Battle of Long Tan & Long Tan Cross
The Battle of Long Tan, fought on August 18, 1966, remains one of Australia’s most famous and defining engagements during the Vietnam War. Taking place in a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tân in Phước Tuy Province (now Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province), this battle is remembered for the extraordinary courage and determination of 108 Australian soldiers from Delta (D) Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, as they faced an overwhelming combined Viet Cong and North Vietnamese force estimated at more than 2,000 strong.
Long Tan during the Vietnam War
The battle unfolded in the hot and humid afternoon, with D Company caught in a deadly ambush by the enemy. Despite being heavily outnumbered and surrounded, the Australians held their ground for over three hours. Their survival and eventual victory were aided crucially by timely artillery support from their base at Nui Dat, which pounded the attacking forces relentlessly and inflicted severe casualties.
By nightfall, the Australians emerged battered but victorious. They suffered 18 killed and 24 wounded, a heavy toll given their numbers, while enemy casualties were estimated at 245 dead bodies found on the battlefield, with many more presumed removed by the Viet Cong in accordance with their doctrine.
This battle demonstrated the skill, resilience, and fighting spirit of Australian troops and earned a place as a key chapter in the Vietnam War’s history. Initially regarded as a close call, it was later reassessed as a strategic victory that disrupted enemy plans to attack the Australian base at Nui Dat.
Long Tan Cross memorial site
Among the lasting symbols of the battle is the Long Tan Cross Memorial. Erected by the survivors of D Company on the battlefield shortly after the fight, the wooden cross stands as a poignant tribute to fallen comrades and a marker of where the intense battle raged. The cross was uncovered months later by local villagers and now a larger memorial stands at the site, visited by veterans, families, and those wishing to pay respects to the sacrifices made. The Long Tan Cross serves not only as a war memorial but as a symbol of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who served. It reminds visitors of the human cost of conflict and the bonds forged in the heat of battle.
For travelers exploring Vietnam’s history, a visit to the Long Tan battlefield and the Long Tan Cross Memorial is a deeply moving experience. It offers insight into the courage displayed during one of the most intense battles in Australian military history and a chance to reflect on the region’s complex past. Our guided tour, on and around the battlefield, provides rich contextual stories and anecdotes that bring the history fully to life.
The Battle of Long Tan and the Long Tan Cross Memorial are testaments to heroism and remembrance, crucial for understanding Australia’s role in Vietnam and the profound impacts of the war. Experiencing this site invites reflection on the bravery of soldiers, the tragedy of war, and the lasting hope for peace. For more of military-related interest, take a look at Minh Dam Mountain Base, Big Mountain Artillery Fort, the Old French Fort Road, and the tunnel systems at Long Phuoc and Cu Chi.