The battle was fought during the Vietnam War, less than 10km from the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat.

On the morning of June 6, 1969, an Australian Centurion tank and an armoured recovery vehicle were heading towards the village of Binh Ba when the tank was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade.

South Vietnamese Regional Forces were sent to investigate, but when they were stopped by heavy fire they requested Australian support and within hours a ready reaction force was outside the village.

The force comprised D Company, 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR), tanks from B Squadron 1st Armoured Regiment and armoured personnel carriers from B Squadron, 3 Cavalry Regiment.

Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester, who will attend the commemorative service, said when the forces entered Binh Ba, one platoon was ordered to evacuate civilians trying to flee the battle.

"Resistance intensified as the Australians moved further into the village, and eventually, under heavy fire and supported by Royal Australian Air Force helicopter gunships, the infantry and armour withdrew."

Australian infantry and armour then combined to force the enemy from the village, during which time Private Wayne Teeling, in his first action, was killed by enemy fire.

Australians returned to Nui Dat with one dead and 10 wounded.

The Vietnamese casualties were estimated at more than 100 killed and six wounded.

Around 60,000 personnel from the Australian Defence Force were involved in the Vietnam conflict.

The service will start at 2pm AEST and a last post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial at 4.55pm will be dedicated to Private Teeling.

Australian Associated Press