and the tanks will be based nearby. The Centurions carry 20 pounder guns which pack a terrific punch, and also are armed with .50 and .30 calibre machine guns. During their trip aboard the US landing craft the machine guns were test fired to make sure they were in perfect working condition. Taken to Vietnam aboard the Jeparit, the 15 Centurions will use their great firepower to support infantry on operations mounted by the Task Force. The arrival of the Squadron in Vietnam is part of the planned increase of the Australian Task Force. The Squadron's base will be among rubber trees and shady jungle, and the tanks are expected to provide a lift in the offensive capabilities of Task Force combat units. (identified personnel: 38277 Lance Corporal Robert Edward Jay of Ouyen, VIC)