On this day: ANZAC Jungle Patrol Near Nui Dat, Vietnam, 1968
We have it on good authority that on this date, 13 August 1968, New Zealand and Australian forces conducted a combined "ANZAC" patrol sweeping through the swamp and jungle north and west of Nui Dat, during the Vietnam War.
We have found no other information on this particular operation so if anyone wishes to shed some further light, please do so in comments.
There has been better recognition of New Zealand's Vietnam veterans in recent years but it's good to use opportunities like today's anniversary date to recognise those who served in this conflict. These veterans are fast becoming New Zealand's oldest veteran generation. Many Vietnam veterans already rest in national cemeteries. Some, like Lieutenant John Winton, RNZIR (buried in Karori Cemetery, Wellington), were repatriated home after being killed in action whilst serving in Southeast Asia.
The fact that the Nui Dat operation on 13 August, 1968, has an ANZAC element makes it all the more poignant....especially as it coincides with the period of Australian and New Zealand participation in the August battles on the Gallipoli peninsula (Lone Pine, The Nek and Chunuk Bair) over 50 years prior.
This post is dedicated to New Zealand and Australian veterans of the Vietnam war - and is in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
Lest we forget.