Memorial Reflection PondPrint Page 
The Memorial Reflection Pond commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
The Battle of Long Tan (18 August 1966) was fought between the Australian Army and Viet Cong forces in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tần, about 27 kilometres north east of Vung Tau, South Vietnam. The action occurred when D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF), encountered the Viet Cong (VC) 275 Regiment and elements of the D445 Local Forces Battalion. D Company was supported by other Australian units, as well as New Zealand and United States artillery.
During the battle the company from 6 RAR, despite being heavily outnumbered, fought off a large enemy assault of regimental strength. 18 Australians were killed and 24 wounded, while at least 245 Viet Cong were killed.
Australia's military involvement in the Vietnam War began with the arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962. Australia's participation in the war was formally declared at an end when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.
However, the end-date of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War has officially been amended to 29 April 1975 to reflect Australia’s further involvement in the war during the fall of Saigon in 1975. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra now recognise this new date.
Location
| Address: | King Street, Roy Little Park, Merredin, 6415 |
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| State: | WA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -31.479986 Long: 118.272388 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Structure |
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| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | Vietnam |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 18-August-1966 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 18-August-1966 |
| Designer: | Wheatbelt Vietnam Veterans |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Friday 18th August, 2006 |
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Memorial Reflection Pond
Erected by members of the Wheatbelt Vietnam Veterans, Merredin District to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the "Battle of Long Tan"
18th August 1966
South Vietnam
"It is hoped those who pass by this pond will take the time to sit and reflect on the service men and women who fought and laid down their lives in the Battle of Long Tan"
This plaque was unveiled by Brendon Grylls MLA, Member for Merredin on 18th August 2006
Lest We Forget
Plaque :
In memory of R J Sprigg
5718122
21 September 1971
4 RAR
Plaque :
Wheatbelt Vietnam Veterans Memorial Reflection Pond
Major Donors
Department of Veterans` Affairs
Shire of Merredin
Co-operative Bulk Handling
Brendon Grylls MLA, Member for Merredin
Neil Breeze
Lions Club, Merredin
A & G Alvaro & Co
D R & G Jeffrey
Merredin and District communities
The Grand Lodge of WA Ancient Free & Accepted Masons Inc
Project Co-ordinators
Aub Tompkin 3Cav 66 / 67
Geoff Gamble 2RAR 67 / 68
Jim Wilcox 2RAR 70 / 71
Wheatbelt Vietnam Veterans
