Showing 282 items
matching after the battle
-
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre Crabbe - South Africa
In 1898 Eyre Macdonnell Stewart Crabbe had been promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and became commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. In 1899 he led the Battalion to South Africa following the outbreak of the Second Boer War. At the battle of Belmont he was wounded but able to continue and attend the battle of Magersfontein. He was wounded again in 1900 when ambushed at Karee Siding but a month later was back in action. In 1901 he fought against Fouche and Kritzinger, and defeated Van der Merwe and Hildebrand. After the war he held staff posts at Aldershot but died suddenly in 1905 aged 52.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards. eyre crabbe, lieutenant-colonel, 3rd battalion, grenadier guards, south africa, second boer war, battle of belmont, battle of magersfontein, karee siding, fouche, kritzinger, van der merwe, hildebrand -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Lieutenant, The Honourable Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts - South Africa
Frederick Roberts was the son of Field Marshall Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts. At the age of 27 he went with the King's Rifles to the Second Boer War. During battle he, with two officers tried to assist and save guns when the detachments serving the guns had all become casualties or been driven away. While doing this Roberts fell badly wounded and 2 days later died. Commander-in-Chief Redvers Buller recommended Roberts for the Victoria Cross. Confirmation of the award made after his death. Roberts and his father were one of only three father son pairs to win the Victoria Cross. His father's was in 1858.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.frederick roberts, field marshall roberts, king's rifles, second boer war, redvers buller, south africa -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Major General Andrew Gilbert Wauchope - South Africa
Andrew Wauchope initially trained as a naval cadet. After three years he obtained his discharge and resolved to enter the army. In 1881 he served on the staff in the Transvaal War. In 1885 he returned to Scotland to manage his family estates which he had recently inherited. The coal mines were highly productive and as a result he became one of the richest men in Scotland. He was promoted to Colonel in 1888 and given command of the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch in 1894. Promotion to Major-General occurred in 1898. He was appointed to command the 3rd (Highland) Brigade in the South Africa War, which saw action at Belmont and Modder River as part of the force sent to relieve Kimberley. Pushing further, they again encountered the Boer force at Magersfontein. In the resulting Battle of Magersfontein, the Highland Brigade was ordered to make a dawn attack on the Boer defences. However, the force was spotted before it was prepared to attack and faulty reconnaissance meant that the enemy positions were not properly located. Under heavy fire it struggled to deploy action. Wauchope was killed by rifle fire in the opening minutes of combat. It held its position for a short time after Wauchope's death. It was leaderless and no-one would take command until late afternoon and despite the Guards Brigade being in support, in the early afternoon it was routed. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.andrew gilbert wauchope, naval cadet, transvaal war, coal mines, black watch, major-general, highland brigade, boer, battle of magersfontein -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Ladysmith - South Africa
Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 1847 after buying the land from the Zulu King Mpande, a number of Boers settled in the area and called it the Republic of Klip River. The Republic was annexed by the British in the same year and on 20 June 1850 it was proclaimed a township called Windsor. In October 1850 the name changed to Ladysmith after Juana Maria de los Delores de Leon Smith, also known was "Lady Smith", the Spanish wife of Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of the Cape Colony. He was also High Commissioner in South Africa from 1847 to 1852. A for was built in 1860 to protect the villagers from the Zulu. During the Second Boer War British commander Lieutenant General Sir George White made Ladysmith his centre of operations for the protection of Natal against the Boer forces. A number of short lived battles were fought for the control of the town. After suffering many casualties the British retreated to Ladysmith. While the British regrouped in the town, Boer forces surrounded Ladysmith. The siege lasted 118 days during one of the most crucial stage of the war. Three attempts by General Sir Redvers Buller to break the siege resulted in defeat for the British forces at the Battles of Colenso, Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz. The Boer forces attempted to break the siege. This led to the Battle of Platrand, or Wagon Hill, south the town. Buller finally broke the siege in February 1900 after defeating the Boers. Sir Winston Churchill, a young war correspondent was present at the Relief of Ladysmith after having been taken prisoner - between Ladysmith and Colenso - and escaping earlier during the war.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.ladysmith, south africa, zulu, boers, republic of klip river, windsor, lady smith, sir harry smith, governor, cape colony, high commissioner, sir george white, natal, siege of ladysmith, sir redvers buller, battle of colenso, battle of platrand, sir winston churchill, wagon hill -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - black and white, Corporal Alexander Ross, 1900
Alexander Ross was born in Castlemaine in 1879. He became a member of the 4th Battalion Infantry Brigade and was noted for his soldierly qualities. When volunteers were called for the First Contingent, Mounted Infantry Unit going to South Africa, he was one of the first to enlist. In the Battle at Rensburg he was shot through the chest and died shortly after. Major Eddy and Lieutenant Roberts also died in the same action. About a fortnight before he was killed Corporal Ross had mailed the Queen's Chocolate Box he had received, to his father. In it was a letter which included information "...I am quite well and have not seen action yet. I remain Your affectionate son Alexander Ross"Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".alexander ross, corporal, castlemaine, 4th battalion infantry brigade, first contingent, mounted infantry unit, south africa, rensburg, major eddy, lieutenant roberts, queen's chocolate box -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Collage, Collage of WW1 photos of E. H. Rowe, 1st April, 2001 (exact)
