VICTOR FOUR COMPANY

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

On the 29^th August, the Coy was air assaulted into an area of AO Stuart to secure
and ​establish FSPB Diggers Rest.

This was a land clearing operation where a large number of heavy US bulldozers would line
up then advance into the jungle destroying the vegetation in their paths. It was designed to
deny the enemy use of foliage and vegetation to avoid detection.

Agent Orange, sprayed by American Hercules aircraft was also used for the same purpose

Alpha company patrolled in front of these “jungle eaters”,
whilst V4 provided close protection to this unit by day and night.

Heavy rain throughout the op made movement very difficult for both
vehicles and troops, turning the ground into a sea of mud.

It was the first time we had worked with the Americans as a unit and we were
pleasantly surprised at our first cooked meals in the field, compliments of the USA.

This was the only time that the coy operated out of a fire support base.

One other amusing point was seeing a group of our guys hanging on for dear life
on top of a dozer, after being offered a ride to the cookhouse at “chow-time”.

After 2 weeks the Coy replaced the forward Company and began patrolling and ambushing.

There were several contacts and the Coy was withdrawn by Helo on the 20^th Sep.

Operation Burnham