Signals at the Battle of Coral Balmoral

FSPB Coral Photos

Click on Photo for large view

FSPB Coral    
41-5. 104 Sleeping accommodation at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Mal Bennett [1968]
US Army Huey stick on the ground 
41-6.  US Army Huey stick on the ground - Location maybe FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Mal Bennett [1968]
FSPB Coral
41-7.  104 Sleeping accommodation at FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Mal Bennett [1968]
FSPB Coral
547-2 (6-15).  547 Sig Tp work and sleep bunker at FSPB Coral.  Photo souced from 'The Story of 547 Sig Tp in South Vietnam 1966-1972'.

Note:   547 Sig Tp did valuable Signals Intelligence (Sigint) work at FSPB Coral.

104 Sigs - Bob Parkyns at FSPB Coral 1968
9-6.   Bob Parkyns (1RAR, 104 Sig Sqn  Radio Det) with flack jacket and a rocket at FSPB Coral.    Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [May 1968]

Note:  Flack jacket was left about ground during one of the attacks and is a little stuffed !!!!

104 Sigs - Centurion tank arrive at FSPB Coral 1968
9-7.  Tanks arrive at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.   [May 1968]
104 Sigs - Sky Crane bring in stores at FSPB Coral 1968
9-8.  Sky Crane bring in Ammo to FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [May 1968]
104 Sigs - Enemy RPD at FSPB Coral 1968
9-9.  Captured RPD's at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [May 1968]
104 Sigs - US 155 at FSPB Coral 1968
9-10.  US 155 at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [May 1968]
104 Sigs - Enemy Weapons and Bob Parkyns M16 FSPB Coral 1968
9-11.  Captured weapons at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [May 1968]

Note:  Bob was a member of the Signal Detachment to 1RAR and his M16 is shown on the pile.  All the other weapon owners are dead !!!
104 Sigs - HQ 1 ATF Forward at FSPB Coral 1968
9-12.  FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [1968]
1RAR sticks waiting to return to Nui Dat
58-13.    1RAR with helicopter sticks line up ready to return to Nui Dat from FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [June 1968]
1RAR CP FSPB Coral
58-14.  1RAR CP at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [1968]
1RAR returning to Nui Dat after the Battle of Coral and Balmoral
58-15.  1RAR returning to Nui Dat from FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [June 1968]
Radio Sgt Max Hardy at FSPB Coral
46-1. 104 Sig Sqn Radio Sgt Max Hardy at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
104 Sig Sqn members playing volley ball at FSPB Coral  
46-2. 104 Sig Sqn members playing volley ball at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
104 Sig Sqn members playing volley ball at FSPB Coral 
46-3. 104 Sig Sqn members playing volley ball at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Unknown at FSPB Coral 
46-4.  Unknown at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
SSM WO2 Bluey Still (104 Sig Sqn) doing photos at FSPB Coral    
46-5. SSM WO2 Bluey Still (104 Sig Sqn) doing photos at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Tanks and APC at FSPB Coral 
46-6.  Tanks and APC at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Tanks and their recovery vehicle at FSPB Coral
46-7.  Tanks and their recovery vehicle at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
 Unknown at FSPB Coral  
46-8. Unknown at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
104 Sig Sqn Cook preparing meal at FSPB Coral
46-9. 104 Sig Sqn Cook preparing meal at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Chinook bring in Defence stores and Ammo to FSPB Coral 
46-10. Chinook bring in Defence stores and Ammo to FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
104 Tent damage from RPG at FSPB Coral 
46-11. 104 Sig Sqn Tent damage from RPG at FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
1RAR HQ waiting at FSPB Coral for return to Nui Dat
59-16.   1RAR HQ waiting at FSPB Coral for return to Nui Dat.  Photo supplied by Bob Parkyns.  [June 1968]
The 3RAR Tactical HQ Group en route to form FSPB Coral 
46-13.  The 3RAR Tactical HQ Group en route to secure FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [12 May 1968]

Comment:  No one knew at the time that they were deploying to the largest formation battle for Australian Forces since WW2.  Bobby was the 3RAR, 104 Sig Sqn, Radio Det Comd.

