 Beginning their advance , the Australians began to suffer casualties ; yet they were initially unable to confirm the location of the Chinese . However , as they commenced their ascent they were met by heavy small arms fire from the higher ground to the south and east . After a long approach across 500 metres ( 550 yd ) of open paddy field , A Company relieved the beleaguered Argylls . The Chinese then forced the two Australian companies to fight hard in order to gain the 50 @-@ metre ( 55 yd ) crest . Lacking artillery support , the Australians instead relied on the battalion 's integral support weapons , with 3 @-@ inch mortars and medium machine @-@ guns in support , as well as four Sherman tanks which provided fire support from a stand @-@ off position near the road . With A and B Companies heavily engaged , Walsh moved D Company — under the command of Major Walter Brown — to attack the hill to the south to reinforce the right flank . A Company succeeded in establishing itself on the first crest , forcing the Chinese from the position , while supporting fire from their Bren light machine @-@ guns and Vickers medium machine @-@ guns allowed B Company to move up on their right and capture the second crest . Finally at 16 : 00 , after two hours of heavy fighting , the Australians had achieved their objectives against a determined defence . A and B Company prepared for a counter @-@ attack by the Chinese . Meanwhile , C Company — under Captain Archer Denness — had remained in reserve on the road with Battalion Headquarters and Support Company . 
