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Aaj 155 Apr 1962
Aaj 155 Apr 1962
AUSTRALIAN
JOURNAL
No 155
APRU
1962
AUSTRALIAN ARMY
ARMY
JOURNAL
JOURNAL
Number 155
April, 1962
Distribution:
The Journal is lssued through Base Ordnance Depots on the scale
of One per Omcer, Omcer of Cadets. and Cadet Under Omcer.
AUSTRALIAN ARMY
JOURNAL
Editor:
COLONEL E. G . KEOGH, MBE,ED, (RL)
Assistant Editor:
MAJOR W.C. N m A N , W
S t a f f Artist:
MR. G . M. CAPPER
CONTENTS
Page
Book Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
The vi- expremed in the rtrcirln in this lourns1 are the authors own and do
not neeemwily represent Gerrral Staff opinion or policy.
SHAGGY RIDGE
In September 1943 the A l l l a launched their counter-
offensive to drive the J a p a n e r from New Guinea. 71h Australian
Division a i r landed at Nadzah in the Markhem Valley and
advamed south-ea%lerly o n Lae, while 9th Australian D i v i d m ,
after an amphihiow landing o n H u m Gulf, converged m the town
f m m the rad. On the r a p t u n of La+ 9th D i v i i o n moved by sea
to the a w k on Finrchafen while 7th Division moved up the
Marlham with the ohjen of m r i q the F i n i d e m range and
roaching the wad near Madanu.
l k way i d 0 the Finisleme8 was barred hy Ihe formidable
Shaggy Ridge, a precipitous fraNre rising ~ o m e2,500 feel shove
Ihc plateau. This feature v ~ dominaled
1 by the Pimple, a high,
pointed hill which rould he appmached only on a one man fmnt
up II razor-harked spur. Wilh all lhe k t of the ground, the
Japenese delended Shaggy Ridge and its a p p m a d r n inch hy inrh.
Through weeks of heavy, difficult fightiw the Australian troop
edged their way forward until finally the Pimple was taken by
atrilult.
The picture shows lroops of 7th Division making a Ira&
up one of the faces of the Ridge.
AMF
GOLD MEDAL
ESSAY,
1961
SENIOR SECTION
Lieutenant Colonel C. L. Thompson, M.B.E.,
R. of O., Royal Australian Infantry.
I n World War I1 fifteen months elapsed between
the outbreak of hostilities and the first occasion on
which an Australian division went into action.
I . Analyse the factors which had a bearing on this
timing.
2. Discuss the means by which, in the event of a
limited war in South East Asia, a n ARA/CMF
division could be speedily deployed f o r action.
IT is wrong to In short, it is a matter of de-
assume that the circumstances gree of readiness. This is es-
which delayed the 6th Division pecially vexing for Australia
of the 2nd A I F from joining which relies to such a n extent
battle will be the same in any on its citizen soldiers. But a
future conflict. Political aims, critical study of the factors
the nations fiscal policy, the which had a bearing on getting
climate of public opinion, the ready 6 Division for battle pro-
availability of resources or lack vides a fruitful experience in
of them, and the manner in preparing for future hostility.
which the cold war turns to hot, A t the outbreak of war in Sep-
could all play a signiflcant role. tember, 1939, the Australian
From a study of the past, two Army, comprising the militia
factors stand out with signal and a small nucleus of regular
clearness, namely - soldiers, was little different from
the 1916 pattern. Its role in 1939
(a) The degree of training was to man selected coastal
needed to make the force a areas and await the invader.
cohesive flghting team, and Almost nothing had been done,
(b) The problem of transport- in spite of the nations econo-
ing and maintaining that mic growth, to set up an arsenal
force, complete with all its for war. Yet the astonishing
supporting arms, to and in success which the 2nd A I F
the theatre of operations. achieved later was a vindication
6 AUSTRALIAN ARMY JOURNAL
the delay. They were eager and trucks from the recently arrived
quick to learn. Rather, the fault 7th Division. Ammunition was so
lay in the slowness with which short that live practice with
the equipment arrived and the infanty took place only once be-
problem of finding sufficient fore going into battle. Shortages
skilled instructors to pass on the in binoculars, compasses, cable
technical training to large num- and telephones were not made
bers of men a t the one time. good for a long time to come.
