What do you think?
Rate this book
Zombie Myths of Australian Military History
In this fascinating account, leading Australian military historians tackle 10 of the most enduring historical zombies, or national myths, that have staggered their way through the halls of military history for more than 200 years. From Aboriginal resistance and invasion to Australia’s recent involvement in East Timor, this record disproves the incorrectly memorialized and so-called gallant deeds of past Australian servicemen. Provocative and opinionated, this record attempts to correct the historical record.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
34 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 18, 2019
I hope this book sold well - while it didn't really drop any bombshells on my understanding of the subjects it covered, it is a good corrective to the self-serving pap that is sometimes dished up to readers and called "History". Ranging across two hundred years of Australia and warfare, the essays in this book remind the reader that sometimes the story that gets told is not only not quite the truth, it's not even the truth.
The ten essays in this collection are written by different authors, and as such the quality does vary, but overall they hit their mark very well. Writing as I am in 2019, it is interesting that some of the myths in this book (published in 2010) have in fact been laid to rest in the intervening decade. The first chapter, about the concept of a Frontier War, is a case in point. John Connor points out that not only did Aboriginals fight each other, but they also did quite often fight the settlers and British Army who came onto their land: this fact is now much more accepted today than when this essay was written, and there would be few that would today deny that a state of warfare, however one might define the term, existed on the frontiers of the settled areas of this Continent.
Not all myths do die, and the authors of the next few chapters are fighting an uphill battle to convince the public of the truth. The story of Breaker Morant, which is covered in chapter two, is a fine example of fiction overtaking history, with the successful Bruce Beresford film - which was more fiction than fact - becoming the default story of a man who was by turns conman, drunkard and murderer.
And then there is World War One, where the myth of the Australian Digger was truly born, and where story upon story has been laid down like a geological deposit, and one must sift through the false to get to the real. The reasons for this are varied, with propaganda being a major source of many myths and - especially in the carnage of the Western Front - trying to give sense to the senseless. Rhys Crawley's chapter on the August offensive at Gallipoli smashes quite a few myths, with a very thorough and reasoned argument that the offensive was doomed to fail no matter what the British did at Suvla. This chapter for me underlines how and why the myths develop. My great-great uncle was killed at the Battle of Lone Pine, and another took part in the battle and survived. It's only natural that the loved ones of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice want to know that they died as part of something worthwhile, and that they had a chance of success, and if that success is elusive it's not their fault. On all these feelings myths grow; growing on grief, anger, and belief.
The next couple of chapters are much more specific in their outlook, with Elizabeth Greenhalgh showing that Australians weren't the first to breach the Hindenburg Line, which is correct, but it's also clear that the Australian Corp was an important part of the final offensive, and Craig Stockings, through a detailed look at the Desert Campaign against Italian troops, shows that it is training and logistics which make effective troops, not some mythical idea of the bronzed Aussie being a natural soldier.
The highlight of the book for me was the chapter on the loss of HMAS Sydney II. This chapter shows how advances in technology destroy myths. It has always been clear to those who work with a historical mindset that there was no conspiracy about the loss of the Sydney: it was a tragedy that was possibly avoidable, but Peter Dennis describes very well why Captain Burnett may have gotten too close to the Kormoran, thus sealing Sydney's fate. Of all Australian military events, the loss of the Sydney has been the source of the most ridiculous rumour-mongering and cockamamie theories; partly in reaction to the immense tragedy of losing over 600 men, and partly that the myth of Australian military prowess couldn't allow the Sydney to be destroyed by a mere raider. Dennis scythes through all the theories, and hopes that the recent discovery of the wrecks may help to put them to rest. It has.
The two chapters that deal with our war against the Japanese show how governments can create myths when they think it's in their interests to do so. That Japan never planned to invade Australia is quite clear. That politicians and soldiers at the time talked about the possibility is understandable. What is less forgivable is the creation of "Battle for Australia" day, which suggests that the invasion was a possibility, and has skewed the history of what actually happened to fit a political agenda. Likewise the idea that Japan was stopped on the Kokoda Trail is dealt with in a logical and documented manner. No-one doubts the bravery of the troops that fought there, but it was the Japanese pulling back from the Trail after the Allied forces threatened their rear bases, rather than any particular battle on the Trail itself, that was the catalyst for them turning back.
Jeffrey Grey's essay on Vietnam shows the reader how some myths can badly affect those that are the subject of mythologising, pointing out that service in Vietnam was no more or less dangerous than other wars, both in the field and in what returned servicemen suffered after they got home. The final essay covers Australia's troubled relationship with East Timor, having invaded in World War Two when they didn't want us there, and in 1999 being very reluctant to save them from the depredations of the Indonesians when they did want us, with governments on both occasions painting us as heroes saving the day.
I'd recommend this book in anyone interested in Australian military history, no matter how much you know. For those that know little, it is an education, and for those that know a lot there is still something of interest to be gained from its pages.