3RAR at the first site proposed for FSPB Coral 
46-14.  3RAR at the first site proposed for FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [12 May 1968]

Comment:  The book "The Battle of Coral" by Lex McAulay gives details of the early deployment to Coral - The enemy miss a great chance in the first hours of the deployment - Thank Christ!
One of the first 105mm Gun and pallet of ammo coming into FSPB  Coral
46-15.  One of the first 105mm Gun and pallet of ammo coming into FSPB  Coral - Most likely 161 Battery RNZA who were located near 3RAR.  Note:  Smoke being used to confirm delivery point (and Australians/Kiwis on the ground).  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [12 May 1968]
More troops and war stores coming into early Coral by Chinook
46-16.  More troops and war stores coming into early Coral by Chinook.  3RAR RAP being dug-in in the foreground but was filled in when 3RAR moved to the North.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
3RAR moving with the RAP filled-in in the foreground.  FSPB Coral
46-17. 3RAR moving with the RAP filled-in in the foreground.  FSPB Coral.  Note the RC292 Antenna and the Remote (AN/GRA-39) at its base. Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
3RAR moving with the RAP filled-in in the foreground.  FSPB Coral
46-18. 3RAR moving with the RAP filled-in in the foreground.  FSPB Coral.  Note the RC292 Antenna and the Remote (AN/GRA-39) at its base.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
Chinook at early FSPB Coral Position
47-1. Chinook (CH-47) moving 3RAR from original position at FSPB Coral (AO Bondi).  RAP hole fill in and RC292 Antenna in the foreground.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
Skycrane ((Sikorsky CH-54)  
47-2. Skycrane (Sikorsky CH-54) at early 3RAR position FSPB Coral..  Note troops on the Perimeter.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [MAy 1968]
Skycrane ((Sikorsky CH-54) 
47-3. Skycrane (Sikorsky CH-54) coming into early 3RAR position FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
3RAR Mortar Position at FSPB Coral 
47-4.  3RAR Mortar pit at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
Destroyed Mortar Charges at FSPB Coral    
47-5. 3RAR Mortar charges destroyed at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
Recovery vehicle at FSPB Coral 
47-6.  Recovery vehicle at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
APC (M1113) on perimeter at FSPB Coral
47-7.  APC (M1113) on perimeter at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
APC (M1113) on perimeter at FSPB Coral   
47-8. APC (M1113) on perimeter at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
APC (M1113) on perimeter at FSPB Coral
47-9. APC (M1113) on perimeter at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Bobby Ellis [May 1968]
Jimmy Crighton (Front), Ken Greenwood plus one other in the background at FSPB Coral
58-15.    James "Jimmy" Crichton and two 104 in the background - One is Ken Greenwood, other unknown at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Gordon Sanderson [May/June 1968]
Unknown and Gordon Sanderson at FSPB Coral
58-16 . L-R James "Jimmy" Crichton and Gordon Sanderson at FSPB Coral cleaning weapons.  Jimmy has M79 Grenade Launcher and Gordon a F1 Sub Machine Gun.   Photo supplied by Gordon Sanderson [May/June 1968]

Note:  VHF RC-292 Antennas in the background highlighting the HQ 1ATF (Fwd) CP Area.  
 
Ken Greenwood and Jimmy Crighton at FSPB Coral
58-12.  L-R  Ken Greenwood and James "Jimmy" Crichton at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Gordon Sanderson [May/June 1968]
Wet FSPB Coral
58-13.   Heavy rain at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Gordon Sanderson [May/June 1968]
Radio Bunker FSPB Coral
58-14.    104 Radio Bunker at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Gordon Sanderson [May/June 1968]
Waiting for Chinook at Bearcat for deployment to FSPB Coral
58-18.  104 Sig Sqn air party waiting at Bearcat for US Army Chinook for Deployment to FSPB Coral. 
L-R  (Standing):
?, ?, Les Douglas, ? (Sitting Vehicle) and ?
L-R (Sitting):
Alan Thompson, ? (facing front), ?, ?, ?, ? (Lying), ? (back) and Alex Young (KIA).  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [13 May 1968]
Chinook arriving Bearcat to take air parity of 104 Sigs to FSPB Coral
58-17.  US Army Chinook arriving and air party from 104 Sig Sqn, getting ready to enplane for FSPB Coral.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [13 May 1968]
FSPB Coral
59-1.  FSPB Coral. Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]
CP1 ARTY and AIR, FSPB Coral
59-2.  Command Post (CP) ARTY and AIR at FSPB Coral.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]
SIGCEN FSPB Coral
59-3.  Signal Centre (SIGCEN) at FSPB Coral- Communications equipment under ground including the AN/MGC-17 Shelter.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]
SIGCEN FSPB Coral
59-4.  SIGCEN at FSPB Coral - Communications equipment under ground including the AN/MGC-17 Shelter.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]
SIGCEN Bunker
59-5.  SIGCEN bunker. Also included FSPB Coral Telephone Switchboard "Ebony Forward Sir" .  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]

