Deployment Detachments and Troop

Force Signals in direct support of Combat Operations

By Denis Hare OAM BEM
(an old post-Vietnam Radio Relay man)

 

Terms Used
1ALSG = 1^st Australian Logistic Support Group. (HQ1ALSG located Vung Tau).
1ATF = 1^st Australian Task Force.  (HQ1ATF located Nui Dat).
1ATF (Forward) or (Main) = Elements of HQ 1^st Australian Task Force deployed on combat
  operations away from the Nui Dat Base which would then be designated 1ATF (Rear).
1RAR Group = 1^st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and other units, including detachments of
  709 Sig Tp, deployed to Vietnam in 1965.  (Located Long Binh).
AAFV = Australian Army Force Vietnam (HQAAFV located Saigon and replaced by HQAFV).
ACV = Armoured Command Vehicle Type M577.
AFV = Australian Forces Vietnam. (HQAFV located Saigon).
AUSTCAN = Australian Communications Army Network.
COMCEN = Signals Communication Centre at HQ1ATF (Nui Dat), AFV (Saigon)  and 1ALSG (Vung Tau)
CRATT = Covered Radio and Teletype operating from FFR Land-Rover, with a continuous receiver
  watch and the transmitter calibrated and available for use.  Telegraph Equipment maybe located in another facility.  
CES = Complete Equipment Schedule.
CSO = Chief Signal Officer
FFR = Military Land-Rover Fitted for Radio.
FSPB or FSB = Fire Support Patrol Base.  Normally a rapidly constructed fortified artillery base position and
  used as a support base for task force, battalion or company operations.
Force Signals = Australian Signals providing communications to HQ locations in Vietnam and back to
  Australia.  (709 Sig Tp including 527 Sig Tp  then 145 Sig Sqn followed by 110 Sig Sqn).
Forward Operation Signals Group or Fwd Op Sig Gp = Elements of 104 Sig Sqn and other Signal
  detachments deployed in support of HQ1ATF (Forward).
HF = High Frequency (3-30MHz)
Headquarters or HQ = Location from which a commander performs the function of command.
Sqn = Squadron (Company size).
MACV = Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
Radio Relay or RR = Tactical radio system for point-to-point transmission of multichannel communications
  using frequency modulation technique.  (Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 used).
RASigs = Royal Australian Corps of Signals.
RAR = Royal Australian Regiment. The parent administrative regiment for regular infantry battalions of the
  Australian Army.  Nine RAR battalions served in the Vietnam War at differnet times.
SIGCEN = Signals Centre with HQ1ATF (Forward) or 1RAR Group.
Task Force or TF = Combat brigade formation for combat operations.  See 1ATF.
Task Force Signals = Australian Signals providing communications for 1ATF  (103 Sig Sqn then 104 Sig Sqn).
Tp = Troop (Platoon size).
Telegraph or TG = Communications system in which information is transmitted over a wire or radio
  through a series of electrical current pulses, in the form of Baudot code.
TAOR = Tactical Area of Responsibility.
VHF = Very High Frequency (30-300MHz).

Introduction

Force Signals units (709 and 527 Sig Tp’s, then 145 Sig Sqn, replaced by 110 Sig Sqn) during the Vietnam war was a rather unique organisation which expanded in line with the growth of the Australian Force Vietnam (AFV).  It presented a very challenging command and technical problems because of its size and separation of its elements throughout South Vietnam.   Force Signals provided communications to tactical, logistics and command headquarters back to Australia.   The task of deploying and providing rear communications for tactical headquarters (forward) was not fully realised and Signals was not equipped for this task in the early South Vietnam deployment.

709 and 527 Signal Troops (1965-66)

709 Sig Tp reconnaissance party and its Officer Commanding (OC), Captain Twiss arrived in South Vietnam, at Tan Son Nhut airport, Saigon on the 25 May 1965.  The 1^st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) Group started arriving only a few days later.

Twiss immediately contacted the 39^th Signal Battalion, the only US Army Signals Unit in theatre at that time and one with which the Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RASigs) would have a lot of contact in the future.  He also found that Headquarters (HQ), Australian Army Force Vietnam (HQAAFV) was to be located in the Cholon area of Saigon, while the 1RAR Group would be with the US Army 173^rd Airborne Brigade in Bien Hoa about 30 kilometres away. ¹

The Vietnam theatre problem and the technical situation did not seem to be adequately known or even understood in Army Office, Canberra. 709 Sig Tp was virtually operating in a tactical role (all major equipment was still mounted in vehicles), whilst its basic task was to work into a fixed communications network in Australia.

1RAR and its supporting units were one of the battalions of the US Army’s 173^rd Airborne Brigade.   Once setup on the ground it was quickly realised that 1RAR needed a rear command radio link to its US Army Brigade and a command link when the HQ1RAR deployed forward from Bien Hoa.   This was an RASigs responsibility by doctrine but neither 709 Sig Tp nor 1RAR had the equipment or manpower for the tasks.   Also, Army Office had problems understanding the battalion rear link requirements and it took a number of frustrating messages from the overworked war zone before the solution was provided to the deployed force.

Message from Army Office Canberra detailing the solution for 1RAR rear links to the
173^rd Airborne Brigade and HQ1RAR (Forward) and HQ1RAR (Rear) on 6 Sept 1965.  ²

September 1965.  This was just part of the overall problem of equipment issues and manpower shortages facing 709 Sig Tp.  However, an additional Signals Troop, 527 Sig Tp was deployed in September to South Vietnam, via HMAS Sydney.  This increase manpower plus included Radio Sets AN/PRC-25 and AN/PRC-47 which were current US Military equipment but new to the Australian Army, replacing our old British radio sets. 

The AN/PRC-25 was a Very High Frequency (VHF) manpack which was used but also new to 1RAR.   The AN/PRC-47 was a High Frequency (HF) which could be used in a vehicle or manpack role.  This would allow 1RAR to deploy further then 40 kilometres from Bien Hoa.  However normally, the AN/PRC-47 for the two-man backpack role, would have lightweight nickel cadmium batteries but the equipment arrived with lead acid accumulator batteries and petrol engine charging generator.  This was a restriction on the portability for the two-man backpack configuration.

