River Bank Bunkers on the Bassac?

I think it was in Don Sheppard's book, "Riverine" that he mentions VC bunkers built into the river banks, that were both hard to see and quite hard to destroy. Does anyone know of any sources for more detailed info about the appearance and/or construction of these bunkers?

I would like to represent them in some of my gaming, and am curious about their design and appearance. Given that they were hard to see, I imagine that there is little outward indication of them, but still would appreciate any idea of what they might have looked like, or any peculiar design characteristics relating to the their water's edge placement.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

irishserb

I'm not familiar with it, but the thought of bunkers along a river. All I can think of is snakes!

I recall a description in 'Brown water, black beret' that they were often built into higher river banks, and usually only had a small slit visible. Often a pit was dug and green palm logs used to line it. The sun exposure baked the mud into almost concrete strength, and often Nipa palms or other vegetation was planted in front and on top of them for camo so they also couldn't be spotted from the air.

There were open backed ones too that were sometimes easier to see as the light might come through the firing ports. These were usually for recoiless rifle or RPG positions.

Cool, thanks Darby. That significantly increases the amount of detail that I had about them. I've had that book setting on my shelf for several years now, and for one reason or another just haven't gotten to it. Guess its time I should actually read it.

"All I can think of is snakes"... I like that.

Set out below (probably upside down) is a diagram of the river bunkers used by the Vietminh against French river craft. The Vietminh would dig bunkers on the raised banks of the river/canal. The bunker's gun ports would be close to the level of the river, making them very difficult to spot, especially when they were camouflaged with reeds, bushes, etc. For RCL positions, there was usually a cleared space directly behind the bunker, due to the back-blast from the weapon. As the Vietminh would effective tunnel into the river banks, the bunkers were very sturdy and difficult to spot.

Oh, that is outstanding, many thanks!!