Boots and I were in radio contact with a Yank patrol at the bottom of the Horseshoe, western side. They were sweeping through the grass and 20 – 30m behind them we saw the biggest lime green snake we’d ever seen. We called them up and advised them to check “movement” 20m to their rear. They carefully manoeuvred into position and tightened the cordon. When contact was made all hell broke loose! The python counter attacked and scattered a well ordered probe!

Gnr Follington March 1967

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In the HQ Lines a "dig" raced out of a tent, jibbering about a snake. The Sgt. told him to take a stick and kill it ... No way! He just pissed off, so the Sgt. took a stick and entered the tent. He also came running out and grabbed his rifle. He returned gingerly and shot it. We got word over HQ radio so we all went to have a look. It was a King Cobra about 11ft long.

Gnt Follington April 1967

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On 26 March survey was provided to a new fire support base in YS 5963. The report continues with a list of equipment problems- but adds that the section was able to carry on its job with what it had. The report on the survey section concluded: 'The section is now working as a section despite the loss of the Svy Sgt and 4 soldiers who returned earlier this month. Sufficient warning is still required for commitments that a thorough recce and preparation can be carried out'. (Op Report for March 1967, dated 5 Apr 67)

In consideration of the last part of that report: had the TFAIO and the survey section commander and his soldiers not realized by then that they were never going to get sufficient time for that elusive “thorough recce and preparation”, because of the very nature of the type of warfare they were involved in? Later events were to prove that this was to be the case.

PS Sadler, Doc. 7 Ch. 4 Survey Sect. Part C

4.) So as not to tax the efficiency of the LPs which continue to operate with the assistance of svy personnel, it is desirable and practical to concentrate all remaining personnel at one location. This was accomplished early in the month by moving the people concerned to Bravo radar position. When the overall situation permitted, assistance was given to both radar positions by designating personnel for general duties such as construction work, erection of barbed wire and relief radio operators.

5.) Inside the Taskforce area, survey data was supplied to the Bty centre of 103 Fd Bty at their new position. Through rebuilding of radar positions, it was necessary to give orientation to Bravo radar and orientation and fixation to Alpha radar. A check of the BP at 161 Fd Bty NZ was carried out.

6.) a) 13 Mar 67 survey sect moved to the Horseshoe feature (YS4962) and brought control to 4 points in that area.
b) 20 – 25 Mar 67 survey sect again moved to the Horseshoe feature and supplied control to a further 6 points for;

1. A Bty 11 ACR US
2. 161Fd Bty NZ
3. A Bty 2/35 Arty US
4. A Bty 1/83 Arty US
5. 101 Fd Bty

This survey was part of Operation Portsea. A FSB was deployed into YS 5963 and survey was provided to this area on the 26 Mar 67

Survey Sect 131 Operational Reports Mar 67

“Last night the Yank battery down the road heard digging and they blasted the area for 2 hours. When they’d finished they found 6 mortar pits that had just been dug 75 yds outside their wire.”

“Tonight we’d just got to bed when every gun in the place opened up. There was a chap cutting the wire right next to the bunker I was in 2 months ago. Later that night the VC mortared a village just south of Dat Do.”

Excerpts from letters home 24/4/67 Gnr Follington