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Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Hardie Grant Books, War on our doorstep : diaries of Australians at the frontline in 1942, 2004
As the clock struck twelve to signal the start of 1942, Australians did not give the New Year their traditional noisy welcome. Regular events were cancelled, nightclub bookings were down and most people stayed in their blacked out homes. Clocks were put forward an hour for the start of daylight saving, as part of a war-time scheme to save power. All around the Pacific, Japan was making gains. They already occupied most of China; bombed Pearl Harbour, Guam and Wake; sunk the stars of the British naval fleet, the Prince of Wales and Repulse. They had landed in British Borneo, Hong Kong and the Philippines. This is the story of 1942, as told in first-hand accounts by the men and women in Australia and around the world.Ill, map, p.316.non-fictionAs the clock struck twelve to signal the start of 1942, Australians did not give the New Year their traditional noisy welcome. Regular events were cancelled, nightclub bookings were down and most people stayed in their blacked out homes. Clocks were put forward an hour for the start of daylight saving, as part of a war-time scheme to save power. All around the Pacific, Japan was making gains. They already occupied most of China; bombed Pearl Harbour, Guam and Wake; sunk the stars of the British naval fleet, the Prince of Wales and Repulse. They had landed in British Borneo, Hong Kong and the Philippines. This is the story of 1942, as told in first-hand accounts by the men and women in Australia and around the world. world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - australia, soldiers - australia - diaries -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Arrow, Monty and Rommel : parallel lives, 2012
Two men came to personify generalship in the Second World War: Bernard Montgomery for the British and Erwin Rommel for the Germans. In the span of a few years, they fought a series of extraordinary duels across several theaters of war. Ever since, historians have assessed their leadership, personalities, and skill. Born four years apart, the two men followed a remarkably similar trajectory. Military historian Peter Caddick-Adams explores their lives, beginning with their provincial upbringing and the brutal trench fighting of World War I--where both nearly died. Obsessed with fitness and training, the future field marshals emerged with glowing records. They taught in staff colleges, wrote infantry textbooks, and fought each other as divisional commanders in 1940 before taking charge of their respective armies as the war raged on. This first comparative biography of these two soldiers explores how each was "made" by their war leaders, Churchill and Hitler, and how their strategies permeate down to today's armies.Index, ill, maps, p.614.non-fictionTwo men came to personify generalship in the Second World War: Bernard Montgomery for the British and Erwin Rommel for the Germans. In the span of a few years, they fought a series of extraordinary duels across several theaters of war. Ever since, historians have assessed their leadership, personalities, and skill. Born four years apart, the two men followed a remarkably similar trajectory. Military historian Peter Caddick-Adams explores their lives, beginning with their provincial upbringing and the brutal trench fighting of World War I--where both nearly died. Obsessed with fitness and training, the future field marshals emerged with glowing records. They taught in staff colleges, wrote infantry textbooks, and fought each other as divisional commanders in 1940 before taking charge of their respective armies as the war raged on. This first comparative biography of these two soldiers explores how each was "made" by their war leaders, Churchill and Hitler, and how their strategies permeate down to today's armies.generals - germany - biography, generals - great britain - biography -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Berkley Calibre, Beyond band of brothers : the war memoirs of Major Dick Winters, 2006
In war, great commanders lead soldiers into hell to do the impossible. They were called Easy Company--but their mission was never easy. Immortalized as the Band of Brothers, they suffered 150 percent casualties while liberating Europe, an unparalleled record of bravery under fire. Dick Winters was their commander, "the best combat leader in World War II" to his men. This is his story, told in his own words for the first time. On D-Day, Dick Winters parachuted into France and assumed leadership of the Band of Brothers when their commander was killed. He led them through the Battle of the Bulge, the attack on Foy--where Easy Company reached its breaking point--and into Germany, by which time each member had been wounded. Neither a protest against war nor a glamorization of combat, this is a moving tribute to the human spirit by a man who earned the love and respect of the men of Easy Company and the adulation of new generations worldwide.Index, ill, p.292.non-fictionIn war, great commanders lead soldiers into hell to do the impossible. They were called Easy Company--but their mission was never easy. Immortalized as the Band of Brothers, they suffered 150 percent casualties while liberating Europe, an unparalleled record of bravery under fire. Dick Winters was their commander, "the best combat leader in World War II" to his men. This is his story, told in his own words for the first time. On D-Day, Dick Winters parachuted into France and assumed leadership of the Band of Brothers when their commander was killed. He led them through the Battle of the Bulge, the attack on Foy--where Easy Company reached its breaking point--and into Germany, by which time each member had been wounded. Neither a protest against war nor a glamorization of combat, this is a moving tribute to the human spirit by a man who earned the love and respect of the men of Easy Company and the adulation of new generations worldwide. world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – united states, united states army - history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, The Text Publishing Company, The Pacific, 2010
