Operation "rice bowl" DPR/TV/322-328

Australian troops from 1RAR, detachment of 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse R.A.A.C., together with New Zealand artillery, several U.S. infantry battalions and Vietnamese units took part in a drive to clear Vietcong from an area of Binh Tuy Province, approximately 90-miles north east of Saigon. The search and destroy operation was centred around a huge rice producing area and the allied troops were clearing it of Viet Cong in prepartion for the coming rice harvest. 1RAR were charged with the task of clearing the villages of Vo Xu and Chinh Due. During the clearing of these villages, 1RAR detained more than 400 suspects. After interrogation, more than 150 were found to be Vietcong. The battalion also captured the leader of a local women's Auxiliary who made Panji stakes and booby traps for the Vietcong. The leader of a Vietcong Cadre was also taken captive. Identified personnel: Sergeant W.R. (Bill) Bennett of Seymour, Vic., Private S.P. Hanszewicz of Moxwell, Vic., Private R.A. Kennedy of Casino, N.S.W. Cameraman Sgt. M. Shannon.