Check out my other reviews at http://aviewoverthebell.blogspot.com.au/
The ten essays in this collection are written by different authors, and as such the quality does vary, but overall they hit their mark very well. Writing as I am in 2019, it is interesting that some of the myths in this book (published in 2010) have in fact been laid to rest in the intervening decade. The first chapter, about the concept of a Frontier War, is a case in point. John Connor points out that not only did Aboriginals fight each other, but they also did quite often fight the settlers and British Army who came onto their land: this fact is now much more accepted today than when this essay was written, and there would be few that would today deny that a state of warfare, however one might define the term, existed on the frontiers of the settled areas of this Continent.
Not all myths do die, and the authors of the next few chapters are fighting an uphill battle to convince the public of the truth. The story of Breaker Morant, which is covered in chapter two, is a fine example of fiction overtaking history, with the successful Bruce Beresford film - which was more fiction than fact - becoming the default story of a man who was by turns conman, drunkard and murderer.
And then there is World War One, where the myth of the Australian Digger was truly born, and where story upon story has been laid down like a geological deposit, and one must sift through the false to get to the real. The reasons for this are varied, with propaganda being a major source of many myths and - especially in the carnage of the Western Front - trying to give sense to the senseless. Rhys Crawley's chapter on the August offensive at Gallipoli smashes quite a few myths, with a very thorough and reasoned argument that the offensive was doomed to fail no matter what the British did at Suvla. This chapter for me underlines how and why the myths develop. My great-great uncle was killed at the Battle of Lone Pine, and another took part in the battle and survived. It's only natural that the loved ones of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice want to know that they died as part of something worthwhile, and that they had a chance of success, and if that success is elusive it's not their fault. On all these feelings myths grow; growing on grief, anger, and belief.
The next couple of chapters are much more specific in their outlook, with Elizabeth Greenhalgh showing that Australians weren't the first to breach the Hindenburg Line, which is correct, but it's also clear that the Australian Corp was an important part of the final offensive, and Craig Stockings, through a detailed look at the Desert Campaign against Italian troops, shows that it is training and logistics which make effective troops, not some mythical idea of the bronzed Aussie being a natural soldier.
The highlight of the book for me was the chapter on the loss of HMAS Sydney II. This chapter shows how advances in technology destroy myths. It has always been clear to those who work with a historical mindset that there was no conspiracy about the loss of the Sydney: it was a tragedy that was possibly avoidable, but Peter Dennis describes very well why Captain Burnett may have gotten too close to the Kormoran, thus sealing Sydney's fate. Of all Australian military events, the loss of the Sydney has been the source of the most ridiculous rumour-mongering and cockamamie theories; partly in reaction to the immense tragedy of losing over 600 men, and partly that the myth of Australian military prowess couldn't allow the Sydney to be destroyed by a mere raider. Dennis scythes through all the theories, and hopes that the recent discovery of the wrecks may help to put them to rest. It has.
The two chapters that deal with our war against the Japanese show how governments can create myths when they think it's in their interests to do so. That Japan never planned to invade Australia is quite clear. That politicians and soldiers at the time talked about the possibility is understandable. What is less forgivable is the creation of "Battle for Australia" day, which suggests that the invasion was a possibility, and has skewed the history of what actually happened to fit a political agenda. Likewise the idea that Japan was stopped on the Kokoda Trail is dealt with in a logical and documented manner. No-one doubts the bravery of the troops that fought there, but it was the Japanese pulling back from the Trail after the Allied forces threatened their rear bases, rather than any particular battle on the Trail itself, that was the catalyst for them turning back.
Jeffrey Grey's essay on Vietnam shows the reader how some myths can badly affect those that are the subject of mythologising, pointing out that service in Vietnam was no more or less dangerous than other wars, both in the field and in what returned servicemen suffered after they got home. The final essay covers Australia's troubled relationship with East Timor, having invaded in World War Two when they didn't want us there, and in 1999 being very reluctant to save them from the depredations of the Indonesians when they did want us, with governments on both occasions painting us as heroes saving the day.
I'd recommend this book in anyone interested in Australian military history, no matter how much you know. For those that know little, it is an education, and for those that know a lot there is still something of interest to be gained from its pages.
Check out my other reviews at http://aviewoverthebell.blogspot.com.au/
January 4, 2020
An interesting collection of academic essays concerning 10 so called "zombie myths" of Australian military history. The material ranges from conflict between colonial Australian forces and Aboriginal peoples through to the distasteful political spin prior to the INTERFET operation in East Timor in the 90s.
Although academic, each essay is relatively short and written in an engaging style. The majority of the authors were, at the time of publication, situated at the UNSW campus within the Australian Defence Force Academy, which has a well known military history group.
Each myth is something about an Australian military action which has entered into the public's mind but is partially, or wholly, unsupported by the historical record. Most myths seem to be comfort food for the Australian sense of worth in the world. Some myths fill the gap where a lack of general awareness of history exists. All, however, distract from real contributions made by ADF and better understanding of historical conflicts. The authors debunk these myths quite forcefully in the hope of removing them as aforementioned distractions. I believe they do a good job.
Although academic, each essay is relatively short and written in an engaging style. The majority of the authors were, at the time of publication, situated at the UNSW campus within the Australian Defence Force Academy, which has a well known military history group.