Historian Hugh Ambrose deepens the experience of the HBO miniseries The Pacific, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and broadcast on the Seven Network. These are the true stories of the men who put their lives on the line for their country, who were dispatched to the other side of the world to fight an enemy who preferred suicide to surrender; men who suffered hardship and humiliation in POW camps; men who witnessed casualties among soldier and civilian alike; and men whose medals came at a shocking price. Covering nearly four years of combat, with unprecedented access to military records, letters, journals, memoirs, photographs and interviews, this volume offers a unique historical perspective on the war against Japan-and ultimately the triumphant yet uneasy return home.Ill, map, p.449.non-fictionHistorian Hugh Ambrose deepens the experience of the HBO miniseries The Pacific, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and broadcast on the Seven Network. These are the true stories of the men who put their lives on the line for their country, who were dispatched to the other side of the world to fight an enemy who preferred suicide to surrender; men who suffered hardship and humiliation in POW camps; men who witnessed casualties among soldier and civilian alike; and men whose medals came at a shocking price. Covering nearly four years of combat, with unprecedented access to military records, letters, journals, memoirs, photographs and interviews, this volume offers a unique historical perspective on the war against Japan-and ultimately the triumphant yet uneasy return home. world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - pacific area, world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – united states -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
book, Hardie Grant, ANZAC : an illustrated history 1914-1918, 2004
This illustrated book is a moving pictorial record of World War I as experienced by the ANZACs. Over 500 rarely seen photos, historic maps, letters and diaries from the War Memorial archives, as well as detailed captions and illustrated timelines bring to life the ANZAC story as experienced by the ordinary soldier.Ill, maps, p.304.non-fictionThis illustrated book is a moving pictorial record of World War I as experienced by the ANZACs. Over 500 rarely seen photos, historic maps, letters and diaries from the War Memorial archives, as well as detailed captions and illustrated timelines bring to life the ANZAC story as experienced by the ordinary soldier.australian army - anzac corps, anzac - history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Condʹe Nast, Lee Miller's war : photographer and correspondent with the Allies in Europe 1944-45, 1992
Lee Miller's work for Vogue from 1941-45 sets her apart as a photographer of extraordinary ability, and the quality of her work from the period has long been recognized as outstanding. Its full range is shown here, accompanied by her brilliant despatches." "Miller's words manage to combine immediacy with acute observation, and deep personal involvement with professional detachment. Complementing her natural talent in writing are over one hundred and fifty remarkable photographs from the Lee Miller Archives. With their own quality of surrealist irony, which at times verges on the horrific and at others on the hilarious, they show war-ravaged cities, buildings and landscapes, but above all war-resilient people - soldiers, leaders, medics, evacuees, prisoners of war, the wounded, the villains and the heroesIndex, bib, ill, p.208.Lee Miller's work for Vogue from 1941-45 sets her apart as a photographer of extraordinary ability, and the quality of her work from the period has long been recognized as outstanding. Its full range is shown here, accompanied by her brilliant despatches." "Miller's words manage to combine immediacy with acute observation, and deep personal involvement with professional detachment. Complementing her natural talent in writing are over one hundred and fifty remarkable photographs from the Lee Miller Archives. With their own quality of surrealist irony, which at times verges on the horrific and at others on the hilarious, they show war-ravaged cities, buildings and landscapes, but above all war-resilient people - soldiers, leaders, medics, evacuees, prisoners of war, the wounded, the villains and the heroeswar correspondents - united states - biography, world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – united states -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Parrragon, Special forces : history, roles and missions, training, weapons and equipment, combat scenarios, 2012
Special Forces deploys an impressive blend of authoritative text and dramatic photographs to reveal the equalities and skills of the special forces soldier at every stage of their selection, training, and operational life. Detailed attention is also given to weapons, combat equipment, and methods of transport, while over 25 historical special forces operation features describe combat missions undertaken between 1960 and the present day.Index, ill, p.240.non-fictionSpecial Forces deploys an impressive blend of authoritative text and dramatic photographs to reveal the equalities and skills of the special forces soldier at every stage of their selection, training, and operational life. Detailed attention is also given to weapons, combat equipment, and methods of transport, while over 25 historical special forces operation features describe combat missions undertaken between 1960 and the present day.special forces - operations - 20th century, commando troops -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Oxford University Press, ANZAC memories: Living with the legend, ????
