First published in 1982 by George Allen & Unwin
This edition published in 1992
This edition first published in 2021
by Routledge
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1982 D. M. Horner
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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN: 978-0-367-61963-3 (Set)
ISBN: 978-1-00-314390-1 (Set) (ebk)
ISBN: 978-0-367-63663-0 (Volume 7) (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-00-312019-3 (Volume 7) (ebk)
Publishers Note
The publisher has gone to great lengths to ensure the quality of this reprint but points out that some imperfections in the original copies may be apparent.
Disclaimer
The publisher has made every effort to trace copyright holders and would welcome correspondence from those they have been unable to trace.
D.M. Horner 1982
This book is copyright under the Berne Convention.
No reproduction without permission. All rights reserved.
First edition published with the assistance of the Australian War Memorial.
First published in 1982
This edition published in 1992
Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd
9 Atchison Street, St Leonards, NSW 2065 Australia
National Library of Australia
Cataloguing-in-Publication Entry:
Horner, D.M. (David Murray), 1948-
High Command: Australia and allied strategy 1939-1945
New ed.
Bibliography.
Includes index.
ISBN 1 86373 333 7
1. World War, 1939-1945 Campaigns.
2. Strategy. 3. Australia History, Military 1939-45
I. Title.
940.5412
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 82-72082
Set in 9/10pt Times by Setrite Typesetters, Hong Kong
Printed by South Wind Production, Singapore
Cover design, Steven Dunbar
Cover photograph, Australian War Memorial Neg no 052514
Contents
Preface
Illustrations
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
2 Paying the premium on imperial defence September 1939-January 1941
The organisation for strategic decision-making in Australia
The imperial commitment
The phoney war
Shortcomings in Australian strategic decision-making
The Australians in the Middle East
3 The Japanese threat October 1940-May 1941
Growing awareness of British weakness in the Pacific
Apprehension in Australia, February 1941
Menzies in London, February-May 1941
4 The Greek campaign February-April 1941
Wavell, Blamey and the problem of consultation
The political decision
Perceptions of performance
Tensions in London
5 Command problems in the Middle East May-December 1941
Crete
Syria
Early concern over Tobruk
Blamey requests relief of the garrison
Blamey versus Auchinleck
Further tension between Australia and Britain in the Middle East
6 Towards war in the Far East June-December 1941
A lack of strategic options
The new Australian government
7 Australian strategic decision-making December 1941-February 1942
The situation in Australia
Danger in Malaya
Focus on Washington
Strategic analysis versus politics and emotion
The destination of the 1st Australian Corps
The fate of Blackforce
8 Battlefield co-operation with the British 1941-1942
The role of GOC AIF, Malaya
British criticisms of the Australians
Australian representation on HQ ABDA Command
9 Strategy in the SWPA, March 1942-January 1943
MacArthurs plans for the defence of Australia
MacArthurs impact on Australian strategic policy
Dr Evatts early strategic diplomacy
The command framework
Strategic assessment during the Papuan campaign
10 Allied intelligence co-operation in the SWPA
Early developments in Australia
Special intelligence after Pearl Harbour
Establishment of the Allied Intelligence Bureau
Reorganisation of the AIB
Problems of allied co-operation in special operations
Co-operation in special intelligence
11 Strategy in the SWPA January-December 1943
Strategic planning in January 1943
Changing the allied command structure
Securing additional forces for the SWPA
Dr Evatts second overseas mission
MacArthurs role in formulating Australian national policy
Blameys influence on strategy
A divergence of views
12 Battlefield co-operation with the British and the Americans 1942-1943
The 9th Division at El Alamein
The impact of American failure at Buna
Incidents at Nassau and Tambu Bays
Planning for Lae
The dispute over the reinforcement of Finschhafen
13 Australia and Allied strategy January-May 1944
No news from Sextant
Strategy in the balance in the SWPA
Sagacious advice from MacArthur
Australian attitudes on the eve of Curtins overseas visit
Developments during Curtins journey to England
Strategic discussions in London
A matter of joint planning
14 Australia and the Philippines campaign June-October 1944
The American debate over the Philippines
A serious miscalculation by General Blamey
The basing of United Kingdom forces in Australia
Sincerity, amour propre and loyalty
Uncertain plans for the Philippines
The Leyte landing
15 Special problems in high command relationships 1942-1945
Higher direction of the RAAF, 1942-1945
High command in the RAN, 1942-1945
The British liaison officers in Australia
16 War-time administration and the impact on strategy 1944-1945
