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Leading the troops

by
October 1984, no. 65

The Commanders edited by D. M. Horner

Allen & Unwin, 356pp., illus., index, $29.95 0 86861 496 3, 0 86861 504 8 pb

Book 2 Cover Small (400 x 600)

War Without Glory by J. D. Balfe

Macmillan, 294pp., illus., index, $19.95 0 333 35677 2

Leading the troops

by
October 1984, no. 65

These books have little in common though they are both concerned with men at war. Balfe’s book is chatty, idiosyncratic, episodic and without any academic intent. Often using the words of three pilots involved, he tells the story of the futile and costly air fighting which followed the highly successful Japanese attacks against Malaya, Sumatra and the Netherlands East Indies. Australian aircrew were forced to fight the Japanese with Hudsons and Buffaloes. Given that the enemy had overwhelming superiority in numbers; that the Buffalo was one of the worst fighters produced, and that the Hudson was no match for virtually any Japanese aircraft, the Australian squadrons after the initial contacts were almost completely destroyed. The causes of this disaster and the eventual outcome of it are well known.

The Commanders

The Commanders

edited by D. M. Horner

Allen & Unwin, 356pp., illus., index, $29.95 0 86861 496 3, 0 86861 504 8 pb

War Without Glory

War Without Glory

by J. D. Balfe

Macmillan, 294pp., illus., index, $19.95 0 333 35677 2

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