( b ) Equipping the Force. As if the problems of equip-
The problem of equipment was ment were not enough, delays
intense. The Army Staff, aware were experienced in getting from
of the lack of equipment and Australia certain Engineer and
time to obtain it, were anxious Medical units. These problems
not to lose what they had for the were all part of the growing
militia by handing it over to the pains of the administrative sys-
6th Division. As a consequence tem that was being set up, sum-
this Division went short for a cient in size not only to main-
long time. To make matters tain the 6th Division, but also
worse the British Army had re- two other AIF Divisions t h a t
organised its Divisions on a were on their way to the Middle
three Brigade basis, discarding East.
the 1918 weapons. Australia Without a doubt the Austra-
settled for a compromise (four lian Army had over reached it-
brigades), undertaking to equip Self - a little everywhere, but
part herself and t o rely on Brit- Strong nowhere.
ain for the remainder. As a re- (c) Shipment and concentration
sult the 6th Division had very of the Division.
few supporting weapons. As late
as June, 1940, the Division was It was not till 28th November,
requesting the Australian autho- 1939, that it was decided to send
rities to send to it in Palestine the Division overseas. This deci-
Lewis guns and machine guns of sion was on the understanding
1918 vintage. A t this stage 2- that no equipment or material
inch mortars and anti - tank needed for the militia would be
weapons were a theoretical made available t o the Division.
make-believe: the troops train- The first convoy carrying the
ing with token weapons made of 16th Brigade left Australia in
wood. January, 1940. I t was not till
May that shipping could be ar-
Even as late a t December, 1940, ranged for the 17th and 19th
the Division was supported by Brigades; the 18th Brigade con-
only two of its three artillery voy being diverted to England
regiments; one of which had the due to the entry of Italy into the
use of 18 pounders, brought from war. This resulted in the AUS-
Australia. A chronic vehicle tralian force being short by one
shortage always existed in the of its brigades.
Division and this was made good
only within the last few days of The problem of concentration-
December, 1940, by taking 180 in Australia was accentuated by
10 AUSTRALIAN A K M Y JOURNAL
(e) The exact role and scope of A major factor in the consid-
action should be determined eration of this problem is that
beforehand, so that as many of transporting the force from
leaders as possible can be the mainland to South East Asia
acclimatised tactically, tech- and the establishment of the
nically and administratively logistic support sufficient to
with the problems to be maintain the Division as a fight-
faced in likely theatres of ing entity. Such a demand not
operations. only encompasses the initial
The Future support of the force b u t also a
In the light of the lessons continuing flow of reinforce-
learnt from a study of the past ments and the replacement of
it is possible to make suggestions all. the items used b y t.he force.
for the reduction of time be- Looked a t as a whole, Australia,
tween mobilisation and readi- in fighting a war in South East
ness for action. Asia, will need t o take action
An ARA/CMF Division of the simultaneously in two areas,
type in being today is a signifi- namely:-
cant advancement on the orga- (a) Concentration of the Divis-
nisation Australia had in the ' ' ion in Australia
past. The Division not only has (b) Setting up the overseas
within its framework units and base.
formations entirely manned by
regular army members but also Thus the ARA units of the
a CMF component, containing a Division could play a valuable
substantial core of profes- role in moving overseas early
sional officers, warrant officers after mobilisation to set up the
and N.C.Os. If the ARA units base, whilst the C M F comple-
can be built up and maintained ment goes ahead with its train-
a t full strength (and equipment ing. Sound and realistic plan- '.
shortages made good), a t least ning therefore is necessary in
one portion of the force can be peace if the time needed to make
alerted quickly for readiness. the Division battleworthy is to
This in itself is a valuable con- be streamlined. Even a t the best,
tribution, but not the answer. it is calculated that a t least six
The weakness lies in the train- to eight months will elapse be-
ing of the CMF side of the team. fore training is complete.
