Following an airmobile assault into an unsecured landing zone at 13:45 , A Company 6 RAR was surprised by a strong , well-sited and dug-in Viet Cong force — which , rather than withdrawing Escaping , had likely remained Presence in location in an attempt to ambush Attack any reaction force sent to the area .

Surrounded Surrounding and receiving Receiving fire from all sides , the lead Australian elements from B Company could advance Cause_to_make_progress no further against the determined dug-in force ; all attempts to regain momentum failed to dislodge the defenders .