This is part of the E.H. Rowe Collection.A brown wooden frame, containing 7 photos and a history of Ernest Henry Rowe. The frame has a small plaque on the bottom front.Photos from left-top to bottom: (.1) 1 Australian Divisional Headquarters- Orderlies, Grooms & Police- Derna Camp - Egypt 1914/ (.2) Two Pals and Ernie Rowe -Pyramids, Egypt, 1914/ (.3) Morning fatigues- Derna Camp- Egypt, 1914/ Main Photo: (.4) Officer Cadet Ernest Henry Rowe/ Queens College, Oxford, England/ October 1917./ Top right to bottom: (.5) Recovering at Al Hayat Hospital- Egypt after being wounded at Lone Pine Battle, Gallipoli, in August 1915./ (.6) The boy from the Bush- heading to France with Engineers- 1916./ (.7) The Sphynx and Pyramids - Egypt - 1914/ Plaque: To The Red Cliffs R.S.L. / from/ The Rowe Family of Red Cliffs/ 1st April, 2001. camp, australian, ww1, 1, gallipoli, henry, egypt, ernest, rowe, derna, divisional, headquarters, queens, college, oxford, lone, pine -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Collage, Collage of WW1 photos, Post WW1
... a Canandian on the Field of Battle. (.12) A 'Fag' after a fight.... a Canandian on the Field of Battle. (.12) A 'Fag' after a fight ...There is no information with this collage other than what is on the photos, it is unknown who put it together, who owned it, or who donated it.An old black wooden frame containing 12 WW1 photos which have been beautifully displayed in the frame, surrounded by hand made wooden lattice and leaves decor. Typed on the bottom of each photo is a description of the photo.Top Left to right. ( .1) British Infantry practicing an attack. (.2) Australians parading for the Trenches. (.3) 'Tommy' at home in German duggouts. Next Rowe Left to Right. (.4) London Scottish going to their trenches. (.5) Happy 'Tommys' wearing Hun Helmets. (.6) A galant Rescue under fire - This man saved 20 lives like this. Next rowe down, Left to right: (.7) Firing a heavy Howitzer in France. (.8) Loyal North Lancs Regiment cheering when ordered to the trenches. (.9) Thirsty German prisoners in their barbed wire cage. Bottom rowe Left to right (.10) Highlanders Pipe themselves back from the trenches. (.11) Decorating a Canandian on the Field of Battle. (.12) A 'Fag' after a fight.france, ww1, british, photos, infantry, north, collage, lancashire, regiments -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Commando White Diamond: Unt History of the 2/8th Australian Commando Squadron, 1996
The detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded.non-fictionThe detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - BILL ASHMAN COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Newspaper article titled 'Radio in the New World' by R. K. Gerrand from the Melbourne, The Herald. Piece has been torn from the paper and the only date is Saturday, Dec. Sub-heading is: What developments can we expect in radio after the war? Items covered are: X-rays, Outback radio telephones, travel telephones, Portable trans-ceivers, Automatic weather reporting stations, Frequency modulations, Television, Electronic microscope, radio location, Battle of Britain, Battle of Australia, navigation and Pasteurisation,sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, the herald melbourne, r k gerrand, radio in the new world, f w clarke, electronic industries ltd, radio corporation, x-rays, outback radio telephones, travel telephones, portable trans-ceivers, automatic weather reporting statins, frequency modulations, television, electronic microscope, radio location, battle of britain, battle of australia, navigation, pasteurisation -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - NOT FOR SALE sign on the roof of Olive Zakharov's house, Little Swallow Street, Port Melbourne, 1990
One of several Alison Kelly photos of Olive's house showing the 'Not for Sale' sign. Laserprint of photo of Senator Olive Zakharov's house in Little Swallow Street, portion of bluestone lane showing, and NOT FOR SALE sign on roof c1990. Home destined for compulsory acquisition by government to make way for building of the Bayside project. Residents' battle won; house still stands, hidden amongst Beacon Cove homes. Sen. Zakharov died in 1995 after being hit by a car in St Kilda Roadbuilt environment, public action campaigns, olive zakharov, politicians, senators -
Polish Museum & Archives in Australia
Pennant, La Casa de Banderin, 08/1955
In 1955 the Polish Community in Chile wanted to Commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the ending of the 2nd World War but, since it was not a happy occasion, as Poland had been betrayed and placed in the Soviet sphere of influence, they chose to create a Pennant with a plea for the Patron Icon of Eastern Poland - Our Lady of the Sharp/Morning Gate (Matka Boska Ostrobramska/Zaranna) in Vilnius (Wilno) - to give them a new Miracle on the Vistula, in reference to an epic battle which took place on 15th August 1922 on the banks of the Vistula (Wisla) River in which the Polish troops defeated the Soviet Army and turned back the march of Communism to the West. This particular Pennant was purchased by Stanislawa Zamecznik (nee Zakrzewska), while living in Chile after deportation from her birth place in Sianozatki near Bychov (Bychow) to Schweningen in Germany from which they emigrated to South America as Displaced Persons. It was brought to Australia when the Zakrzewski Family emigrated from Chile in 1956, first to Port Augusta and then subsequently to Sydney.It is significant in that it tells the story of the aspirations of the Polish Diaspora displaced from it's Homeland in the Kresy Region and scattered throughout the World, including the Americas and Australia.Pennant of red cloth with screen printing in white, mustard yellow and black hung on copper wire with gold cord Front: Polish inscription "KROLOWO POLSKI / BLAGAMY CIE O NOWY / CUD NAD WISLA / SANTIAGO DE CHILE / 15.VIII.1955" Back: Spanish inscription "LA CASA DE BANDERIN AHUMADA 61"polish pennant polski proporczyk orzel eagle matka boska ostrobramska zaranna our lady of vilnus santiago chile cud nad wisla miracle on the vistula -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - LA TROBE UNIVERSITY BENDIGO COLLECTION: THE EDUCATIONAL MAGAZINE
