What do you think?
Rate this book
The Battle of Long Tan
From the bestselling author of Kokoda and Gallipoli comes the epic story of Australia's deadliest Vietnam War battle.
4.31 Enemy [on] left flank. Could be serious.
5.01 Enemy ... penetrating both flanks and to north and south.
5.02: Running short of ammo. Require drop through trees.
It was the afternoon of 18 August 1966, hot, humid with grey monsoonal skies. D Company, 6RAR were four kilometres east of their Nui Dat base, on patrol in a rubber plantation not far from the abandoned village of Long Tan. A day after their base had suffered a mortar strike, they were looking for Viet Cong soldiers.
Then - just when they were least expecting - they found them. Under withering fire, some Diggers perished, some were grievously wounded, the rest fought on, as they remained under sustained attack.
For hours these men fought for their lives against the enemy onslaught. The skies opened and the rain fell as ferocious mortar and automatic fire pinned them down. Snipers shot at close quarters from the trees that surrounded them. The Aussie, Kiwi and Yankee artillery batteries knew it was up to them but, outnumbered and running out of ammunition they fired, loaded, fired as Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces just kept coming. And coming.
Their only hope was if Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) could reach them before they were wiped out. The APCs did their best but low cloud and thunderstorms meant air support was stalled. A daring helicopter resupply mission was suggested but who would want to fly that? The odds against this small force were monumental...
By far the deadliest battle for Australian forces in Vietnam, the Battle of Long Tan has a proud place in the annals of Australian military history - and every ANZAC who fought there could hold his head high.
Peter FitzSimons, Australia's greatest storyteller, tells the real story of this classic battle. He reveals the horror, the bravery, the wins and the losses that faced our soldiers. He brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates. The Battle of Long Tan is an engrossing and powerful history that shows the costs of war never end.
4.31 Enemy [on] left flank. Could be serious.
5.01 Enemy ... penetrating both flanks and to north and south.
5.02: Running short of ammo. Require drop through trees.
It was the afternoon of 18 August 1966, hot, humid with grey monsoonal skies. D Company, 6RAR were four kilometres east of their Nui Dat base, on patrol in a rubber plantation not far from the abandoned village of Long Tan. A day after their base had suffered a mortar strike, they were looking for Viet Cong soldiers.
Then - just when they were least expecting - they found them. Under withering fire, some Diggers perished, some were grievously wounded, the rest fought on, as they remained under sustained attack.
For hours these men fought for their lives against the enemy onslaught. The skies opened and the rain fell as ferocious mortar and automatic fire pinned them down. Snipers shot at close quarters from the trees that surrounded them. The Aussie, Kiwi and Yankee artillery batteries knew it was up to them but, outnumbered and running out of ammunition they fired, loaded, fired as Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces just kept coming. And coming.
Their only hope was if Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) could reach them before they were wiped out. The APCs did their best but low cloud and thunderstorms meant air support was stalled. A daring helicopter resupply mission was suggested but who would want to fly that? The odds against this small force were monumental...
By far the deadliest battle for Australian forces in Vietnam, the Battle of Long Tan has a proud place in the annals of Australian military history - and every ANZAC who fought there could hold his head high.
Peter FitzSimons, Australia's greatest storyteller, tells the real story of this classic battle. He reveals the horror, the bravery, the wins and the losses that faced our soldiers. He brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates. The Battle of Long Tan is an engrossing and powerful history that shows the costs of war never end.
604 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2022
53 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Peter FitzSimons
85 books479 followersPeter FitzSimons is one of Australia’s most prominent and successful media and publishing identities. His busy professional life involves co-hosting the breakfast program on Sydney's Radio 2UE, writing weekly columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald newspapers, appearing on Foxtel's Back Page television show and, when time permits, authoring best-selling books. A correspondent for London's Daily Telegraph as well, he is also in high demand as a guest speaker and presenter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 17, 2023
I am a proud Australian, so very grateful for the life that my forebears have allowed me to have.
With every “Australians at war” book Peter Fitzsimons produces, he reminds me that Australians have been to foreign lands and done amazingly brave things to give us all a country that is so great. Why? Because that’s what Australians do.
His writings add a human face to the horror that is war and Long Tan is no exception. He takes you on a journey where you get to know the players and they become your mates. Then you grieve their loss.
This is a story every Australian should want to know and this book is a great way to know it. Young men were not at Long Tan and in Vietnam by choice. Fate and a lottery placed them there. And that these same men were not lauded as heroes but rather criticised and spurned when they returned is a black mark on the tapestry that otherwise has made this such a brilliant place to live.
