I’ve been thinking about looking up the NAAFI. Mentioned a few times in the books I’ve read lately.
I agree, Laurence. I’m glad the revised edition kept the cross on the cover. 🙏🏻
I love this picture of Lt Col Anderson from 1919 when he was in the King’s African Rifles. For his actions during the East African campaign in WWI he was awarded the Military Cross.
Bit late to #histbookchat this week due to browser problems. Switched to a desktop pc for now and can finally see videos! Last week I finished the Grim Glory history of the 2/19th Bn and it was the best book I have ever read. I'm still thinking about it but now reading the 2/29th history. /2
Thanks, Matt.
The 2/29th fought the Japanese at the Battle of Muar. The CO, Lt Col Robertson, was killed in action on 18 January 1942 after being shot while riding as a pillion passenger on a motor cycle in an attempt to report to 45th Brigade Headquarters at Bakri. The CO of the 2/19th then took over command.
Lovely portrait of the CO of the 2/18th, Brigadier Arthur Varley. After entering into Japanese captivity, he commanded ‘A Force’ on the Thai-Burma Railway. Sadly, in Sep ‘44 his transport, the Rakuyo Maru, was torpedoed by the USS Sealion and Varley and his lifeboat party were never seen again.
Thanks, Dave. Kind of you to say. Australian infantry battalions in Malaya might not be every one’s cup of tea but I love reading about them.
Also, if this post works then my IT malarkies might be a thing of the past!
My offering this week is my next read ‘Against All Odds: The History of the 2/18 Battalion A.I.F’ by James Burfitt. The cover shows the wooden cross erected at the site of heavy fighting in the Nithsdale Estate between the advancing Japanese and the 2/18th, Johore Bahru, Malaya. #histbookchat
I enjoyed 42nd Street, Wol. Let me know what you think of it.