A blue magazine titled ' The Educational Magazine.' Volume 12 No. 9, 1955. Published by The Education Department of Victoria. This magazine covers a wide variety of educational articles for teachers for general reading. The contents are listed as - The United Nations: tenth birthday; The Disappearance of zoological species by Jean-Paul Harroy; The Brontes and the Yorkshire Moors by Frank Madigan; An Australian looks at America's Schools by Donald McLean; Schools help in battle against poliomyelitis by Hollis A. Moore; Gunpowder, Treason and Plot by D.J.S.; End of a Decade. Ten years at a Provincial Teachers' College by Jessie C. Burnett; Four o'clock and After by various contributors; Mother and Child by anonymous; Clock Watching for a Purpose by K. Norman; Essayist at Work by E.T. Brown, Concerning the Time-Book by E. Elliott; Subtraction in Arithmetic by Carl Petterson; Here's What a Good Teacher Does by Albert J. Phillips; A disabled Children's Young Farmers' Club Project by D. R. Newman and Train up a Child by Alice Downward. 432 pgs. photographsbendigo, education, magazine, la trobe university bendigo collection, collection, bendigo, education, tertiary education, teachers, teaching, reading, magazine, magazine, united nations, literature, brontes, schools, poliomyelitis, disease, diseases, guy fawkes, history, bendigo teachers' college, parenting, female, mother, mothering, women, children, clocks, mathematics, subtraction, disability, young farmers' club, farming, pre-school education, kindergartens, frank madigan, donald mclean, hollis a. moore, d.j.s., jessie c. burnett, k. norman, e.t. brown, e. elliott, carl petterson, albert j. phillips, d. r. newman, alice downward -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Will Davies, Last one hundred days : the Australian road to victory in the First World War, 2018
In March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summaryIndex, bibliography, notes, ill, p.340.non-fictionIn March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summary world war 1914- 1918 - campaigns - western front, western front - australian participation - 1918 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Craig Deayton, The battle of Messines : 1917, 2017
On 7 June 1917, the British Second Army launched its attack on Messines Ridge, detonating 19 giant mines beneath the German front-line positions. By the end of the day, one of the strongest positions on the Western Front had fallen, a place of such importance that the Germans had pledged to hold it at any cost. It was the greatest British victory in three years of war. The first two years of the First World War had represented an almost unending catalogue of disaster for the Australians. Messines was not only their first real victory, it was also the first test in senior command for Major General John Monash who commanded the newly formed 3rd Division and would later be hailed as Australia's greatest soldier. Messines was a baptism of fire for the 3rd Division which came into the line alongside the battle-scarred 4th Australian Division, badly mauled at Bullecourt just six weeks earlier in one of the worst defeats of the war. The fighting at Messines would descend into unimaginable savagery, a lethal and sometimes hand-to-hand affair of bayonets, clubs, bombs and incessant machine-gun fire, described by one Australian as '72 hours of Hell'. After their string of bloody defeats over 1915 and 1916, Messines would be the ultimate test for the Australians. Collapse summaryIndex, bibliography, ill (col), p.172.non-fictionOn 7 June 1917, the British Second Army launched its attack on Messines Ridge, detonating 19 giant mines beneath the German front-line positions. By the end of the day, one of the strongest positions on the Western Front had fallen, a place of such importance that the Germans had pledged to hold it at any cost. It was the greatest British victory in three years of war. The first two years of the First World War had represented an almost unending catalogue of disaster for the Australians. Messines was not only their first real victory, it was also the first test in senior command for Major General John Monash who commanded the newly formed 3rd Division and would later be hailed as Australia's greatest soldier. Messines was a baptism of fire for the 3rd Division which came into the line alongside the battle-scarred 4th Australian Division, badly mauled at Bullecourt just six weeks earlier in one of the worst defeats of the war. The fighting at Messines would descend into unimaginable savagery, a lethal and sometimes hand-to-hand affair of bayonets, clubs, bombs and incessant machine-gun fire, described by one Australian as '72 hours of Hell'. After their string of bloody defeats over 1915 and 1916, Messines would be the ultimate test for the Australians. Collapse summary world war 1914-1918- campaigns - western front, battles of messines - australian participation - 1917 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Frontline Books, Battle Group : German Kamfgruppen Action in World War Two, 2014
The German army in the Second World War sought to fight and win swift, decisive victories in a succession of short campaigns - blitzkrieg, or lightning war. Flexibility was as essential as the will to win. Battle groups, or shock troops, were created from miscellaneous, and often disparate military units to undertake a specific local operation; it was the army's skill in combining superior numbers, aggressive tactics and the battle group commander's ability to exploit the changing situation on the ground which brought success on the battlefield. The actions described here cover all theatres of the war, and include battle groups large and small, deployed usually to smash a breach in the enemy line or seal off an enemy penetration. It covers operations in the first dynamic years when Wehrmacht forces defeated the armies of one European country after another in fast campaigns, through to the years after Stalingrad and Africa as they moved towards defeat. The battle groups' contribution to Wehrmacht fortunes offer powerful lessons in the tactics of battle management and this book by James Lucas, a military historian known for his close studies of the