The early days and weeks of establishing the main battalion base at what we then called Ap An Phu just north of Nui Dat (D company’s location) were really hectic with so much to do in the new base area as well as operations away from the base and local patrolling. Digging defensive positions, erecting defensive barbed wire, sandbagging and erecting 16’x16’ tents for accommodation also took much time from the already tired troops. Each company established a number of locations for troops to shower using canvas shower buckets. The early latrines were open pits and sapling railings for ‘seats’.

In late June/early July 1966, my platoon, the QM Platoon, was the first location in the main battalion base to have a more permanent toilet built. The Engineers came with a large auger operated from the back of a truck proceeded to dig deep into the rich red soil. A concrete slab was laid over the hole/s and four galvanized metal toilet canopy seats placed on top of the concrete. The toilet was completed with galvanized corrugated iron on half walls and roof and the door and upper sections were completed with insect screening.