Operation Coburg VC ambushed DPR/TV/777

The triggering of five successful ambushes in four days all in an area of 500 yards has led Australian troops of Delta Company, 7th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment on current Operation Coburg in Vietnam, to call a dusty track in thick undergrowth The Golden Mile. Five Viet Cong members were killed in this ambush - but one preferred to surrender, and as he emerged from a jungle hideout he was kept covered by wary Australians. Operating with other elements of the 1st Australian Task Force in Bien Hoa Province, 20 miles north east of Saigon, the troops thoroughly searched the ambushed area after each contact. In the interests of security, enemy soldiers are bound and searched as soon as they are captured. Valuable documents are often recovered from enemy soldiers who surrender and Delta Company was rewarded with equipment, weapons and documents during their sweep through the Golden Mile. Viet Cong prisoners are well treated, receiving food, cigarettes and if necessary, medical attention. The Australian Task Force, commanded by Brigadier Ron Hughes, of Stafford, Queensland, is directing his troops from a forward tactical headquarters in Bien Hoa. Delta Company, which is taking part in this series of ambushes, is led by Major Don Paterson of Melbourne. After one ambush, an apparently dead Viet Cong was found only to be slightly wounded. He quickly surrendered, and after being secured was searched for documents. Operation Coburg was mounted in response to a pre Lunar New Year ceasefire massing of Viet Cong units against targets in Bien Hoa Province, and has been continuing since January 25. A stretcher bearer attended an Australian soldier slightly wounded by shrapnel in this ambush and then a stock take was held of captured enemy equipment. This included ammunition, mortar bombs, weapons, explosives and other items. Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Ross Ellis, of Southport, Queensland, then held a quick briefing with some of his men, before the company continued their sweep through the area.