Thank you Peter Fitzsimons.
With every “Australians at war” book Peter Fitzsimons produces, he reminds me that Australians have been to foreign lands and done amazingly brave things to give us all a country that is so great. Why? Because that’s what Australians do.
His writings add a human face to the horror that is war and Long Tan is no exception. He takes you on a journey where you get to know the players and they become your mates. Then you grieve their loss.
This is a story every Australian should want to know and this book is a great way to know it. Young men were not at Long Tan and in Vietnam by choice. Fate and a lottery placed them there. And that these same men were not lauded as heroes but rather criticised and spurned when they returned is a black mark on the tapestry that otherwise has made this such a brilliant place to live.
Thank you Peter Fitzsimons.
March 18, 2023
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Peter FitzSimons said near the end of his Long Tan epic that, if nothing else, he hoped by writing the book he shone a spotlight on the deeds of the Australians and New Zealanders at Long Tan. Absolutely he did. "The Battle of Long Tan" is a fitting tribute to the bravery of those men, in particular the infantryman who stumbled into an enormous enemy force near the Long Tan rubber plantation and - somehow, against all the odds - managed to not only survive, but get the better of their enemy for a rare Vietnam War victory.
FitzSimons brings it all to life in his unique way. Just brilliant. This might be his best work, which is no small thing when you consider his catalogue of excellent work.
Peter FitzSimons said near the end of his Long Tan epic that, if nothing else, he hoped by writing the book he shone a spotlight on the deeds of the Australians and New Zealanders at Long Tan. Absolutely he did. "The Battle of Long Tan" is a fitting tribute to the bravery of those men, in particular the infantryman who stumbled into an enormous enemy force near the Long Tan rubber plantation and - somehow, against all the odds - managed to not only survive, but get the better of their enemy for a rare Vietnam War victory.
FitzSimons brings it all to life in his unique way. Just brilliant. This might be his best work, which is no small thing when you consider his catalogue of excellent work.
January 13, 2023
I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of Peter FitzSimons, and I wonder what this book adds to the many books previously written on the battle of Long Tan.
Whilst well referenced, FitzSimon's signature method of imagining conversations and scenarios wears thin after a while, and becomes quite annoying.
There simply weren't enough first hand accounts that haven't already been sourced in previous accounts of the battle.
Whilst well referenced, FitzSimon's signature method of imagining conversations and scenarios wears thin after a while, and becomes quite annoying.
There simply weren't enough first hand accounts that haven't already been sourced in previous accounts of the battle.
December 28, 2022
Written in the typical Fitz fashion but continued repetition of the same facts, eg. that sections are parts of platoons which are parts of companies and so on, makes for a book much longer than its content deserves. So, perhaps not quite Batavia or Mutiny, but still a story fairly well told.
January 9, 2023
Background information and battlefield details brings the action alive. Engrossing read
October 17, 2024
Joint Review: “The Battle of Long Tan” by Peter FitzSimons and “The Soldiers’ Story” by Terry Burstall.
I’ve just finished reading both FitzSimons' and Terry Burstall’s books on Long Tan. I actually knew Terry years ago — I worked with his sister Joan and met Terry a few times back then. He was a good cobber, knowledgeable with worldly experience and passionate about getting his stories out. At the time, he was deep into research for his second book, “A Soldier Returns”. He had just spent six months in Washington and was gearing up for a three-month stint at the National Library and War Memorial in Canberra. Terry gave me some eye witness accounts from the battle. Terry lives in Brisbane, and I’ve been slack about not catching up with him in recent years — something I really need to do.
The Battle of Long Tan remains one of the most intense and significant engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War. Two pivotal works, “The Battle of Long Tan” by Peter FitzSimons and “The Soldiers’ Story” by Terry Burstall, offer distinct but complementary perspectives on this defining moment in Australian military history.
Peter FitzSimons’ The Battle of Long Tan
Peter FitzSimons is well-known for his ability to blend rigorous research with compelling storytelling, and “The Battle of Long Tan” is no exception. FitzSimons immerses the reader in the heat of battle, making the historical moment come alive. His account draws heavily from key references such as “The Battle of Long Tan: As Told by the Commanders” and Burstall’s “The Soldiers’ Story”, grounding his narrative in firsthand accounts.