Radio Set AN/PRC-25

Radio Set AN/PRC-47



Radio Set AN/PRC-47 and Accessories Backpacks

October 1965. The first two Deployment Detachments from 709 Sig Tp using AN/PRC-47 deployed with 1RAR (Forward) late October on a Search and Destroy Operation in the Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR) as per Operation Order 13/65.  This was the start of the Force Signals deployments in direct support of our combat operations in South Vietnam. ³

AAFV Communications July 1965 (Ref: Pronto in South Vietnam, Chapter 2)

Normally two AN/PRC-47 Detachment were deployed, one at Bien Hoa with HQ1RAR (Rear) and the other with the HQ1RAR (Forward).  The Battalion rear link worked well because of the equipment and ease of use plus reliability.  

November 1965. After a number of deployments using the AN/PRC-47 in support of HQ1RAR (Forward), in both vehicle and manpack/helicopter roles, 709 Sig Tp reported its performance was favourable and ideally suited for the task. ^{4  5}

709 Sig Tp Deployment Detachment using Landrover FFR on Operations with 1RAR
 (709Sigs 5-11). 

February 1966.  Three AN/PRC-47 Detachments were deployed for Operation Rolling Stone, two supporting 1RAR and the other with 105 Field Battery.   Signals only had three detachments so no reserve was available. ⁶

January 1966.  Army Office Canberra issue orders for the HQ 145 Sig Sqn to be raised, fostered by 2 Sig Regt, and commence moving to South Vietnam by 7 Mar 1966. ⁷    

March 1966. Australian government announced a significant increase in its military contribution to the war in Vietnam with the establishment of a Task Force. The Task Force would include two infantry battalions, an artillery regiment, an armoured squadron, a cavalry squadron, a task force signal squadron and other supporting arms services to replace the 1RAR Group. 

This announcement had major implications for RASigs, as it included a force signal squadron (145 Sig Sqn), in which its HQ was already in South Vietnam planning the communications to support for the arriving 1^st Australian Task Force (1ATF).  In addition, 1ATF included 103 Sig Sqn and other Signals (547 Sig Tp (SIGINT) plus Det 152 Sig Sqn (SAS)).

Also, in March 709 Sig Tp (and 527 Sig Tp) was now under the command HQ 145 Sig Sqn. Three AN/PRC-47 Detachments were deployed for Operation Silver City including one equipped to provide a telegraph circuit.   No reserve equipment was available. ⁸

April 1966.  Two AN/PRC-47 Detachments deployed with 1RAR for Operation Abilene.  

Also, on the 23 April 1966, Signal Operation Order No 1 was issued for Operation Hardihood which was a security operation conducted from 16 May to 8 June 1966 by the US Army 503^rd Infantry Regiment, 1RAR and the 5 RAR in Phuoc Tuy Province, to secure the area around Nui Dat for the establishment of a base area for 1ATF.⁹   

 

145 Signal Squadron (1966-1967)

Australian Army forces in Vietnam started increasing its combat force from April 1966 to the 1^st Australian Task Force (1ATF) of two battalions, with supporting combat units. The Australian Logistic Support Company that had been in theatre since May 1965 was also expanded to a logistic support group, the 1^st Australia Logistic Support Group (1ALSG).  A squadron of RAAF Iroquois helicopters, a flight of Caribou transport aircraft and a squadron of Canberra bombers were added to the Australian forces in theatre. The RAN maintained a destroyer on station off Vietnam.

The Australia National HQ, renamed Australian Forces Vietnam (AFV), remained in Saigon.  1ATF would be established at Nui Dat, some 65 kilometres from Saigon to the east, whilst 1ALSG set up at Vung Tau, also 65 kilometres away from Saigon but to the south east (Vung Tau to Nui Dat was about 25 kilometres).  The RAAF 2 Squadron operating Canberra tactical bombers, occupied a base at Phan Rang, about 275 kilometres north east of Saigon but the other RAAF units were based at Vung Tau.

Additional Signals Troops raised from within 2 Sig Regt (506, 520, 552 and 581) arrived and joined HQ 145 Sig Sqn in April/May 1966 plus 527 and 709 were absorbed into the Squadron.    The OC also did the Chief Signal Officer (CSO) staff role at HQAFV.

145 Sig Sqn was formed on brick troops doctrine as follows:

Sqn HQ an establishment of 16 (Total with Signal Troops 165)
506 Sig Troop (Med RR) with an establishment of 24
520 Sig Troop (Tech Maint) with an establishment of 20
552 Sig Troop (Light SIGCEN) with an establishment of 28
581 Sig Troop (Med SIGCEN) with an establishment of 40
527 and 709 Sig Troop (in-country Signals)

With that expanded Force Signals, the new unit successful provided communications for Operation Hardihood. Their AN/PRC-47 Detachments to worked with 103 Sig Sqn (Task Force Signals) and both 1RAR and 7RAR as they worked with the US Army ‘Sky Soldiers’ to secure the Nui Dat area for the incoming 1ATF.   At the same time 145 Sig Sqn worked on the interconnected/upgrading of communication for all the Australian Forces in South Vietnam.

June 1966.  The Australian SIGCEN and switchboard at Bien Hoa had been closed and the SDS from Saigon to Bien Hoa ceased.   Also, 1ATF units had moved from Vung Tau/Bien Hoa to Nui Dat and had started dominating its TAOR and the task force units were supported in the task by 103 Sig Sqn.

Force Signals opened Telegraph communications over US Army bearer circuits from HQAFV to 1ATF and to 1ALSG, from 1ATF to 1 ALSG and from 1 ALSG to the RAAF Communications Centre at Vung Tau.

US Army bearers also provided two voice channels from HQAFV to HQ1ATF.  A voice channel was established to the 1ALSG switchboard, code named 'EMU' and the 1ATF switchboard 'EBONY'.  These names were unchanged when the switchboards closed more than 6 years later.

July 1966.  145 Sig Sqn deployed its Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 multi-channel equipment (Radio Relay) and started providing telegraph and telephone circuits from 1ATF (Nui Dat), to Vung Tau 1ALSG/RAAF (Vung Tau) and AFV (Saigon).

 
AFV Communications July 1966 (Ref: Pronto in South Vietnam, Chapter 3)

Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 (Centre) with main communication components
Radio Set AN/TRC-24 (Left) and Telephone Carrier Terminal F1830 (Right).
Note:  US Army AN/MRC-69 (V) used the Telephone Terminal AN/TCC-7 not the F1830.

