By Brian Boettcher
From Baird Maritime:
Your reviewer's father fought in the Battle of Milne Bay, it must be declared, so his objectivity may well be questioned.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the Battle of Milne Bay was the first time that Japanese forces had been defeated on land in the Twentieth Century. In this case a substantial Japanese force was practically annihilated.
Unfortunately, the victors only included an insignificant American component. For this reason the battle has been practically ignored by American historians and was omitted from Douglas MacArthur's public relations blitzes.
Indeed, the very well generalled Australian militia forces were young and inexperienced but they were resourceful and they knew how to shoot. They were brilliantly supported by a small force of Royal Australian Airforce Kittyhawks and Beaufighters. The famous and successful Australian destroyer 'HMAS Arunta' rounded out the Allied force.
Notably, the Australian commander, Major General Cyril Clowes, was sacked shortly after the victory. He played no further significant part in the war despite his impressive success. His main deficiency appears to have been his lack of self-promotion skills.
The author a retired psychiatrist, with no literary experience, has self-published this excellent record of a battle that deserves so much more fame. He won't make any money from it but he has done a great service to military history.
Rough and ready but heartfelt and forceful. I only wish my father was still up to reading it. He would be grateful.