Sad to hear about the passing today of Battle of Long Tan veteran Noel Grimes, 78 years young in his home town of Wellington, NSW.
Private Noel Grimes was a 21 year old National Servicemen in 12 Platoon, Delta Company, 6RAR who fought in the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966.
Born on 4 February 1945 in Wellington, NSW, Noel served with 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment between 8 June 1966 and 14 June 1967.
He was conscripted for National Service on 30 June 1965. After recruit and basic infantry training, Grimes was posted to 6 RAR on 8 September 1965. Grimes arrived in Vietnam with 6 RAR on 8 June 1966 and was a private soldier in 12 Platoon, D Company 6 RAR. 12 Platoon was under the command of Second Lieutenant David Sabben. On the day of the Battle of Long Tan, Grimes was a member of 7 Section.
Grimes was one of the members of D Company who received a gift (in his case a doll) from the Government of South Vietnam following the Battle of Long Tan. In 2004, he received South Vietnam’s Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.
Here is former Officer Commanding 12 Platoon, Delta Company, 6RAR, 2nd Lieutenant Dave Sabben’s citation for Noel Grimes’ Commendation for Gallantry award:
Private Noel Grimes was a soldier in 12 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR. On the afternoon of 18 August 1966, the Company and Platoon he was involved in a battle with enemy forces in the Long Tan rubber plantation in the Republic of South Vietnam.
Private Grimes was in the lead Section as it advanced on the enemy over open ground. When ordered into defence, Pte Grimes remained in the front line as the enemy repeatedly assaulted his Section’s exposed position. Throughout these actions, his steadfast actions set an example to those around him.
On return to the Company position, Pte Grimes was again placed in an exposed front-line position and experienced repeated assaults by a determined enemy at close quarters. During the latter stages of these assaults, Pte Grimes assisted in retrieving a wounded soldier under fire and taking him to the Company Aid Post for treatment.
His demeanour under fire and his complete disregard for his own personal safety were an inspiration to all present.
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