Anzacs take Viet Cong hospital DPR/TV/1225

ANZAC soldiers taking part in Operation Marsden have uncovered a large enemy hospital in the May Tao mountains, in north-eastern Phuoc Tuy Province. As soon as the news of the hospital reaches the headquarters of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment/New Zealand (ANZAC) battalion, the acting medical officer, Major Michael Downey of Hill Crest, SA, is sent to examine and evaluate the huge find of drugs and medical equipment. With the aid of soldiers from the New Zealand "V" Company, Major Downey works for many hours collating the vast amount of medical supplies. When the job is completed, the Officer Commanding "V" Company, Major Harry Lynch of Christchurch, NZ, shows the medical officer the extent of the hospital which is comparable to the 1st Australian Field Hospital at Vung Tau. It has nearly 200 beds and 45 buildings, ranging from operating theatres to intensive care wards. The Company has received information from a "hoi chanh" (returnee), who gave himself up a few days earlier, that some of his former comrades are still in caves above the hospital. This is the hospital caretaker party of which the returnee was second-in-charge. The New Zealanders approach the caves cautiously, but there are only four half starved members of the party left: two men and two women, both with babies. They are led back to the hospital for a decent meal, and later questioning. Major Lynch then decides to check the caves thoroughly and sends a platoon from the Company together with the returnee, Thanh, back to the caves. Using a loud hailer, Thanh tells of the fair treatment he has received from the ANZACS and urges any Viet Cong remaining in the caves to surrender. There is no reply, and the soldiers move into the gloomy light of the caves to make sure none are "playing dead". The search is unfruitful and the soldiers return to the security of the hospital and the rest of the Company. Also identified: Pte Les McCoyd of North Auckland, NZ, company signaller; Chaplain Ray Stachurski of New Plymouth, NZ; Lt Dennis Barrow, 23, of Box Hill, Vic; Capt Stan Bryant of Avalon, SA; Pte Rakei Fraser of Rotorua, NZ; L/Cpl Graeme Goldring of Awamutu, NZ.