Robert (Bob) Stanley Buick as a Sergeant D Coy 6 RAR interviewed by Greg Swanborough for 'The sharp end'

Sergeant D Coy, 6RAR 2 June 1966 to 14 June 1967. Scene 19 Take 1: Describes how he came to be in charge of 11 Platoon at Long Tan and death of Gordon Sharp, National Service Officer, ex TV cameraman. Made a break towards dark, in pouring rain with low visibility – loss of men. No real sense of ‘being done for’. Talks about 11 Platoon being highly trained under Harry Smith and Jack Kirby, CSM. Describes emotions as professional soldier and aftermath of battlefield. Used audio tape recordings to send messages home. Take 2: Describes intense fire of the battle and casualties, including bullet holes in clothes without sustaining actual injuries. Take 3: Shock and aftermath of battle – two to three days to retrieve all bodies. Take 4, roll 40: Recovery of 11 Platoon survivor, Jimmy Richmond. Little immediate medical attention until medics arrived. Talks about comrades in service – ‘mateship’ and bonding, especially in D Company. Describes condition and retrieval of dead.