Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.691.non-fictionIn 1942 and early 1943 Papua New Guinea was 'a bastard of a place' to fight a war. This book gives us the final, all-encompassing story of the five battles that changed Australia forever. The compelling narrative resonates with the voices of both the well-trained AIF volunteer, and the young Militia conscript who triumphed together. The author interviewed hundreds of these soldiers and himself travelled the treacherous terrain and bloody battlegrounds where so many of their mates perished, and reveals the inside story of how Generals MacArthur and Blamey sacrificed many of the senior Australian field commanders as scapegoats to protect their own positions. A Bastard of a Place restores Milne Bay, Gona, Buna and Sanananda to their rightful place beside Kokoda to what they should collectively be for all Australians - sacred ground.world war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – new guinea, world war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – kokoda

Index, ill, p.216.tTe WWI diaries of Sgt. Thomas Arthur Dykes DCM - 23rd Battalion, AIFworld war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france, world war 1914-1918 - personal correspondence

This image was bought in an Op shop in Melbourne around 1980. It had no other identification other than the name of the photographic studio. The image has a collar badge and sergeants stripes added at a later stage. This possibly suggests the photo was taken at the time of enlistment, and the soldier died, leaving the family to make additions to the photograph.Black and White digital photograph by Thornton Studios Ballarat of a young, curly haired man in the uniform of the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF). The rising sun badge and the sergeant's strips on his sleeve have been included after the photograph was taken. The soldier is Robert John McHenry, who was killed in action on on 28 July 1916. soldier, world war one, aif, thornton studios, world war, robert mchenry, bob mchenry, world war 1, mmm

Black and white photograph of a number of Australian soldiers watching a boat move along the Suez Canal during World War One. Verso: Our boys watching a boat go along the Suez Canal. (illegible)world war, world war one, suez canal, aif, mmm

An Australian World War One Soldier poses for a studio portrait. It is Frank Boyce who was awarded the Military Medal. boyce, frank boyce, world war, world war one, aif, mmm, military medal

Commemoration in London of the first anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. On 25 April 1916, around 2,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers marched through the streets of London to the Abbey. The service was held in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary.Two pages of paper, buff coloured with age, printed both sides, folded and stapled to make an 8 page document. The order of service is set out on pages 3-8.wwi, world war i, anzac, anzac day, gallipoli, aif

The first civic welcome and ceremony of presentations was held on 4 December 1918. This second welcome and presentation, to a further group of returned soldiers of St. Kilda, was arranged to take place earlier than 14 May 1919 but had to be postponed because of restrictions on the holding of public meetings during the influenza epidemic. Cream coloured card, printed in red, blue and brown, folded. Paper insert, printed in brown and stapled to cover, contains details of the program for the evening and names of those presented. Back cover has 1914 sepia photograph of 14th Battalion. 14th battalion aif, wwi, citizens welcome to anzacs, st kilda patriotic committee

Regimental pocket book for use by non-commissioned officers and men of the 14th Battalion AIF. Publication presented to the 14th Battalion by pupils of Church of England Grammar School, Melbourne. Issued by Commanding Officer Lt Col RE Courtney VD. Contains sections on: a Nominal Roll of Officers; Espirit de Corps and The Regimental Motto; Badges of Rank and how to recognise them; Duties of Non-Commissioned Officers; The Special Duties of the Squad Commander in the Attack; The duty of every individual man in the Attack; The Special Duties of Section Commanders in Defence; Applications etc by Letter; The Soldier, Fit and Strong; What every Outpost Sentry should know; Signals; General Introduction for Guards and Sentries; The Rifle, and how to care for it; The Three Rules for Aiming; Points to Note when you are firing; Rates of Fire; Scouts; The Individual Use of Cover; Hints for Camps; Sergeants and other Non-Commissioned Officers; Musketry; Description of the SMLE Rifle Mark III; Ships' Bells and what they mean; the Half-company Commander in the Attack; Regimental SongBooklet covered with blue fabric-covered card embossed with the insignia of The Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Contains multiple paper pages printed in blue with yellow border. Bound with sewn blue cotton. Two booklets held in collection.SKHS1587 inscription inside front cover, in blue ink handwriting, now largely obscured: G Clarendon Hyde 2.1.15. Inside back cover: No 115 "C" Company Sept 1914. Both SKHS1587 and SKHS 1620 contain handwritten notations against the Nominal Roll of Officers, updating the information about the officers listed.14th battalion aif