German soldier, is considered to be one of the most detailed and authoritative accounts on the subject. Collapse summaryIndex, bibliography, maps, ill, p.173.non-fictionThe German army in the Second World War sought to fight and win swift, decisive victories in a succession of short campaigns - blitzkrieg, or lightning war. Flexibility was as essential as the will to win. Battle groups, or shock troops, were created from miscellaneous, and often disparate military units to undertake a specific local operation; it was the army's skill in combining superior numbers, aggressive tactics and the battle group commander's ability to exploit the changing situation on the ground which brought success on the battlefield. The actions described here cover all theatres of the war, and include battle groups large and small, deployed usually to smash a breach in the enemy line or seal off an enemy penetration. It covers operations in the first dynamic years when Wehrmacht forces defeated the armies of one European country after another in fast campaigns, through to the years after Stalingrad and Africa as they moved towards defeat. The battle groups' contribution to Wehrmacht fortunes offer powerful lessons in the tactics of battle management and this book by James Lucas, a military historian known for his close studies of the German soldier, is considered to be one of the most detailed and authoritative accounts on the subject. Collapse summary germany - armed forces - history, germany - regimental histories -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Penguin, Tobruk 1941, 2009
March 1941. The Allied forces have suffered one brutal defeat after another. For Hitler's forces the conquest of Egypt, and the rich oil fields of the Middle East, lie next on the horizon. All that stand in their way are a few Australian brigades defending a town called Tobruk. For eight months the Australian Imperial Forces defended the North African coastal fortress, battling almost unbeatable odds in the dust and the heat of the Libran desert. Under the command of General Morshead, the troops used unorthodox methods and sheer grit to withstand the superior might of General Rommel's elite 'Afrika KorpsIndex, maps, p.414.non-fictionMarch 1941. The Allied forces have suffered one brutal defeat after another. For Hitler's forces the conquest of Egypt, and the rich oil fields of the Middle East, lie next on the horizon. All that stand in their way are a few Australian brigades defending a town called Tobruk. For eight months the Australian Imperial Forces defended the North African coastal fortress, battling almost unbeatable odds in the dust and the heat of the Libran desert. Under the command of General Morshead, the troops used unorthodox methods and sheer grit to withstand the superior might of General Rommel's elite 'Afrika Korpsworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – north africa, siege of tobruk 1941 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, peter Thompson, Pacific fury : how Australia and her allies defeated the Japanese scourge, 2008
Pearl Harbour. Kokoda. The fall of Singapore. Curtin's fight with Churchill. The bombing of Darwin. The Battle of Midway. POWs. Kamikaze. Hiroshima. These words alone are enough to convey the terror, courage and drama of the Pacific War, when the balance of power stood on a knife-edge and when the future of Australia herself was on the brink - threatened by Japanese aggression on one hand and British apathy on the other. Until now the history of the Pacific War has largely been written from the American perspective. Now, for the first time, Peter Thompson places Australian voices and action at the heart of a struggle that took an unimaginable number of lives and only ended with the unleashing of the most powerful weapon the world had ever seen. Pearl Harbor; The fall of Singapore; Curtin's fights with Churchill; The bombing of Darwin; POW camps; The battle of Midway; Kokoda; Buna; Kamikaze pilots; Hiroshima. These words alone are enough to convey the terror, courage and drama of the Pacific War, when the balance of power stood on a knife-edge and when the future of Australia was on the brink - threatened by Japanese aggression on the one hand and British deception on the other. After a conflict that took an unimaginable number of lives and ended with the unleashing of the most powerful weapon the world had ever seen, the Allies emerged victorious. Australia, however, was criticised by Churchill and his generals for showing cowardice in the face of the enemy and for not caring about the fate of other nations. The endorsement of these claims by several military historians today shows that the smear has not gone away. Until nowIndex, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.548.non-fictionPearl Harbour. Kokoda. The fall of Singapore. Curtin's fight with Churchill. The bombing of Darwin. The Battle of Midway. POWs. Kamikaze. Hiroshima. These words alone are enough to convey the terror, courage and drama of the Pacific War, when the balance of power stood on a knife-edge and when the future of Australia herself was on the brink - threatened by Japanese aggression on one hand and British apathy on the other. Until now the history of the Pacific War has largely been written from the American perspective. Now, for the first time, Peter Thompson places Australian voices and action at the heart of a struggle that took an unimaginable number of lives and only ended with the unleashing of the most powerful weapon the world had ever seen. Pearl Harbor; The fall of Singapore; Curtin's fights with Churchill; The bombing of Darwin; POW camps; The battle of Midway; Kokoda; Buna; Kamikaze pilots; Hiroshima. These words alone are enough to convey the terror, courage and drama of the Pacific War, when the balance of power stood on a knife-edge and when the future of Australia was on the brink - threatened by Japanese aggression on the one hand and British deception on the other. After a conflict that took an unimaginable number of lives and ended with the unleashing of the most powerful weapon the world had ever seen, the Allies emerged victorious. Australia, however, was criticised by Churchill and his generals for showing cowardice in the face of the enemy and for not caring about the fate of other nations. The endorsement of these claims by several military historians today shows that the smear has not gone away. Until nowworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – pacific, world war 1939 – 1945 – australia -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, William Collins, Reach for the sky, 1955