Comment:  Because of the lessons learnt from this battle, 104 Sig Sqn and 547 Sig Tp (Plus HQ 1 ATF) were issued with Armored Command Vehicles (ACV) so the communications equipment would not have to be carried forward in cases and dug in.   104 Sig Sqn still has armored vehicles today. 
SIGCEN Bunker
59-6.  Unknown manning SIGCEN bunker.  Also included FSPB Coral Telephone Switchboard "Ebony Forward Sir".  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]

Information:  Future deployments 104 Sig Sqn and 547 Sig Tp communications were deployment pre wired and mounted for quick and protected communications. 104 Sig Sqn ACV had the Callsign "85 Charlie" and 547 Sig Tp ACV had the Callsign "85 Delta".
Sleeping pit under construction at FSPB Coral
59-7.  Ralph Bilsby's FSPB Coral home under construction.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [May 1968]
FSPB after attack 16 May 1968
59-8.  FSPB Coral after attack 16 May.  Note the shrapnel holes in the cloth line articles and trees.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [16 May 1968]
Shrapnel holes in sleeping bag at FSPB Coral
59-9.  Ralph Bilsby's sleeping bag with shrapnel holes after attack 16 May. Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [16 May 1968]
104 Sig Sqn members at FSPB Coral 16 May 1968
59-10.  104 Sig Sqn members shell shocked after attack 16 May.  L-R  Ian Crostwaite, Mal Fergusson, Hugh Hutton (lying) and ?  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [16 May 1968]
104 Sig Sqn at the Kitchen at attack 16 May 1968



59-11.  104 Sig Sqn at field kitchen after attack 16 May.  L-R Dave Thompson (back), ?, ?, Bob Lowick, ? and Mal Fergusson.  Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [16 May 1968]
104 Sig Sqn member after the attack 16 May 1968
59-12.  Unknown 104 Sig Sqn 16 May.    Photos supplied by Ralph Bilsby. [16 May 1968]

Note: See communication shelter in back ground with sandbags on the air vents to stop light at night.  Most likely the Radio Relay AN/MRC-69 from 110 Sig Sqn.
104 Sig Sqn members at FSPB Corall (104
45-1. L-R  Bluey Still (104 Sig Sqn, SSM), Bluey Fergusson (104 Sig Sqn, Radio Troop, Cpl Det Comd), Scottie Hutton and Max Hardy (104 Sig Sqn, Radio Sgt) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Hair time at FSPB Coral  
45-2. SSM Bluey Still getting a field haircut at FSPB Coral by Unknown.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Unknown at 104 Sig Sqn member at FSPB Coral 
45-3. Unknown at 104 Sig Sqn member at FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
104 Sig Sqn at FSPB Coral 
45-4.  104 Sig Sqn at FSPB Coral.  Note the soldier slaving in the hole.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Unknown 104 Sig Sqn member at FSPB Coral    
45-5. Unknown 104 Sig Sqn member at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Chinook bring in stores and ammo to FSPB Coral 
45-6.  Chinook bring in stores and ammo to FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Stan "Monty" Montefiore filling sand bags at FSPB Coral
45-7.  Stan "Monty" Montefiore filling sand bags at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
FSPB Coral   
45-8. FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Dave Thompson (Line Sgt) at FSPB Coral
45-9. Dave Thompson (Line Sgt) at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Unknown at rest - FSPB Coral 
45-10. Unknown at rest - FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
FSPB Coral 
45-11. FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Engineer digging at FSPB Coral 
45-12.  Engineer digging at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
OC, SSM, Sgt and Digger from 104 Sig Sqn at FSPB Coral 
45-13. L-R  Unknown, Gunna Cunneen (Commcon Sgt), Norm Munro (OC) and Bluey Still (SSM) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Bluey Fergusson, Unknown, Bluey Gilfillan and Max Hardy at FSPB Coral 
45-14.  L-R  Bluey Fergusson, Scottie Hutton, Unknown and Max Hardy at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Sleeping arrangement at FSPB Coral
45-15.  Sleeping arrangement at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Unknown at FSPB Coral
45-16.  L-R Unknown, Terrence Rochester, John Glazebrook and Unknown(Background)  at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Linemen at the Kitchen
45-17. L-R  Dave Thompson, Unknown and Mal Bennett at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
Alan Ball at FSPB Coral
45-18. Alan Ball at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Dave Thompson [1968]
104 and 110 Signal Squadron Vehicles lined up at Nui Dat for road convoy to Bearcat
59-17.  104 and 110 Signal Squadron Vehicles lined up at Nui Dat for road convoy to Bearcat - Start of Operation Toan Thang and the deployment to FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Norm Munro [1968]