Depicts Australian flag and soldier. Card is from 5th Divisional Signal Coy., AIF, France.Folded buff-coloured cardboard with paper insert fastened by faded red cord. Insert signed by George Arnold. Handwritten notation on back of card: Given to St K His Society by Mrs Parker 14/3/8214th battalion aif

Ray, Thomas Henry Service Number: 4580 Rank: Lance Corporal First World War, 1914-1918 8 Infantry Battalion - 13 to 23 Reinforcements (December 1915 - November 1916) 58th Australian Infantry Battalion Embarkation date: 28 Janaury 1916, Melbourne Embarkation ship: HMAT Themistocles A32first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

McLaughlin, Frederick Arthur Service number: 10307 Australian Imperial Force Ranks held: Sapper, 2nd Corporal Service: Australian Imperial Force Unit: 10th Field Company, Australian Engineers Recommended for Military Medal, 13 September 1918 'Distinguished himself by gallantry and devotion to duty in bringing up material for a bridge urgently required East of Vaux. Lance Corporal McLaughlin was in charge of the wagons conveying material for this purpose and led the way over a road under heavy shell-fire in full view of the enemy. The determination and judgement shown by this N.C.O. in this, as in earlier operations, have shown him to be an excellent soldier'. first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

McLaughlin, Leslie Gordon Service number: 2146 Final rank: Private Australian Imperial Forces First World War, 1914-1918 Date of embarkation: 09 March 1916first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, soldiers, men, el dorado, eldorado

Culph, Edward Heathcote Service Number: 1447 Final rank: Private First World War, 1914-1918 5 Infantry Battalion - 1 to 12 Reinforcements (December 1914 - November 1915) Date of embarkation: 02 February 1915, Melbourne Ship Embarked on: HMAT Clan McGillivray A46first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial forces, aif, soldiers, men, milawa, el dorado

Connor, James Wilfred Service number: 1636 Rank: Private 6 Infantry Battalion - 1 to 9 Reinforcements (December 1914 - September 1915) First World War, 1914-1918 Date of Embarkation: 19 February 1915, Melbourne Ship Embarked on: HMAT Runic A54first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, soldiers, men, el dorado, eldorado

Charles Allenfirst world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

William Dunstanfirst world war, wwi, world war one, australian imperial force, aif, soldiers, men, el dorado, eldorado

McLaughlin, George William Service Number: 10308 Rank: Driver 10 FCE [Field Company Engineers] (June 1916) First World War, 1914-1918 Date of Embarkation: 20 June 1916, Melbourne Ship Embarked On: HMAT Runic A54first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, soldiers, men, el dorado, eldorado

Graeme Ransonfirst world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

Studio portrait of 5347 Private Cyril Buckler, 14th Battalion. A postman from Wangaratta, Victoria, prior to enlistment on 16 February 1916 he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Euripides on 4 April 1916 for Egypt. His unit relocated to the Western Front, France, in June 1916. Pte Buckler was killed in action near Pozieres, France, on 7 August 1916. He has no known grave and he is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. This photograph of Cyril Buckler in the rank of Sergeant was probably taken while he was serving in the Senior Cadets or the Citizen Forces prior to enlistment in the AIF.Cyril Buckler was a postman in Wangaratta prior to enlisting in the AIF on February 16 1916 at the age of 19 years 11 months. He was killed in action on August 7th 1916 near Pozieres in France aged 20 years. He has no known grave. His military service record revealed his parents named their property "Pozieres" after his death.Unframed black and white photograph mounted on light brown cardboard of soldier holding whip.Sgt Cyril Buckler Killed in Action in France August 7th 1916wangaratta, kia 7/8/1916, cyril buckler 5347

Portrayal of notable achievements of the men of the 2nd AIF in the compaigns of Libya, Cyrenaica, Greece, Crete, Syria in the defence of Tobruk and in Malaya Singapore.Cream and brown magazine with sketch depicting two soldiers charging with rifles and fixed bayonetsACF - total proceeds for Australian Comforts Fund Price 6dww2, 2nd aif

The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to a network of underground caves used to treat wounded soldiers. It became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. The caves became a place where wounded soldiers could be stabilized before being transferred to the Australian General Hospital. The Fig Tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert and an easy target for German artillery who heavily shelled the site for several hours per day. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of four soldiers under large tree - one soldier in dugout under tree watching two stretcher bearers carry out wounded soldierHandwritten on rear - Fig Tree Tobruk 2/24th battalion, fig tree, tobruk