Each myth is something about an Australian military action which has entered into the public's mind but is partially, or wholly, unsupported by the historical record. Most myths seem to be comfort food for the Australian sense of worth in the world. Some myths fill the gap where a lack of general awareness of history exists. All, however, distract from real contributions made by ADF and better understanding of historical conflicts. The authors debunk these myths quite forcefully in the hope of removing them as aforementioned distractions. I believe they do a good job.
February 2, 2024
As with any book that is a collection of essays by separate writers some here are better than others - although one writer has a fascinating chapter although it seems little to do with either his title or the subject of the book!
I suspect that the book will have a very limited interest outside of Australia since a number of the myths that are discussed are themselves unknown outside of Australia - which perhaps says a lot about the complete lack of basis for the myths themselves. HOWEVER, I have no doubt that similar myths exist in every other country - I am certainly aware of a great many more unsubstantiated beliefs in the USA.
Overall I still found this a fascinating read even if I am not in Australia and would suggest that many English-speaking readers should read it and think about their own country's beliefs. But for its target market of Australia this should be near compulsory for anyone with even a passing interest in the Country's military past.
I suspect that the book will have a very limited interest outside of Australia since a number of the myths that are discussed are themselves unknown outside of Australia - which perhaps says a lot about the complete lack of basis for the myths themselves. HOWEVER, I have no doubt that similar myths exist in every other country - I am certainly aware of a great many more unsubstantiated beliefs in the USA.
Overall I still found this a fascinating read even if I am not in Australia and would suggest that many English-speaking readers should read it and think about their own country's beliefs. But for its target market of Australia this should be near compulsory for anyone with even a passing interest in the Country's military past.
July 7, 2018
Well worth a read. I learned a lot as the books authors essentially pop the shiny polished hood on Australian Military History. They then examine the multitude of moving parts to see how the results we know of really materialized.
August 25, 2022
An alternative to broadly accustomed, an
information provided hardly adds luster to marketing Australia advertising brochure covers.
Covid-saga, recent Ukrainian misdeeds and Iraq/Afghanistan activities would eventually sustain a next sequence of this book sooner than in a century.
information provided hardly adds luster to marketing Australia advertising brochure covers.
Covid-saga, recent Ukrainian misdeeds and Iraq/Afghanistan activities would eventually sustain a next sequence of this book sooner than in a century.
March 13, 2015
This ten essay volume from some of Autralia's best military historians sets itself an important task; correcting some of the most entrenched popular misunderstandings about two hundred years of Australian military history. It's a difficult and perhaps controversial mission. Australia's sense of national identity is informed by many of the myths, and there are a lot of people who'd be strongly offended by the corrections the authors make. In my view, it succeeds admirably in it's task.
The essays cover a fascinating collection of popular myths, and a few, such as how pop-culture has informed misunderstandings of Australia's role in Vietnam to how Australia's actions in East Timor have been driven by self interest rather than humanitariasm, were particularly iformative to me. However, in my view the most important essays are those that deal with older history. Chapter one is an elegant rebuttal of those who argue that there was no significant resistance against invasion by Australian aborigines, several chapters address Australian actions in the world wars and challenge the perception of the Australian as a natural soldier, and Peter Stanley's chapter (summarising the central argument of his terrific book "Invading Australia: Japan And The Battle For Australia, 1942"), demonstrates conclusively that the Japanese never planned to invade Australia as popular belief, if not historical consensus, would have us believe. These chapters, dealing with the first and second world wars, are the meat of the book.
This is an important book. Sadly, I don't think it'll be as well read as it should. I'd love to see it be required reading in schools.
The essays cover a fascinating collection of popular myths, and a few, such as how pop-culture has informed misunderstandings of Australia's role in Vietnam to how Australia's actions in East Timor have been driven by self interest rather than humanitariasm, were particularly iformative to me. However, in my view the most important essays are those that deal with older history. Chapter one is an elegant rebuttal of those who argue that there was no significant resistance against invasion by Australian aborigines, several chapters address Australian actions in the world wars and challenge the perception of the Australian as a natural soldier, and Peter Stanley's chapter (summarising the central argument of his terrific book "Invading Australia: Japan And The Battle For Australia, 1942"), demonstrates conclusively that the Japanese never planned to invade Australia as popular belief, if not historical consensus, would have us believe. These chapters, dealing with the first and second world wars, are the meat of the book.
This is an important book. Sadly, I don't think it'll be as well read as it should. I'd love to see it be required reading in schools.
November 1, 2010
This is a collection of essays from eminent Australian military historians. The book examines a range of ongoing myths relating (mostly) to Australia's military prowess. It is refreshing to see a reappraisal of Autralia's general view of itself as a nation of natural warriors who can save the world. This book adds balance to the Australian jingoism so actively prompted by John Howard in recent decades. Elements from this book should be taught in part of Australia's new national curriculum.
June 23, 2011
The advertising blurb says 10 myths that will NOT die. Various Australian historians answer some widely held views about 10 important Australian Military history. Very compelling and interesting. Excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews