Question 1

Why did Major Smith want to transfer to a commando unit?

Accepted Answer

Major Smith felt that being a professional soldier managing conscripts was a misuse of his abilities and potential. He believed his skills were being underutilized commanding inexperienced troops and wanted to pursue a more challenging role with a commando unit. However, Brigadier Jackson refused his request, ordering him to comply with Lieutenant Colonel Townsend's directives instead.

Earlier scenes establish Harry as a highly capable, professional soldier who pushes his men hard, hinting at his ambition for more demanding assignments.

major harry smithcommando unittransfer requestaustralian army

Question 2

Why was Major Smith's offer to investigate the rubber plantation rejected?

Accepted Answer

After the mortar attack, Major Smith proposed that Delta Company investigate the nearby rubber tree plantation where the enemy mortar crews likely operated. However, Lieutenant Colonel Townsend refused and instead assigned Bravo Company to determine the mortar firing positions and the enemy's retreat path. The reason for this specific decision isn't fully explained, but it results in Delta Company being sent on a different mission the following day.

This refusal sets up the later sequence where Delta Company must relieve Bravo Company, leading them directly into the escalating conflict.

rubber plantationmajor smithlieutenant colonel townsendmission assignment

Question 3

Why did Major Smith agree to call artillery fire on his own position?

Accepted Answer

Major Smith agreed to authorize artillery fire directly on 11 Platoon's position because they were isolated, running out of ammunition, and facing overwhelming enemy forces that were about to overrun them. Sergeant Bob Buick suggested this desperate measure as the only option to survive. Harry reluctantly agreed, fully aware it could result in additional casualties, but it was the only way to break the enemy's advance and save the remaining soldiers.

Earlier tensions between Harry and his men about his decisions foreshadow this controversial choice, as Harry faces backlash for risking his own troops.

artillery firemajor smith11 platoonbob buickdesperate measures

Question 4

Why was Brigadier Jackson hesitant to send reinforcements?

Accepted Answer

Brigadier Jackson was indecisive about committing reinforcements because he was concerned about the vulnerability of the remaining forces at Nui Dat base. There were reports of another enemy battalion approaching from a different direction, which made him cautious about depleting the base's defenses. His hesitation nearly cost 11 Platoon dearly, as Major Smith had to take extreme measures to save his isolated men.

Jackson's cautious nature is established early when he neglects his responsibilities during the mortar attack, playing cards instead of managing the situation.

brigadier jacksonreinforcementshesitationdelta company

Question 5

How did 11 Platoon survive the artillery bombardment?

Accepted Answer

11 Platoon survived the artillery fire because the bombardment was called in extremely close to their position but not directly on top of them. The heavy barrage forced the advancing Viet Cong forces to retreat momentarily, giving the beleaguered platoon a chance to regroup. While they suffered significant casualties, the survivors were able to hold on until Major Smith could organize a rescue mission.

This desperate measure highlights the extreme circumstances and the high stakes of survival during the battle.

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Question 6

Why did the smoke markers fail to help the air support?

Accepted Answer

The smoke markers failed because Sergeant Bob Buick's smoke bombs malfunctioned. When American jets were dispatched to provide air support, they were unable to locate the correct position due to the malfunctioning smoke signals. This forced Major Smith to resort to the desperate measure of calling in artillery fire on his own position.

Buick's earlier assistance in pinpointing mortar fire locations establishes his competence, making this malfunction even more tragic.

smoke markersair supportbob buickjetsmalfunction

Question 7

Why did Warrant Officer Kirby confront Major Smith about his leadership?

Accepted Answer

Kirby confronted Harry because he felt Harry ran Delta Company harder than any other unit he had experienced, showing little regard for the men's well-being. This conflict stems from Kirby's concern for the soldiers under his command, while Harry maintains that his demanding approach is necessary for survival in combat. Their tension reflects the broader theme of leadership styles in extreme circumstances.

The confrontation occurs after Harry criticizes soldiers for being casual during the mortar attack, establishing his strict demeanor early.

jack kirbymajor smithleadership conflictdelta company

Question 8

What happened to Private Large during the battle?

Accepted Answer

Private Large was killed instantly during the intense combat when the M113 armored personnel carriers finally arrived to reinforce Delta Company. His death occurs just as relief arrives, making his loss particularly poignant. Major Smith bids him a profound farewell as he is airlifted away, symbolizing the tragic cost of the battle.

Harry's earlier criticism of Large for drinking beer during the mortar attack foreshadows the soldier's ultimate fate.

private largedeathmajor smithairliftbattle of long tan

Question 9

Why did Delta Company miss the concert?

Accepted Answer

Delta Company missed the concert featuring Australian performers Little Pattie and Col Joye because they received orders to relieve Bravo Company the next day. This assignment took them away from the base and directly into the path of enemy forces, marking the beginning of their deadly engagement at Long Tan.

This missed concert serves as a poignant detail showing how the soldiers' leisure time was abruptly interrupted by military duties.

delta companyconcertlittle pattiecol joyeorders

Question 10

Why did 11 Platoon become isolated from the rest of Delta Company?

Accepted Answer

11 Platoon became isolated because Second Lieutenant Gordon Sharp pushed his men deeper into the plantation during the pursuit of enemy forces, creating a dangerous gap from the supporting platoons behind them. As they encountered heavy machine-gun fire and called for reinforcements, the distance between them and the rest of Delta Company made resupply and support extremely difficult.

Sharp's earlier neglect of duties during the mortar attack, when he was playing cards instead of managing his platoon, hints at his questionable judgment.

11 platoonisolateddelta companygordon sharpplantation

Question 11

How were the Vietnamese forces able to overwhelm Delta Company?

Accepted Answer

The Vietnamese forces were able to overwhelm Delta Company because they vastly outnumbered them. Major Smith received intelligence that the enemy had deployed over 700 soldiers, with the total North Vietnamese force exceeding 2,000 troops. The Viet Cong kept advancing despite accurate artillery fire, and their sheer numbers allowed them to press the attack continuously, forcing Harry to make the desperate decision to call artillery on his own position.

The initial mortar attack establishes the enemy's capability and willingness to strike at the Australian base.

viet congdelta companyoverwhelming odds700 soldiersnorth vietnamese

Question 12

Why did Major Smith decide to launch a rescue mission for 11 Platoon?

Accepted Answer

Major Smith decided to rescue 11 Platoon despite the overwhelming enemy presence because he felt an unwavering sense of duty to save those left behind. When Brigadier Jackson ordered Delta to withdraw, Smith instead organized a few men from 10 Platoon to establish communication and urge the survivors to retreat to his position. His leadership and refusal to abandon his men drove this risky but ultimately successful rescue operation.

Harry's calm demeanor under fire and his insistence on taking cover for his men establish his commitment to their survival.

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