Above all, the Division should The task of getting ready re-
not be committed piecemeal to quires joint action in peace
action, hastily employing first time both by Army HQ and the
the ARA units, and then pro- Division itself. To plan correctly
gressively each CMF formation an estimatz must be made of
as it reaches maturity. The fun- the training time to be allotted '
damental point of this essay is to bring the CMF up to.stap-
that the Division should be used dard. .Once this timing, block
as a complete whole - a team, has been decided, it is then pos-
This implies delay sumcient to sible to plan the phasing of
train the weakest link. Herein overseas base development and
lies the challenge! to allot the tasks to be carried
12 AUSTRALIAN ARMY JOURNAL
Getting the CMF Component of the Division Ready for the Battle
(The example used is for Infantry)
Pre Mobilisation
by ARA-Army HQ By t h e ARA at Divisional H Q
Responsibility
(1) Recruiting teams. Maintains in readiness the Di-Ji-
(2) Training teams to handle sional Concentration area, plans
the Recruit Training Camp. for transporting units to con-
(4 weeks course). Skeleton centration, syllabi for refresher
staff maintains p 1 a n s, training, etc.
syllabi training aids, stores,
upkeep of camp, practice
in training techniques.
Mobilisation
1st week
! I
ARA teams set
up Recruiting Getting Camp CMF on leave
Centres ready
2nd week Recruits enter Units fly to
Camp concentration area.
3rd week Units undergo
Refresher course.
4th week
5th week Recruits join Units
2nd month Platoon training
3rd month Company training
4th month Battalion training
5th month Final leave -
Fly to S.E.Asia
6th month Battle Group
Training
7th month Divisional training
8th month Ready for Battle .
The above block syllabus shows one month for each Commander
up the scale. During the months training an allocation has been
made of one week to each phase of war - e.g. (1) Defence, (2)
Advance and patrols, (3) Attack, (4) Withdrawal.
Tab12 1
AMF GOLD MEDAL ESSAY 13
out by the ARA side. Presuming the best some recruiting will be
that the C M F will not be at full necessary for the Division, even
strength when the call comes, to supply reinforcements and
activity along the following satisfy other demands of the
avenues will take place within Army. If the target for recruits
the first few weeks:- is within a reasonable compass
( 1 ) Recruitment. there should be no difficulty in
obtaining the numbers provided
(2) Opening training centres to the Governments call is positive
handle the recruits. and stimulates young men with
(3) Concentrating t h e CMF the necessary zeal to serve their
units of the Division for country. There should be no
training, preparatory to man -power restriction a t this
accepting the recruits. stage and this will help CMF
Before proceeding, Table 1 members of the Division who
shows in summarised form how might otherwise be prohibited
the first eight months may be from serving.
taken up. Recruits should not be posted
It may be possible t o shorten direct to the Division. After re-
the time, but not by much. The ception processes for medical,
above syllabus allows for the clothing, etc., they should be
minimum requirement and even given a few days leave to com-
then takes seven to eight plete domestic arrangements.
months. I n this age public After this leave they would enter
opinion may still demand time the Recruit Training Camp spe-
for final leave. The essential cially set up in each State by
point is that inadequate train- the ARA to give them a four
ing does more harm than good. weeks course. During this early
For the Division to have the period the CMF units would be
chance to give a good account conchtrated a t their training
of itself in its first action, it locality and members would
must be really efficient. Even undergo a short refresher course
i f the time for training the in- to prepare themselves for re-
fantry can be reduced, the force ceiving the recruits. When the
itself is powerless without the recruits arrive, platoon training
full employment of all its sup- or its equivalent could then
porting units. Certainly, most commence; some five or six
of the supporting units, especi- weeks having passed since mobi-
ally the artillery. will take every lisation was ordered.
day of the suggested time to be- Among the recruits will be
come fully trained.
men with previous military
Recruitment training. Such men should not
be held back a t the Recruit
Even if there is no shortage of Centre once it can be seen that
CMF recruits for the Division in they have a reasonable military
peace time, there is always the knowledge. They should be
uncertainty as to who will be passed without delay to their
available on mobilisation. At units.