Unit colour patches on uniforms indicate soldiers are members of the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of group of armed soldiers at rest in open barren landscape Stamped on rear - resting en route2/24th battalion, wangaratta, middle east

image of soldiers wearing shorts loading stretcher into rear of vehicle most likely taken during the middle east campaign in 1941 one of whom is possibly Francis Williams VX 34295 of the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of seven soldiers of which four are loading a stretcher into rear of vehicle.Handwritten on rear - Tobruk 1941 Left Francis William ? ???2/24th battalion, tobruk, ww2, middle east

SATTELBERG AREA, NEW GUINEA. 1943-11-15. A PATROL OF THE 2/24TH. AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION LEAVING THE BATTALION LINES. SHOWN ARE: VX14320. PRIVATE A. W. M. CORCORAN. (1) VX75910 PRIVATE N. W. JONES. (2) VX33860 LIEUTENANT J. H. CAPLE. (3) VX75647 PRIVATE P. L. MATHIESON. (4) VX31579 CORPORAL R. W. WEBB. (5) VX75207 PRIVATE D. N. MUIR. (6) NX73554 PRIVATE H. T. ROCHE. (7) VX76785 PRIVATE R. W. RICE. (8)The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of armed soldier on patrol in jungle terrain2/24th battalion, new guinea, ww2

SATTELBERG AREA, NEW GUINEA. 1943-11-15. TROOPS OF THE 2/24TH. AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION EATING MEAL DURING A LULL IN THE BATTLE FOR SATTELBERG. THEY ARE: NX10044 ACTING SERGEANT Stewart COLDHAM. (1) VX68432 PRIVATE Harold ANQUETAL. (2) VX80603 PRIVATE Thomas. F. BRYCE. (3) VX41167 PRIVATE Samuel T. SHERLOCK. (4) VX28432 LANCE CORPORAL Kenneth G. NORRIS. (5) ACTING CORPORAL Ralph F. KENYON. (6) VX43055 SIGNALMAN Ernest W. HORNER. (7) NX33751 PRIVATE Arol. J. PEIRCY. (8) VX71588 SIGNALMAN Francis. J. KELLY. (9) VX26381 PRIVATE John BUNNETT. NX86910 SIGNALMAN Ronald E. AMERY. QX13958 SERGEANT James S. GREGORY. SX30255 PRIVATE Cyril MARSHALL VX29721 SIGNALMAN Martin W. REIDY.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of large group of soldiers having a meal. Soldiers are seated in the foreground and five standing behind. Nearly all have shirts removed.2/24th battalion, new guinea, ww2

RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREA. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE:- QX6408 LIEUTENANT COLONEL A.B. GILLESPIE, COMMANDING 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION (2) VX48762 CAPTAIN A.W. OAKLEY (3); PRIVATE C.C. DAWES (4); PRIVATE TUCKER (5); PRIVATE COONEY (6); NX376 BRIGADIER D.A. WHITEHEAD, DSO., MC., ED., COMMANDING, 26TH INFANTRY BRIGADE (7); VX20308 LIEUTENANT-GENERAL F.H. BERRYMAN, CBE., DSO., GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING, 1ST AUSTRALIAN CORPS (8); NX35000 LIEUTENANT-GENERAL V.A.H. STURDEE, CB., CBE., DSO., GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING, FIRST AUSTRALIAN ARMY (9); NX7 MAJOR-GENERAL G.F. WOOTTEN, CBE., DSO., GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING, 9TH DIVISION (10); PRIVATE R.S. O'BRIEN (11); PRIVATE S. ROSMAN (12); NX12371 MAJOR N.B. TREBECK (13).The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of three soldiers in foreground demonstrate use of equipment whilst soldiers and Officers in the background watch on.2/24th battalion, ravenshoe, general blamey

LANGEMAK BAY, NEW GUINEA, 1943-10-28. MEMBERS OF THE 2/24TH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION BOARDING BARGES AT THE BEACHHEAD.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of soldiers on shoreline boarding barge2/24th battalion, new guinea, ww2

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine where they were based prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. Whilst in camp the band entertained the troops.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph depicts soldiers playing brass instruments seated in two rows in a semi circle facing conductor in the open.Handwritten on rear 2/24 Band"Dimra Camp" prior to Tobruk 19412/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

TROOPS OF THE 2/24TH. AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION ON PATROL IN THE SATTELBERG AREA, NEW GUINEA IN 1943 DURING WW2The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of five soldiers patrolling in dense jungle terraiin2/24th battalion, new guinea, ww2