This one arrived yesterday.

This is a copy of the original report from Major-General Cyril Clowes to his superiors on the Battle of Milne Bay.

The 48 pages also include a very detailed order of battle for all services on both sides, a list of casialties, and has contemporary photographs throughout.

The report provides a blow by blow account of the decisions made from Clowes HQ and provides an insight into the thinking behind the decisions made. There is an excellent section on the General’s conclusion following the battle, covering such aspects as uncertainty, terrain and weather, communications, water transport (lack off), Maps (lack of), Air support, which he praises, and the steadiness of the troops, including the Australian Militia and US support services.

A hard to get volume it is well worth obtaining as it provides a first hand account of the problems of command.

PS I have almost finished a few more books which I will post on over the next few days, which is why I have not much painting to report!