 The assault companies planned to sweep the area then dismount and commence a detailed search, while the others would clear the surrounding features and begin the follow-up.Moving cautiously in case the VC launched a counter-attack, they advanced along the route used by D Company, 6 RAR the previous day.The battlefield was a scene of devastation, with rubber trees stripped of leaves and branches and bleeding sap, while the area around D Company's final position was heavily cratered.