How wide were the Vietnam tunnels?
The underground buildings were connected by tunnels of approx. 80 cm height and 60 cm wide. Originally, the tunnels were dug so narrowly that no non-Vietnamese could pass through. During the Vietnam War, however, U.S. Army soldiers actually managed to capture some entrances and sections.
How big are Cu Chi tunnels?
Cu Chi is about 40 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an elaborate underground community made up of 250 km of tunnels and chambers below the city.
How many tunnel rats were killed in Vietnam?
That both sets of men had to endure this life is appalling. There were never more than 100 Tunnel Rats in country at any one time and around 700 in total. There were 36 killed and 200 wounded.
Where did the Viet Cong hide?
There were hospitals, armouries, sleeping quarters, kitchens and wells underground. These tunnel systems could hide thousands of Vietcong which helped them fight their guerrilla war. It would be the job of US ‘tunnel rats’ to search these tunnels.
What was the secret North Vietnamese supply line and what was its purpose?
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a military supply route running from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to South Vietnam. The route sent weapons, manpower, ammunition and other supplies from communist-led North Vietnam to their supporters in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
How did the Cu Chi tunnels not collapse?
The bombing operation began in early January, 1966, when B-52 bombers dropped 30-ton loads of high explosives onto the Cu Chi and the Iron Triangle areas. The natural iron oxide in the soil cemented tunnel linings and made them stable, resilient and hard to destroy.
What is a sapper in Vietnam?
Surprise attacks by elite Communist units known as sappers were one of the most serious—and feared—threats to Americans in Vietnam. … Under an umbrella of NVA mortar fire, the sappers raced through the compound tossing gas grenades and canvas satchels loaded with explosives.