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50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan

Battle of Long Tan
50th Anniversary

FAMILY MEDALS: AN HONOUR SHARED

While Long Tan was one of many battles in the Vietnam War the exemplary courage and determination of our forces in this single against-all-odds battle has come to represent the courage and fortitude of all Vietnam Veterans. The 50th Anniversary collection honours our veterans and pays tribute to the 108 men of D Coy., 6RAR who confronted and overcame an opposing force of some 2000 Vietnamese in the Long Tan rubber plantation on 18 August 1966 - the date on which Australians now honour all who served. Read more...

The following brief account of the events at Long Tan accompanies our 50th Anniversary Long Tan Cross pin. The account was created with the help of decorated Long Tan veterans, Harry Smith SG, MC and Dave Sabben MG.

On 18 August 1966, at around 4pm in the Long Tan rubber plantation, 5km east of the Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, 108 men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, confronted a combined force of some 2000 North Vietnamese Army regulars and Viet Cong.

D Coy, with limited ammunition and torrential rain reducing visibility to 50 metres, formed defensive positions and returned fire. NZ 161 Artillery Battery responded quickly to radio calls for support and poured shells onto the enemy, causing heavy casualties and halting any advance. Three more Australian and US Army artillery batteries soon joined the fight.

Two RAAF "Hueys" flew through the storm at treetop level to drop ammunition, as reinforcements in Armoured Personnel Carriers raced along muddy tracks and through swollen streams toward Long Tan, fighting off the enemy to reach the beleaguered D Coy.

For three hours relentless and accurate shelling, as well as persistent company weapons fire, inflicted horrendous casualties on the enemy who, unable to overrun D Coy, finally withdrew as dusk fell.

The APCs arrived in time to give chase to the withdrawing force, returning to D Coy at 7.10pm. The Battle of Long Tan was over.

Eighteen Australians were killed and 24 wounded. The opposing Vietnamese losses were counted in the hundreds. On the 50th anniversary of Long Tan we remember all.

View all our Vietnam Collections

Long Tan 50th Anniversary Penny

This specially minted 1966-2016 Long Tan copper finish leaping kangaroo penny remembers the Battle of Long Tan in the year that Australia changed currency to the decimal system.

Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary Combined Arms Ltd Edition Medallion

This 50mm Silver Plated Combine Arms Limited Edition Medallion reflects the elements of support offered D Coy. by infantry, artillery, Air Force and armour in the Battle of Long Tan. Only 1,000 minted. Certificate included.

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Long Tan 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Medallion

This evocative 50mm silver plated medallion dedicated in the 50th anniversary year of Long Tan honours all who served in the Vietnam War. Only 1000 minted. Certificate included.

Long Tan Cross Lapel

Traditional Long Tan gold plated lapel pin finished with white enamel and colour ribbons of the Australian Active Service Medal, the Vietnam Medal, and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. Proudly worn by Veterans and family.
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Long Tan 50th Anniversary Bar Runner

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Long Tan 50th Anniversary Drink Cooler

Share stories of service and remember the courage, mateship and determination of all who served when in company of friends and family. Quality neoprene cooler with base.

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Battle Long Tan 50th Anniversary Drink Cooler

When you have your next cold one with mates and family share your respect for Long Tan with this quality neoprene cooler with built-in base.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary Thermal Mug

Keep the brew warm and the stories alive as you respect one of the most famous Australian battles of the Vietnam War.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary Coffee Mug

The Battle of Long Tan 50th anniversary logo features on both sides of this ceramic coffee mug. Show your respect as you share a brew.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary Hip Flask

This classic Stainless Steel hip flask is the perfect gift or keepsake for those with a connection to or respect for one of the most famous Australian battles of the Vietnam War.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary Tankard

For use or display, this solid pewter tankard is the ideal gift or collectable. The Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary logo is subtly etched on the surface.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary Decanter

The Battle of Long Tan logo remembers all who fought in Vietnam. This stunning etched Italian glass decanter is a practical and elgant keepsake.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Beer Mug

Toast a memory with this commemorative glass and share respect for one of the most famous Australian battles of the Vietnam War - the Battle of Long Tan.

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Long Tan 50th Anniversary Medallion

Add this quality 48mm Long Tan 50th medallion to your collection and remember. Ideal gift or keepsake for friends and family. Antiqued brass with rich enamel fill.

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Long Tan 50th Anniversary Lapel Pin

The Long Tan cross is now widely recognised to represent all who served in the Vietnam War. This special 27mm gold plate and white enamel 50th Anniversary pin honours the fallen at Long Tan and is tribute to the courage, mateship and determination of D Coy 6RAR, and all who rallied to their support on 18 August 1966.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary 1966-2016 Polo Shirt

Share in history with this special 50th anniversary Battle of Long Tan polo. A comfortable wearing shirt to show you remember. The Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary logo is prominently embroidered on the left breast.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary 1966-2016 T-Shirt

This quality cotton Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary 'T' features the special 50th logo created to remember the battle fought on 18 August 1966, when 108 men of D Coy., 6RAR confronted and overcame an opposing force of some 2,000 Vietnamese soldiers in a rubber plantation near Long Tan village.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary 1966-2016 Soft Shell Jacket

This water- and wind-proof soft shell jacket will keep you warm, cosy and dry. The embroidered Batlle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary logo shows you remember.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary 1966-2016 Cap

This heavy brushed cotton adjustable cap is released especially to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan fought on 18 August 1966. Quality embroidery and sturdy stitching ensures this cap will last.

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Battle of Long Tan 50th Anniversary South Vietnam Flag Cap

The piping on the peak depicts the colours of the South Vietnam flag and the cap is finished with quality embroidery and sturdy stitching. The Long Tan logo is featured on the front of the cap with the anniversary dates on the rear.

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View all our Vietnam Collections

The following brief account of the events at Long Tan accompanies our 50th Anniversary Long Tan Cross pin. The account was created with the help of decorated Long Tan veterans, Harry Smith SG, MC and Dave Sabben MG.

On 18 August 1966, at around 4pm in the Long Tan rubber plantation, 5km east of the Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, 108 men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, confronted a combined force of some 2000 North Vietnamese Army regulars and Viet Cong.

D Coy, with limited ammunition and torrential rain reducing visibility to 50 metres, formed defensive positions and returned fire. NZ 161 Artillery Battery responded quickly to radio calls for support and poured shells onto the enemy, causing heavy casualties and halting any advance. Three more Australian and US Army artillery batteries soon joined the fight.

Two RAAF "Hueys" flew through the storm at treetop level to drop ammunition, as reinforcements in Armoured Personnel Carriers raced along muddy tracks and through swollen streams toward Long Tan, fighting off the enemy to reach the beleaguered D Coy.

For three hours relentless and accurate shelling, as well as persistent company weapons fire, inflicted horrendous casualties on the enemy who, unable to overrun D Coy, finally withdrew as dusk fell.

The APCs arrived in time to give chase to the withdrawing force, returning to D Coy at 7.10pm. The Battle of Long Tan was over.

Eighteen Australians were killed and 24 wounded. The opposing Vietnamese losses were counted in the hundreds. On the 50th anniversary of Long Tan we remember all.