What is taboo in any family or in any society is never fixed. And neither is that body of family information which everybody knows but no one talks about. Mental illness is one such subject, and it created a kind of fence around one central element of Thomson's work in the 1980s - his grandfather Hector's story. He has had the courage to take that fence down and use a range of sources to enter the no man's land of suffering and isolation which was a part of his grandfather's life, and perforce, that of his grandmother and the young child who became his father. When the first edition was in preparation, Alistair Thomson's father objected strenuously to any mention in the book of his father's (Alistair's grandfather's) mental illness; reluctantly Alistair agreed to leave out the subject. We can understand why the author's father, himself a soldier, felt so strongly. .Index, bib, ill, p.239.non-fictionWhat is taboo in any family or in any society is never fixed. And neither is that body of family information which everybody knows but no one talks about. Mental illness is one such subject, and it created a kind of fence around one central element of Thomson's work in the 1980s - his grandfather Hector's story. He has had the courage to take that fence down and use a range of sources to enter the no man's land of suffering and isolation which was a part of his grandfather's life, and perforce, that of his grandmother and the young child who became his father. When the first edition was in preparation, Alistair Thomson's father objected strenuously to any mention in the book of his father's (Alistair's grandfather's) mental illness; reluctantly Alistair agreed to leave out the subject. We can understand why the author's father, himself a soldier, felt so strongly. .world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – australia, world war 1914-1918 - biography -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Big Sky Publishing, The Art of Sacrifice, 2021
Haunting and poignant, this collection of portraits from renowned Melbourne artist, George Petrou portrays a spirit like no other — the Anzac spirit. Australians from all walks of life have served our great nation with gallantry and sacrifice — ordinary people who displayed mateship, resilience and devotion to duty. The Art of Sacrifice captures the spirit of service in a fitting tribute to all Anzacs of every generation. Using images of the past and the stories of today, the artist travels Australia and overseas to connect the past and the present in a unique, powerful and evocative collection of outstanding portraits. The Art of Sacrifice is a stunning contribution to the understanding and commemoration of all those who have served our great country.Bib, ill, p.429.Haunting and poignant, this collection of portraits from renowned Melbourne artist, George Petrou portrays a spirit like no other — the Anzac spirit. Australians from all walks of life have served our great nation with gallantry and sacrifice — ordinary people who displayed mateship, resilience and devotion to duty. The Art of Sacrifice captures the spirit of service in a fitting tribute to all Anzacs of every generation. Using images of the past and the stories of today, the artist travels Australia and overseas to connect the past and the present in a unique, powerful and evocative collection of outstanding portraits. The Art of Sacrifice is a stunning contribution to the understanding and commemoration of all those who have served our great country.australia - military - personal narratives, soldiers - australia - pictorial works -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Peter Fitzsimons, The battle of Long Tan, 2022
By far the deadliest battle for Australian forces in Vietnam, the Battle of Long Tan has a proud place in the annals of Australian military history - and every ANZAC who fought there could hold his head high. Peter FitzSimons, Australia's greatest storyteller, tells the real story of this classic battle. He reveals the horror, the bravery, the wins and the losses that faced our soldiers. He brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates. The Battle of Long Tan is an engrossing and powerful history that shows the costs of war never end.Index, bib, notes, ill, p.427.non-fictionBy far the deadliest battle for Australian forces in Vietnam, the Battle of Long Tan has a proud place in the annals of Australian military history - and every ANZAC who fought there could hold his head high. Peter FitzSimons, Australia's greatest storyteller, tells the real story of this classic battle. He reveals the horror, the bravery, the wins and the losses that faced our soldiers. He brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates. The Battle of Long Tan is an engrossing and powerful history that shows the costs of war never end.vietnam conflict - australian involvement, vietnam war - 1961-1975 - politics and government - australia -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Anthony Hill, Animal heroes, 2005
