Australia and New Zealand have a proud record of sending troops overseas to fight for Great Britain. This book chronicles the transporting of these troops by ship to overseas destinations starting with the Sudan Campaign in 1865 and ending with Vietnam. It is a story not told before; about an aspect of war that has been largely overlooked by military historians. Using contemporary accounts from the men and women on board these ships; as well as detailed records; the author reveals aspects of history. Many of the ships used were great liners; such as the Queen Mary; Queen Elizabeth; Nieuw Holland; and Mauretania. Others were less grand; but no less important. Conditions aboard varied for man and beast. (During the Boer War and World War I large numbers of horses as well as men were shipped to the conflict). Luxury liners converted to carry large numbers of troops traveled to various fields of conflict. The Bass Strait ferry Taroona converted into a troop transport ran aground on Nateara Reef on leaving Port Moresby. Stranded for three days at the entrance to the harbour; whilst Port Moresby was being subjected to daily air raids by the Japanese; she was eventually refloated and made her way back to Townsville. Throughout the book there are details of the men and vessels in which they sailed. There are stories of hardship; comedy and sheer doggedness. Diary entries from medical staff working on the hospital ships repatriating Japanese POWs are heartbreaking. Accounts from soldiers travelling to and from Vietnam give a telling insight into their hopes and fears. The Appendix lists major convoys in World War II. There is an Index of Merchant Ships; An Index of Naval Ships and a detailed Bibliography.
#4768494 in Books Crowood 2001-01-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.00 x .62 x 8.25l; .0 #File Name: 1861263708144 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great Historical Photographs; but Poor Live Models!By Mike D.I was lucky and purchased this book several weeks ago for around $35.00 (April 2010); why it has gone up in price is a mystery. $29.95 would be a more fair price; considering the problems this book has. I agree with Mr. Barkovskiy's review regarding the live model photos being sloppy; using live models for uniform books has been around for some time; so it is rather disappointing that the author failed to match up his friends (models) to the appropriately sized uniforms and hats. Most of the uniforms are severly wrinkled; to the point of distraction. The sniper girl on page 38 is wearing a skirt and jacket so wrinkled; you might not notice her hat is 4 sizes too big...or that the sniper scope in her hand is certainly not going on that standard straight-bolt Mosin Nagant rifle! The same rifle and scope appear "next to each other" several more times in the book. It's not the sniper version with the turned-down bolt; placing the scope next to it doesn't make it a sniper rifle; either. The guy on page 35 has an open fly! Oops! Forgot to button that... Page 41; the guy's glasses are on crooked. Page 69--necktie is lose; jacket too big. Page 98--necktie is loose; jacket 2 sizes too small for model. P.105--jacket so small; model cannot button it all the way. P.109--these two guys look like hotel doormen hanging out in the bathroom on their first day at work in their ill-fitting uniforms. It would be easy to pick apart every page; but you get the idea. Medals look hastily pinned-on moments prior to the photos being taken; hats are too small; neckties are loose; etc. I would like to have seen more detailed photos on the canteens; helmets; gas masks; etc. in addition to the twelve variations of exactly the same hat the author has on at least two full pages. A running textual commentary on the development of the uniforms would have been nice; but all this book has is a dis-jointed array of specific photo comments. There was no real organization other than a broad sweep of three eras and military branches. To end on a positive note; however; I purchased this book considering the one review it had (2 stars--M. Barkovskiy); and was prepared for the sloppy live model photos. They do at least show real uniforms; not paintings or drawings. And seeing them on real people is better than on a dummy or coat hanger. The quality of the photography is great (lighting; composition; crispness of details); and the historical photos are a real plus. I appreciate the work the author put into his book; it's a shame he didn't pay attention to those last-minute details. I'll give him another chance by purchasing his newer uniform book on the WWII period. Hopefully; improvements will have been made based on his first experience.22 of 24 people found the following review helpful. If an appearance could kill...By Mikhail BarkovskiyBeing an ex-serviceman of the Soviet Army and Soviet uniform books and dress regulations collector I would not recommend this book to any serious reader. Several pictures show items of field; service and special dress mixed or worn wrongly. Models present a real nightmare for any average sergeant-major: unshaved; long hairs; wearing totally unfitted uniforms (too small or too long sleeves; blouses and trousers are not pressed etc). The art of wrapping putties (see pre-1945 section) must be a great mystery to them (and to the authors). All this is described as "non-regulation manner of wear" but in fact present a group of scarecrows rather than regular soldiers.I remember my first sergeant-major who used to say that a real soldier is expected to kill an enemy by his look and appearance. I think - he was telling us the truth. Two stars for binding and dust-jacket.