One of FitzSimons' key critiques involves the distribution of medals following the battle. He points out the disproportionate number of medals awarded to higher-ranking officers compared to the soldiers on the ground. While officers like Major Harry Smith received recognition, FitzSimons highlights that key figures such as Brigadier Oliver Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel Colin Townsend—who were not physically present in the battle—were awarded prestigious medals, while many of the lower ranks who bore the brunt of the fighting received far less recognition. This disparity sheds light on the broader issues of how the military honours system operates, particularly in the wake of a conflict as intense as Long Tan.
FitzSimons excels at placing the human experience front and centre, showing the soldiers' bravery amidst the chaotic and brutal conditions. His ability to balance personal stories with broader military strategies gives the reader a well-rounded view of the Battle of Long Tan, and his critique of the higher command’s failures, particularly in intelligence handling, is sharp and precise.
Terry Burstall’s The Soldiers’ Story
In contrast, Terry Burstall’s “The Soldiers’ Story” offers a more intimate and personal account of the battle. As a veteran of Long Tan, Burstall’s narrative is laced with authenticity, raw emotion, and a soldier’s perspective. His book reconstructs the battle through personal recollections and secret documents, challenging the official military narrative.
Burstall is unflinching in his critique of the command decisions, particularly around intelligence and communication failures that almost led to disaster. His investigation uncovers the deeper issues behind the intelligence mishandling, providing a more critical view than FitzSimons. Burstall’s firsthand account also delves into the emotional and psychological toll the battle took on the soldiers, making his narrative both powerful and sobering.
FitzSimons and Burstall together offer a multifaceted understanding of the Battle of Long Tan. While FitzSimons provides a sweeping, well-researched historical narrative, Burstall brings the reader into the trenches, offering a soldier’s emotional and candid perspective. Key themes emerge from both works:
- Intelligence Handling: FitzSimons critiques the consequences of higher command’s failure to act on intelligence, while Burstall investigates the root causes of this neglect, offering a deeper analysis of how these failures came to be.
- Command Decisions and Medal Distribution: Both authors highlight the logistical and communication challenges faced by the Australian forces. FitzSimons’ observation about the unfair distribution of medals is particularly revealing, showing how recognition often overlooked the bravery of lower-ranking soldiers. Burstall takes a more direct approach in questioning command decisions and the initial underestimation of the enemy.
- Human Experience: FitzSimons humanises the battle by weaving personal stories into his broader historical narrative. Burstall’s firsthand experience lends his account a unique emotional depth, making it a powerful reflection on the psychological and physical costs of war.
Together, “The Battle of Long Tan” by Peter FitzSimons and “The Soldiers’ Story” by Terry Burstall offer a comprehensive and complementary view of one of Australia’s most important military engagements. FitzSimons’ engaging style and broader historical perspective combined with Burstall’s personal, soldier-focused narrative create a vivid and nuanced portrayal of the battle.
Burstall sums up the broader tragedy of the Vietnam War poignantly:
"Vietnam was never a threat to America or Australia, but it was a threat to their perceived interests. For those selfish interests we fought and were maimed and died. It was not for patriotism, and not to save freedom or humanity: it was to save vested interests." – Terry Burstall, The Soldiers' Story.
---
Timeline of the Battle of Long Tan (August 18, 1966)
- 3:15 PM: D Company enters the Long Tan plantation.
- 4:08 PM: Viet Cong launch a full-scale attack.
- 6:00 PM: Intense fighting continues amid heavy rain and poor visibility.
- 7:00 PM: Reinforcements arrive, forcing the Viet Cong to withdraw.
- 7:10 PM: Battle ends, with Australian forces securing the area.
I’ve just finished reading both FitzSimons' and Terry Burstall’s books on Long Tan. I actually knew Terry years ago — I worked with his sister Joan and met Terry a few times back then. He was a good cobber, knowledgeable with worldly experience and passionate about getting his stories out. At the time, he was deep into research for his second book, “A Soldier Returns”. He had just spent six months in Washington and was gearing up for a three-month stint at the National Library and War Memorial in Canberra. Terry gave me some eye witness accounts from the battle. Terry lives in Brisbane, and I’ve been slack about not catching up with him in recent years — something I really need to do.
The Battle of Long Tan remains one of the most intense and significant engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War. Two pivotal works, “The Battle of Long Tan” by Peter FitzSimons and “The Soldiers’ Story” by Terry Burstall, offer distinct but complementary perspectives on this defining moment in Australian military history.