Here are twenty-one fascinating stories about the forgotten heroes of war: animals who have served beside Australian forces. These are all animals that dazzle with their courage and loyalty - or sometimes just by being lovable. Whether it's a rooster guarding his battalion during the First World War or a mine-detecting dolphin in Iraq, they make the difficult lives of soldiers so much more bearable.Index, bib, ill, p.207.non-fictionHere are twenty-one fascinating stories about the forgotten heroes of war: animals who have served beside Australian forces. These are all animals that dazzle with their courage and loyalty - or sometimes just by being lovable. Whether it's a rooster guarding his battalion during the First World War or a mine-detecting dolphin in Iraq, they make the difficult lives of soldiers so much more bearable.animals - war use, animal heroes -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Allen and Unwin, Horrie the War Dog, 2013
In the harsh Libyan desert in the middle of the second world war, Private Jim Moody, a signaller with the First Australian Machine Gun Battalion, found a starving puppy on a sand dune. Moody called the dog Horrie. Much more than a mascot, Horrie's exceptional hearing picked up the whine of enemy aircraft two minutes before his human counterparts and repeatedly saved the lives of the thousand-strong contingent. The little Egyptian Terrier's ritual of sitting, barking, then dashing for the trenches, had the gunners running for cover before their camp was strafed and bombed. Where Moody went, Horrie went too, through the battle zones of the Middle East and far beyond. As the Japanese forces began their assault in Asia Moody and his soldier mates joined the fight, but not before they had smuggled Horrie onto a troop ship and a harrowing journey back to Australia where they thought their little friend would be safe. The war over, Moody brought Horrie out of hiding to raise money for the Red Cross, and the brave little dog's story became widely known. When quarantine officers pounced and demanded that the dog be put down there was a huge public outcry. Horrie had saved a thousand lives. How could a cruel bureaucracy heartlessly kill him? But defying the authorities would mean gaol for Moody and certain death for Horrie. Was Horrie, the gunner's hero, condemned to die or could Moody devise a scheme to save him?Ill, p.336.non-fictionIn the harsh Libyan desert in the middle of the second world war, Private Jim Moody, a signaller with the First Australian Machine Gun Battalion, found a starving puppy on a sand dune. Moody called the dog Horrie. Much more than a mascot, Horrie's exceptional hearing picked up the whine of enemy aircraft two minutes before his human counterparts and repeatedly saved the lives of the thousand-strong contingent. The little Egyptian Terrier's ritual of sitting, barking, then dashing for the trenches, had the gunners running for cover before their camp was strafed and bombed. Where Moody went, Horrie went too, through the battle zones of the Middle East and far beyond. As the Japanese forces began their assault in Asia Moody and his soldier mates joined the fight, but not before they had smuggled Horrie onto a troop ship and a harrowing journey back to Australia where they thought their little friend would be safe. The war over, Moody brought Horrie out of hiding to raise money for the Red Cross, and the brave little dog's story became widely known. When quarantine officers pounced and demanded that the dog be put down there was a huge public outcry. Horrie had saved a thousand lives. How could a cruel bureaucracy heartlessly kill him? But defying the authorities would mean gaol for Moody and certain death for Horrie. Was Horrie, the gunner's hero, condemned to die or could Moody devise a scheme to save him? animals - war use, australia - armed forces - mascots -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Quercus, Judy : a dog in a million, 2014
Shares the story of Judy, the first-ever animal to gain formal status as a prisoner of war, who during World War II saved countless lives and became a friend and protector to Allied soldiers in the Japanese prison camps in Indonesia.Index, ill, p.352.non-fictionShares the story of Judy, the first-ever animal to gain formal status as a prisoner of war, who during World War II saved countless lives and became a friend and protector to Allied soldiers in the Japanese prison camps in Indonesia.animals - war use, dogs - war use - great britain -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Cameron Forbes, Hellfire : The Story of Australia, Japan and the Prisoners of War, 2005
For months during 1943 there was no night in Hellfire Pass. By the light of flares, carbide lamps and bamboo fires, men near-naked and skeletal cut a passage through stone to make way for a railway. Among these men were some of the 22,000 Australian soldiers taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. In camps across Asia and the Pacific, they struggled, died, and survived with a little help from their mates. 'Hellfire' was researched in Australia, Japan and across South-East Asia. It draws on 50 first-person interviews, ranging from former prisoners to an old Mon villager deep in the Burmese jungle, and from Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew to veterans of the Imperial Japanese Army. The result is a tour de force, a powerful and searing history of the prisoners of the Japanese.Index, ill, bib, p.559.non-fictionFor months during 1943 there was no night in Hellfire Pass. By the light of flares, carbide lamps and bamboo fires, men near-naked and skeletal cut a passage through stone to make way for a railway. Among these men were some of the 22,000 Australian soldiers taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. In camps across Asia and the Pacific, they struggled, died, and survived with a little help from their mates. 