The Odd Angry Shot

[Tony Smith]

Always refer to him as a "wanking arse". Ass is just too American.

The Australians certainly did serve in Vietnam, as too did the New Zealanders as part of the 1 Australian Task Force. Canadians may not also realise that our Centurions fought in Vietnam, with many field modifications finding their way "through the system" to be applied to British and Canadian tanks.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be much interest in Vietnam period vehicles here being presented in displays in relation to their Vietnam service. Many people own ex-Army Series IIa Land Rovers and International Accos (there's even a few privately owned M113's or derivatives about), but they mostly seem to be presented in their Post Vietnam configurations and markings. There are a couple getting about, though, that look like they just off the "Vung Tau Ferry".

As New Zealand soldiers served as part of the Australian Task Force, much of the Logistics was handled by the Australians with the result that New Zealand doesn't have the same numbers of Vietnam period vehicles getting around. This has led to a curious Trans-Tasman demand in Accos and Landies to trade for WW2 CMP's like Portees and such:idea: .

Regarding the 7.62mm SLR's, Australia retained them as the standard service rifle until 1988 because of their solid dependable reputation (made in Lithgow ). The 5.56mm M16's also been in service since Vietnam, but were not widely issued. They were replaced by the Licenced built copy of the 5.56mm Steyr AUG called the F88 Austeyr (also made in Lithgow )