Peter FitzSimons’ The Battle of Long Tan
Peter FitzSimons is well-known for his ability to blend rigorous research with compelling storytelling, and “The Battle of Long Tan” is no exception. FitzSimons immerses the reader in the heat of battle, making the historical moment come alive. His account draws heavily from key references such as “The Battle of Long Tan: As Told by the Commanders” and Burstall’s “The Soldiers’ Story”, grounding his narrative in firsthand accounts.
One of FitzSimons' key critiques involves the distribution of medals following the battle. He points out the disproportionate number of medals awarded to higher-ranking officers compared to the soldiers on the ground. While officers like Major Harry Smith received recognition, FitzSimons highlights that key figures such as Brigadier Oliver Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel Colin Townsend—who were not physically present in the battle—were awarded prestigious medals, while many of the lower ranks who bore the brunt of the fighting received far less recognition. This disparity sheds light on the broader issues of how the military honours system operates, particularly in the wake of a conflict as intense as Long Tan.
FitzSimons excels at placing the human experience front and centre, showing the soldiers' bravery amidst the chaotic and brutal conditions. His ability to balance personal stories with broader military strategies gives the reader a well-rounded view of the Battle of Long Tan, and his critique of the higher command’s failures, particularly in intelligence handling, is sharp and precise.
Terry Burstall’s The Soldiers’ Story
In contrast, Terry Burstall’s “The Soldiers’ Story” offers a more intimate and personal account of the battle. As a veteran of Long Tan, Burstall’s narrative is laced with authenticity, raw emotion, and a soldier’s perspective. His book reconstructs the battle through personal recollections and secret documents, challenging the official military narrative.
Burstall is unflinching in his critique of the command decisions, particularly around intelligence and communication failures that almost led to disaster. His investigation uncovers the deeper issues behind the intelligence mishandling, providing a more critical view than FitzSimons. Burstall’s firsthand account also delves into the emotional and psychological toll the battle took on the soldiers, making his narrative both powerful and sobering.
FitzSimons and Burstall together offer a multifaceted understanding of the Battle of Long Tan. While FitzSimons provides a sweeping, well-researched historical narrative, Burstall brings the reader into the trenches, offering a soldier’s emotional and candid perspective. Key themes emerge from both works:
- Intelligence Handling: FitzSimons critiques the consequences of higher command’s failure to act on intelligence, while Burstall investigates the root causes of this neglect, offering a deeper analysis of how these failures came to be.
- Command Decisions and Medal Distribution: Both authors highlight the logistical and communication challenges faced by the Australian forces. FitzSimons’ observation about the unfair distribution of medals is particularly revealing, showing how recognition often overlooked the bravery of lower-ranking soldiers. Burstall takes a more direct approach in questioning command decisions and the initial underestimation of the enemy.
- Human Experience: FitzSimons humanises the battle by weaving personal stories into his broader historical narrative. Burstall’s firsthand experience lends his account a unique emotional depth, making it a powerful reflection on the psychological and physical costs of war.
Together, “The Battle of Long Tan” by Peter FitzSimons and “The Soldiers’ Story” by Terry Burstall offer a comprehensive and complementary view of one of Australia’s most important military engagements. FitzSimons’ engaging style and broader historical perspective combined with Burstall’s personal, soldier-focused narrative create a vivid and nuanced portrayal of the battle.
Burstall sums up the broader tragedy of the Vietnam War poignantly:
"Vietnam was never a threat to America or Australia, but it was a threat to their perceived interests. For those selfish interests we fought and were maimed and died. It was not for patriotism, and not to save freedom or humanity: it was to save vested interests." – Terry Burstall, The Soldiers' Story.
---
Timeline of the Battle of Long Tan (August 18, 1966)
- 3:15 PM: D Company enters the Long Tan plantation.
- 4:08 PM: Viet Cong launch a full-scale attack.
- 6:00 PM: Intense fighting continues amid heavy rain and poor visibility.
- 7:00 PM: Reinforcements arrive, forcing the Viet Cong to withdraw.
- 7:10 PM: Battle ends, with Australian forces securing the area.
May 12, 2024
Although I was given this book last year, it took until this Anzac Day to get to for no other reason than reading other things. First up, I didn’t realise how little I knew about the lead up to the Vietnam war. As the longish introduction reinforced as I got started, there was a lot going on, from the 50s onward, in both Vietnam, the US and also within Australia, that complicated the decision for foreign armies to go fight in Vietnam. In the mood of the time it made some sense but it doesn’t feel as convincing 60 years on. Even those who supported the colour of government in Australia at the time didn’t think it was the best decision. But decision made, those enlisted gave heart and soul to their task.
