As the years pass, and our veterans get older, there are fewer opportunities to hear their stories first hand. In this episode of Cove Thoughts, produced especially to commemorate this year's Vietnam Veterans' Day, we talk to David Sabben about his experiences as a platoon commander at the Battle of Long Tan.
54 years on, and the lessons of realistic training, flexibility and self discipline still stand true today. As such, we commend David's interview to all members of the profession of arms, regardless of their rank, trade or Corps.
If listening to David's story in this Cove Thoughts podcast has inspired you to learn more about the Battle of Long Tan, this official Long Tan website centralises a vast amount of information and links to other useful resources such as the 60 minutes episode as well a separate documentary on the battle.
You may also be aware of the movie Danger Close, filmed in country Queensland and released in 2019. It is great depiction of this epic battle and highlights the complexities at all levels of command. This short YouTube clip contains interviews with three Long Tan veterans: Major Harry Smith (Officer Commanding Delta Company, 6 RAR), Sergeant Bob Buick (Platoon Sergeant, 11 Platoon) and Flight Lieutenant Bob Grandin (a RAAF helicopter co-pilot). It's a great snapshot of their thoughts on the Battle of Long Tan and their impression of the movie.
Thank you for sharing your story and lessons into a battle that helped define the Australian Army for many years.
I found your thoughts into training and leadership both insightful and familiar.
Well done to the team at the Cove for capturing and sharing such a personal story.
Thankyou David.