Description
Description: Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) 4th Contingent – Deployment Patch.
Condition: Very Good
Comments: Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) 4th Contingent – Deployment Patch. This is a modern reproduction and an excellent gap filler.
The Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) was specially formed for service in support of allied forces during the Vietnam War.
The first group of RANHFV ’70, the last contingent, arrived ‘in country’ on 10 September 1970, and the second group on 8 October. Lieutenant Commander WP James relieved Lieutenant Commander Farthing at Dong Tam on 17 September. Lieutenant J Buchanan was the senior pilot and second-in-charge of the RANHFV.
Soon after RANHFV ’70 relieved RANHFV ’69, the extent of EMU operations in Military Region 4 broadened. While the company continued to support the 7th ARVN Division in Kien Hoa Province, it began to fly increasingly for the 21st ARVN Division based at Vi Thanh in Chuong Tien province. It also began flying in support of the 9th ARVN Division based at Sa Dec some forty miles west of Dong Tam. Operations with the 21st ARVN in particular, imposed long flying hours to and from Dong Tam.
The heavy rains of the summer monsoon and the flooded Delta kept enemy activity low in Military Region 4 in October and interfered with the EMUs flying, but did not stop enemy mortar attacks.
The Dong Tam base was the target of several mortar attacks during October and November with most rounds being directed at the US Navy compound about one mile south of the 135th headquarters. On 27 October, five 85mm rounds landed close to the EMU officer’s quarters showering the building with dirt, while five EMU personnel were injured on 3 November when several 82mm rounds exploded near the company’s accommodation blocks.
Sold as a reproduction patch.