Once landed, Australia’s troops were not given much time to settle. Initially this was the work required to complete the establishment of the base which was not ready for their arrival. If only it was just mud and sweat, because the tears were also not long in coming. I was expecting the battle to be something more structured and planned, but I eventually realised that what I was reading was it. Great detail is given to the various stages of the battle, but it was difficult to follow. I am grateful for the maps placed through the book to help picture the positions of the various forces but it didn’t get me all the way there.
It's an Australian story that needs to be told and its intensity makes it both memorable as well as controversial in various ways, not surprisingly. It sounds like there are still things being sorted out, although some of this has taken place too late for some of those involved. Sadly, it is hard to understand whether the sacrifices made were worth it – not to diminish the contributions individuals made, but whether they should have been asked to take on their mission in the first place when the chances of a ‘successful’ outcome seemed so unlikely.
Once landed, Australia’s troops were not given much time to settle. Initially this was the work required to complete the establishment of the base which was not ready for their arrival. If only it was just mud and sweat, because the tears were also not long in coming. I was expecting the battle to be something more structured and planned, but I eventually realised that what I was reading was it. Great detail is given to the various stages of the battle, but it was difficult to follow. I am grateful for the maps placed through the book to help picture the positions of the various forces but it didn’t get me all the way there.
It's an Australian story that needs to be told and its intensity makes it both memorable as well as controversial in various ways, not surprisingly. It sounds like there are still things being sorted out, although some of this has taken place too late for some of those involved. Sadly, it is hard to understand whether the sacrifices made were worth it – not to diminish the contributions individuals made, but whether they should have been asked to take on their mission in the first place when the chances of a ‘successful’ outcome seemed so unlikely.
July 16, 2023
As an Aussie, I had heard the name "Long Tan" since I was a teenager, but I didn't really know the story of that particular battle in the Vietnam War. In fact, I didn't really understand why we had anything to do with the Vietnam War in the first place.
This book was a well researched tome about exactly that. Not only did it discuss the battle itself and the brave Aussies, Kiwis, Yanks and Vietnamese who participated, but went into the whys and wherefores too, which I really appreciated.
Yes, sometimes it seemed a bit overlong and sometimes I could hear Peter FizSimons' facetious voice which was off-putting. Not everyone is as clever as you, Peter.
Nevertheless, it is a valuable resource for those of us who have the curiosity to know more. I think it should be required reading for all Australian schoolchildren.
Lest we forget, brave ones who were there and who were never the same again, even if they managed to survive.
4.5 stars.
This book was a well researched tome about exactly that. Not only did it discuss the battle itself and the brave Aussies, Kiwis, Yanks and Vietnamese who participated, but went into the whys and wherefores too, which I really appreciated.
Yes, sometimes it seemed a bit overlong and sometimes I could hear Peter FizSimons' facetious voice which was off-putting. Not everyone is as clever as you, Peter.
Nevertheless, it is a valuable resource for those of us who have the curiosity to know more. I think it should be required reading for all Australian schoolchildren.
Lest we forget, brave ones who were there and who were never the same again, even if they managed to survive.
4.5 stars.
July 24, 2024
The Vietnam War (called in Vietnam, the American War) was a conflict that the US and Australia should never have engaged in, a fact borne out by the ignominious withdrawal of American troops at the end of the conflict. The battle of Long Tan was a demonstration of the bravery of ordinary Australian soldiers, many of them conscripts who had not chosen to be there. It also appears that the engagement may have been totally different if top brass had heeded the warnings of Intelligence Officers regarding the build-up of Viet Cong soldiers in the area of the Nui Dat base.
I do admire the amount of research done by Peter Fitzsimons and his team. However, his style of writing grates with me - it reads like a Boys' Own Annual and he uses every Australian cliched expression and adds a few of his own. By the end of the battle I was ready to turn the mortars onto him.
I do admire the amount of research done by Peter Fitzsimons and his team. However, his style of writing grates with me - it reads like a Boys' Own Annual and he uses every Australian cliched expression and adds a few of his own. By the end of the battle I was ready to turn the mortars onto him.
