DESCRIPTION
During May the Survey Section replacements were deployed sandbagging their tent lines and forward defensive weapon pit bunkers. They also took up their LP/weapon pit duties on the southern perimeter of Nui Dat. A brief “shake down” survey exercise was conducted inside the Taskforce.
A mishap at Hoa Long Sandpit. Photo courtesy B Follington.
Gnr Follington with two of the Sand Pit kids. Photo courtesy B Follington.
L/Bdr Irvine with the well known Rabbits. Photo courtesy B Follington.
Digging the ablution pit. Photo courtesy B Follington.
above: Sandbagging tents and weapons pits nearly completed. L/Bdr Irvine (guitar), Bdr Poustie (fwd), Gnr Long (sitting) and Bdr Hopper (standing). Photo courtesy J McFadden.
7RAR (15th - 18th May 1967)
The Battalion CO requested bearing pickets (theatre grid) be established in each Coy area to better coordinate perimeter weapon pits.
13. The new Survey section arrived on 5th May 67. The handover was accomplished through Gnr Endicott, since there was NO overlap of Officers or NCOs.
14. The section has been employed almost entirely in constructing new lines and on local defences. This has now been successfully completed and the emphasis will now be placed on training the surveyors as a section.
15. During the period 15 – 18 May 67, approx half of the section was employed on a survey project in the 7 RAR area. At the request of the Bn CO, a BP was established in each Coy area to assist in accurate mapping of Coy areas and coordination of weapon pits.
17. A plan to conduct a long traverse training scheme from NUI DAT to VUNG TAU had to be cancelled due to an impending operation in early June. In lieu a 2 day shakeout scheme was conducted in the 1 ATF area.
131 Bty Reports, Survey Section May ‘67