River patrol Vietnam DPR/TV/866

The many inland waterways in Vietnam serve as important supply routes for the Viet Cong, and its part of the job of Australian troops to ensure the rivers are kept free of enemy water transport. During a recent phase of campaign Toan Thang, in the north of Bien Hoa Province, members of 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment/New Zealand (Anzac Battalion) patrolled parts of the Dong Nai River. The patrols are normally made at night when there is a curfew on civilian boats using the river. However when fire support base "Concord" was established the men of the Anzac Battalion made their first journey along the river in daylight to familiarise themselves with the area. Aboard the aluminium assault boat, the patrol moved upstream carefully screening the banks of the river. During the trip, constant radio communication was kept with the patrol base. Information on villages along the river and general conditions were carefully noted for reference during the patrols night moves. By stopping illegal traffic on the river, the men of the Anzac Battalion are playing an important part in denying the Viet Cong his supplies of ammunition, food, equipment and men. (Also identified: Corporal David Cook of Newcastle, NSW; Private Mike Valentine of Mackay, Qld; Private Tony Lowe of Green Valley, NSW)