What do you think?
Rate this book
Not as a duty only: An infantryman's war
A well-known journalist, politician and diplomat recollects his service in World War II. Gullett's story is often grim, but leavened by humour and ennobled by accounts of selfless heroism.
169 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 28, 2019
Very interesting book. Gullet fought in the Middle East, Crete, Greece, New Guinea and landed on the Normandy beaches on D-Day. I wonder how many others fought for the whole 5 years of WW2.
Gullett was born in 1914 so some of his language and attitudes are a reflective of his time. As he wrote the book in the early 1970's he gave a nod to the post-war social revolution and bravely raised the question of homosexuality in the Australian Army - there wasn't any, apparently. He is very clear on who was his ally and who was the enemy. The worst that could be said of an Allied soldier was that he: "...was bit of a scoundrel".
Gullett does, however, make some timeless observation of war, military leaders and fighting men. For example, he noted the changing character and circumstances of Australians coming to front-line fighting. The early volunteers were typically single and adventuresome. Later the men came from families, jobs and commitments and were there to do the job, not to see the world at the Army's expense.
This book can be read in a few hours and is a worthy, first hand insight into a defining historical event.
Gullett was born in 1914 so some of his language and attitudes are a reflective of his time. As he wrote the book in the early 1970's he gave a nod to the post-war social revolution and bravely raised the question of homosexuality in the Australian Army - there wasn't any, apparently. He is very clear on who was his ally and who was the enemy. The worst that could be said of an Allied soldier was that he: "...was bit of a scoundrel".
Gullett does, however, make some timeless observation of war, military leaders and fighting men. For example, he noted the changing character and circumstances of Australians coming to front-line fighting. The early volunteers were typically single and adventuresome. Later the men came from families, jobs and commitments and were there to do the job, not to see the world at the Army's expense.
This book can be read in a few hours and is a worthy, first hand insight into a defining historical event.
December 20, 2024
I first read this book over 30 years ago, and searched for a copy ever since. It didn't disappoint! I love how the book is written and the action described. Not many men would have fought in so many different places. Starting of in the dessert, Greece, Kokoda and then been one of the few Australian to fight on D-Day to finish it off. I just love the personal way this book is written and it maybe not the greatest informative book on the battle he fought but is real and personal.
April 22, 2013
Jo Gullett was the most ruthless of cunts
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews