I Was Only 19 - from the movie Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:53:22 +0000

To pay homage to all the veterans who have served, suffered and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War and in recognition of the anniversary of the 1966 Battle of Long Tan on 18 August, now known as Vietnam Veterans Day, we’ve put together this special anniversary video for ‘I Was Only 19’ by Redgum / John Schumann which is featured in our movie Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan.

60,000 Australians and 3,000 New Zealanders served in Vietnam; 521 Australians and 37 New Zealanders died as a result of the war, and over 3,000 Australians and 187 New Zealanders were wounded.

17 young Australians from D Company, 6th Royal Australian Regiment died in the Battle of Long Tan and 1 Trooper from 1 APC Squadron died nine days later from wounds he sustained in the battle. 11 of those who died were conscripts / National Servicemen.

► 804,286 20-year-old Australians were forced to register for national service between 1964 and 1972
► 63,735 Australian National Servicemen served in the Army
► 15,381 Australian National Servicemen served in Vietnam
► 202 National Servicemen were killed in Vietnam
► 1,279 National Servicemen were wounded in Vietnam

Lest We Forget.

Danger Close is out now On Demand, Digital, DVD and Blu-ray.

Witness the incredible true story of ordinary boys who became extraordinary men in the most ferocious ANZAC battle of the Vietnam War.

Starring Travis Fimmel, Luke Bracey, Daniel Webber, Nicholas Hamilton and Richard Roxburgh.

Directed by Kriv Stenders, Screenplay by Stuart Beattie. Produced by Martin Walsh, John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz.