Long Tan recalled

War veterans and descendants will march down York Street from 10am today in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of one of the heaviest conflicts of the Vietnam War.

The Battle of Long Tan saw the action of 108 Anzacs against the North Vietnamese force estimated between 1500 and 2500.

The commemoration will start from the Town Hall at 10am, down York Street to the RSL clubrooms on Stirling Terrace.

From there, a commemorative service will be held at the Princess Royal Fortress, from 11.30am to 12.30pm, followed by a barbecue lunch.

Special functions committee chairman Laurie Fraser said the event was to commemorate one of the few battles to be won against such odds, and all those who fought in the Vietnam War.

“It was the first major battle and greatest number of soldiers lost in one battle (in Vietnam),” he said.

“They were extremely outnumbered. Around half the battalion were national servicemen — they would have had no more than six months training.

“The significance was, never in the 10 years in Vietnam was the Australian taskforce attacked again.”

Mr Fraser said August 18 was usually set aside to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day but due to the 50th anniversary, the battle will be highlighted.

Bus transport for the service at the Forts will be available from the RSL clubrooms.