Through Enemy Eyes - V.V.A.A.
Review
This book review was published in the December
2005
issue of "FSB-Vic", the Victoria Branch of the Vietnam Veterans
Association of Australia (V.V.A.A), on page 12.
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Through Enemy Eyes - V.V.A.A.
Review
This book review was published in the December
2005
issue of "FSB-Vic", the Victoria Branch of the Vietnam Veterans
Association of Australia (V.V.A.A), on page 12.
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When I finished this Book the first thought that came to mind was "It should have been written 35 years ago". I say this because for 35 years plus we have been fed the line that Long Tan was an ambush planned by the VC. This book is one of the kind that you automatically give the "MUST READ" label to. Any serious scholar or researcher should read and understand this publication. Having said that, it is a very good "read" for anybody. Come along with the NVA as they see their dream of totally destroying the Mercenaries' Base at Nui Dat, which they held in their hands, slowly turn to dust and slip through their fingers. Learn and understand the working of the political system within their army. Listen as the enemy throws all available troops at a small group of Aussies and a ring of steel splinters that they MUST destroy to complete their plan. Be
amazed at how ill prepared the Aussie base at Nui Dat was to thwart a
full fledged attack on itself. The work load forced upon the young
Diggers. Be angry that Brigadier Jackson was sworn to secrecy about
some of the intimate knowledge he was receiving and could not pass it on
to his commanders. |
Then, as I did, feel the shiver run down your spine as you realize just how close the Australians came to a total disaster. Lastly let us remember the frightful carnage on both sides and the bravery of all the troops involved. I look forward to the discussion this work will create. This is Dave's first book and from the effort gone into it, I certainly hope it is not the last. An excellent piece of research and a damn good read. Here I would like to make a suggestion to readers who may not have an intimate knowledge of the Battle. I suggest that you study the maps and diagrams in the book, and keep referring to them. This will help you immensely in following the events. Although this book is called a work of "faction" - a work based on fact, but aided by "fiction" - I think you'll agree the research done has been done extremely well and it is frighteningly close to the truth.
Through Enemy Eyes By Dave Sabben |