A black day for 8 RAR in the Long Hais.
Photo: Nearing the Long Hais, the soldiers of 8RAR dismounted from the APCs and advanced in artillery formation with the tanks. The continuing threat of mines meant each soldier wore a flak vest and helmet. Photo: Rod Simpson.
Fifty-three years ago eight 8RAR soldiers were lost plus one Sapper (1 Fd Sqn RAE) nine in total to the war in Vietnam, we as a Nation should pause to Commemorate their Ultimate Sacrifice
During the morning of 28 February 1970, Sergeant Bill Hoban, acting platoon commander of 1 Platoon, A Company moved cautiously into an ambush position that he and his men had been ordered to occupy. With the mine threat still a major threat, two engineers with mine-detecting equipment helped the infantrymen into position near a creek line. Once in position, Hoban radioed his company HQ to advise he was in position and to request permission for the engineers to detonate a mine they had discovered.
As the platoon had stopped, men removed their flak jackets in the heat. Around 11am, a water collecting party moved down to the creek and a concentration of soldiers occurred around the platoon headquarters. A moment later, one of the engineers triggered an M16 mine. As the men were bunched in a natural hollow, the effects of the blast were concentrated and seven men, including Sergeant Hoban were killed and 13 others were wounded, one of whom died after being evacuated.
We pause to remember them on this day.
Lest We Forget
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1200097 James Joseph Barrett
Lance Corporal (Temporary Corporal)
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 24
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15400 William Joseph Hoban
Sergeant
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 39
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55566 Rodney Noel Hubble
Sapper
1 Field Squadron
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 19
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2783512 Robert James Jackson
Corporal
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 25
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3795935 Larry James MacLennan
Private
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 21
==============================
3795712 Barry John Munday
Private
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 22
==============================
7154 Timo Esko A Pesonen
Private
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 20
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3796110 Philip Mackay Richter
Private
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Killed in action
Age at Death 21
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61912 Garry Maxwell West
Private
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Service Australian Army
War Vietnam, 1962-1975
Conflict Eligibility Date Vietnam, 1962-1975
Date of Death 28 February 1970
Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam
Cause of Death Died of wounds
Age at Death 19