Information:  First truck (2.5 ton) AN/MTC-7 and AN/MGC-17 Shelters and second truck (5 ton) AN/MRC-69 Shelter.
Vehicles lined up at Nui Dat for the road convoy to Bearcat
59-18.  Vehicles lined up at Nui Dat for the road convoy to Bearcat - Stat of Operation Toan Thang and the deployment to FSPB Coral.  Phot supplied by Norm Murno [1968]
US Army 155mm Guns pulling out of FSPB Coral. 
48-6.   Huskies 155mm Howitzers (M109) from Battery A, 2/35 Arty (US Army) pulling out of FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Ken Short [5 June 1968]

Note: 
Ken Short was part of the 110 Sig Sqn RATT Det at FSPB Coral providing the backup HF TG rear link HQ AFV.  In 1971 he did his second tour with 104 Sig Sqn.
Signals last minutes at FSPB Coral
48-7.   Signals last minutes at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Ken Short [5 June 1968]

Comment:  Dust in the back ground from the blowing up of the CP's.
Chinook as part of the pull out of FSPB Coral
48-8.  Chinook picking up troops as part of the pull out of FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Ken Short [5 June 1968]
 
110 Sig Sqn RR Shelter (AN/MRC-69) pulling out of FSPB Coral
48-9. 110 Sig Sqn Radio Relay (RR) Shelter (AN/MRC-69) pulling out of FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Ken Short [5 June 1968]

Comment:  Provided the Telephone and TG rear link to HQ AFV.
53rd Sig Bn (US Army Signals) pulling out of FSPB Coral
48-10.   53rd Sig Bn (US Army Signals) pulling out of FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Ken Short [5 June 1968]

Comment:  Provided the Telephone and TG rear link to HQ II FFV (US Army).

Tip Truck loaded with stores pulling out of FSPB Coral
48-11.  Tip Truck loaded with stores pulling out of FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Ken Short [5 June 1968]
FSPB Coral
60-1. FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
Skycrane (Sikorsky CH-54) bring in a small dozer to FSPB Coral  
60-2.  Skycrane (Sikorsky CH-54) bring in a small dozer to FSPB Coral.   (Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 Huey (Iroquois) on the wire at FSPB Coral
60-3.  Huey (Iroquois) on the wire at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
FSPB Coral 
60-4.  FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
FSPB Coral.  RR Antenna above tree line on right.    
60-5. FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

Note:
  The RR Antenna above the trees on right side of photo.  Enemy used this antenna as a reference for their rockets and mortars.
US Army stick of Huey's (Iroquois) on the ground at FSPB Coral 
60-6.  US Army stick of Huey's (Iroquois) on the ground at FSPB Coral.  Sioux on the right front of Huey's.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
US Army stick of Huey's (Iroquois) on the ground at FSPB Coral
60-7.  US Army stick of Huey's (Iroquois) on the ground at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
US Army Chinooks (CH-47) on the ground at FSPB Coral   
60-8.  US Army Chinooks (CH-47) on the ground at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
John MacDonald's home at FSPB Coral
60-9. John MacDonald's home at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
104 Sig Sqn
104-6.  George Donohue at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968]
 
