Operation Lyrebird DPR/TV/889

Bulldozers and tractors are the weapons aimed at the Viet Cong in a new operation launched west of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy province, this week. It is a large-scale land clearing operation code-named Lyre Bird, in thick scrub and rain forest at the base of the Nui Thi, Nui Dinh and Nui Thi Vai hills. The Australian Land Clearing Team is blazing about 26,000 metres of trail, lacing the area into small pockets of jungle. The aim of the operation is to greatly inhibit the Viet Cong's freedom of movement in one of his favourite environments. The land clearing will not completely denude the area of vegetation, but it will chop the scrub into pockets too small to be used with safety as Viet Cong base camps and training areas. It will also inhibit the enemy's infiltration into the hills, which are pitted with caves and other natural hiding places. The trails will assist the Australian Task Force on future operations by enabling good aerial reconnaissance of the area; providing quick movement of tracked vehicles to suspected enemy locations; and providing good landing zones for helicopters. The Australian Land Clearing Team is drawn from two units of the Task Force - 1st Field Squadron and 17th Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers. The engineers are being protected during Operation Lyre Bird by New Zealand infantry from W Company, 4th Battalion; and armoured personnel carriers from A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment. The operation is continuing. (Also identified: Corporal Peter Schultz of Miami, Qld; bulldozer operator Brian Johnston of Cabramatta, NSW)