The Cu Chi Tunnels were created by the Viet Cong (VC) soldiers as an underground means to house troops, transport communication and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which they could quickly disappear into the tunnels to safety.
Outside the tunnels are a series of American aircraft and tanks which were abandoned or destroyed during the war. RSL representative and Vietnam Veteran Bob Kearney explained the role of these aircraft to students (pictured).
Australian Engineers, also known as Sappers, were tasked with removing booby-traps and searching the small, oxygen deprived tunnels for paraphernalia. This was the role of Kadina’s Allan Graham Pattison who was KIA during the war.
The entrances to these tunnels were small and camouflaged, making it difficult for enemy to discover. Sophie is pictured lowering herself into a tunnel after spreading leaves on top of the tunnel lid.