November 1966.   This was first time Force Signals deployed Radio Relay (RR) in support of HQ1ATF (Forward) with 103 Sig Sqn on Operation Hayman on Long Son Island.  All the 145 Sig Sqn Radio Relay Shelters were deployment for the Force Signals network, so the spare equipment was obtained by removing all on-station spares from the normal detachments which had to remain operational during this period.  The after-action communications report stated: “The removal of all on-station spares from Radio Relay Detachments providing the in-theatre system involved an unacceptable risk…”. ¹⁰  

Australian Signals were on a fast-learning curve and just taking the Radio Set AN/TRC-24 plus the Telephone Terminal F1830 (spare Radio, F1830 and other bits) and airlifted by US Army CH-47 Chinook had issues.  In hindsight, dismantling was not a good option, as the AN/MRC-69 shelter was designed to be airlifted with all the bits wired and secured ready to use, with a backup set of equipment in the terminal role.  ¹¹

Dismounted Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 equipment on Operation Hayman, Long Son Island.   Insert: Radio Set AN/TRC-24 (Centre) and Telephone Carrier Terminal F1830 (Right) (145Sigs 9-10 and 12-4).

The tactical AN/MRC-69 shelters would be replaced with commercial equipment in Force Signals network in the following war years for deployment roles forward with the Task Force.

February 1967.   An additional AN/MRC-69 shelter arrived from Australia which would easier allow support for forward deployment of HQ1ATF. ¹²

March 1967.  Three Radio Operators from 145 Sig Sqn were tasked to work with the Liaison Officer for the US Army 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment during Operation Portsea.  Sig Barry ‘Lofty’ Logan was KIA when the US Army Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in which he was travelling stuck a booby trapped 500lb bomb and exploded in Xuyen Loc Province, south west of Saigon on 28 March 1967.   Lofty was the only Force Signals soldier to be KIA and the new area for Force Signals in 1ALSG, Vung Tau was named Logal Hill in Barry’s memory.

 

Logan Hill Flag Pole and Memorial with inserts of plaque and Sig Barry Logan (145 Sig Sqn)  at 110 Sig Sqn area in 1ALSG, Vung Tau.   Photo from 145 Sig Sqn Story 3,
Pronto in South Vietnam website.

April 1967.   The advance party of 110 Sig Sqn arrived to replace 145 Sig Sqn in South Vietnam, with the main body of 110 Sig Sqn arriving on the 29 April.  The was a busy time for RASigs and vulnerable period for the Australia Vietnam Force, as the Task Force Signals 103 Sig Sqn was also being replaced by 104 Sig Sqn.

110 Signal Squadron (1967-1971)

May 1967.  110 Signal Squadron by May had taken over all responsibilities for Force Signals from 145 Sig Sqn.  This was the last occasion that unit relief was conducted by RASigs, because of the risks to a working complicated communication system.  Individual relief was adopted and unit designations did not change.   110 Sig Sqn was based on brick Troops doctrine, as follows: ¹³

Sqn HQ with an establishment of 16 (Total with Signal Troops 210)
503 Sig Tp (Med SIGCEN) with an establishment of 46
532 Sig Tp (Med Radio) with an establishment of 29
557 Sig Tp (Tech Maint) with an establishment of 20
561 Sig Tp (Light Sigcen) with an establishment of 28
704 Sig Tp (Medium Radio Relay) with an establishment of 24
709 Sig Tp (Base Comms Sig) with an establishment of 47

The unit would reorganise functionally a number of times and have a number of establishments increases and decreases.  By October 1970 the manning would be 228 and included a Deployment Troop.

1967 (Year of the Goat)

September/October 1967.  A deployment detachment was constituted from technical maintenance personnel using a reconstituted AN/MRC-69 shelter that had been located on VC Hill, Vung Tau and the spare. ¹⁴   110 Sig Sqn deployed two RR detachments in support of 104 Sig Sqn on Operation Kenmore between HQ1ATF (Forward) and rear at Nui Dat.   The RR shelter for HQ1ATF (Forward) at FSPB Spear was airlifted in by US Army Chinook Helicopter (CH-47).   The debriefing of the RR detachment after Operation Kenmore highlighted a number of lessons for future deployments with Task Force Signals. ¹⁵

Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 Shelter being lifted off its Truck for deployment FSPB Sear, Operation Kenmore  (104Sigs 14-1).

November 1967.  The deployment detachment was disbanded due to lack of equipment’s as the tactical RR equipment mostly removed from the shelters, was installed in the fixed installations for the Force Signals system. ¹⁶ 

However, with a third infantry battalion (3RAR) arriving in December 1967, and a squadron of Centurion tanks plus more Iroquois helicopters in early 1968.  110 Sig Sqn, would present a more challenging command, communication and technical problem for the Force Signals Squadron, because of its size, communication requirements and separate elements throughout theatre plus the national Link to Australia. The rear link requirements of 1ATF would also become a bigger issue, as the Task Force moved out of its TAOR, to the North, adding to the challenges.  Deployment Troop would be born!

1968 (Year of the Monkey)

January 1968.  1ATF deployed for the first time out of its TAOR on Operation Coburg to help bolster the defence of the Long Binh and Bien Hoa American military complex’s north-east of Saigon.  HQ1ATF (Forward) was located at FSPB Andersen and US Army Signals were to provide RR links to Long Binh from HQ ll Field Force, MACV and Nui Dat to HQ1ATF (Rear) but suffered numerous equipment breakdowns and appears to only have inexperienced technicians.  After four days the Task Force Senior Signals Officer, Major Norm Munro, OC 104 Sig Sqn, recommended that an Australian RR (Radio Terminal Set AN/MRC-69) be deployed.  The deployment of 110 Signal Squadron's last RR Shelter resource stretched equipment reserves to breaking point, one fault in any location would have disrupted the whole system.

The AN/MRC-69 arrived under a US Army Chinook.  The starting effect of the downdraft of the twin rotor helicopter as it deployed the shelter to a prepared scrape was a new lesson for all.  It demolished the SIGCEN (moved the SB-86 switchboard three feet and disconnected many lines, upturned a table and smashed a teletypewriter) blew the Task Force RAP tent 40 feet away and left the medical officer sitting bewildered in an open scrape amidst his smashed bottles, and wrecked the 104 Sig Sqn OC's tent.   The Command Post remained intact only because every Soldier/Officer available held down the tent.  The scene afterwards resembled the aftermath of a Tornado and it became very important that the Australian RR provided the service that had been promised by RASigs.   It did! ^{17 18}

Signals Area at FSPB Andersen, Operation Coburg.  Insert:  110 Sig Sqn RR arriving
(104 Sigs Story 9 and 131-13).

