Australian War History Podcast

This episode discusses Davis and his colleagues in the ABC in Singapore, his impressions of the Gurkhas after he did an assignment in Borneo, the war clouds gathering over Vietnam and his transfer to Vietnam on 13 April, 1964. The episode closes after we hear of Davis' assessment of General Westmoreland, the American Commander-in-Chief in Vietnam and the frugality of the equipment of the Viet Cong...

Episode two continues to deal with Davis' trademark grit that is introduced in the first podcast. He overcomes a terrible ACL knee football injury and develops a love of running. His physical fitness and never-say-die attitude stands him in good stead in the seemingly impossible challenges Vietnam throws at him.  As well, his academic prowess and weakness for members of the opposite sex are introd...

In this episode, we talk about the beginning of his life, from losing his mother at an early age to then suffering from Polio and learning about how life and death are just part of the different seasons of life. We discern that his ability to weather the many challenges of Vietnam has its origins in his early days in Tasmania.   have just completed a memoir on my first 18 years in Kalgoorlie. Its...

I have just completed a memoir on my first 18 years in Kalgoorlie. Its title Around the Blue Laminex Table is taken from the times when we sat at the blue Laminex kitchen table and listened to my father regaling the family with unforgettable stories about his days as a woodchopper, gambler and contractor who supplied the sheep stations north-east of Kalgoorlie. My uncle, William John Sheehan, the...

I have just completed a memoir on my first 18 years in Kalgoorlie. Its title Around the Blue Laminex Table is taken from the times when we sat at the blue Laminex kitchen table and listened to my father regaling the family with unforgettable stories about his days as a woodchopper, gambler and contractor who supplied the sheep stations north-east of Kalgoorlie. My uncle, William John Sheehan, the...

Welcome to the third episode of the Vietnam series for the Australian war history podcast. In this episode, we talk about Mick's post-war life, get into a bit more detail about Simmo and as always touch on a number of different subjects surrounding the Australian military. Mick's details: Simmo, the book by Mick can be bought online from Mick's website: https://www.imprimaturbooks.com.au/micks-blo...

Welcome to the second episode of the Vietnam series for the Australian war history podcast. In this episode, we talk about more of Mick's story, some of what it's like to fight in the jungle and the dynamics of working in a SAS squad.  Patreon: www.patreon.com/auswarhistory Mick's website: https://www.imprimaturbooks.com.au/micks-blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imprimaturbooks/ Simmo, the...

Welcome to the first episode of the Vietnam series for the Australian war history podcast. In this episode, we introduce you to the story of Mick Malone a distinguished SAS soldier who served in Vietnam. Patreon: www.patreon.com/auswarhistory Mick's website: https://www.imprimaturbooks.com.au/micks-blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imprimaturbooks/ Simmo, the book by Mick can be bought onli...

Welcome to the sixth and final episode of the Timor series for the Australian War history podcast. In this episode, we cover the end of the August push by the Japanese, the reality of a bad diet in grueling terrain and we remember a great Australian, Uncle Jack. Some of the books we use to cross-check facts: All the Bull's Men A History of the 2nd Independent Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Australian War history podcast. In this episode, we discuss the August push by the Japanese that came close to wiping the Australian Force out. The Japanese commanders were getting frustrated with the Australian gorilla-style tactics, which Brigadier Potts was using so successfully. The Japanese were hungry to bring the fight to the Australian troops' doorstep. ...

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Australian War history podcast. In this episode, we look at the hallowed corridors of the Australian War Memorial there is a section that is focussed on Winnie the War Winner. This makeshift piece of equipment was central to the Double Red Diamonds' ongoing survival on Timor. For two months after the Japanese invasion on February 19, 1942, Australia believed th...

Welcome to the third episode of the Australian War history podcast. In this episode, we look at the role that the Timor Creados played in helping to defend against the Japanese invasion. An ambush that got out of hand quickly. Plus a tragic event that Doc Wheatly was still moved by, even though a half-century had passed.    Some of the books we use to cross-check facts: All the Bull's Men A Histor...

Welcome to the second episode of the Australian War history podcast. In this episode, we look at the arrival of the Australians in Timor and the difficulties in finding a suitable base. As well as an "edge of your seat" story of one man's first encounter with the Japanese changing the course of his life. Buckle in, this one really is an incredible story of surviving the impossible. We also uncover...

Welcome to the first episode of the Australian War history podcast. In this episode, we look at our interest in military history, briefly cover the storm clouds building in Europe after the German blitzkrieg batters Poland on September 1, 1939, the total unpreparedness of the Australian armed forces, the genesis of 2nd 2nd Independent Company, its training at Wilson's Promontory and Katherine, the...