'Hellfire' was researched in Australia, Japan and across South-East Asia. It draws on 50 first-person interviews, ranging from former prisoners to an old Mon villager deep in the Burmese jungle, and from Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew to veterans of the Imperial Japanese Army. The result is a tour de force, a powerful and searing history of the prisoners of the Japanese. world war 1939-1945 - prisoners and prisons - japan, burma - siam railway -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Corgi Books, The sharp end of war : the fighting man in World War II, 1980
A graphic description of what combat was like for the ordinary soldiers of World war TwoIndex, bib, ill, p.396.non-fictionA graphic description of what combat was like for the ordinary soldiers of World war Twoworld war 1939-1945, soldiers - history - 20th century -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, McMillan et al, About Face : The Odyssey of an American Warrior, 1989
This national bestseller by Colonel David H. Hackworth presents a vivid and powerful portrait of a life of patriotism.From age fifteen to forty, David Hackworth devoted himself to the US Army and fast became a living legend. In 1971, however, he appeared on television to decry the doomed war effort in Vietnam. With About Face, he has written what many Vietnam veterans have called the most important book of their generation.From Korea to Berlin, from the Cuban missile crisis to Vietnam, Hackworth's story is that of an exemplary patriot, played out against the backdrop of the changing fortunes of America and the American military. It is also a stunning indictment of the Pentagon's fundamental misunderstanding of the Vietnam conflict and of the bureaucracy of self-interest that fueled the war.Index, ill, p.833.non-fictionThis national bestseller by Colonel David H. Hackworth presents a vivid and powerful portrait of a life of patriotism.From age fifteen to forty, David Hackworth devoted himself to the US Army and fast became a living legend. In 1971, however, he appeared on television to decry the doomed war effort in Vietnam. With About Face, he has written what many Vietnam veterans have called the most important book of their generation.From Korea to Berlin, from the Cuban missile crisis to Vietnam, Hackworth's story is that of an exemplary patriot, played out against the backdrop of the changing fortunes of America and the American military. It is also a stunning indictment of the Pentagon's fundamental misunderstanding of the Vietnam conflict and of the bureaucracy of self-interest that fueled the war. soldiers - united states - biography, united states - army - personal recollections -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Big Sky Publishing et al, Aussie soldier prisoners of war, 2009
Almost 35,000 Australian service personnel were taken prisoner during the Boer War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Living as a POW demanded extremes of courage, defiance and mateship from our servicemen and women. Some lived to tell their tales about extreme suffering and hardship and many would carry with them forever the memories of those who died. AUSSIE SOLDIER: PRISONERS OF WAR is about the men and women who found themselves on the wrong side of the wire. The heartfelt stories will transport you on their very personal journeys. You will relive the capture, living conditions, escape attempts, punishments, humour, strength and morale -- and for some -- the eventual taste of freedom.Index, ill, bib, maps, p.308.non-fictionAlmost 35,000 Australian service personnel were taken prisoner during the Boer War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Living as a POW demanded extremes of courage, defiance and mateship from our servicemen and women. Some lived to tell their tales about extreme suffering and hardship and many would carry with them forever the memories of those who died. AUSSIE SOLDIER: PRISONERS OF WAR is about the men and women who found themselves on the wrong side of the wire. The heartfelt stories will transport you on their very personal journeys. You will relive the capture, living conditions, escape attempts, punishments, humour, strength and morale -- and for some -- the eventual taste of freedom.prisoners of war - australia, prisoners of war - australia - pictorial works -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, ABC Books, The boys who came home : recollections of Gallipoli, 2000
Award-winning ABC-TV documentary maker, writer and Gallipoli historian, Harvey Broadbent has collected the haunting and often harrowing memories of the boys who came home...Australian and New Zealand soldiers who returned from the devastating campaign at Gallipoli in April 1915.Ill, p.140.non-fictionAward-winning ABC-TV documentary maker, writer and Gallipoli historian, Harvey Broadbent has collected the haunting and often harrowing memories of the boys who came home...Australian and New Zealand soldiers who returned from the devastating campaign at Gallipoli in April 1915.world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - gallipoli, gallipoli campaign - personal recollections -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Big Sky Publishing et al, Long Tan : the start of a lifelong battle, 2016