In addition, to the RR, Covered Radio and TeleType (CRATT) using HF Radio Set AN/GRC-106 between Long Binh and Nui Dat was also provided by 110 Sig Sqn, which proved to be somewhat of a Signals lifesaver in the early stages of the operation. ¹⁹

CRATT Land-Rover FFR with main communication components as inserts. 
Radio Set AN/GRC-106, Telegraph Terminal TH-5/TG , CryptoTSEC/KW-7 and Teletypewriter TT-4/TG.
Note:  On many deployments,  only the radio would be located in the vehicle and the
T/SEC and TG would be used from a AN/MGC-17 Shelter or other facility.

April 1968.  Three additional RR Shelters arrived from Australia for 110 Sig Sqn to have the equipment needed to provide communications between 1ATF (Forward) and 1ATF (Rear) after the problems from Operation Coburg.  With no time to waste, Force Signals deployment a detachment of 23 man in support of Operation Toan Thang (Complete Victory) on the 24 April.  The detachment to 104 Sig Sqn included RR for Nui Dat, Bearcat and Long Binh.   CRATT detachments for Bearcat and Long Binh plus Switchboard/line detachment to Long Binh. ²⁰ 

104 and 110 Sig Sqn vehicles at the start point Nui Dat for deployment on Operation Toan Thang (104Sigs 59-17).  Note first truck (2 ½ ton) ANMTC-7 and AN/MGC-17 Shelters, second truck (5 Ton) AN/MRC-69 Shelter (April 1968).

May/June 1968.  HQ1ATF (Forward) was established at Bearcat and on the 12 May major elements of 1ATF including the Task Force HQ Advance Party/104 Sig Sqn Step-up were airlifted to establish FSPB Coral.  The enemy mounted battalion-sized assaults on the night of 12/13 May, with a heavy bombardment from 3:30am signalling the start. Exploiting the disorganised defence to penetrate the Australian perimeter, the enemy 141^st NVA Regiment temporarily captured a forward gun position during close-quarters fighting, before being repulsed by superior firepower that morning.  One member of 104 Sig Sqn was WIA.

Map: 110 Sig Sqn and US Army Multichannel RR Communication links in support of
FSPB Coral during Operation Toan Thang (May/June 1968)

The remainder of 104 Sig Sqn including RR and CRATT from 110 Sig Sqn arrived by road convoys on the 13 May to see Australian dead, in body bags, beside the track in to the base.   FSPB Coral would be attacked and heavily rocketed and mortared in the early hours of the 16 May with one member of 104 Sig Sqn, Signalman Alex Young was KIA and two more WIA.  The RR Shelter/truck was protected by a shell scrape and during the 16 May attack shrapnel passed via the shelter door and out the back wall and then the truck rear window plus windscreen.  It also clipped the boot heel of the duty technician working the system.  No equipment was damaged but the detachment commander was sleeping on the truck front seats, and was missed but quickly dig a sleeping bay early in the morning!  However, one of the valuable lessons for Signals was that the RR ‘Pancake’ Antenna was used by the enemy as an aiming point, for rockets and mortars, as the enemy realised that is where the HQ Command, Control and Communications would be located.

110 Sig Sqn RR Antenna the that NVA used to aim their mortars and rockets into the
HQ area  at FSPB Coral (104Sigs 61.6).  Insert:  110 Sig Sqn RR Truck in shell scrape (104Sig 61-9).

The ongoing battle included the establishment also of FSPB Balmoral and deploying the Australian Centurion Tanks for the first time in South Vietnam.  This action would become known as the Battle of Coral Balmoral with 26 Australians KIA and 106 WIA and 100’s of the enemy KIA.

The communications provided by Signals at the Battle of Coral Balmoral were bloody good and never failed our troops fighting for their lives on the wire.

How good?  Well Australian and US Army Signals communication links enabled the USA President, Lyndon Johnson’s, staff to get a telephone update on the Battle from the HQ1ATF (Forward) Duty Officer, at FSPB Coral, just before our Prime Minister, John Gorton walked into the white house office, on a visit to the USA in late May 1968. In true Texan talk, Lyndon shook our PM Hand and stated ‘Hell your boys are kicking butt in Vietnam at Coral …”.

Our Prime Minister was not happy with our military as he had not been briefed with the details. Our tactical military communications in South Vietnam were based on VHF Radio and multichannel RR Telephone System, which also passed secure telegraph. However, our secure communications to South Vietnam from Australia were by Secure HF Radio telegraph, so it was always difficult keeping the PM and our senior military with timely updated!

HQ1ATF (Forward) Log Serial 3438. “The president is on the line” (AWM95-1-4-96).

During the time of the action at FSPB Coral 110 Signal Squadron was also most extended.  It was operating in 9 locations, including several detachments in support of communications for the Battle of Coral Balmoral.  The RR trunk bearer system to HQ 1 ATF (Forward) averaged 97.5%.  Again, a highly creditable performance, but this forward communications task of 110 Signal Squadron represented only a small part of all the facilities it had to continue to provide at the same time.

Mid June 68. 1ATF setup a Tactical HQ at Long Binh in support of 1RAR with the continuation of Operation Toan Thang (now Phase 2).  110 Sig Sqn RR and CRATT Detachments were deployed with elements from 104 Sig Sqn.   This part of the operation for Signals was completed on the 23 July 68. ²¹

110 Sig Sqn Detachments setup on Operation Toan Thang (Phase 2) at the
Tactical HQ at Long Binh (104Sigs 111-7).

Because of the number of other signal detachments (110 Sig Sqn, US Army 53^rd Signal Battalion and 547 Sig Tp) deployed with 104 Sig Sqn in support of HQ1ATF (Forward) the signals elements were designated as the Forward Signals Operation Group (Fwd Sig Op Gp) during this period.

September 1968. The in-country reorganisation chart of 110 Sig Sqn finally details a Deployment Troop. ²²  The Force Signals legend formally was born!

