Chapter 4.3 (3 CAV)

A Squadron 3 Cavalry Regiment RAAC

The CO with Captain Rod Earle on Operation HERMIT PARK.

The support given to the Fourth Battalion by the troops of A Squadron commenced in May 1971 and continued through until the disembarkation of D Company and "our" I Troop at Sydney on 12 March 1972.

Generally 1 and 2 Troops provided the "APC Power" for our operations. 1 Section of 1 Troop led by Sergeant Levy, DCM became well known throughout the unit for its consistent results in ambushing.

The entire troop led by the ever smiling Captain Rod Earle was renowned for their co-operation, reliability and determination in battle.

2 Troop were just as helpful, and later their Troop Commander, Lieutenant Chris Stevens took over 1 Troop with the section of Fire Support Vehicles as part of the 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion Group.

They also sustained casualties; and no matter under what conditions of weather or battle, the troopers and their carriers were in all ways supporting our soldiers thus cementing mutual respect for our fellow team members.

<<< Newspaper cutting June 23,1971. The wording is reproduced below.

12 Viet Cong Killed By Austn. Troops

CANBERRA, June 23, - In an action during Monday and Tuesday in ft border area of Phuoc Tuy and Long Khanh Provinces in South Vietnam, troops of A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment killed 12 Viet Cong.

There were no Australian casualties.

It was the most successful action carried out by
Australians for six months when the same Section of armoured personnel carriers was involved In an action which resulted in 23 Viet Cong being killed.

Both actions were directed by Sergeant E. D. LEVY, of Seymour Victoria. The latest incident occurred when movement was heard on the Units perimeter.

In the action which followed for most of Monday night and Tuesday morning one enemy was captured and evacuated to the 1st Australian Field Hospital at Vung Tau by an RAAF helicopter, and another surrendered.

Enemy weapons end equipment was captured. In a follow-up action Tuesday morning another Viet Cong was captured.