 US Army M109 155mm Self Propelled Artillery from the Huskies
60-11. US Army M109 155mm Self Propelled Artillery from the Huskies (A Battery,  2nd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

Note:  The Huskies were assigned to 1ATF to give the Australian Task Force more fire power from 1966 to 1971 because we only had 105mm  Howitzers.
Air strike just outside the wire at FSPB Coral with FAC overhead 
60-12.  Air strike just outside the wire at FSPB Coral with FAC overhead.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

FAC = Forward Air Controller.
APC's moving at FSPB Coral 
60-13. APC's moving at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
APC's and troops arriving at FSPB Coral.  RR shelter (AN/MRC-69) maybe at the front of the ACV's.  
60-14.  APC's and troops arriving at FSPB Coral.  RR shelter (AN/MRC-69) maybe at the front of the ACV's.   Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [13 May 1968]
M2A2 105mm Howitzer at FSPB Coral.  Most likely from 102 Field Bty.
60-15.  M2A2 105mm Howitzer at FSPB Coral.  Most likely from 102 Field Bty. Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
M2A2 105mm Howitzer at FSPB Coral.  Most likely from 102 Field Bty.
60-16.  M2A2 105mm Howitzer at FSPB Coral.  Most likely from 102 Field Bty. Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

Note:  The US Army Huskies mess tent in the back ground.
Centurion Tanks at FSPB Coral.
60-17. Centurion Tanks at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
104 Sig Sqn Field Kitchen at FSPB Coral.
60-18. 104 Sig Sqn Field Kitchen at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
Centurion  Bridge Layer  at FSPB Coral (Either callsign 92B or 92D)
61-1.  Centurion  Bridge Layer  at FSPB Coral (Either callsign 92B or 92D).  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
Centurion Tanks on the move at FSPB Coral.   
61-2. Centurion Tanks on the move at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 Centurion Tanks at FSPB Coral.
61-3. Centurion Tanks at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 Unknown with 81mm Mortar at FSPB Coral.  Most likely 1RAR.
61-4.  Unknown with 81mm Mortar at FSPB Coral.  Most likely 1RAR.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
81mm Mortar Bombs at FSPB Coral.     
61-5. 81mm Mortar Bombs selection at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 110 Sig Sqn RR Antenna at FSPB Coral.
61-6.  110 Sig Sqn RR Antenna at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
110 Sig Sqn RR Antenna at FSPB Coral.
61-7.  110 Sig Sqn AN/MRC-69 Antenna (RR) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 RR Generators at FSPB Coral 
61-8. 110 Sig Sqn 10KVA RR Generators at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
110 Sig Sqn 5 Ton Truck and AN/MRC-69 Shelter.
61-9. 110 Sig Sqn 5 Ton Truck and AN/MRC-69 Shelter (RR).  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

Note:  The wash point for the RR Det on the truck cabinet and sandbags over the shelter air vents to stop light at light.  Also sandbags on the shelter roof for protection.
  Rear of RR truck before it was dig in.  L-R Ray MacIntosh, Mal Stevens (RR Det Comd) and unknown.
61-10. Rear of RR truck before it was dig in at FSPB Coral.  L-R  Ray McIntosh (RR Tp Sgt), Mal Stevens (RR Det Comd) and unknown.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

RR = Radio Relay

RR truck moving into position at FSPB Coral.  
61-11. RR truck moving into position at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [13 May 1968]
 Rear of RR truck after bring dig in at FSPB Coral.  L-R  Unknown, John MacDonald and Mal Stevens (RR Det Comd).
61-12. Rear of RR truck after bring dig in at FSPB Coral.  L-R  Barry Sullivan, John MacDonald and Mal Stevens (RR Det Comd).  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 110 Sig Sqn RR truck after being hit a few times at FSPB Coral.
61-13. 110 Sig Sqn RR truck after being hit a few times at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]
 

Reserved for your Coral Photos
US Army M42 Duster (Front) at FSPB Coral.
61-15.  US Army M42 Duster (Front) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

