The Australian patrol triggered the device and the resulting explosion killed three men in one of the tanks and wounded eight infantrymen following behind.

Australian patrols sent out specifically to find the Viet Cong had not encountered the force.

The Australian patrol occupied its intended ambush position early the next morning and proceeded to wait.

Some of the more remote communities had not seen an Australian patrol for almost two years.

At around 7:00 am, an Australian patrol scouted the ridge and an hour later a platoon attack was put in, confirming that the defenders had gone.

British officials in Afghanistan said today's operation was purely in response to the attack on the Australian patrol.

During the subsequent firefight, the insurgents suffered injuries and casualties, however no damage was inflicted on the Australian patrol.

Natives also stalked Australian patrols and then stood up, giving the Japanese mortars the range and location of ambushes.

As darkness fell, the Australian patrol withdrew from the village.

These positions disclosed themselves by firing at Australian patrols, which now went out nightly, mapping the antitank ditch and the barbed wire obstacles.