Operation Renmark
This photograph shows the completion of the runway at Luscombe Field which was opened on the 5th December 1966.
This photograph is of Charlie Company preparing to board 'slicks' of the US Army's 68th Helicoper Assault Company for the commencement of Operation Renmark that required 5RAR to be inserted by air. This was the 18th February 1967
The operation was to be a search of the VC base areas in the Long Hai hills prior to the cordon of the village of Phuoc Hai.
Both Charlie and Delta companies were to be inserted by air with Bravo Company traveling in APCs and finally the fourth rifle company, Alpha Company, would join the Battalion the next day.
Both B and C Companies had completed their search areas by the morning of February 21st. B Company were then to move by APC to the southern most sector. whilst moving toward the sector, one of the B Company APCs struck a mine which blew it on its side. The casualties to B Company were seven killed and twenty-two wounded. When the dust settled,
Captain Tony White, 5RAR's Regimental Medical Officer, was flown in to deal with the carnage unfolding and to do what he could for the many wounded.
Captain Tony White was interviewed by the Canberra Times and the article was published on the 22 February 1997.
For those interested the article it can be found in the 'On Active Service' section titled 'The Long Hai Hills Incident' or if you prefer the link is Here