131 Bty Reports, Survey/Sound Ranging
February 69

Survey/Sound Ranging
9. FSB JANICE (YS 1784) was placed on theatre orientation on the day it was occupied. However because of the difficulties involved in providing fixations and the fact that the planned occupation was only to be of short duration it was decided not to go ahead with plans to provide theatre fixation.
10. On 18 Feb FSB KERRY (YT 1313) and FSB BETTY (YT 1408) were placed on theatre grid by means of a long range traverse initiated from a control point located at FSB DUSTER (YT 1212).
11. The Sound Ranging base was particularly active in the latter part of the reporting period as a result of the past Tet Offensive during which Baria, Hoa Long, Binh Ba, Dat Do and Nui Dat received mortar attacks. All of the above posts were well within the “A” or “B” accuracy zone of the base. Numerous Locreps were obtained and CB fire initiated where possible.
12. A change in the weather pattern is causing some difficulty with the base. The average wind velocity has increased from 8-12 knots to 15-25 knots with some gusts as high as 30 knots. This has increased the “noise factor” on the film readers task, more difficult. In addition the wind direction has adopted a SE pattern and this nullifies reports from the west of the base. Records are being maintained on the weather pattern and a further report on this aspect of the base will follow where more data is available.

General
13. Overall another quiet month for the detachment. Prolonged operations are making it difficult to conduct several training activities that have been planned. However it is apparent that this is likely to be the pattern of operations for some time to come and hence will always be a problem. Reinforcement/Replacements are however adjusting themselves quickly to the pattern of operations and methods adopted.

Capt PM Perrin, OC 131 Div Loc Bty