Note: Tracked anti-aircraft vehicle with with two rapid fire 40mm cannon.
S Army M42 Duster (Rear) at FSPB Coral.
61-16.  US Army M42 Duster (Rear) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [1968]

Comment:  The two Dusters located with the US Army Huskies did a very fine job in the attacks on the FSPB.
US Army M109 155mm Self Propelled Artillery from the Huskies (A Battery,  2nd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery) at FSPB Coral.
61-17. US Army M109 155mm Self Propelled Artillery from the Huskies (A Battery,  2nd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery) moving at FSPB Coral to return to Nui Dat.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [5 June 1968]
US Army M109 155mm Self Propelled Artillery from the Huskies (A Battery,  2nd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery) at FSPB Coral.
61-18. US Army M109 155mm Self Propelled Artillery from the Huskies (A Battery,  2nd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery) moving at FSPB Coral to return to Nui Dat.  Photo supplied by John MacDonald (Deployment Troop, 110 Sig Sqn) [5 June 1968]
Alan Ball at FSPB Coral.
64-1.  Alan Ball at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Lt Ken Twining, Radio Troop Comd, at FSPB Coral.
64-2.  Lt Ken Twining, Radio Troop Comd, at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
US Army Chinook dropping into FSPB Coral.
64-3.  US Army Chinook dropping into FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
US Army Chinook at FSPB Coral.
64-4.  US Army Chinook at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Huey at FSPB Coral.
64-5.  Huey at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
APC's at FSPB Coral.
64-6.  APC's at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Sleeping arrangements at FSPB Coral - deeper the better.
64-7.  Sleeping arrangements at FSPB Coral - deeper the better.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
04 Unknown at FSPB Coral.
64-8.  104 Unknown at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
104 shower point (rear view) and Mk4 Truck at FSPB Coral.
64-9.  104 shower point (rear view) and Mk4 Truck at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
104 Shower point (front view) at FSPB Coral.
64-10.  104 Shower point (front view) at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Dusk - stand-to at FSPB Coral.
64-11.  Dusk - stand-to at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Dusk - stand-to at FSPB Coral.
64-12.  Dusk - stand-to at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Alan Ball at FSPB Coral.
64-13.  Alan Ball at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Blowing one of the TF bunkers at FSPB Coral.
64-14.  Blowing one of the HQ TF bunkers at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Alan Ball [June 1968]
Unknown at FSPB Coral.
64-15.  Unknown at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May/June 1968]
Incoming rockets at FSPB Coral.
64-16.  Incoming rockets at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Alan Ball [May 1968]
James "Jimmy" Crichton at FSPB Coral
64-17.  James "Jimmy" Crichton at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]
Gordon Sanderson at FSPB Coral.
64-18.  Gordon Sanderson at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]
Allan Lohrisch and Ken Greenwood (Centre) at FSPB Coral
65-1.  L-R  Allan Lohrisch and Ken Greenwood (Centre) at FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]
Allan Lohrisch sleeping pit at FSPB Coral
65-2.   Allan Lohrisch sleeping pit at FSPB Coral.    Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]

Note:  Ponchos over the top to try and keep the rain out.
A Sqn, 3 Cav Regt, APC (Callsign 9E) parked opposite the Radio Bunker at FSPB Coral
65-3.    A Sqn, 3 Cav Regt, APC (Callsign 9E) parked opposite the Radio Bunker at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]

Note:  Scorpion painted on the side which is now part of the formal badge of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment.

Taken in the 104 Radio Bunker and showing some of the equipment used at FSPB Coral
65-4.  Taken in the 104 Radio Bunker and showing some of the equipment used at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]
Huey's on Mickey Mouse Pad at FSPB Coral
65-5.  Huey's on Mickey Mouse Pad at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]

Note:  Logs used to stop the choppers sinking in the mud.