110 Sig Sqn Organisation Chart for 110 Sig Sqn, September 1968.  Ref: AWM95 6/3/16.

November 1968.  Deployment Troop deployed a AN/MRC-69 Detachment on Operation Capital II to FSPB Lion by road in support of HQ1ATF (Forward). ²³  That was the first time HQ1ATF (Forward) CP, 104 Sig Sqn (SIGCEN) and Intelligence Group/547 Sig Tp deployed in Armoured Vehicles.  Also 104 Sig Sqn for the first time deployed a Defence and Deployment (D&E) Section. ²⁴

RR Equipment in shell scape at FSPB Lion with 10KVA Generators (104Sigs 38-9).

December 1968. Deployment Troop deployed a AN/MRC-69 Detachment on Operation Goodwood to FSPB Julia. ²⁵

Also, in December elements of Deployment Troop conducted communication tests between Long Binh, Nui Dat and Vung Tau using RR and CRATT. ²⁵

1969 (Year of the Rooster)

January-April 1969.  Deployment Troop RR Detachment still at FSPB Julia with 104 Sig Sqn and moved on the 17 February directly to support Operation Federal to FSPB Kerry. ²⁶   Also the Forward Task Force Maintenance Area (TFMA) was deployed to Long Binh (Camp Camelot) and the US Army 53^rd Signal Battalion ran 3km of spiral 4 cable from the 110 Sig Sqn RR Detachment deployed as a repeater to the TFMA (Forward).  This provided access into the Force RR System.  ²⁷   In addition, 110 Sig Sqn Deployment Troop also deployed a Telegraph Terminal AN/MSC-29 Shelter for secure telegraph (TG) between 1ALSG and Camp Camelot.  There were problems with the TG circuit and the temperature was recorded at 52^oc in the shelter.  After obtaining an Air Conditioner for use in the shelter, the TG circuit started to performed normally. ²⁶

RR Equipment in shell scape at FSPB Kerry with 10KVA Generators (104Sigs 38-10).
Note:  The sandbags over the shelter exhaust vents to stop light from the shelter.

Noel Benefield posted to 110 Sig Sqn from the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals gives an interesting overview: “By February, I was no longer a part of Operational Troop, changing to the Deployment Troop. On the 17 February 1969, we left Vung Tau for Camp Camelot at Long Binh in support of the 1st Australian Task Force’s two battalion deployment to Bien Hoa by providing a step up COMCEN with links back to Vung Tau and Nui Dat. This was probably the first deployment of a truly ANZAC forward detachment of 110 Sigs, consisting of an Australian Officer, Kiwi Sgt and Cpl, and Australian L/Cpls and Sigs.” ²⁸

Deployment Troop remained at FSPB Kerry with HQ1ATF (Forward) until 3 April 69 and deployed to FSPB Jillian in support of Operation Overlander and then onto FSPB Martine.  Operation concluded on the 16 April 69. ^{29 30}

Forward Sig Op Gp in the dust at FSPB Martine (104Sigs 69-15).

110 Sig Sqn April Monthly Report detail that the Squadron finds great difficulty in operating efficiently with the current establishment because of the long deployments of the Task Force and supporting elements creates problems in maintenance and operation of equipment with the current tactics in use by 1ATF. ²⁹   Comment: The establishment had no Deployment Troop and Technicians operating the equipment, some were from the Technical Maintenance Troop establishment.

May 1969.  Deployment Troop redeploy RR and CRATT Detachment with back to Long Binh for the TFMA (Forward) in support of a small 1ATF Tactical HQ on Operation Roadside. ³¹

RR Detachment on Operation Roadside at Long Binh using Shelter AC Units to keep
 the equipment cool (110Sigs 9-9).  Insert: Rear Truck view showing the Antenna and
US Army Chinook in the back ground.  Note:  RR Shelter AC Unit being tested on Operation Roadside loaned from US Army source but never purchased.

July 1969.  Deployment Troop did exercise training in an operational type deployment using both RR and CRATT setting up communications to link Long Binh (Plantation), Long Binh (U.S. Army Strategic Communication Command), Nui Dat (1ATF) and Vung Tau (1ALSG).   This tested equipment’s and gave the members of Deployment Troop valuable training away from operational systems. ³²

September 1969. An RR Link was established between Nui Dat and the Horseshoe to provide telephone communications between 1ATF and 1ATF elements training members of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).  Circuits included exclusives from Ebony (1ATF) and Erudite CPs (6RAR/NZ) to Horseshoe CP (Det V Coy, 6RAR/NZ) and common user channels between switchboards.  These services were provided on the basis of immediate withdrawal should other 1ATF or 1ALSG commitments arise. ³³   The deployment of the RR to the Horseshoe by 110 Sig Sqn lasted 18 months!   104 Sig Sqn Command Net Radio Detachment at Horseshoe supporting Infantry Company. ³⁴

FSPB Horseshoe was setup on an extinct volcano with its crescent-shape remaining
walls (giving its Horseshoe shape) rising 30m above the surrounding plains (104Sigs 97-12).  Insert:  Bunkers on the Horseshoe feature.

Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 Shelter removed from the Truck and being position
 at the Horseshoe (110Sigs 139-20).

December 1969. HQ1ATF (Forward) deploy on to FSPB Barbara (approximately 2km North of Binh Ba rubber plantation) as a shakedown exercise for HQ staff and FSPB elements.  Full radio, line, switchboard and SIGCEN were provided by 104 Sig Sqn (normal) and Deployment Troop provided a RR link back to HQ1ATF (Rear) at Nui Dat.  ^{35 36}

1970 (Year of the Dog)

January-February 1970.  RR Detachment at Horseshoe providing voice circuits to 1ATF.   On the 4 Jan the Horseshoe received 12 x 82mm of incoming enemy mortar rounds.  No member of the detachment was wounded nor any communication equipment damaged but the shelter suffered superficial damage of approximately 20 small shrapnel perforations. ³⁶

Rex Fisher recalls: "I settled in for a comfy, quiet night in the un-sandbagged tent as it was Tony Neilson’s turn to sleep in the shelter.  I later woke to two nearby explosions.  No that’s just our mortars firing again, I’m not falling for another false alarm.  I reassured myself and headed back to slumberland.  BOOM, BOOM a hail of shrapnel and debris hit the unprotected tent, shit this is real.  I dived onto the duckboard floor of the tent, stark naked, scrambling to get pants and boots.  BOOM, BOOM, BOOM it continued, a constant hailstorm smashing into the tent….  Strangely, immersed in that sanctuary of hope, I no longer worried about myself, as that terrifying hail of hell continued, I only thought about others.  Will Mum and Dad get the telegram they have dreaded.  Is Tony OK.  Are the other guys here OK”.

