VIETNAM VETERANS DAY – 18th August
This year, the national commemoration to mark Vietnam Veterans Day will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery was the first New Zealand combat unit to go to Vietnam in July 1965. It was based at Bien Hoa airbase with the US 173rd Airborne Brigade until June 1966.
161 Battery moved under 1ATF control in June 1966. The 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) was based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy province.
In August 1966, 161 Battery, participated in the Battle of Long Tan.
Between May and June 1968 New Zealand, Australian and United States forces were involved in a series of actions at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, around 20 kilometres north of Bien Hoa city. Based at Coral and nearby Coogee, 161 Battery helped fight off several strong attacks from North Vietnamese forces in this area.
In May 1971, 161 Battery RNZA was withdrawn from Vietnam.
The battery was involved in 17 major operations during their time in Vietnam. It was the longest serving Allied unit in South Vietnam after the 173rd Airborne Brigade, having been continuously deployed for six years, ten months and 21 days.
Approximately 750 members of the 161st Battery served in Vietnam with a loss of 5 killed and 22 wounded.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.6% 1st December
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16.7% A week before Christmas
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32.4% Whenever you wish
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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What gets wet while drying?
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