The story of Douglas Bader's life is the stuff of legend. After losing both his legs in a flying accident he returned to the RAF at the beginning the Second World War to become Britain's most famous airman and hero. In the Battle of Britain he led his squadron of Spitfires to kill after kill, keeping them going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. And Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with a charm and determination that was to become an inspiration to all around himIndex, ill (b/w plates), p.342.non-fictionThe story of Douglas Bader's life is the stuff of legend. After losing both his legs in a flying accident he returned to the RAF at the beginning the Second World War to become Britain's most famous airman and hero. In the Battle of Britain he led his squadron of Spitfires to kill after kill, keeping them going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. And Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with a charm and determination that was to become an inspiration to all around himbader douglas - biography, battle of britain - history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Joan Beaumont, Broken nation : Australians in the Great War, 2013
The Australian experience of war in all its complexity - from the homefront as well as the battlefront - as the men and women who experienced it chose to understand and remember it. The Great War is, for many Australians, the event that defined our nation. The larrikin diggers, trench warfare, and the landing at Gallipoli have become the stuff of the Anzac legend. But it was also a war fought by the families at home. Their resilience in the face of hardship, their stoic acceptance of enormous casualty lists and their belief that their cause was just, made the war effort possible. This book brings together all the dimensions of World War I. Combining deep scholarship with powerful storytelling, this book brings the war years to life: from the well-known battles at Gallipoli, Pozieres, Fromelles and Villers-Bretonneux, to the lesser known battles in Europe and the Middle East; from the ferocious debates over conscription to the disillusioning Paris peace conference and the devastating Spanish flu the soldiers brought home. We witness the fear and courage of tens of thousands of soldiers, grapple with the strategic nightmares confronting the commanders, and come to understand the impact on Australians at home and at the front of death on an unprecedented scale. A century after the Great War, this book brings lucid insight into the dramatic events, mass grief and political turmoil that makes the memory of this terrible war central to Australia's history.Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.628.non-fictionThe Australian experience of war in all its complexity - from the homefront as well as the battlefront - as the men and women who experienced it chose to understand and remember it. The Great War is, for many Australians, the event that defined our nation. The larrikin diggers, trench warfare, and the landing at Gallipoli have become the stuff of the Anzac legend. But it was also a war fought by the families at home. Their resilience in the face of hardship, their stoic acceptance of enormous casualty lists and their belief that their cause was just, made the war effort possible. This book brings together all the dimensions of World War I. Combining deep scholarship with powerful storytelling, this book brings the war years to life: from the well-known battles at Gallipoli, Pozieres, Fromelles and Villers-Bretonneux, to the lesser known battles in Europe and the Middle East; from the ferocious debates over conscription to the disillusioning Paris peace conference and the devastating Spanish flu the soldiers brought home. We witness the fear and courage of tens of thousands of soldiers, grapple with the strategic nightmares confronting the commanders, and come to understand the impact on Australians at home and at the front of death on an unprecedented scale. A century after the Great War, this book brings lucid insight into the dramatic events, mass grief and political turmoil that makes the memory of this terrible war central to Australia's history.world war 1914-1918- australia - history, world war 1914-1918 - social conditions -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, David W Cameron, 25 April 1915: The day the ANZAC legend was born, 2007
A detailed account of what happened to the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish troops on the beaches and hills of the Gallipoli peninsula on that fateful day - the day the ANZAC legend was born. On the 25th of April 1915 Australian troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now called Anzac Cove. They rushed from the beach up to Plugge's Plateau into Australian military history suffering many casualties on the way. Just after midday troops from New Zealand landed at Gallipoli and together the Australians and New Zealanders created the Anzac legend. It was the events of this first day that set the course of the whole battle leading to the evacuation of the Anzac troops in December 1915. This is the story of that day telling the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish side of what was to become a tragedy for all three countries and an ultimate triumph for Turkey. It concludes with the visit of Charles Bean, the official Australian war correspondent, to the peninsula in 1919 as part of the Australian Historical mission to organise the burial of the dead that had lain exposed to the elements for the last four years, and to the formation of the cemeteries that are today visited by thousands. About the Author : Dr David Cameron is a biological anthropologist who has written several books. In early 2003 he conducted a preliminary survey of the Anzac Gallipoli battlefields and held numerous discussions with Turkish and Australian government officials about conservation issues relating to the Anzac area. He became interested in the actual landing and decided to write this book.