Is Major Harry Smith still alive?
Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith MC (Ret’d) lives in Hervey Bay, Queensland. I was the D Company commander in the 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), with 105 men plus a three-man New Zealand artillery team led by forward observer (FO) Captain Morrie Stanley.
How many survived Long Tan?
Officially, 245 bodies were counted on the battlefield by Australian soldiers. However, even though additional bodies and body parts were found over the following days and weeks, the number of 245 remained the officially recorded casualty figure.
How many died in Long Tan?
During the battle, 17 Australians were killed and a further 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of wounds.
Is Danger Close true story?
From director Kriv Stenders and screenwriter Stuart Beattie, the new Australian film, Danger Close, sets out to depict the remarkable, yet relatively unknown, true story of 1966’s Battle of Long Tan.
Who played Harry Smith in danger close?
Travis Fimmel
Casting. On 28 February 2018, Travis Fimmel was announced as the lead actor, playing the role of Major Harry Smith. Fimmel described the role as “a big responsibility”. The initial casting call was for 30 principal cast and bit part roles, and 100–200 Australians with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan as extras …
What happened at Long Tan?
The Battle of Long Tan (18 August 1966) took place in a rubber plantation near Long Tân, in Phước Tuy Province, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War….Battle of Long Tan.
| Date | 18 August 1966 |
|---|---|
| Location | Long Tân, Phước Tuy Province, South Vietnam 10°33′14″N 107°15′32″ECoordinates: 10°33′14″N 107°15′32″E |
| Result | Both sides claim victory |
Why did Australia fight in Vietnam?
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War was driven largely by the rise of communism in Southeast Asia after World War II, and the fear of its spread, which developed in Australia during the 1950s and early 1960s.
How many Australians killed Vietnam?
521 Australians
In 1964, the National Service Act introduced a scheme of selective conscription in Australia, designed to create an army of 40,000 full-time soldiers. Many of them were sent on active service to the war in Vietnam. 521 Australians died during the Vietnam War and around 3000 were wounded.
What is danger close in military?
“Danger Close” is a military phrase used in battle when forward and directing fire onto an enemy. Danger Close might also be an apt way to describe what is one of the most controversial Australian military battles of the 20th century, but also the perils of producing films about events that are still in living memory.
What does Danger Close mean in military?
What did the NVA think of Australian soldiers?
The Northern Vietnam/communist troops had a healthy fear and respect for the Aussies. The Australians were willing to play the ambush game and had no qualms about placing traps on trails they knew were used by the Viet Cong & regulars.
What does history alive do?
History Alive also provides live, hands-on learning opportunities throughout the province of Alberta! If you are looking to join us live for one of our feature events, check out this link! In a world where learning is increasingly stale, break the trend and receive a constant supply of education that your kids won’t get enough of!
When did D Company 6 RAR become a Parachute Group?
Early in 1980, 6 Task Force was directed to form a parachute group based on an infantry rifle company. This role was given to D Company 6 RAR and by February 1981 the Battalion had qualified 180 parachutists and the first full-scale deployment was undertaken near Ross in Tasmania, in Exercise DISTANT BRIDGE.
When did 6 RAR get the freedom of the city of Townsville?
The Battalion Colours were trooped on 18 August 1970 to mark the fourth anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and on 4 June 1971 6 RAR was granted the Freedom of the City of Townsville. 25.