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REGIONAL BATTALION 107 HQ
Regional Battalion Commander Ben Mi Sector
OPERATION
RICE BOWL
GROUND
1.
The
Operational area is that in the immediate vicinity of the enemy camp at
Ben Mi and the road to Bac To.
SITUATION
2.
The French Colonial Dogs have a military post at Ben Mi which up to
now has withstood the exertions of our gallant comrades despite the
brilliant commands and directions issued by our illustrious comrade
leaders. This insult to our
people cannot be tolerated longer and the Ben Mi post is to be liberated.
In addition a supply convoy will be moving through Ben Mi from Hoa
Thran en-route to Bac To. This
convoy will be taken after its departure to Bac To.
The convoy will be taken by ambush when it is well clear of Ben Li
and has reached a designated point.
3.
Enemy units at Bac To are likely to respond by supporting Ben Mi
with artillery fire and will probably attempt relief by mechanized units.
Enemy aircraft support is possible but likely to be uncoordinated.
4.
Peoples Revolutionary Forces Units taking part in the operation
include:
Company
1072 Company
1073
Battalion
107 HQ: Trinh Sat Squad
: Commissar TRANG
: Sniper Nguyen
: HMG Squad
: SKZ Recoilless Rifle Squad
: Bazooka Squad
MISSION
5.
To liberate Ben Mi and to take the Ben Mi convoy, after its
departure to Bac To, at any cost and also to prevent interference by road
from Bac To.
EXECUTION
General
Outline
6.
Operation Rice Bowl will be conducted in phases.
Phase
I: Following the departure of the enemy convoy from Ben Mi in daylight
hours the Trinh Sat squad will assault, as directed, from their points of
infiltration the
Phase
II: Following the assault by the Trinh Sat Squad the order to General
Assault will be given. Coy 1072 will interdict the enemy convoy and Coy
1073 will assault Ben Li. Commissar
TRANG will ensure that Coy Cdr 1073 is aware of his duties in this attack.
Phase
III: Whichever attack succeeds first, surviving units will proceed to
assist the other. During Phase III
Units will be deployed to prevent
interference from Bac To.
Phase
IV: Break-off from action after all target vehicles in convoy have been
taken and their equipment captured and Ben Li has been liberated and main
structures destroyed. There is no requirement to attack reinforcements
from Bac To who will be subject of a delaying action only.
Command
Overall Commander: Regional Battalion Commander 107
Specific
Duties
16.
The Field Commander will command all forces and lead the attack on
the enemy convoy.
17.
COY CDR 1073 will assault Ben Mi Post with his entire company.
The Trinh Sat Squad, BN HMG, Sniper Nguyen and COY 1072 Mortar will
assist in this attack.
18.
BN SKZ and BN Bazooka Squad will be placed on the Ben Mi to Back To
Road where they will support the attack on the convoy and repel any relief
column from Bac To.
Modification
of Plans
19.
In the event of fresh orders plans will be modified as necessary.
In the event that Trinh Sat Squad cannot begin their assault, the
Field Commander will commence by assaulting the convoy, which will then
trigger the attack on Ben Mi.
Other
Specific Duties
20.
Commissar TRANG is requested to encourage the attack on Ben Mi
Post.
Timings.
21.
All units will infiltrate into attack positions the night before.
Attacks will commence when the convoy has reached the designated
point and the Trinh Sat Squad has begun the attack.
Briefings.
22.
Commanders will be briefed on the afternoon before the
infiltration. De-briefing will
take place at Rendezvous Point 13.
25.
The Command Post position will be designated.
Inclement
Weather
26.
If the rain is so intense as to prevent the enemy convoy departing
Ben Mi instructions will be sought by the Field Commander from BN HQ.
Special
Instructions
27.
In the enemy convoy are vehicles of two comrades, which must not be
harmed. These are the blue
truck of Merchant BING and the Petrol Bowser of Gasman VAN. If time
permits BING’s vehicle will be checked for contraband.
28.
Convoy escort vehicles will, where possible be
subject to close assault in order that valuable equipment and supplies can
be seized to assist in the fight for freedom.
The M8 Greyhound will be targeted for fire if it appears to be in a
position to jeopardize the attack.
29.
As an enemy recon unit will open the Ben Mi to Bac To Road each
morning roadblocks will not be established during the night.
However portable roadblock material will be concealed at two
locations for use. One
roadblock will be established to hinder movement from Bac To the other to
prevent vehicles regaining Ben Mi.
ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
Catering
30.
Field rations will be issued for 3 days, re-rationing will take
place at RP13.
Leave
31.
Home leave will be considered for any fighter who commits an act of
extreme bravery during the attacks, if Home leave cannot be granted the
soldier(s) concerned will instead be allowed to eat extra fish-heads for
one month and be allowed to volunteer for the Trinh Sat Squad.
Casualties
32.
Casualties will occur and walking wounded will make their own way
to RP13. Serious injured
personnel will be evacuated after the successful conclusion of the
operation. In all other cases
they will be shot.
Maps
and Plans
33.
Maps of Ben Mi have been issued to all commanders.
COMMAND
AND SIGNALS
34.
Normal command signals will be used.
Sitrep
and Incident Reports
35.
The Field Commander or most senior surviving soldier will present a
full SITREP to BN HQ at the earliest possible time.
Truong
Son
(TRUONG Son) BN CDR 107 |