With the Australians unable to concentrate sufficient combat power to achieve a decisive result, the bulk of the VC/PAVN force successfully withdrew intact, although they probably sustained heavy casualties in the process.

As a consequence of the overall allied strategy of Vietnamization and with the Australian government keen to reduce its own commitment to the war, 8 RAR was not replaced at the end of its tour of duty in December 1970.

[2] Accordingly, the Australians shifted focus, turning their attention to denying the VC the chance to resupply by close ambushing around villages and towns, such as Dat Do and Hoa Long.

Although not always successful, such operations yielded significant results and by the end of 1970 the Army of the Republic of Vietnam was increasingly responsible for the security of major population centres.

[3] However, in May 1971, following a request from Brigadier Bruce McDonald—the task force commander—the Australian AO was extended a further 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north across the border into Long Khanh Province.

Several reconnaissance patrols from the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) were subsequently inserted in the vicinity of the Courtenay rubber plantation, and later on the other side of Route 2.

[4] Intelligence reports in June, in conjunction with the invaluable information gathered by the SASR, located the VC D445 Battalion and the PAVN 3/33 Regiment east of Route 2 along the border between Phuoc Tuy and Long Khanh in an area 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of the Australian base at Nui Dat.

[3] The terrain in the new AO was thickly wooded with some areas of secondary growth beneath the 30-metre (98 ft) high canopy, as well as numerous water courses, spurs and re-entrants.

[10] Signs of a strong PAVN/VC presence were detected almost as soon as 3 RAR began its sweep, while the blocking elements also had a number of sightings and a few contacts with small parties moving north.

[12] Late on the afternoon of June 6th, 5 Platoon, B Company, located what was thought to be the main PAVN/VC position, however with nightfall approaching, it was decided not to press the attack that night.

Two troops of Centurions spearheaded the assault through the jungle from the north, and they soon began receiving heavy small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, one of which subsequently caused external damage.

[17] Despite significantly underestimating the size of the position they faced, the Australians had succeeded in pushing the D445 Battalion and the 3/33 Regiment out of a valuable base area intended for long-term use.

Seven Australians were killed and three wounded from the HQ 1 ATF Defence and Employment Platoon in this subsequent action, with the bulk of the casualties occurring when an RPG-7 exploded on a box of M18A1 Claymores sitting atop an M113 armoured personnel carrier, igniting them.

[18][19] Operations in Long Khanh continued however, and the Australians established a number of ambushes on possible withdrawal routes, although little contact subsequently occurred.