On the afternoon of 18 August 1966, just five kilometres from the main Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, a group of Viet Cong soldiers walked into the right flank of Delta Company, 6 RAR. Under a blanket of mist and heavy monsoon rain, amid the mud and shattered rubber trees, a dispersed Company of 108 men held its ground with courage and grim determination against a three-sided attack from a force of 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops. When the battle subsided, 18 Australian soldiers lay dead and 24 had been wounded. Battlefield clearance revealed 245 enemy bodies with captured documents later confirming the count at over 500 enemy killed and 800 wounded. These men were led by a gruff and gusty perfectionist, Major Harry Smith. Now, some 47 years after the battle, Harry tells his story for the first time. But Long Tan is more than just an account of a historic battle. Harry Smith takes his readers on an extraordinary journey - one that ultimately reveals a remarkable cover-up at the highest military and political echelons. Long Tan is also Harry's life story and portrays his many personal battles, from failed marriages to commando-style killing; from a horrific parachute accident through to his modern-day struggles with bureaucracy for recognition for his soldiers. Harry's battles are tempered by his love of sailing, where he has at last found some peace. Long Tan portrays the wrenching, visceral experience of a man who has fought lifelong battles, in a story that he is only now able to tell. Harry can still hear the gunfire and smell the blood spilt at Long Tan. For him, the fight continues. Collapse summaryIll, maps, p.336.non-fictionOn the afternoon of 18 August 1966, just five kilometres from the main Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, a group of Viet Cong soldiers walked into the right flank of Delta Company, 6 RAR. Under a blanket of mist and heavy monsoon rain, amid the mud and shattered rubber trees, a dispersed Company of 108 men held its ground with courage and grim determination against a three-sided attack from a force of 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops. When the battle subsided, 18 Australian soldiers lay dead and 24 had been wounded. Battlefield clearance revealed 245 enemy bodies with captured documents later confirming the count at over 500 enemy killed and 800 wounded. These men were led by a gruff and gusty perfectionist, Major Harry Smith. Now, some 47 years after the battle, Harry tells his story for the first time. But Long Tan is more than just an account of a historic battle. Harry Smith takes his readers on an extraordinary journey - one that ultimately reveals a remarkable cover-up at the highest military and political echelons. Long Tan is also Harry's life story and portrays his many personal battles, from failed marriages to commando-style killing; from a horrific parachute accident through to his modern-day struggles with bureaucracy for recognition for his soldiers. Harry's battles are tempered by his love of sailing, where he has at last found some peace. Long Tan portrays the wrenching, visceral experience of a man who has fought lifelong battles, in a story that he is only now able to tell. Harry can still hear the gunfire and smell the blood spilt at Long Tan. For him, the fight continues. Collapse summary vietnam conflict - australian involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 – battles – long tan -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, HarperCollins, Too young to be a hero, 2001
The boyhood and war time experiences of a young GermanIll, p.260.non-fictionThe boyhood and war time experiences of a young Germanworld war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - germany, soldiers - germany - biography -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australian War memorial, Mud & dust : Australian Army vehicles & artillery in Vietnam, 2009
In association with the Australian War Memorial, Mud & Dust showcases photographs of the vehicles in action, with detailed colour scheme notes, internal features and stories from their war record. Mud & Dust includes the stories of those who drove and serviced the vehicles and brings the wars they fought in into a new dimension. Their narratives record the tragedies of war as well as the adventures experienced by soldiers.Bib, ill, p.304.In association with the Australian War Memorial, Mud & Dust showcases photographs of the vehicles in action, with detailed colour scheme notes, internal features and stories from their war record. Mud & Dust includes the stories of those who drove and serviced the vehicles and brings the wars they fought in into a new dimension. Their narratives record the tragedies of war as well as the adventures experienced by soldiers.vietnam war - 1961-1975 - australian participation, vietnam - military equipment -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Harper Collins, Hell's heroes, 2009