14 AUSTHALIAN AHMY JOURNAL
time staff should be available ARA Staff, during its peace time
and be trained in the functions activities, should have prepared
necessary to move the units of in outline and perhaps in some
the Division from their various detail, the actual scope of the
home States. It is imperative training syllabus to be used for
t h a t CMF units of the Division this period of training. Test
be practised annually in moving exercises from platoon to the
to Camp, if not to the wartime battalion level should have been
concentration locale, then to an thought out by the Divisional
alternative site. Provision for air Headquarters during peace time
transport is therefore a vital and used as a constant check on
necessity in peace time organi- training progress.
sation. If air transport cannot
be arranged now, a most serious A R A Framework Within the
difficulty will exist when mobili- Division
sation occurs. Granted the Divi- The proportion of ARA Mem-
sion may have the help of our bers to CMF in the present
allies in the provision of air establishment for the Division
transport when it comes to fly is reasonably satisfactory, but
to S.E. Asia; but surely a prime some deficiencies exist. For in-
effort must be made to practise stance, thought should be given
the personnel in air travel in t o the question of whether regu-
peace time. lar omcers should command
Great emphasis should be CMF units, The lessons learnt
placed on the refresher course from the study in the first part
which will be carried out as soon of this essay show that the old
as each unit concentrates. This militia owed much of its success
course will put everyone "on net" to the officers with First War
and enable a check to be made experience. We have now run
of the technique to be used when out of CMF OfRcers with Second
recruits are received. The actual War background. As a general
details of this course must be rule the young commanding
worked out in peace time by the officers today have not had war
ARA staff. To ensure a uniform experience, nor will those who
level of instruction a t the re- are likely to be appointed in the
fresher course and to maintain future have had any better back-
a common doctrine, most of the ground. Also, there is always
teaching should be done by the the possibility that the CMF
ARA Staff already with each member who is in command on
Unit or a t least, under their mobilisation may, for some rea-
guidance.. son, not be able to get away im-
mediately. So important is it
The Table of Training referred that the CO should have a a r m
proposes that the divi-
t.0 earlier grip on his unit just prior to,and
sion should spend a t least five following mobilisation, that the
months in Australia before going suitability of the CMF com-
on final leave, By this time it mander is now challenged. This
will have reached battalion or paper puts forward the view
equivalent standard. The unit's that regular officers should com-
AMI' GOLD MEDAL ESSAY 17
Table a f Comparisons
First Division of The ARA/CMF
2nd AIF Division
1. Not in being on mobilisation. Division in being and not in
Got off to a bad start with competition with any existing
recruits-was in competition force. Has available within its
with Militia. framework a useful ARA forma-
tion ready soon. after mobilisa-
tion.
2. Militia keen but weak in:- Propose to set,up a CMF Acad-
(a) training techniques emy to train officers for promo-
(b) trained officers tion with best instruction. Regu-
(c) manpower restrictions lar COS to lead units. Adequate
supply of text-books. No man-
held back its members
power restrictions.
3. S h o r t a g e of equipment This is the immediate problem,
caused serious hold up in but gets better as next few years
training. go by, Better to use old equip-
ment than none a t all. Definite
systems of priorities should be
4. ,No adequate recruit training used to earmark items for units.
for members joining 2nd AIF. Have special teams in being be-
fore mobilisation - use of aids,
sound preparation i n peace time.
Camus keut readv to receive
Fecriits. .
5.. Delay in shipping-problems Use of air travel in CMF train-
~ ~~ ~
allies.
-
7. No certainty as to how .the Pre - plan and CO operate with
force should be used. allies - carry out reconnais-
sance of likely areas. Clear
orders by Government as to the
Divisions role.
Table 2
AMF GOLD MEDAL ESSAY 23
APOLOGY
In Ihc March 1962 issue the photograph of Salrrmann
reproduced as a fronliupiece, was from Ihc callcclion of the Aus-
tralian Wnr Memorial Canberra. It i s regrelled that tho mud
acknowledgemil to thc Aurlrdlian War Memorial WUN omillcil.
ROAD
REORGANIZATION OF T H E ARMY
DIVISION (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel Carl P. Keiser, US Army
DIVISION BASE
26 A U S T R A L I A N ARMY J O U R N A L
~~
ROAD 27
DETERRENT
Flight Lieutenant H. W. Parker
Royal Australian Air Force
The field staffs would investi- as many did in World War 11. It
gate, and the co-ordinatins staff is also important that the word
would collate their findings on Collaboration should be clearly
the following - defined. For example, the police-
( a ) Material resources (Service, man who continues to direct
civilian and improvised) traffic or to apprehend the com-
supply, replenishment and mon thief after occupation must
dumps. be protected, but the guerrilla
must have the means to dnal
( b ) Personnel resources. w i t h those who oppose the resis-
(c) Clearance, selection and tance, shielding themselves with
training of potential leaders. parrot cries of law and order-
(d) Communications. in fact, Quislings. It is hard t o
think of ones fellow countrymen
(e) Field reconnaissance of - as such, but those who would
(i) Potential target data. loot tlie homes of bush fire vlc-
(ii) Hiding and training tims have the qualities needed to
areas. become a Quisling.