--publisher. A detailed account of what happened to the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish troops on the beaches and hills of the Gallipoli peninsula on that fateful day - the day the ANZAC legend was born.Index, bibliography, notes, maps, ill, p.324.non-fictionA detailed account of what happened to the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish troops on the beaches and hills of the Gallipoli peninsula on that fateful day - the day the ANZAC legend was born. On the 25th of April 1915 Australian troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now called Anzac Cove. They rushed from the beach up to Plugge's Plateau into Australian military history suffering many casualties on the way. Just after midday troops from New Zealand landed at Gallipoli and together the Australians and New Zealanders created the Anzac legend. It was the events of this first day that set the course of the whole battle leading to the evacuation of the Anzac troops in December 1915. This is the story of that day telling the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish side of what was to become a tragedy for all three countries and an ultimate triumph for Turkey. It concludes with the visit of Charles Bean, the official Australian war correspondent, to the peninsula in 1919 as part of the Australian Historical mission to organise the burial of the dead that had lain exposed to the elements for the last four years, and to the formation of the cemeteries that are today visited by thousands. About the Author : Dr David Cameron is a biological anthropologist who has written several books. In early 2003 he conducted a preliminary survey of the Anzac Gallipoli battlefields and held numerous discussions with Turkish and Australian government officials about conservation issues relating to the Anzac area. He became interested in the actual landing and decided to write this book.--publisher. A detailed account of what happened to the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish troops on the beaches and hills of the Gallipoli peninsula on that fateful day - the day the ANZAC legend was born. world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - gallipoli, australian army - anzac corps -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, John Masefield, Gallipoli, 1978
The Gallipoli campaign began one fateful Sunday morning in April 1915. It was to be Australia's test of nationhood. The Allied soldiers landed in the dark, crossing beaches tangled with barbed wire, passing mines and scaled the precipitous cliffs under machine-gun fire. An intense five-month campaign ensued, the lines so close that there was no respite from battle. With access to military documents, the poet John Masefield published this moving account of the Allied efforts in the Dardanelles less than a year after the defeat. The book was a huge success, as it gave glory to the bravery and determination of the young men who endured heat, toil, thirst, disease and pestilence but were always ready and willing to die in exultation for their cause.. Moving account of the Allied efforts in Dardanelles after the defeat.Ill, map, p.183non-fictionThe Gallipoli campaign began one fateful Sunday morning in April 1915. It was to be Australia's test of nationhood. The Allied soldiers landed in the dark, crossing beaches tangled with barbed wire, passing mines and scaled the precipitous cliffs under machine-gun fire. An intense five-month campaign ensued, the lines so close that there was no respite from battle. With access to military documents, the poet John Masefield published this moving account of the Allied efforts in the Dardanelles less than a year after the defeat. The book was a huge success, as it gave glory to the bravery and determination of the young men who endured heat, toil, thirst, disease and pestilence but were always ready and willing to die in exultation for their cause.. Moving account of the Allied efforts in Dardanelles after the defeat. world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - gallipoli, anzac corps -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Brassey's, Wonju : the Gettysburg of the Korean War, 2000
Just as the Battle of Gettysburg was the high-water mark of the Confederacy's bid for secession, the Chinese offensive launched at Wonju was the high point from which China's hopes for victory soon faded. This is the first book to show that after fifteen days of combat at Wonju, Chinese leaders realized that they could not win the war and could possibly lose it. On this not particularly well-known battlefield, UN forces led by brave U.S. and South Korean fighting men ensured South Korean independence. These battles reinvigorated the UN war effort, thanks in no small part to the leadership of the U.S. Eighth Army's new commander, Lt. Gen. Matthew Ridgway. J. D. Coleman's comparison between the pivotal battles of Wonju and Gettysburg is original and thought provoking.Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.301.non-fictionJust as the Battle of Gettysburg was the high-water mark of the Confederacy's bid for secession, the Chinese offensive launched at Wonju was the high point from which China's hopes for victory soon faded. This is the first book to show that after fifteen days of combat at Wonju, Chinese leaders realized that they could not win the war and could possibly lose it. On this not particularly well-known battlefield, UN forces led by brave U.S. and South Korean fighting men ensured South Korean independence. These battles reinvigorated the UN war effort, thanks in no small part to the leadership of the U.S. Eighth Army's new commander, Lt. Gen. Matthew Ridgway. J. D. Coleman's comparison between the pivotal battles of Wonju and Gettysburg is original and thought provoking.korean war 1950-1953 - history, korean war - battle of wonju -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Random House, Write home for me : a red cross women in Vietnam, 2006