April 4, 2023
The weakest of FitzSimon's works I have read so far, placing you the reader far too close to the action that began with "Tobuk" meaning the overall picture was somewhat simplified and confusing at the same time. Not as dry as Lex McCauley's "The Battle of Long Tan", it lacked the immediacy of Terry Burstall's "The Soldier's Story".
Honestly, by the time the battle began I was ready to put the book down, as I'd had first-hand accounts from several soldiers who'd fought in the battle when I was training as a Reserve officer on top of having read the other aforementioned titles. Disappointing would be my summation, as I was so looking forward to another "Tobruk”, only in Vietnam.
Honestly, by the time the battle began I was ready to put the book down, as I'd had first-hand accounts from several soldiers who'd fought in the battle when I was training as a Reserve officer on top of having read the other aforementioned titles. Disappointing would be my summation, as I was so looking forward to another "Tobruk”, only in Vietnam.
September 19, 2023
Because there are so many resorts inVietnam where there were battles during the Vietnam war- a book like this will give you an idea what happened in an area. Long Tan is an important battle for Australians to understand.
FitzSimons is a journalist and writes in that genre in his books. He introduces you to the main characters as people so you feel connected as the story progresses. He is frank in his assessment of superiors. I think this adds to the story and the follies of war.
I’ve enjoyed reading all of FitzSimons books.
FitzSimons is a journalist and writes in that genre in his books. He introduces you to the main characters as people so you feel connected as the story progresses. He is frank in his assessment of superiors. I think this adds to the story and the follies of war.
I’ve enjoyed reading all of FitzSimons books.
May 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I am not a great fan of Peter Fitzsimmons writings outside of his excellent sport biographies of Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales. However, I think he has really nailed this book. The short sharp paragraphs that jump from one person to another accentuated the sense of urgency and confusion that must have been experienced by those in the battle. Great work and recommend to all. The quality and extent of the research was also outstanding.
March 10, 2024
18 August 1966.
A much written about conflict, Vietnam is divisive. However, Peter FitzSimons writes an excellent, concise account, given he was able to interview key personnel.
He devotes much of this to the men who got wet and were shot at.
I think it's important to honour the blokes who were in the firing line.
The last chapter is very telling, how the honours system and even casualty lists get corrected years after the event.
A much written about conflict, Vietnam is divisive. However, Peter FitzSimons writes an excellent, concise account, given he was able to interview key personnel.
He devotes much of this to the men who got wet and were shot at.
I think it's important to honour the blokes who were in the firing line.
The last chapter is very telling, how the honours system and even casualty lists get corrected years after the event.
February 14, 2023
An engaging read and, to me, the most shocking part was that of 726 awards given to Aussie troops during the 10 years of the Vietnam War, just 3 per cent were medals for privates. That's just what you'd expect from a conflict when the two prime ministers who sent our soldiers, including conscripts, to an Asian civil war had both shirked military service during the two world wars.
July 18, 2023
I am a big Peter FitzSimons fan and The Battle of Long Tan does not disappoint. The authors style of imparting history while making you care about the real people involved really made this a page turner for me.
I have known about Long Tan for most of my adult life, but I never appreciated the scale of the battle and how mismatched the sides were.
I have known about Long Tan for most of my adult life, but I never appreciated the scale of the battle and how mismatched the sides were.
June 17, 2024
Principle takeaway: Peter FitzSimons' Inglorious Basterds.Way, way too many literary allusions, flowery allegories, Shakespeare quotes (or Biblical passages), and never ending omniscient-narration disruptions to [literally] say a prayer, sing a song, or lament lost loved ones at the height of action. Not the investigative-expose this conflict deserves.
Less romanticized warfare, more meat-n-potatoes veracity.
January 13, 2025
It's sad that those Australian Soldier's got killed and wounded because the Commander of Nui Dat didn't believe his intelligence officer that their was a Battlion out there instead he thought he was having a nervous breakdown instead of listening to him they shipped of to a hospital.
January 12, 2023
great story
March 10, 2023
Another fantastic book by Peter FitzSimons
March 18, 2023
Fascinating story of against the odds battle.
February 4, 2024
A well-researched and human perspective of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Easy reading and very informative.
Easy reading and very informative.
January 4, 2025
Story of courage but very repetitive, over detailed for me.
June 13, 2023
A well researched and engaging book about a significant event in Australian history. I wasn't sure about the balance of perspectives; the story seemed to be told very much from the point of view of a few like-minded characters rather than attempting to come at it from a range of different positions. However it vividly and realistically portrayed the courage of those involved in what was clearly a terrifying battle.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews