To the strains of Little Patty and Col Joy, who were performing a concert at the Australian Task Force Base some 17000 meters' to their rear, the 108 Australians of "D" Company, which contained in their ranks two local lads from Cowra, held these enemy forces off all night, aided by Australian and New Zealand Artillery from the Task Force Base and resupplied by helicopters of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The next morning the Vietnamese had fled the battlefield leaving 245 dead and estimated 1000 wounded.

The Australians had lost 18 killed and 21 wounded.

This battle became known as the Battle of Long Tan and this date August 18 is now known as Vietnam Veterans Day.

This year on August 18, 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of this battle.

To this end the Cowra Vietnam Veterans are planning a Commemorative Service at our local Cenotaph in Brisbane Street Cowra which is open to all members of the public.

Form up for the service is at 5:00p.m.

Once the Veterans have assembled the service will commence. At the conclusion of this service, catch up and drinks will be taken by the veterans in the RSL sub-Branch rooms followed by a dinner at the Cowra Services Club commencing at 7:00 p.m. for 7:30p.m.

The dinner is open to all veterans and their wives/spouses/partners, cost to be confirmed at a later date.There will be special guests in attendance, one being the Honourable Mr Tim Fisher, past Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and a Vietnam Veteran himself.

We look forward to a large roll up of the Cowra community to share in this special occasion.

For more information please contact:

Mr Frank Bridges - Cowra Vietnam Veterans President 02 6342 3660

Mr John Kelly - Secretary Cowra Vietnam Veterans 02 6345 1964

Mr Tom Humphries - treasurer Cowra Vietnam Veterans 02 6342 1322