Working as a journalist at the Adelaide Advertiser in 1966, Jean Debelle yearned to be involved in the biggest story of the decade - the Vietnam War. But only male journalists in Australia were being sent to cover the escalating conflict. Instead, she volunteered to work in Vietnam for the Red Cross to tend to the non-medical welfare of the sick and wounded ANZAC forces. Jean had planned to report on the war in spare moments - but there were none. For one year she lived in the spotlight: a young Australian woman among 5,000 men. This intimate personal account is told from the rare and compassionate perspective of a young woman living close to the battlefront. Jean tells of the resilience of the soldiers in the face of daily atrocities and of the international medical personnel fighting to save lives and to rebuild shattered bodies and minds. It is also the story of the Vietnamese, struggling to maintain not just their traditions but their very lives in the face of brutal hardship. With infectious humour, Jean tells of striving to be like a sister to the men when sex was in the very air they breathed. But she experienced stark terror when she faced a crazed gunman, had a close call in a minefield and was caught in the midst of a Vietnamese skirmish. Jean also offers an unvarnished look at the Australians' worst battle in Vietnam, Long Tan, and their worst landmine disaster. With unblinking candour, she writes of the harsh realisation that after nine months in Vietnam she had grown cold to the unrelenting horror of war. From diaries, letters and Red Cross reports, Jean Debelle Lamensdorf has researched and written a story not only of tragedy but also of hope and humour. It is a compelling adventure story - and one of love.Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.302.non-fictionWorking as a journalist at the Adelaide Advertiser in 1966, Jean Debelle yearned to be involved in the biggest story of the decade - the Vietnam War. But only male journalists in Australia were being sent to cover the escalating conflict. Instead, she volunteered to work in Vietnam for the Red Cross to tend to the non-medical welfare of the sick and wounded ANZAC forces. Jean had planned to report on the war in spare moments - but there were none. For one year she lived in the spotlight: a young Australian woman among 5,000 men. This intimate personal account is told from the rare and compassionate perspective of a young woman living close to the battlefront. Jean tells of the resilience of the soldiers in the face of daily atrocities and of the international medical personnel fighting to save lives and to rebuild shattered bodies and minds. It is also the story of the Vietnamese, struggling to maintain not just their traditions but their very lives in the face of brutal hardship. With infectious humour, Jean tells of striving to be like a sister to the men when sex was in the very air they breathed. But she experienced stark terror when she faced a crazed gunman, had a close call in a minefield and was caught in the midst of a Vietnamese skirmish. Jean also offers an unvarnished look at the Australians' worst battle in Vietnam, Long Tan, and their worst landmine disaster. With unblinking candour, she writes of the harsh realisation that after nine months in Vietnam she had grown cold to the unrelenting horror of war. From diaries, letters and Red Cross reports, Jean Debelle Lamensdorf has researched and written a story not only of tragedy but also of hope and humour. It is a compelling adventure story - and one of love. vietnam war 1961-1975 – australian involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 - red cross - women -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Mt Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch, Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans, 2018
Fifty years after they served Australia in the Vietnam War, sixteen veterans of that conflict from the Yarra Valley sat down with the Mt Evelyn RSL's historian and revealed, some for the first time, their wartime experiences.Their stories tell of our nation's involvement in Vietnam and spans the period 1964 to 1972. They served with the Navy, with the Regular Army, with the CMF and as National Servicemen. Their backgrounds varied as much as their experiences 'in country' during that time.It is a story of sacrifice and endurance, bravery and loss, good times and bad times. It reveals the environment they were forced to exist in and the role they played, from the mundane to the terrifying.Surviving all of this they then returned home to a nation where many people ignored or even condemned them. For most, those decades after the war were an ongoing battle to deal with the physical and mental scars.Ill, p.464.non-fictionFifty years after they served Australia in the Vietnam War, sixteen veterans of that conflict from the Yarra Valley sat down with the Mt Evelyn RSL's historian and revealed, some for the first time, their wartime experiences.Their stories tell of our nation's involvement in Vietnam and spans the period 1964 to 1972. They served with the Navy, with the Regular Army, with the CMF and as National Servicemen. Their backgrounds varied as much as their experiences 'in country' during that time.It is a story of sacrifice and endurance, bravery and loss, good times and bad times. It reveals the environment they were forced to exist in and the role they played, from the mundane to the terrifying.Surviving all of this they then returned home to a nation where many people ignored or even condemned them. For most, those decades after the war were an ongoing battle to deal with the physical and mental scars.vietnam war 1961-1975 – personal recollections – australia, veterans - victoria - yarra valley - biography -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australian War Memorial, To Benghazi, 1952
Between the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941.Index, ill, maps, p.336.non-fictionBetween the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941. world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - north africa, world war 1939-1945 - australian involvement -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Pen & Sword Military, Hamilton and Gallipoli : British command in an age of military transformation, 2015