Hell′s Heroes is the story of the POW camp that never was − so dubbed by one old soldier because the atrocities that occurred there went largely unreported at the time. For while the Burma−Thai railway‚ the Bataan death march and events at Changi and in many other parts of Asia became synonymous with Japanese brutality‚ most of the camps which were set up to provide slave labour for the enemy military machine at home were slowly forgotten in the aftermath of World War II.Ill, maps, p.359.non-fictionHell′s Heroes is the story of the POW camp that never was − so dubbed by one old soldier because the atrocities that occurred there went largely unreported at the time. For while the Burma−Thai railway‚ the Bataan death march and events at Changi and in many other parts of Asia became synonymous with Japanese brutality‚ most of the camps which were set up to provide slave labour for the enemy military machine at home were slowly forgotten in the aftermath of World War II.world war 1939 – 1945 - prisons and prisoners - japanese, atrocities - japan -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Cobbs Crossing Publication, Long Tan and beyond : Alpha Company 6 RAR in Vietnam 1966-67, 2006
Here for the first time is included the story about the relief force - the men who turned defeat into victory. More than that, it is a story told by soldiers about soldiers. You will laugh and cry with them.Index, ill, maps, p.478.non-fictionHere for the first time is included the story about the relief force - the men who turned defeat into victory. More than that, it is a story told by soldiers about soldiers. You will laugh and cry with them.battle of long tan, vietnam conflict - australian involvement -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Murdoch, Great rescues of World War Two: Stories of adventure, daring and sacrifice, 2009
Some rescues involve the soldiers, sailors and airmen who risked all for their brothers and sisters in arms. Other concern civilians who hid Jews in their homes or helped Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. All are an inspirational testament to bravery and human kindness.Index, bib, ill, p.319.non-fictionSome rescues involve the soldiers, sailors and airmen who risked all for their brothers and sisters in arms. Other concern civilians who hid Jews in their homes or helped Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. All are an inspirational testament to bravery and human kindness.world war 1939-1945 - rescues, world war 1939-1945- social aspects -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, David Mason, Marching with the devil: Legends, glory and lies in the French foreign legion, 2010
Based on his diaries, this is a frank account of how Mason came first in French Foreign Legion basic training, trained other Legionnaires, went to Africa, did sniper, commando and medic's training and took part in two operations, both in the Republic of Djibouti, where a civil war nearly crippled the nation. It tells of his daily life in the Legion, in the training regiment, in Africa and with the Legion's Parachute Regiment. But more than this, David's gripping account reveals his disillusionment, frustration and disappointments, and how the Legion today is not what it seems.Ill, p.380.non-fictionBased on his diaries, this is a frank account of how Mason came first in French Foreign Legion basic training, trained other Legionnaires, went to Africa, did sniper, commando and medic's training and took part in two operations, both in the Republic of Djibouti, where a civil war nearly crippled the nation. It tells of his daily life in the Legion, in the training regiment, in Africa and with the Legion's Parachute Regiment. But more than this, David's gripping account reveals his disillusionment, frustration and disappointments, and how the Legion today is not what it seems.soldiers - australia - biography, france - military history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Craig Cabell et al, Snipers: profiles of the worlds deadliest killers, 2006
Snipers, highly trained and ruthlessly efficient killers, they can act as lone agents or as part of a strategic military force.Ill, p.260.non-fictionSnipers, highly trained and ruthlessly efficient killers, they can act as lone agents or as part of a strategic military force.snipers, irregular soldiers -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Paul Ham, Kokoda, 2004
For the first time ever, the compelling story of the infamous Kokoda Track campaign has been told from both sides of the conflict. In a unique and balanced portrayal, renowned journalist Paul Ham recounts both the Australian and Japanese perspectives of the events on the hellish Papuan jungle trail where thousands fought and died during World War II. Based on extensive research in Australia and Japan, and including previously unpublished documents, Kokoda intimately relates the stories of ordinary soldiers in 'the world's worst killing field', and examines the role of commanders in sending ill-equipped, unqualified Australian troops into battles that resulted in near 100 per cent casualty rates. It was a war without mercy, fought back and forth along 90 miles (145 km) of river crossings, steep inclines and precipitous descents, with both sides wracked by hunger and disease, and terrified of falling