(iii) Routes, dumps and
bases. Phase U
(iv) Technical, cartographic This phase is the build up, and
and photographic data. sh0u:c: cover the selection and
(v) Detailed operational training, flrst of the junior
training and plannixg. leaders then the rank and file.
(vi) Recruiting, public rela- During this phase the doctrine
tions and propaganda. of need to know must be
From the findings of the field strictly applied, but guarded
staffs, the co-ordinating staff press releases through public
must form a n operational policy, relations channels would start to
within which local commanders apply the deterrent aspect of
can harass a n invader contin- the organisation.
ously with the minimum use of Training should range from
communications or lateral basic individual skills to mobili-
liaison, which can compromise sation and deployment exercises
guerrilla action and may also which should be opposed.
hamper the initiative of the local
command er . Phase LII
Both policy and planning mast This phase covers the re-
depend upon a decision t o place grouping of the structure from
guerrillas under military law on its embryo state to a fighting
mobilisation to give them the force. Commands are established
degree of responsibility to a and responsibilities allotted on a
superior called for by the Con- regional basis. Detailed plans for
vention, as well as t o stop ban- mobilisation and deployment are
dits, black marketeers, the issued together with communi-
owners of pot-stills and those cation channels and codewords
with strange political notions to set the organisation to work,
from using the name of resis- and the essential intelligence
tance to further their own e?ds, element must be established.
GUERRILLA DETEHHEWL 33
:
._.
:E:
._.
._.
ii:
SOUTH
:xi
:ai
.....
..
....
....
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....
..,,.
VIETNAM
W I T H the expul- to defend themselves against
sion of the French from Indo Communist overt and covert at-
China in 1955 the Communists tacks.
gained a n operational base in There have been times when it
South East Asia, From this base has seemed that SEATO was
- North Vietnam - they have about to intervene in support of
never ceased to harass the other the established government of
successor states of the French one or other of the states, and
colony. All the usual Communist some a t least of the Mian mem-
techniques have been employed bers have expressed dissatisfac-
- subversive propaganda, sabo- tion a t its isiiiire to do so. I t
tage, vilification of the West, would appear that SEATO's
terrorism, assassination, anti- tardiness has been due chiefly
colonialism, and guerrilla activi- to the unwillingness of the two
ties. The pressure has been par- European members - Britain
ticularly severe in Laos and and France - to become deeply
South Vietnam. involved in this part of the
Immediately after the French world.
collapse the probable cnurse of The United States has given
events was foreseen by the strong financial support to the
Western Powers, and the South new states, but for various
East Asia Treaty Organisation reasons this has not in all cases
was formed to counter the established the social and
threat. But SEATO was not, as economic stability which is the
some people supposed, another first line of defence against the
NATO for the states to be pro- advance of Communism. In Laos
tected could never muster personal rivalries in high places
sufllcient military strength t o have kept the political situation
create a defensive shield. From in a state of flux, while in South
the beginning it was apparent Vietnam the Government of
t h a t if military action became President Diem has been unwil-
necessary the chief burden ling to undertake the reforms
would have to be borne by the necessary for the country's pro-
non-Asian members. The South gress.
East Asian states which are not While the spotlight has been
members of SEATO - Labs, focussed on the endless political
Cambodia and South Vietnam - manoeuvrings in Laos, it has
were, and still are, even less able gradually become apparent that
SOUTH VIETNAM 35
1962
Prepared by the Directorate of Cadets, Army Headquarters
weeks each year in camp, as well mania involving- naval and air
as supervising bivouacs, range assistance to the cadet party,
practices, etc., a t other times and Exercise Roughstuff in
convenient to schools, and when very rough country between
most of their colleagues else- Victor Harbour and Cape Jervis,
where in the ARA are happily South Australia. There have
standing down. been and will be many more such
exercises.