Mud and Slush at FSPB Coral
65-6.  Mud and Slush at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]
Blowing the CP just before leaving FSPB Coral
65-7.  Blowing the CP just before leaving FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [5 June 1968]
Blowing the CP just before leaving FSPB Coral
65-8.  Blowing the CP just before leaving FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [5 June 1968]
Radio Troop Landrover bogged at FSPB Coral and about to be pulled out by a APC
65-9.  Radio Troop Landrover bogged at FSPB Coral and about to be pulled out by a APC.  L-R Max Hardy (Radio Tp Sgt) and Unknown (Most likely part of APC crew).   Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [May/June 1968]
One of the Convoys forming up at FSPB Coral for the return trip to Nui Dat via overnight stop at Bearcat
65-10.  One of the Convoys forming up at FSPB Coral for the return trip to Nui Dat via overnight stop at Bearcat.  Photo supplied by Allan Lohrisch [June 1968]
104 Sig Sqn at Bearcat preparing to move to FSPB Coral
65-11.   104 Sig Sqn at Bearcat preparing to move to FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [12 May 1968]

Note: The AN/MRC-69 Shelter from 110 Sig Sqn on the right.   The Radio Relay AN/MRC-69 equipment provided voice channels to HQ 1 ATF (Rear) at Nui Dat and HQ AFV in Saigon.

Road Convey deploying to FSPB Coral from Bearcat
65-12.    Road Convey deploying to FSPB Coral from Bearcat.   Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [13 May 1968]

Note: The first Truck (Mk4) has the AN/MRC-17 and AN/MTC-7 Shelters and the  second Truck (Mk5) the AN/MRC-69 Shelter.

110 Sig Sqn RR Vehicle/Shelter before the shell scrape were bulldozed at FSPB Coral.
65-13.    110 Sig Sqn RR Vehicle/Shelter before the shell scrape were bulldozed at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

Note:  See photo 61-13 for RR truck damage after being hit a few times on the 16 May 1968.
APC towing another APC at FSPB Coral.
65-14.    APC towing another APC at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]

RR = Radio Relay
1ATF = First Australian Task Force
AFV = Australian Forces Vietnam
Stores being airlifted by US Army Chinook to FSPB Coral.
65-15.  Stores being airlifted by US Army Chinook to FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]

Note:  See the M79 Grenade Launcher between the front seats of the Landrover (FFR) with one of its 40mm rounds plugging the barrel to keep it clean!
US Army Chinook landing after red smoke thrown at FSPB Coral.
65-16.    US Army Chinook landing after red smoke thrown at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]

FFR = Fitted for Radio
M79:  Grenade Launcher weighed above 3kg and could fire a 40mm grenade round up to 400 metres.
104 Sig Sqn Task Force NCS "Callsign 19" at FSPB Coral before going under ground.
65-17.   104 Sig Sqn Task Force NCS "Callsign 19" at FSPB Coral before going under ground.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

Note:  VHF Radio Sets RT-524 on the bench with AN/GRA-39 Remote Control Units above remoting the radios to the 1ATF Comd CP.  Also the HF Radio Set AN/PRC-47 (rear of bench on ground) which was back up to the VHF Comd Net but never activated at FSPB Coral.
Lt Ken Twining (Radio Troop Comd) filling sandbags outside Comms Con at FSPB Coral.
65-18.    Lt Ken Twining (Radio Troop Comd) filling sandbags outside Comms Con at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]

CP = Command Post
NCS
= Net Control Station
HF = High Frequency

VHF = Very High Frequency
 
 104 Sig Sqn Comm Con at FSPB Coral.
66-1.    104 Sig Sqn Comm Con at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]

Comms Con = Communications Control.  Monitored 104 Sig Sqn communications for the Task Force and the Squadrons own sector defense plus other activities.  Manned in the early stages by the Sqn 2IC (Graham Arnold) and Sgt (Paul "Gunna" Cunneen).
Capt Graham Arnold (2IC, 104 Sig Sqn) manning Comm Con at FSPB Coral.
66-2.   Capt Graham Arnold (2IC, 104 Sig Sqn) manning Comm Con at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]
Comms Con tent after rocket and mortar attack at FSPB Coral.
66-3.    Comms Con tent after rocket and mortar attack at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [16 May 1968]

K Phone = Australia designed magneto field telephone.
Sgt Paul "Gunna" Cunneen on duty in Comms Con monitoring the K Phone, while trying catches up on lost sleep at FSPB Coral.
66-4.   Sgt Paul "Gunna" Cunneen on duty in Comms Con monitoring the K Phone, while trying catches up on lost sleep at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]

