Fresh food in the field DPR/TV/697

The supply of food to soldiers in the field is no problem to 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, currently serving in Vietnam. Combat rations are carried by troops on operational duty - but sometimes there is a chance to supply hot, fresh meals - and Private Wayne Byfield, of Kalgoorile, Western Australia and Brian Walton, of Bargo NSW, are two of the men who help in the food preparation. Fresh bread, for instance, makes a big hit with soldiers who have been living on canned rations for several days. Every effort is made to get "luxury" items like this to the troops. Helicopters of the RAAF play a vital part in the re-supply of rations, water, clothing and equipment. From the helipad, the 'copters can quickly bridge the distance between the Task Force base and the operational area. A landing zone has been made near the Battalion's Headquarters, established in a rubber plantation and fresh food is speedily unloaded, dished out - and served up to the soldiers. A hot meal - with ice cream for dessert - made a welcome change for Private Stan Eyles, of Lismore, NSW and Ken Tierney, of Ballart, Victoria, who have been eating combat rations for nearly two weeks.