Cadet Traioing - Some Aspects
Cadet training follows in A Neglected A m y ?
general the basic and minor col- Cadet activities absorb a due
lective training for infantry proportion of the annual Army
soldiers of the AMF. Certain vote, and the amount is such
specialist subjects, a t the regi- that it could not possibly in-
mental level, are taught to older dicate an attitude of neglect or
cadets, the retention of whose lack of encouragement, when the
interest, in a field of great com- pressing needs for funds else-
petition from many other at- where in the service are also
tractions, remains a constant borne in mind. Likewise the
challenge to cadet training annual expenditure does not
staffs. I n this regard the lack of lead to the Cadet Corps being
availability of t.he most modern forgotten! A!so, !et ?usn o t forget
infantry weapons in the cadet that, apart from the military
Corps must be accepted as a ingredients of the cadet training
problem for some years to come. programme, and our natural
I n the field of specialist training, desire to receive as many recruits
Assault Pioneer Sections have as possible into the -ARA and
been successfully introduced in CMFfrom the Cadet Corps, the
most Commands. Basic MT Army is making a contribution,
training is also being considered. not easily measurable but none
It has been possible to issue a. the less important, in the de-
limited number of the SLR to velopment of our countrys most
cadet battalions for familiarisa- valuable asset - its youth. This
tion purposes, with the prospect cadet training does by provid-
of increasing this issue in due ing:-
course. Trainfire rifle practices (a) A healthy, instructive, and
adapted for cadets are to be in- disciplined activity as a
troduced shortly. counter to youth delin-
The value of adventure train- quency tendencies.
ing is undoubted. It is en- (b) Group associations, e.g.
couraged and conducted to the cadet camps and courses
extent practicable in Commands. which mix together boys of
Usually each annual camp train- different social backgrounds,
ing syllabus contains a n exercise religious faiths, and at-
of this nature. Other specially titudes, This must inevitably
arranged adventure training ex- helv to vroduce better
ercises include the recent Exer- citizens.
cise Overland in the rugged (c) In the case of Papua-New
and desolate south-west of Tas- Guinea, a positive assistance
SCHOOL CADETS 41
~
BOOK HEVLEWS. 45
the story progresses one may Lines are drawn to define good
have a slight suspicion that the or evil, but the good gives ad-
novel is not meant to be pure vantage to the evil and evil har-
fiction. The author may be ex- bours some good; truth becomes
cused if he takes this opportu- veiled; concepts of courage and
nity of grinding a n axe. cowardice overlap, Man recog-
The circumstances U n d e r nises the values essential for
survival, but little else. Yet,
which Allied soldiers lived and from this leaderless, down-
died at Japanese hands are or trodden mass arise the strong
secondary importance to the ones, those who by s h e e r
book and provide only the back- strength of character, by being
ground, however vivid. mom true to themselves, by consistent
this environment the author
draws the characters who by and uncompromising application
action and by words ask the of their own principles, whether
questions which make the story they be right or wrong, stand
wholesome. Can prolonged star- out.
vation and suffering break all One is Captain Welland, the
men or only some? Although a businessman, the organiser, the
strong leadership cannot relieve negotiator: . . . Business is
suffering and a unifled aim and craft. Learn the rules and they
purpose cannot provide food yield results. It gives you money.
under the circumstances - can Money opens doors, smashes re-
they still be means of seeing it strictions, sets you free. Theres
through? Where does a n om- all kinds of power, but money
cers responsibility for the wel- powers the strongest. Success
fare of his men end, if ever? means thinking a certain way.
