On This Day: Australia’s last major battle in Vietnam

Australian soldiers fought their last major battle of the Vietnam War, a little book called The Hobbit appeared for the first time, and one of music’s great poets was born. September 21 has left quite a mark on history.

Australia’s last major battle in Vietnam

On September 21, 1971, Australian troops fought the Battle of Nui Le in South Vietnam.

Soldiers from B and D Companies of 4RAR/NZ encountered a large North Vietnamese force in heavily defended bunker systems in Phuoc Tuy province.

The fighting became intense, with D Company coming under attack for several hours.

Five Australians were killed and 24 wounded.

Nui Le became the last major battle fought by Australian troops in Vietnam before the Australian Task Force withdrew later that year, bringing a long and divisive chapter of our history towards its end.

A hobbit walks into history

On September 21, 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was published.

Its beginnings were considerably less grand. Tolkien had written the story for his children and initially made little effort to have it published.

Publisher Stanley Unwin famously gave the manuscript to his 10-year-old son Rayner to review. The boy liked it — and that recommendation helped launch one of literature’s great fantasy worlds.

The book was an immediate success and eventually appeared in dozens of languages.

Malta gains its independence

On this day in 1964, Malta became independent after more than 150 years of British rule.

There’s an Australian connection too: Australia and Malta formally established diplomatic relations that same day, beginning a relationship strengthened by generations of Maltese migration to Australia.

Born on this day

Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen was born on September 21, 1934.

The poet and novelist turned songwriter was already in his 30s when his first album appeared in 1967. Songs including Suzanne, Bird on the Wire and, of course, Hallelujah helped make him one of the most influential songwriters of his generation.

Do you remember?

Did you have a copy of The Hobbit at home — or was Leonard Cohen more your thing? Tell us what September 21 brings back for you.