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Military History of the 4th 19th LIght Horse in Vietnam

Name: Military History of the 4th 19th LIght Horse in Vietnam
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SKU: 9781876439576
Price: 44 AUD
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$44.00

The Pony Soldiers: The Australian Light Horse, Vietnam 1965-1966 by N. Modystack

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This war book is a Battalion Unit History of the A Squadron of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse in Vietnam. The unit has the distinction of being one of the first Australian Army units in Vietnam. The author was a member of the Troop throughout its tour of Vietnam.

The combat experiences of 1 Troop of A Squadron of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse in Vietnam. At the time of deployment the unit was equipped with British armoured vehicles. The Troop had to quickly adapt to the new American M113A1 personnel carrier and some men were still learning to drive them while at sea.

Travelling to Vietnam on HMAS Sydney, the Troop was finally landed at Vung Tau and then sent to Bien Hoa, with the rest of the Australian force. They were attached to 1 RAR but had no opportunity to train with the infantry first. The Troop, while highly trained in some aspects of war, were unprepared for action in Vietnam. In addition, there were many deficiencies of clothing, food and other equipment and some improvisation was needed.

The 1 RAR group, including the Carriers, were in turn attached to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade - a 'gung ho' paratroop unit. After a short period of acclimatisation and organisation, the Troop was committed to action, being engaged in a myriad of APC work, including troop carrying assaults, POW transport, road convoy escort, road blocks, transport of rice caches, radio relays, route reconnaissance, fire support with mortars and many other duties.

The Troop had many enemy contacts, and was engaged in one major battle in Operation Rolling Stone as well as other operations with 1 RAR and the Americans.

At the completion of their tour, the Troop was returned to Australia in a piecemeal and off-hand manner, which book-ended the poor fashion in which they had been sent off. A Military Cross and a US Meritorious Service medal were awarded to Troop members. The 1 RAR Group {including the Troop) was awarded the US Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Reference 9781876439576