This Australian war book records the WW2 history of the militia units – 9th Battalion 25th Battalion and 61st Battalion which formed the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade. I purchased this on kindle as I have no background on the Bougainville campaign. I have extensive knowledge and a large library on the Milne Bay campaign, but this booked helped clasrify some of this campaign as well. The focus on smaller unit action with detailed maps was worht the cost alone.

After World War One, the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia.

During the period between the wars (1919 – 1939), only the 25th, 9th, and 61st Battalions existed, with the 61st formed in 1938. These battalions were responsible for defending South East Queensland. According to the Defence Act (1903), neither the part-time Militia nor the full-time Permanent Military Force (PMF) could serve outside Australia or its territories unless they volunteered.

On 15 September 1939, Prime Minister Menzies announced the formation of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2/AIF) so that troops could be sent overseas, after World War II was declared on 3 September 1939. This resulted in two sets of the 9th and 25th Battalions: the 2/AIF 9th and 25th Battalions and the Militia or CMF 9th and 25th Battalions.

This book is the story of the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade (formed December 1941) which was made up of the 9th, 25th and 61st Battalions (Militia or CMF).

During 1940 and most of 1941, men in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF or Militia) worked regular civilian jobs while training for the Army a few nights each week, every other weekend, and at some camps each year. This was part-time military service, and the CMF was not allowed to fight overseas under Australian law.

During this time, AIF troops developed resentment towards the CMF. They started calling the CMF names like “Choco’s,” meaning they would melt under fire when the situation got tough.

In December 1941, after the Pearl Harbour attack, Australia faced a significant threat from advancing Japanese forces in 1942. With key locations, including the Philippines and Singapore, captured, Papua and New Guinea became critical for Australia’s defense. If these fell, Australia would likely be next. The Australian Imperial Force was occupied elsewhere, leaving only a few Militia units to defend New Guinea and Australia.

It was hastily agreed (not much choice) that due to Papua New Guinea being an Australian protectorate technically the CMF could be sent there to defend that country.

The 7th Australian Infantry Brigade was sent to Townsville as part of the city’s defense and departed for Milne Bay on 9 July 1942, arriving on 11 July. In August, they participated in the Battle of Milne Bay alongside the 18th Brigade, RAAF, and a small US force, delivering a significant defeat to the Japanese forces, marking their first major land loss in the war.

Is worth noting, for those who may be confused, that during the Battle of Milne Bay both the 9th Battalion CMF and the 2nd AIF 9th Battalion were fighting at the Battle of Milne Bay.

After the Battle of Milne, the Brigade maintained a garrison around Milne Bay until March 1943 when they were moved back to Port Moresby and then Donadabu, to be held in reserve to reinforce troops around Wau.

In November 1943, it returned to Australia for reorganization and training on the Atherton Tablelands. In early 1944, the Brigade was sent overseas again, first to Madang for garrison duty, then to Bougainville Island. They participated in several important battles until the war ended, including the Battles of Pearl Ridge and Slater’s Knoll.

The Author, Ron Mortensen has completed an impressive book which endeavors to record every known detail of the Brigade during WW2.

The book encapsulates a total of 521 pages.  The concise narrative history is supported by numerous photographs and detailed maps. There are a number of appendices, which includes sections on Citations and Awards, interrogation of L/Corporal Yamasaki, Poems of Milne Bay and more.

A members Nominal Roll with details is also a valuable addition..

I liked the book a lot, although the writing lacks some skill in places. despite this a worthy addition to your library.