Comment:  We call it vibrate mode on a modern mobile phone!
Night attack at FSPB Coral.
66-5.  Night attack at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [16 May 1968]
Capt Graham Arnold (2IC, 104 Sig Sqn) reading mail from home at FSPB Coral.
66-6.   Capt Graham Arnold (2IC, 104 Sig Sqn) reading mail from home at FSPB Coral. Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]
HQ 1ATF Comd CP with bunker just started beside.
66-7.    HQ 1ATF Comd CP with bunker just started beside.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]
Frantic work to complete the HQ 1ATF Comd CP Bunker at FSPB Coral.
66-8.    Frantic work to complete the HQ 1ATF Comd CP Bunker at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]
Engineers at work with their high demand equipment at FSPB Coral.
66-9.   Engineers at work with their high demand equipment at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May/June 1968]
Rain came just at the wrong time at FSPB Coral.
66-10.  Rain came just at the wrong time at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]
Preparing the shell scrape for the 110 Sig Sqn RR Shelter.
66-11.    Preparing the shell scrape for the 110 Sig Sqn RR Truck/Shelter.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

RR = Radio Relay
Constructing the Sigcen bunker.
66-12.   Constructing the SIGCEN bunker.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

SIGCEN = Signal Centre

Constructing the Sigcen bunker with Maj Norm Munro (OC) doing QA work on the roof.
66-13.   Constructing the SIGCEN bunker with Maj Norm Munro (OC) doing QA work on the roof.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

Note:  AN/MRC-17 (TG Shelter) and AN/MTC-7 (SWBD Shelter) Shelters installed underground with the equipment dismounted.
Sigcen bunker almost completed with Sgt Danny Kaye (Sigcen Supervisor) very pleased with the results.
66-14.   SIGCEN bunker almost completed with Sgt Danny Kaye (SIGCEN Supervisor) very pleased with the results.  Constructing the Sigcen bunker. Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

TG = Telegraph
SWBD = Telephone Switchboard (Ebony Sir)
Sigcen bunker almost complete, open for busijness with the Tac Signs installed at the entrance.  
66-15.   SIGCEN bunker almost complete, open for business with the Tac Signs installed at the entrance.  Photo supplied by Graham Arnold [May 1968]

Note:  See photo 59-5 and 59-6 above for the underground view
547 Sig Tp - First Detachment at FSPB Coral
547-1 (5-20).  547 Sig Tp detachment at FSPB Coral.  L-R Jim Brill, Tom Williams and Fred Hawkes.  Photo supplied by Jim's son, Paul Brill [23 May 1968]

Note:   547 Sig Tp did valuable Signals Intelligence (Sigint) work at FSPB Coral.
 

104 Sig Sqn
104-15.   L-R   Leslie Douglas and Mal Fegusson at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Don McKenzie [1968]
104 Sig Sqn
104-16.   HQ 1ATF Bunkers at FSPB Coral.  Note: The RC-292 Antennae for the VHF Radios.  Photo supplied by Don McKenzie [1968]
104 Sig Sqn
104-17.   HQ 1ATF with lots of work on the bunkers going on at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by Don McKenzie [1968]
104 Sig Sqn
104-18.  L-R Don McKenzie and Mal Fegusson at FSPB Coral.   Photo supplied by Don McKenzie [1968]
FSPB Coral
110
-13.  Unknown at FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968]
FSPB Coral
110
-14.   FSPB Coral.  Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968]
FSPB Coral
110
-15.  FSPB Coral.  Building the HQ1ATF CP.  Note just like Gallipoli all went underground.   Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968]
FSPB Coral
110-16.  FSPB Coral. 104 Sig Sqn clearing patrol returning via the one of the MG M60 fighting pits.  
Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968]
FSPB Coral
110
-17. FSPB Coral.  HQ1ATF CP under construction with a 104 Sig Sqn lineman working the communication cables.  His ladder leaning on the tree.   Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968]
FSPB Coral
110-18.  FSPB Coral.  104 Sig Sqn area.  Unknown on the photo right and mustlikely the Radio Bunker.  Radio bunker radio remoted to HQ1ATF CP. 
Photo supplied by George Donohue [1968] 

Click on Photo for large view


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