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two successful ambushes in their previously seen ambush sites on two enemy patrols com- ing through those routes. The enemy stood no chance, as the two multiples with GPMG sup- port were perfectly placed in cover and with the element of surprise ahead of the enemy arrival. There was little rest for the Platoon though because the higher commander’s intent and mission had still not been achieved – the clear- ance of all enemy off the Eastern Peninsula.
With this in their minds and fire in their hearts, the Platoon once again prepared during the night ready for their next offensive action which was to be an advance to contact on enemy posi- tions again to the north of their harbour location. After taking a route that aimed to swing around the enemy position and attack from their flank, it became apparent that the position wasn’t com- pletely where the intelligence had suggested; this left the lead section to be contacted out in the open, perfectly placed within the enemy’s killing area. After fanning out in the initial reac- tion to fire, the section then peeled ferociously to get into an area of cover before offering fire so that the assaulting section could close in with their attack. This would prove to be the case for the rest of the advance to contact, with com-
manders needing to react and make informed decisions on the ground as and when the enemy pounced. Indeed, this meant covering large areas of open ground at speed and the enemy was finally defeated after the final positions were destroyed with grenades being posted from close proximity, and even an Oscar-worthy bay- onet charge on the final position. At this point, the higher commander’s mission for the Eastern Peninsula was achieved and all enemies had been destroyed.
What followed next was a swift transfer over to the Western Peninsula where we were to relieve the other platoons who had suffered heavy cas- ualties. This saw the Platoon transition into con- ducting urban operations, with our first mission detailed as the break-in to a local harbour village so as to stop the enemy from once again get- ting an access point back into the region. Fierce fighting took place through the first half of the village which saw numerous buildings containing a number of enemies to be cleared and allowing the Platoon to set up defensive positions for the rest of the night.
As the sun rose on the final morning of the exer- cise, there was a tense atmosphere for what
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