into enemy hands. Defeat was unthinkable: the Australian soldier was fighting for his homeland against an unyielding aggressor; the Japanese ordered to fight to the death in a bid to conquer 'Greater East AsiaIndex, bib, ill, p.602.non-fictionFor the first time ever, the compelling story of the infamous Kokoda Track campaign has been told from both sides of the conflict. In a unique and balanced portrayal, renowned journalist Paul Ham recounts both the Australian and Japanese perspectives of the events on the hellish Papuan jungle trail where thousands fought and died during World War II. Based on extensive research in Australia and Japan, and including previously unpublished documents, Kokoda intimately relates the stories of ordinary soldiers in 'the world's worst killing field', and examines the role of commanders in sending ill-equipped, unqualified Australian troops into battles that resulted in near 100 per cent casualty rates. It was a war without mercy, fought back and forth along 90 miles (145 km) of river crossings, steep inclines and precipitous descents, with both sides wracked by hunger and disease, and terrified of falling into enemy hands. Defeat was unthinkable: the Australian soldier was fighting for his homeland against an unyielding aggressor; the Japanese ordered to fight to the death in a bid to conquer 'Greater East Asiaworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – kokoda, world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - south west pacific -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Photograph - colour, Clare Kathleen Gervasoni, World War One Memorial Stained Glass Window, Former Barkly Street, Ballarat East, 2015, 05/04/2015
The World War One Memorial Stained glass windows in the Barkly Street Uniting Church resulted from a request made in 1919 by the Barkly Street Young Men's Club to be given permission to raise money to pay for the project. The window was designed by Fisher Co. Pty Ltd, and was unveiled by a former army chaplain - either Rev. J.A. Gaunt or Rev. Bladen on the 14th March 1920. The total cost of the windows was 171 pounds 10 shillings. The window cost 150pounds, the window was fixed into position for 15 pounds, and three wire screens cost 6 pounds 10 shillings.Digital Photographs of the World War One memorial stained glass windows in the Barkly Street Uniting Church, Ballarat East.Repousse World War One tablet: 1914-1919 For God, King and Country The windows above have been erected as a memorial to the heroic lads of this school and church who fell in the Great War. Brittain, H.O. Butcher, J.C. Cornish, H. R. MM (Richard) Eady, James Arthur Edmends, William H. Ferguson, F. Farrar, A.Z. Gist, C.H. Gates, Stanley C. Grave, Howard B. Hughes, Arthur W. Hughes, George A.C. Jones, William Stanley (Stan) Marshall, Robert R. McConnell, A.R. (Ralph) Muller, A.V. Polkinghorne, E.C. (Clifford) Ridgwell, Herbert R. Sansum, Arthur H. Smith, Alfred G. Tait, Robert E. Tait, Lawrence (Laurie) Veal, Thomas P. Vincent, Leslie A.barkly street uniting church, barkly steet methodist church, barkly street weseyan church, j.a. gaunt, bladen, stained glass, soldier, world war, world war one, mmm -
Stratford and District Historical Society
Bedspread, Bower, Archibald James, 1915-c.1920
Archibald James Bower enlisted in World War I in November 1915, and was killed in action in France in August 1916. Before he left Australia, he drew designs on linen for his mother, Harriet Bower nee Harper, to embroider a quilt - mainly flowers, butterflies and moths. Mrs Bower finished the quilt, which was then used for many years by her grandson, Archibald William Luxford. He went to sleep every night, knowing the designs were drawn by the uncle he had never known, after whom he had been named.This quilt has historic significance as a memorial to a soldier lost in World War I. It is important as a tangible reminder of loss in war, and an example of how memorials to those lost in war take many forms. It has aestetic significance as an example of needlework that is original in design, with an impressive range of different stitches used to execute the design. It has spiritual significance to the Luxford family and the Munro community (even though Archie Bower was from Sale and the quilt moved later to Munro), as the quilt that Arch Luxford, a prominent member of the community, often spoke about as one his most important possessions. He was born after the death of his uncle, and named in memory of him. He grew up sleeping under the quilt, and knowing the story of his loss in World War I.A bedspread made principally of three sections of white linen sewn together with panels of crochet, with a deep linen edging and crochet edging. There are moths, butterflies and flowers embroidered on all sections in white cotton, as a form of candlewicking.world war 1914-1918, craft, needlework -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Cassell and Company, From the Australian front: Xmas 1917, 1917
Illustrations (photographs, cartoons and caricatures) of Australian soldiers on the Western front in World War IIll, p.128.non-fictionIllustrations (photographs, cartoons and caricatures) of Australian soldiers on the Western front in World War Iworld war 1914-1918 - australian involvement, world war 1914-1918 - pictorial works