Community
13 August, 2026
Milestone commemoration
MEMBERS of the Terang Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch will next week host a service to remember Vietnam veterans on the milestone anniversary of one of Australia’s bloodiest battles.
A service will be held at the Terang RSL sub-branch hall, on the corner of Shadforth and Baynes streets, next Tuesday, August 18 from 11am as part of Vietnam Veterans Day.
Terang RSL secretary and treasurer Pam Bell, who is leading the efforts to organise the service, said this year holds special meaning for the club as the day represents 60 years since The Battle of Long Tan.
The Battle of Long Tan is one of Australia’s most significant battles, in which soldiers from Delta Company and the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) fought off Vietcong troops during an ambush at the Long Tan rubber plantation in Nui Dat.
D Company troops had departed the Nui Dat base at 11.15am on August 18, 1966, travelling to the Long Tan rubber plantation.
The soldiers soon came under heavy fire from awaiting forces some 2500 in number as torrential rain washed over the battlefield.
At the conclusion of the fighting, 18 Australians had been killed and 24 wounded.
It was not until sunlight broke on the following day in which it was revealed 245 Vietcong were dead in the plantation and surrounding jungle, with unidentifiable remains and evidence bodies had been removed pushing the death toll much higher.
“The Battle of Long Tan was horrific, with troops so outnumbered and suffering widespread casualties in the ambush,” Ms Bell said.
“They battled not only being significantly outnumbered, but even in the monsoon rains.
“It was an infamous battle which was later used as the date of commemoration for Vietnam Veterans Day.
“There were locals to our area lost in Vietnam, with no shortage of people from Terang and district who served in the war.
“They answered the call and went over to fight for their country, wearing the uniform proudly.”
Ms Bell said public sentiment towards the Vietnam war back on Australian shores had been polarizing, with widespread anti-war protests against a deeply unpopular war.
Much of the fervour was directed at returning soldiers, complicating their return to civilian life.
“When they returned home they were actually spat on and shunned,” Ms Bell said.
“Some were even refused memberships at the RSL and told to come back when they had fought in a real war.
“It was absolutely disgusting.”
With time, the social fractures driven by the anti-war sentiment began to shift towards the politicians as opposed to the soldiers, which gave way to reconciliation and acceptance of those who had served their country.
Ms Bell said she vividly remembers watching the Australian Vietnam Forces Welcome Home Parade which was held on October 3, 1987 – 15 years after the soldiers had returned home.
“I was in tears because they were finally acknowledged for what they had done for the country,” she said.
“It was so different to when some, such as our own Terry Fidge, arrived home in Sydney.
“The Vietnam veterans were pushed through a back door and, because there were so many demonstrators outside, they were told to take off their uniforms.
“Many were kept inside for their own safety because their haircuts gave them away.
“It was terrible how they were treated but many things have changed.”
Ms Bell said she hoped to see as many people as possible attend the service to pay their respects.
“The service will start, weather permitting, outside at our flag pole to pay respect to those Vietnam veterans, followed by light refreshments afterwards.
“Anyone who would like to pay their respects are sincerely welcome to such a special ceremony.
“It’s not to glorify war, it’s to commemorate all those, past and present, who have served this country.”
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