Tony Neilson manning the AN/MRC-69 Shelter at the Horseshoe
(Photo from 110 Sig Sqn Story 12, Chapter 13 by Rex Fisher).

Deployment Troop remains on high state of readiness with a ten-day exercise held in February.  Deployment Troop equipment 6 x Radio Terminal AN/MRC-69 shelters, 1 x Telegraph Terminal AN/MRC-17 shelter and equipment installed in  Pantechnicon (Pantech) Truck.  Also, Troop was providing assist to SAS Sqn with radio repairs.  Troop located at Nui Dat with 104 Sig Sqn.  ³⁷

April 1970. RR Detachment deployed on Operation Concrete to FSPB Bond for HQ1ATF (Forward) trunk link back to Nui Dat.   Members located a VC bunker and fortunately the bunker was not occupied or booby trapped.  RR Detachment at Horseshoe with Company from 7RAR replacing the 6RAR Company. ³⁸

Deployment Troop at FSPB Bond with the RR Shelter on the left in the
vehicle shell scape (110Sigs 1-4).

June 1970.  RR detachment members at the Horseshoe enhanced their claim as being the Force Signals combat element by alerting 7RAR to a Vietnamese picnic party who were interspersing their activities with mine laying on the Nui Dat to Dat Do road near the Horseshoe (LTL23). ³⁹

August 1970.  RR detachment remains at the Horseshoe in support 7RAR.  Another RR detachment deployed with HQ1ATF (Forward) on Operation Quick Train to FSPB Le Loi II as a HQ deployment exercise 16-21 August. ⁴⁰

October 1970.  RR detachment still in support of 7RAR at the Horseshoe and 10KVA generators have caused outages in the last few months.  The detachment has been busy during the month; Built a new generator shed and fuel bay, erected a more substantial pole crossing for a 26 pair cable to HQ7RAR, raised the AN/TRC-24 antenna assembly from near ground level onto decco steel mast sections and commenced to rebuild equipment and personnel accommodation. ⁴¹   Included in the October 70 monthly report was an outline organisation of 110 Sig Sqn which details Deployment Troop as follows:

       Officer Commanding Lt (Deployment Troop 1+28)
        Technicians
        Technical Electronic                Sgt (1)
        Technical Electronic                Cpl (5)
        Technical Electronic                Sig (11)
        Technical Telegraph                Sig (1)
        Operators
        Operator Keyboard and Radio           Sgt (1)
        Operator Keyboard and Radio           Cpl (1)
        Operator Keyboard and Cipher          Cpl (1)
        Operator Keyboard and Radio           Sig (5)
        Operator Switchboard                        Sig (2)

Click Outline organisation of 110 Sig Sqn (Oct 70) ⁴¹

November 1970.   Horseshoe RR detachment relocated AN/MRC-69 shelter and completed a sturdy hut for detachment accommodation.  Also, Deployment Troop 10KVA generator situation improved out of the Troop’s 19 only 3 remain in the workshops. ⁴²

December 1970.  RR Detachment remain at the Horseshoe and had the lowest ever system outage times on the link to Nui Dat.   Total outage time was 1 hour 6 minutes (availability   99.85%) which included a 15-minute outage to remove a large rat who was electrified in one of the power supply units.  The December monthly report also detailed 110 Sig Sqn had setup a HF link from Dong Tam in the Delta, to HQAFV in Saigon using Rado Sets AN/PRC-47 and AN/GRC-106.  This link provided communications between the RAN Helicopter Assault Company and Naval Staff Officers to supplement extremely poor US Army Signals trunk telephone connections and would now remain as a permanent commitment.   In addition to National rear link to Australian and in-country RR and Telegraph circuits/links, 110 Sig Sqn also maintained other ongoing radio activities during the month, as follows: ⁴³

        2 Sqn RAAF Phan Rang
          HF RATT back-up circuit tested weekly on voice and CW.
        AFV Emergency Frequency
          Listening watch maintained.
        Vung Tau–Saigon–Nui Dat.
          Radio set AN/GRC-106 backup communications tested weekly.
        Shipping
          Schedules with HMAS Jeparit and AV Harry Chauvel.
        Radio Australia
          Monitoring Australian News for troops.
        Security Monitoring
          1ALSG and 1ATF units
        1ALSG Defence Net and HQAFV Defence Net (Ribbon Atlas)
            Listening watch maintained

1971 (Year of the Pig)

January 1971.  RR Detachment remains at the Horseshoe.   The Nui Dat end of the Horseshoe link AN/MRC-69 shelter equipment, was replaced with a new shelter, in a new location on Nui Dat Hill.  This removed the equipment away from the noisy generator shed and allow the old shelter to be thoroughly cleaned and refurbished. ⁴⁴

AFV Communications January 1971 (Ref: Pronto in South Vietnam, Chapter 9)

February 1971.  RR Detachment remain at the Horseshoe but had a number of problems with equipment during the month resulting a bad system availability on the link to Nui Dat.  Also, Deployment Troop started a most ambitious exercise for troop equipment and personnel. ⁴⁵

Nui Dat Hill communication equipment and antenna’s 1971
(104Sigs101-15).

March 1971.  RR Detachment remain at the Horseshoe and the OC, 110 Sig Sqn detailed in the monthly report that it was now a model detachment with semi-permanent accommodation for generators and personnel.   Small outage removing another electrocuted rat from power supply unit.  Also, Deployment Troop complete the exercise started in late February with a very successful four-week deployment of RR detachments at Long Binh, VC Hill (Vung Tau), The Horseshoe, Nui Dat, Saigon and Vung Tau plus HF communications to HF House, 110 Sig Sqn, 1ALSG, Vung Tau. ⁴⁶

April 1971.  RR Detachment at Horseshoe got another dead rat.  The future of the Horseshoe detachment is now in doubt and most likely return to Nui Dat in May. ⁴⁷

May 1971.  After almost 18 months deployed at the Horseshoe, the RR Detachment was withdrawn on the 27 May 71.   Deployment Troop preparing for one final HQ1ATF (Forward) deployment and reviewing how it could be used during the withdrawal of Australian Forces from South Vietnam. ⁴⁸

June/July 1971.   RR Detachment deploy its equipment by air on Operation Overlord to Courtenay Hill in support of HQ1ATF (Forward).   History would record that Operation Overlord would be the final 1ATF Operation of the Vietnam War.  Also, during the month most of Deployment Troop equipment including the Telegraph Terminal AN/MGC-17 Shelter and the Pantech COMCEN (Local patten) had been maintenance to ensure equipment ready for tasks during the rumoured withdrawal from Nui Dat. ⁴⁹   July saw Deployment Troop exercising its equipment by operating links between Saigon, Nui Dat, and Vung Tau. ⁵⁰

US Army Chinook lifting the AN/MRC-69 and AN/MGC-17 Shelters to Courtenay Hill
(104Sigs 101-2).

