4 Fd Regt SVN 'Old Boys' Newsletter - July 2006 Edition

4 Field Regiment (SVN) Association (aka 4 th Field Regt Old Boys) Newsletter No 13. July 2006 6 If your address details are not correct please advise us of any changes The only feature on the landscape above the height o a paddy bund or the odd ruin. From there, Cyril Cordoroy and I along with a couple of other gunners, provided artillery support to a couple of platoons from 7RAR, who were conducting overnight ambush patrols to ward off those pesky Viet Cong. One night, the two platoons headed off in roughly the same direction, with the intention of being about 600 metres apart. Back in 1970, we didn't enjoy the luxury of GPS and we had to rely on the compass, a trusty map, the old ruins, most of which looked the same) and the closely concentrated, distant peaks of the Long Hai's, all being only a few degrees apart. After laying low until dusk, we headed our into our chosen paddy field where we would rely on the protection of the low paddy bunds and hope like hell the VC would make some noise tripping over the Claymores in the pitch black conditions. While this was happening, the other platoon reported some activity and warned us to keep our heads down. This we duly did and invited them to let 'em have it. All hell broke loose when we quickly realized we were the quarry! Shouts of “cease fire” thankfully received the same rapid response that a Sgt Major gets any time he utters a sword, and only one minor injury was incurred. Having now warned Charlie to take another route that night, the two groups joined forces for the night. With civilian life now being dominated by quality systems and sensitive, well trained managers, I often think back to that night and what followed the following day – absolutely nothing! When Cyril and I returned to Bridgid, there were no comforting words from any brass, no debriefing to try and learn from whatever mistakes may ave been made, just get some rest and thank your lucky stars you survived another day. That dick-head grunt Corporal wouldn't listen when I expressed doubt about our position . After all, he out-ranked me! Cheers to all those who trained with 106 in Townsville in 1969 and especially to those who shared some experiences in and around Nui Dat in 1970. Hope your are all well. Ray King Major General Tim Ford AO (Retd) has been appointed Representative Colonel Commandant for the RAA. Tim served with 4 th Fd Regt in SVN in 197/71 and while congratulating him on his appointment we look forward to an article from him on his life after Vietnam and after the Army. I am sure we would all find that a very interesting read. Finally, sorry it's taken so long to put out the latest newsletter, but it's all a matter of priorities as I am sure you are all aware. Barney Barnard in Bright has taken on the task of keeping our mailing list up to date and via the Bright RSL Club will assist in production of this issue. PJ Smith and I are off to Vietnam in August with a trip up to Hellfire Pass at the end of it. I am certainly looking forward to it and may even see some of you at Long Tan on the 18 th . If we miss you, we might catch up in a little bar in Vung Tau some where.