Tunnel treatment DPR/TV/1071

Australian troops in Vietnam are again using a special technique to deny the Viet Cong bunker complexes after they have been discovered. Each bunker is seeded with CS2 Crystals which makes them uninhabitable for up to two months. Anyone entering the bunkers after the CS treatment suffers irritation of the eyes, extreme nausea often resulting in vomiting. CS is not toxic and its effects disappear after 10-15 minutes in the fresh air. The crystals, in bags, are laid in bunkers by Combat Engineers of 1st Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers. The bags are laid on detonating cord in each bunker, when the cord is blown, the bags burst and the crystals impregnate the earth floor, walls and ceiling. One such bunker system, discovered by 'D' Company, 9 RAR, on Operation Overlander, was seeded by two engineers, Corporal Neil Garrett of Pascoe Vale, Vic and Sapper Graham Fromm of Walkers Flat, SA. After the crystals had been blown into the bunkers the engineers, protected by infantry, and wearing respirators, moved through the area to check that each bunker and tunnel had received the "treatment", which is quicker and more economical than blowing the bunkers with explosive. In South Vietnam, Australian troops are using a special technique to deprive the enemy of vital camp areas and bunker systems. (Also identified: Private Mick Phillips of Northfield, SA; Pte Chris Williams of Croydon Park, NSW; Pte Bernard Fitzpatrick of Riverwood, NSW; Sapper Corporal).