When is the soldier released You need optimism and k e e n
from his oath of obedience, if judgment, free of moral preju-
at all? These questions were dice. You learn to focus on es-
relevant throughout history and sentials, free of humbug, But
have, I believe, adequately been you take risks when the return
answered. But the circumstances warrants it as in the case of the
by which the problem is thrown Y U k o n. Fortune favours the
up change and pose the ques- brave. Small gains are not
tions again and again. In this worth the risk. I learned that
book the circumstances are from watching. Thats why I am
novel indeed. moving to the top here. But its
all small potatoes. For his
In this stark story of conflict small potatoes men died, died
- survival at all cost or death by starvation, exhaustion,
by hunger, disease and brutality disease. The enemy supplied the
- man is stripped to his naked bare minimum, but Welland took
soul. The test is probably more even from that and with his
revealing than the test of the Japanese opposite number en-
battlefield. On the battlefleld a gaged in a huge black market
man seldom stands completely operation. Life is a battle,
alone. But here it is not them especially in this hole. Dog eat
or us, here it is you or me. dog. Has to be because there is
BOOK REVIEWS 47
not enough for all. I face facts, the world, clinging desperately
somebodys got to suffer and its to a few piddling luxuries . . .
bloody well not going to be me. and I cant bring myself to let
Law of the jungle. Here the only them go. No, they could not,
ideal worth considering is survi- not even for the prize of honour,
val. The rules for that were not even for the lives of their
laid a million years ago. Youre NCOs and men.
right about this being a life and
death affair. It is. And in a battle The Japanese are relegated to
for survival we cant be queasy. a n almost neutral position.
Scruples? Forget em. This is a Happy as long as the job gets
jungle - get that straight - a done. But those who count are
savage jungle - no rules, no in Wellands pocket. They (the
laws, no principles. men) hope a n incident will at-
tract the attention of Comman-
This was the creed he lived by dant Watanabe, eh? And hell
and to which he remained true. toss us out, right? Good idea.
Thus he took over the leader- Theres only one thing wrong
ship of the Allied officers of the with it. For your information,
camp, poisoning and corrupting, my friend, Captain Watanabe,
wiping out the dividing lines, your revered Commandant, is
cheating, stealing; threatening, right under my thumb! Ive been
bribing whenever one remembers in on a few choice deals with
a little spark of honour, when- him and have him right where
ever one halfheartedly tries to I want him. Watanabe not only
free himself from the bonds of knows whats going on, hes
Wellands satanic domination. getting a healthy cut out of it
They maintained a status by the himself. He is right behind me,
grace of the enemy, enjoying the ready to back me up with troops,
Privileges granted by the col- new laws, anything I advise.
laborator. And Welland used
them and despised them. His The uglier the exploiters, the
rule was almost absolute, en- filthier their spineless followers
forced by those who took his - the more heroic emerge the
bribes: The vileness, the ugli- leaders of the exploited. Most
.
ness. What snakes we are . , of all Blacky Valois, the French-
and I am the w o r s t . . . how Canadian miner, uneducated,
clearly he painted me in all my simple, quiet, slow to come to
.
nakedness . . how right he is grips with his surroundings, but
. . . do I really give a good god- determined and courageous once
dam whether they live or die? things are clear t o him and a
Sure I do, but do I care enough? plan of action is decided upon
Enough to give up my comforts by the course of events. The
- my position - to make a n stubborn fighter when the war
enemy of Welland? I dont. I was fought, fights once more
should - b u t I dont - not when he understands t h a t Aght-
really . . . oh, my God. How did ing is to be done and who is to
I ever get into this? W h a t a be fought. And he is big enough
worm. Crawling around a muck to forego fighting when the
hole in a forgotten corner of sacrifice of his life will do. This
48 AUSTRALIAN ARMY JOURNAL
figure in the novel and the con- the enemy by both sides, regard-
duct of his comrades compen- less of what is the outcome, the
sates for the infamy. Blacky and novel has still a lot to commend
his mates grow with the story it to the enquiring reader. Most
and the story with them. Slow novels with a message flnally
and insigniflcant a t first, b u t as state the obvious. Mr. Allisters
the course proceeds towards the Ane work lies in the excellent
inevitable mutiny, the climax, characterisations and avoids the
Blacky has grown to a hero, pitfall. One can hardly enjoy
convincingly real. the book, but once read it will
Although it is a pity that the give ample food for thought.
issues never touch on the under-
lying problem of aid given to - Sgt. W.Fladung, RAAEC.
All men dream, bul not equally. Those who dream by Right
in lhe durty recesses of their minds wake in the day lo find tlinl
i t was vanity; hut lhe dreamers of the day are dangerous men,
for they act their dream with open eyes, lo make It possible.
T. E . Lawrence