19 August 2021
<p>25-MAY-1940. While only serving in the 2/17th Infantry Battalion Second Australian Imperial Force for a little over a month, Pte Evelyn Ernest Owen would contribute to the Australian War effort in the Second World War by inventing one of the weirdest, but most reliable machine carbines built during the Second World War, a weapon that would serve as part of the arsenal of the Australian Army for over twenty years, it would sadly outlive its creator, but cement itself in the pantheon of Australian small arms.</p>
Shownotes
Second World War
Read article
13 August 2021
CW: This episode does discuss suicide, viewer discretion is advised.
7-AUGUST-1916. Serving in the 48th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, Sgt David Twining would participate in the Battle of Pozieres; during the second phase of the First Battle of the Somme. Following horrific German counter-attacks, a wounded man would enter the 48th Battalion Headquarters with a simple message: “I’m the only one left, do you still want me to hold this position?” That message came from David Twining, and would start a monumental military career that would span Australia’s involvement in the Great War on the Western Front, but would sadly end with Captain David Twining taking his own life in 1931. His most known act, the defence of the Windmill at Pozieres was immortalised in the Pozieres Diorama at the Australian War Memorial. Sadly, the diorama has become more well-known than the man depicted in it.
Shownotes
First World War
Read article
6 August 2021
CW: Sexual Assault- This episode contains a discussion of the murder of women and allegations of sexual assault in war. The sexual assault is isolated to the end of the episode, with a warning just prior. the discussion of the Bangka Island Massacre will begin from 5:16 to 8:06
Audio Re-recorded and uploaded 14/12/2021
16-FEBRUARY-1942. Serving as a Staff Nurse in the 2/13th Australian General Hospital, Second Australian Imperial Force, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel would be the sole survivor of the Bangka Island Massacre at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. She would go on to be a Prisoner of War for three and a half years, but would never abandon her courage or resolve. Her career didn’t end in captivity, and she would go on to serve until 1947 when she would resume her nursing duties, up until the Vietnam War, when she would once again enter the battlespace to help the disadvantaged. She would receive honours and decorations for her service to the cause of nursing and would uphold those tenents until her death in 2000. She did more than just her job, and for that, we are immensely proud of her. To Donate to the Vivian Bullwinkel Project go here https://foundation.acn.edu.au/Foundation/Donate/The_Vivian_Bullwinkel_Project_2021.aspx
Shownotes
Second World War
Read article
30 July 2021
<p>This episode was re-recorded and re-uploaded on 7-10-2021</p><p>27-SEPTEMBER-1917. Serving in the 45th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, The Souvenir King of the AIF. Pte John Hines, would participate in the Battle of Polygon Wood; during the second phase of the Third Battle of Ypres. it was during this battle where Frank Hurley, Australian War Photographer snapped arguably his most photo. He had a ferocity to him and a preference for using Mills Bombs over rifle and bayonet, but his number one hobby was the collection of German equipment off German soldiers, either dead, wounded or prisoners of war. This ferocity was mirrored by truly abhorrent behaviour which cost him over a hundred days in pay, weeks in detention and any chance of him receiving any awards or decorations. After the war, he faded to obscurity, his photo survived to the point where more people knew his face than his name.</p><p><br></p>
Shownotes
First World War
Read article
23 July 2021
Welcome to I Was Only Doing My Job, the new podcast from Ross Manuel. Each week, I talk about Australian Military History by looking into the life, service, and historical impact of individual Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses, not all of who recieved the proper recognition. Find more stories from Ross @docwinters on TikTok and on Instagram
Shownotes
Read article
20 July 2021
This episode was re-recorded and re-uploaded on 29-9-2021
30-JULY-1943 Serving as a Stretcher Bearer in the 2/5th Infantry Battalion Second Australian Imperial Force, Cpl Leslie “Bull” Allen would participate in the Battle of Mount Tambu and assist forces of the 1st Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, US Army. with casualties rising, and both US medics killed, Bull Allen would voluntarily walk into the battlespace and recover between ten and seventeen wounded American soldiers.
He would carry them one after another on his back, only stopping when he physically couldn’t continue, and for his actions, he would receive the United States Silver Star, the third-highest medal of Bravery, and the highest that could be awarded to a non-US citizen.
When asked about his gallant deeds during the Second World War, this Gentle Giant would simply say. “I was only doing my job.”
Shownotes
Second World War
Read article
10 November 2018
I was fortunate enough to be able to Visit the Australian War Memorial during the Centenary of the First World War, to be present at the night vigil of the Unknown Australian Soldier by Australia's Federation Guard the night before Remembrance Day to mark the 25th anniversary of his interment in the Hall of Memory.
Places of Pride
Memorial
First World War
Australian Capital Territory
Read article
25 October 2018
Sitting alone at the entrance to Eastgrove Park is a pair of gates, if there ever was a connecting fence it is long gone. On it is inscribed three names of men from the area on a simple bronze plaque.
Places of Pride
Plaque
Second World War
New South Wales
Read article
14 April 2016
On 15 April 2016 I visited the Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria’s principal war memorial, built to honour those who served in the First World War and now commemorating all Australians who have served in conflict and peacekeeping operations.
Places of Pride
Memorial
Victoria
Read article
8 September 2015
Erected by the City of Sydney in 2015, Yininmadyemi – Thou didst let fall, honours the bravery and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served their country.
Places of Pride
Statue
New South Wales
Read article
