Operation Goodwood (1968)
Australian soldier during Operation Goodwood (1968-1969), Vietnam War.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/EKN%3A69%3A0023%3AVN
Operation Goodwood was a series of military engagements fought between an allied contingent led by the 1st Australian Taskforce (1 ATF) and the forces of North Vietnam including the People's Army of Vietnam and Viet Cong (VC) the occurred from the 3rd of December 1968 until the 19th of February 1969. The operation has also come to be known as the Battle of Hat Dich.
The battle was marked by sustained Australian patrols throughout the Hat Dich area and ambushes on tracks used by the enemy. American, South Vietnamese and Thai forces also operated in direct support of the ANZACS as part of the division-sized action.
The battle of Hat Dich lasted 78 days, and saw 21 Australians, one New Zealander and 31 South Vietnamese killed. The Royal Australian Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment were subsequently awarded the battle honour award “Hat Dich”, one of only five presented to Australian units during the war.[i]
One Australian who was unforunately killed in the battle was Sergeant John Raymond COCK of the 9th Battalion, RAR. From Adelaide, South Australia, John Cock was illed by an enemy Anti-Tank Weapon.
Sergeant John Raymond COCK
Although there were few major actions, the Goodwood Operation was considered a success by the Australians and following it VC activity in 1 ATFs area of operations visibly lessened as the VC were forced to abandon their permanent bases in the Hat Dich and disrupting their preparations for upcoming offensive operations.
Operation Goodwood, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR).
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1179184
References:
i. Horner, David, ed. (1990). Duty First: The Royal Australian Regiment in War and Peace (First ed.). North Sydney: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 0-04-442227-X.
ii. Ekins, Ashley; McNeill, Ian (2012). Fighting to the Finish: The Australian Army and the Vietnam War 1968–1975. The Official History of Australia's Involvement in Southeast Asian Conflicts 1948–1975. Vol. Nine. St Leonards, New South Wales: Allen and Unwin. ISBN 978-1865088242.