7th Battalion's new role DPR/TV/626

Troops of 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, from Puckapunyal, Vic. have just completed "Operation Leeton" in South Vietnam. They encountered conditions that were sometimes reminiscent of the desert campaigns of World War Two. The big difference was the use of helicopters, which carried in tons of barbed wire, iron pickets, and other materials designed to blockade the Viet Cong from their source of supply. RAAF Iroquois helicopters moved the "B" Company men from their base at Nui Dat, and dropped them into a sandy landing zone near the South China Sea. Bravo Company, under the command of Major Des Mealy, of Rockhampton, Qld, were among the first into the area. Helicopters skim the area before coming into land, as an added security measure. Moving under the cover of Armoured Personnel Carriers, the Australian troops left the RAAF helicopters, and moved into set up the wire barriers. As the invaluable helicopters move off for additional supplies to strenghten the barrier, the troops move up the winding stretches of sandy beach carrying supplies and materials. They will construct a double barrier barbed wire fence, laced liberally with mines. The fence is designed to cut the Viet Cong from their source of supplies and war materials. The Armoured Personnel Carriers move in more troops, each with a vital job to do. Bulldozers from the 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, are also playing an important role in the project, levelling out sand in preparation for the laying of the barbed wire. The fence winds across sand hills, low scrubby marshland, through paddy fields and around villages. Aided by the Armoured Personnel Carriers the job of constructing this important barrier to Viet Cong aggression, is well under way. Since their arrival in South Vietnam seven weeks ago troops of the 7th Battalion have spent much of their time becoming familiar with the local conditions particularly defensive construction. Australian patrols are continually on the move. One moves along a sand dune as comrades lift more wire into position assisted by Vietnamese troops.