This is a study of Sir Ian Hamilton VCs command of the Gallipoli campaign. Appointed by Kitchener after the failure of the initial Allied naval offensive in the Dardanelles, Hamilton was to lead the ambitious amphibious landings that were intended to open the way to Constantinople. In the event, however, opportunities immediately after the landings were squandered and, in the face of unexpectedly effective Turkish resistance, soon stalled in attritional trench warfare like that on the Western Front. Hamilton has often been criticized for this failure and in many ways seen to typify the stereotype of a British general clinging to outdated Victorian thinking. Yet this fresh reappraisal, drawing on original archival research, shows that Hamilton did display some progressive ideas and a realization that warfare was rapidly changing. Like all generals of this period he faced the challenge of unprecedented technological and tactical revolution as well as the political and media battle.Index, bib, ill, map, p.230.non-fictionThis is a study of Sir Ian Hamilton VCs command of the Gallipoli campaign. Appointed by Kitchener after the failure of the initial Allied naval offensive in the Dardanelles, Hamilton was to lead the ambitious amphibious landings that were intended to open the way to Constantinople. In the event, however, opportunities immediately after the landings were squandered and, in the face of unexpectedly effective Turkish resistance, soon stalled in attritional trench warfare like that on the Western Front. Hamilton has often been criticized for this failure and in many ways seen to typify the stereotype of a British general clinging to outdated Victorian thinking. Yet this fresh reappraisal, drawing on original archival research, shows that Hamilton did display some progressive ideas and a realization that warfare was rapidly changing. Like all generals of this period he faced the challenge of unprecedented technological and tactical revolution as well as the political and media battle.world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - gallipoli, generals - great britain - biography -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Big Sky Publishing et al, Long Tan : the start of a lifelong battle, 2016
... perfectionist, Major Harry Smith. Now, some 47 years after the battle ...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, Bruce Davies, The battle at Ngok Tavak: A bloody defeat in South Vietnam 1968, 2008
... . The circumstances of the battle that ensued, and the subsequent retreat from ...In 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, a Special Forces Company, under the command of an Australian Army Captain, supported by a Marine artillery detachment, occupied an old French fort, on a hill known as Ngok Tavak. The circumstances of the battle that ensued, and the subsequent retreat from Ngok Tavak, left in their wake issues that cried out for resolution for decades after the event. A number of American bodies were left where they had fallen during the battle, and another American, the nephew of Katharine Hepburn, went missing. After speaking extensively to the battle survivors and loved ones of the American warriors, and searching through accounts from official reports that included Vietnamese documents, eyewitness statements and war diaries, Bruce Davies has pieced together the evidence that will bring resolution to the questions that still haunt many of those connected to the battle. A story that needed to be told for the veterans who survived and for those who did not, for their families and for the sake of history. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cooper (Retd), Australian Infantry, South Vietnam 1971-72Index, bib, ill, p.241.non-fictionIn 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, a Special Forces Company, under the command of an Australian Army Captain, supported by a Marine artillery detachment, occupied an old French fort, on a hill known as Ngok Tavak. The circumstances of the battle that ensued, and the subsequent retreat from Ngok Tavak, left in their wake issues that cried out for resolution for decades after the event. A number of American bodies were left where they had fallen during the battle, and another American, the nephew of Katharine Hepburn, went missing. After speaking extensively to the battle survivors and loved ones of the American warriors, and searching through accounts from official reports that included Vietnamese documents, eyewitness statements and war diaries, Bruce Davies has pieced together the evidence that will bring resolution to the questions that still haunt many of those connected to the battle. A story that needed to be told for the veterans who survived and for those who did not, for their families and for the sake of history. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Cooper (Retd), Australian Infantry, South Vietnam 1971-72vietnam - history 1945-1975, vietnam - special forces -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Black and White, General Allanby Reading the Proclamation in Jerusalem, 1918, 1918
The Battle of Jerusalem occurred during the British Empire's "Jerusalem Operations" against the Ottoman Empire, when fighting for the city developed from 17 November, continuing after the surrender until 30 December 1917, to secure the final objective of the Southern Palestine Offensive during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. (Wikipedia) On 11 December, General Edmund Allenby humbly entered the Old City on foot through the Jaffa Gate instead of horse or vehicles to show respect for the holy city. He was the first Christian in many centuries to control Jerusalem, which is a very important site for many faiths. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Lloyd George described the capture as "a Christmas present for the British people". The battle was a great morale boost for the British Empire.(wikipedia)Photograph showing a number of soldiers on a raised platform, including General Allanby. Locals look on from below, some wearing fez hats.Verso: Reading the proclamation at Jerusalem. General Allenby in centre. This photo no doubt will be valuable one day. Palestine, 1918world war one, jerusalem, palestine, allenby, general allenby -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Colour, Ann Gervasoni, Lochnagar Crater, 2014, 23/07/2017
The mine was named after Lochnagar Street, the British trench from which the gallery was driven. It was one of 19 mines that were placed beneath the German lines on the British section of the Somme front to assist the infantry advance at the start of the battle. The Lochnagar mine was sprung at 7:28 a.m. on 1 July 1916 and left a crater 98 ft (30 m) deep and 330 ft (100 m) wide, which was captured and held by British troops. The attack on either flank was defeated by German small-arms and artillery fire, except on the extreme right flank and just south of La Boisselle, north of the Lochnagar Crater. The crater has been preserved as a memorial and a religious service is held each 1 July. (Wikipedia)A number of photographs of a crater which was created at the Somme, on the Western Front during World War One. lochnagar crater, tunnellers, the somme, world war one, western front, france