HQ1ATF (Forward) with the Fwd Sig Op Gp on Courtenay Hill, Operation Overlord
(104Sigs 101-7)

August 1971. On 18 August 1971 the Prime Minister announced that the force would be withdrawn.  Generally, the resulting Operation Interfuse required to have the combat elements home by Christmas and as much of the logistic element as was prudent.   The plan was to maintain the existing communications system as long as necessary and to deactivate it piece by piece as the requirement ceased.   Deployment Troop deployed an AN/MRC-69 and ANMRC-17 shelters outside the 104 Sig Sqn COMCEN and established plus tested circuits to Vung Tau.  This would allow telephone trunks and a single protected 50 baud telegraph circuit in the final stages the complete withdrawal of 104 Sig Sqn.  Also 3 x AN/MRC-69 shelters were prepared for early return to Australian via ship. ⁵¹

110 Sig Sqn Deployment Tp AN/MRC-69 Shelter near the 1ATF COMCEN (own and operated by 104 Sig Sqn) in Oct 1971 (110Sigs 76-10)

September 1971.  Operation South Ward was in full swing with RASigs scaling down tactical communications and planning to cease operations by mid-October at Nui Dat.   The AN/MRC-69 shelter took over the trunk circuits and the AN/MRC-17 was replaced with the Pantech COMCEN (local patten) ready for turning off the 104 Sig Sqn COMCEN.  The RR Detachment on Nui Dat Hill closed and the site dismantled.  ⁵²    This was possible because of the decision to deploy 104 Sig Sqn ACV SIGCEN (Callsign 85C) to support 4RAR, who would cover the 1ATF withdrawn and be the last to leave Nui Dat. ⁵³

110 Sig Sqn temporary CONCEN in the Pantech at Nui Dat beside the 1ATF COMCEN
own and operated by 104 Sig Sqn in Oct 1971 (110Sigs 13-2).

104 Sig Sqn was withdrawing with the assistance of 110 Sig Sqn; this was not without problems, as many of the assets were fixed and had to be progressively replaced by mobile assets starting some 6 weeks prior to the final evacuation of Nui Dat.  For example, 110 Sig Sqn removed the Siemens bearers, replacing them with a AN/MRC-69 shelter to maintain communications from Nui Dat.

Ken Gregson remembers stripping out the Siemens bearers and recalls; “I blew the shit out of a pair of heavy cutters as we were stripping the place out.  Yes, all power was off; well, it was after the cutters were sacrificed!” 

October 1971.  The 110 Sig Sqn detachment was under the command of 104 Sig Sqn providing also a temporary COMCEN at Nui Dat, in the Deployment Troop Pantech Truck, beside the 1ATF COMCEN which became operational on the 1 October 1971.   The AN/MRC-69 system reduced from 19 to 14 channels on the 11 October and them 5 channels 0600H on the 16 October.  The 110 Sig Sqn detachment maintained the communications until the last moment, closing down the COMCEN at 1200H and the Radio Relay at 1205H for the return to Vung Tau in the last 1ATF convoy on the 16 October at 1230H.   Also, 1ALSG Emu became the 1ATF telephone switchboard and 1ATF took over command of the Vung Tau base on the 16 October including 110 Sig Sqn. ⁵⁴  110 Sig Sqn was also included in the 1ATF patrol program.

November 1971.  Deployment Troop now unemployed for tasks with 1ATF spent the month bringing all its equipment up to its complete equipment schedule (CES) and preparing it for return to Australia.  A small reserve capability for deployment in an emergency was also maintained until the 10 December. ⁵⁵  

104 Sig Sqn main body boarded HMAS Sydney on 6 November and set sail to Australia and the unit’s new home with 1 Sig Regt at Ingleburn.

On 7 November,  4RAR troops in APC's  and the 104 Sig Sqn ACV (Callsign 85C) arrived at Vung Tau, the last Austrailans to leaving Nui Dat.

December to February 1972.  From December, Task Force Signals (104 Sig Sqn, 547 Sig Tp and Det 152 Sig Sqn) had completely returned to Australia and Force Signals (110 Sig Sqn) was very busy with maintaining communications for the Australian Military still in South Vietnam including the National Rear HF Link.  Deinstallations, testing, reporting, packing and movement of stores and the return to Australia of personnel, all proceeding simultaneously at a hectic pace with help from 127 Sig Sqn members sent from Australia to assist and the US Military. 

On the 22 February 72 all functions were handed over to a small RASigs Detachment that would remain in South Vietnam with the Australia Army Assistance Group Vietnam (AAAGV) until December 72.  The rear link to Australia was using US Army RR, submarine cable to the Philippines and then to Singapore (9 ANZUK Sig Regt).  From Signapore via AUSTCAN HF to HMAS Harman, Canberra.

Conclusion

After six years the communication system in South Vietnam was a complicated and piecemeal development, supporting the Australian Military, HQ staff, Army combat and support unit including the Australian Navy plus RAAF, all from a number of different locations in South Vietnam.   Communications were essentially based on radio relay between Saigon, Vung Tau, Nui Dat and either wire or radio links to other area, managed exclusively by RASigs.  Also, the National HF link back to Australia and was integrated with theatre and worldwide systems provided by the US Army 1^st Signal Brigade and the US Defence Communications Agency (DVA). ⁵⁶  

Deployment Detachments with the 1RAR Group in 1965/66 plus 1ATF and later Deployment Troop were an essential element, from Force Signals, working the rear communications for combat operations.

