I saw this reviewed somewhere, and now can't find where. Which is a right pain because it was that work that tweaked my interest. Don't read enough history, and my knowledge of circumstances around World War II in particular, is sketchy to say the least.
Not so sketchy as to be unaware of Douglas MacArthur and his "I will return" line. I'd also been aware of Thomas Blamey and his role in the defence of Australia, and his sidelining. I had no idea that both of them had extremely questionable personal morals. Okay so that's too polite. Macarthur's morals would make him a perfect fit for today's Republican party (he was a Republican himself) and Blamey would have fitted right in to certain quarters there as well. Either way, both came across as disreputable people, both of them hated each other, but with very different legends. Macarthur openly pursued a political "stance", Blamey was a bit more of a serious "soldier" type with a solid World War I resume.
Anyway, I read the Postscript and reminded myself history is mostly written by the victor, and then curated by those with special interests.
Read the backstory of both of these men and considered, very carefully, the public relations industry that churns out reputation management on a daily basis.
Remembered Lord Acton's "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" and the earlier observation by William Pitt, The Elder's “Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it”
Wondered about the stories of the "Australian Code Breakers" that provided such useful and timely intelligence on Japanese plans and intentions.
THE BATTLE OF THE GENERALS is very readable, informative and full of some truly awful statistics on casualties, deaths and failures of tactics and supply lines.
Am amazed (and grateful) that the troops on the ground did and suffered so much, while questionable human beings played power games. The "powers that be" were, in the main, considerably less impressive. Less deserving of the accolades, and most definitely not deserving of any reputation management.
The Battle of the Generals
With the fate of Australia at stake, the two great Allied generals of the Pacific War face off against the Imperial Japanese Army - and each other.
12 March 1942: The Japanese have swarmed the Philippines, forcing US general Douglas MacArthur to flee with his family, escaping by the skin of their teeth to the nearest safe country - Australia.
Meanwhile, Australia's foremost general, Tom Blamey, is ordered home from the Middle East by Prime Minister Curtin to tackle the military emergency suddenly facing our nation, with invasion appearing imminent.
These two generals, both with colourful pasts and intensely clashing personalities, are now tasked with defending Australia against the Japanese war machine. One will lead us to victory, the other will claim the glory.
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