| Place | Asia: Vietnam, Bien Hoa Province, Fire Support Base Coral |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL35665 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Munition component |
| Location | Main Bld: Vietnam Gallery: Upper Level: Battle of Coral |
| Maker |
Chinese State Arsenal |
| Place made | China |
| Date made | c 1960 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
Model M30 82 mm Mortar Fragmentation Projectile Tail Fin : Corporal L Clarke, 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
Description
Tail fin from Model M30 82 mm Mortar projectile. The tail fin has ten fins spot welded to the tail. The initiator charge cartridge is attached to the tail body. The fin and tail assembly is rusted. Markings - YV 262; 20-66-012; 55 -99.
History / Summary
The tail fin was recovered at Fire Support Base Coral by 2784463 Corporal Lorne Alan 'Doc' Clarke, who served as a Medic with 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), C Company during its second tour of duty in South Vietnam in 1968-1969. On 28 May 1968 at approximately 0230 hours, Fire Support Base Coral came under heavy North Vietnamese Army mortar fire. As the mortar barrage crept closer to the fire base, a direct hit occured near where Doc Clarke was bivouacked. The next day, while digging a pit, Doc Clarke recovered the tail from the mortar bomb.