On this day in military history...

• 1917 Battle of Messines, before allies could carry out offensive on Passchendale they needed to secure Messines ridge.
• 1944 Allies liberate French town of Bayeux which became a transit hub for both civilians and military.
• 1971 Battle of Long Khanh between Vietnam Congo  heavily fortified positions and Australians task force 1 ATF.