About Ian

Ian Grieve studied at Alexander Mackie College, now Sydney Fine Art College, gaining a Diploma of Art, and then went on to study at Sydney Teachers College, Sydney University, gaining a Post Graduate Diploma of Art Education.

A highlight as a professional artist, Ian has painted oil portraits for the Queensland Government, of former Premier Mike Ahern and Russell Cooper. These portraits are displayed in Parliament House, Brisbane.

Ian has had numerous one-man exhibitions and is represented in Japan, PR China, England, USA and Germany. He was the first Australian to lecture at the Central Academy of Art and Design in Beijing, China, and has represented Australia as a finalist in the World Ceramic competition, Japan.

Ian painting in the studio

The Battle of Long Tan

Desperate Struggle for Survival, D Company, RAR 6th Battalion, 18th August 1966, Long Tan

The Battle of Long Tan painting

The Battle of Long Tan was one of the largest fought by Australians in the Vietnam War. Brisbane-based Delta (D) Company, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), fought an encounter battle on 18th August, 1966 in Long Tan rubber plantation against enemy forces that outnumbered them 10 to one.

D company's 105 men and three New Zealanders from 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, fought for almost four hours against soldiers of the North Vietnamese Army. At the end of the battle D Company suffered 44 casualties, including 18 dead, and some 245 enemy troops were killed. It is regarded as one of the most heroic actions by Australians in the Vietnam War.

Ian first spoke with one of those in the thick of it, Cpl Laurie Drinkwater and was captivated by the battle. This led to interviews with other survivors, including Maj Harry Smith, Maj Morrie Stanley (NZ), Pommie Rencher, Yank Akell, Willy Walker NZ, ‘Doc’ Dobsen, Graham Smith and Terry Burstall, author of the book The Soldiers Story of the battle and he then embraced a two-year mission to capture their story on canvas, which resulted in a 3000mm x 1930mm acrylic and oil painting "Desperate Struggle for Survival, D Company, RAR 6th Battalion, 18th August 1966, Long Tan."

The painting now proudly hangs and is on display at the entrance of the Military Museum, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Queensland, Australia.

Limited Edition Prints

Own a rare image of Australian military history with a highest-quality,
signed limited edition Giclée print of the original painting.

The print is signed by the artist Ian Grieve, and Field Commander of the battle, Major Harry Smith and
Corporal Laurie Drinkwater, 16 limited redition signed prints remain

Order your print, now!

Print Details

Dimensions: 800mm x 515mm (Image size)
Print type: Giclée Fine Art Print
Signed print number: 16 only
Signed by: Maj Harry Smith and Cpl Laurie Drinkwater (Australian Army) and artist Ian Grieve
Price: $900
Payment method: EFT - Bank account details supplied on order confirmation.
Shipping cost: Australia - $24.95
International - Charges determined based on destination.

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