RASigs painting 'Signals in Vietnam' highlighting a deployment to a FSPB with the
ACV SIGCEN (Callsign 85C), AN/MRC-69 and many hard working Signalman from Force and Task Force Signals.   (Ref: Pronto in South Vietnam, Attachment A).

When future generations look back at the Australia Military communications used in the Vietnam War, they will marvel at the Telegraph/Radio/Telephone network provided by the Royal Australian Corps of Signals!

Note: 

Photos used are from RASigs Vietnam Veterans, which are displayed on either the 104 Sig Sqn or Pronto in South Vietnam websites, referenced by unit/album number.  See www.au104.org or www.au104.com   Also photo of the author in the story title is post Vietnam and he is operating RR equipment (AN/MRC-127) that replaced the Vietnam era equipment (AN/MRC-69).

References:
1                 HQ Australian Army Force Vietnam (HQ AAFV) from May 1966 became known as Headquarters
                     Australian Force Vietnam (HQ AFV) with Major General Kenneth Mackay appointed as its first
                     commander     (COMAFV).
2                 War Diary, 709 Sig Tp, 1-31 Aug 65, AWM95 6/5/3, Page 34.
3                 War Diary, 527 and 709 Sig Tp, 1-31 Oct 65, AWM95 6/5/5, Pages 6 and 9.
4                 War Diary, 527 and 709 Sig Tp, 1-30 Nov 65, AWM95 6/5/6, Page 48.
5                 War Diary, 527 and 709 Sig Tp, 1-30 Nov 65, AWM95 6/5/6, Page 108, Para 1E.
6                 War Diary, 527 and 709 Sig Tp, 1-28 Feb 66, AWM95 6/5/9, Page 35.
7                 War Diary, 145 Sig Sqn, 27 Jan 1966, AWM95 6/4/1, Page 2.
8                 War Diary, 145 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Mar 66, AWM95 6/4/2, Pages 5, 44 and 58.
9                 War Diary, 145 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Apr 66, AWM95 6/4/3, Page 7 and Op Hardihood from Pages 11 to 14.
10               War Dairy, 145 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Nov 66, AWM95 6/4/10, Pages 5 and 18.
11               Pronto in South Vietnam website, 145 Sig Sqn Story 2, 506 Sig Tp (Radio Relay).
12               War Dairy, 145 Sig Sqn, 1-28 Feb 67, AWM95 6/4/13, Pages 5 and 6.
13                War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 May 67, AWM95 6/3/1, Page 21.
14               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Aug 67, AWM95 6/3/4, Page 29.
15               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Oct 67, AWM95 6/3/6, Pages 35 to 37.
16               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Nov 67, AWM95 6/3/7, Page 28.
17               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Jan 68, AWM95 6/3/9, Page 6, Paragraph 7.
18               104 Sig Sqn website, Story 9, Air Deployment of RR Operation Coburg (FSPB Anderson).
19               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Jan 68, AWM95 6/3/9, Pages 12 and 13.
20               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Apr 68, AWM95 6/3/12, Pages 8 and 9.
21               War Dairy, 104 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Jun 69, AWM 6/2/15, Pages 14 to 23 (Sig Instr 7/68 and 8/68).
22               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Aug 68, AWM95 6/3/16, Pages 8 and 13.
23               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Oct 68, AWM95 6/3/18, Page 6.
24               104 Sig Sqn website, Story 74, Operation Capital I & II (FSPB Lion).
25               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Dec 68, AWM95 6/3/20, Page 10.
26               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-28 Feb 69, AWM95 6/3/22, Page 7.
27               War Dairy, 104 Sig Sqn, 1-28 Feb 69, AWM95 6/2/23, Page 7.
28               VietnamWar.govt.nz website, A Pogo in Vietnam, Part 1 by Cpl Noel Benefield.
29               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Apr 69, AWM95 6/3/24, Pages 7, Paragraph 11 (Establishment) and 9.
30               War Dairy, 104 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Apr 69, AWM95 6/2/25, Page 8.
31               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 May 69, AWM95 6/3/26, Pages 5 and 20 to 26 (Sig Op 1/69).
32               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 9-30 Jul 69, AWM95 6/3/27, Pages 17 to 24 (Sig Op 2/69) .
33               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1 Sep – 16 Oct 69, AWM95 6/3/29, Page 10.
34               Radio Detachment first deployed by 103 Sig Sqn in late 1966 and by 104 Sig Sqn until Nov 1971.
35               War Dairy, 104 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Dec 69, AWM95 6/2/33, Page 8.
36               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 6 Dec-19 Jan 70, AWM95 6/3/31, Pages 5, 7 and 41 to 46 (Sig Op 6/69).
37               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 19 Jan-28 Feb 70, AWM95 6/3/32, Pages 6, 13 and 23.
38               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Apr 70, AWM95 6/3/34, Pages 12, -13 and 25 to 31 (Sig Op 3/70).
39               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1 Jun – 8 Jul 70, AWM95 6/3/36,. Page 9.
40               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Aug 70, AWM95 6/3/38, Pages 18 and 32 to 37 (Sig Op 4/70).
41               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Oct 70, AWM95 6/3/40, Pages 15, 16 and 28.
42               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Nov 70, AWM95 6/3/41, Page 17.
43               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Dec 70, AWM95 6/3/42, Pages 12, 13 and 16.
44               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Jan 71, AWM95 6/3/43, Pages 17 and 18.
45               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-28 Feb 71, AWM95 6/3/44, Pages 16 to 18.
46               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Mar 71, AWM95 6/3/45, Pages 30 and 31.
47               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Apr 71, AWM95 6/3/46, Page 18.
48               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 May 71, AWM95 6/3/47, Pages 10, 11 and 20.
49               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Jun 71, AWM95 6/3/48, Page 21.
50               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Jul 71, AWM95 6/3/49. Page 21.
51               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Aug 71, AWM95 6/3/50, Page 26.
52               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Sep 71, AWM95 6/3/51, Page 27.
53               War Dairy, 104 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Oct 71, AWM 6/2/54, Page 6.
54               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-31 Oct 71, AWM95 6/3/52, Pages 22 and 23.
55               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1-30 Nov 71, AWM95 6/3/53, Page 25
56               War Dairy, 110 Sig Sqn, 1 Feb – 7 Mar 72, AWM95 6/3/56, Pages 13 to 17
                     (Report on Interfuse Communications)

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