Bryan Ansell’s “Street Fight”

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Guru PIG

Having recently played the rules (see yesterday’s post) I decided to have a good read of them and let you know my thoughts.

Bryan Ansell’s “Street Fight” is a fast modern wargame for close combat, focusing on street violence and gang warfare. Published by his company, Wargames Foundry, it is simple and quick to play, appealing to both beginners and seasoned players. The game uses a small number of 28mm miniatures, often from Foundry’s Street Violence range, for intense battles where tactics and luck matter. It works well for narrative campaigns, integrating character progression and experience growth into the gameplay.

The core engine of “Street Fight” is a modern take on Ansell’s influential Old West rule set, The Rules With No Name. This background focuses on simple, clean gameplay. A key feature highlighted by players is the Fate Deck (or an adapted standard deck of playing cards) used for character activation. This approach removes the typical “I go, then you go” turn order, adding chaos and unpredictability that reflects the nature of a real street brawl. Characters activate based on the drawn cards, creating tense situations where a fighter may act multiple times or be stuck while their opponent takes control.

Combat in “Street Fight” is simple and relies on a basic dice mechanic, usually using a variable number of six-sided dice (D6s), where a ‘6’ typically indicates a successful hit. The combat resolution is “clean” and very fast, keeping the game from slowing down with endless tables or complex modifiers. This efficiency keeps the focus on movement, positioning, and tactical choices instead of dice calculations. Importantly, the rules have ways for character advancement, allowing fighters to “make their bones” and gain new skills or better stats over time. This aspect makes the rules appealing for players who enjoy crafting ongoing stories for their street gangs or crime outfits.

“Street Fight’s” emphasis on fun over absolute realism or technical complexity is a real bonus. Bryan Ansell’s writing style is known to be conversational and encouraging, giving players permission to adapt and extend the rules to suit their specific tastes, a trait reminiscent of older-school wargaming philosophies. It serves as an excellent, flexible framework for a variety of small-scale modern skirmishes, from armed gang confrontations to police actions, and is often considered a perfect choice for an evening’s worth of quick, enjoyable, and tactical miniature gaming.

The “Street Fight” rules divide fighters into four classes: Citizen, Gunman, Shootist, and Legend. This ranking affects their stats and how they use the Fate Deck for extra actions. It enables experienced leaders to take charge while beginners find it hard to contribute effectively.

The beauty of Bryan Ansell’s “Street Fight” rules lies in their flexible framework, which can support a wide variety of narrative scenarios perfectly suited to small-scale skirmishes. While the core rules are simple, the mission design is key to leveraging the character progression system and the unique drama created by the Fate Deck. The rule set generally encourages quick, narrative-driven missions that reflect the chaotic reality of street-level conflict.

The have stood up to the test of time and I like them. Don’t love them but like them.

Illustrations are taken from the rules, which can be found here.

18 Hours – The true story of an SAS war Hero by Sandra Lee – a review

Posted on November 4, 2025 by Guru PIG

The book 18 Hours: The True Story of an SAS War Hero by Australian journalist Sandra Lee is a compelling non-fiction account of military history that deeply engages readers with its vivid storytelling and emotional depth.

Published in 2006, it tells the true story of Australian Signalman Jock Wallace during the crucial Operation Anaconda in March 2002, one of the earliest and most significant battles in the War in Afghanistan. Throughout the narrative, readers are taken on a journey that details not only the intense combat situations faced by Wallace and his fellow soldiers but also the personal challenges, fears, and triumphs that shaped their experiences. As tensions rise and alliances are tested in the unforgiving landscape of Afghanistan, the book paints a rich portrait of bravery, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern warfare.

The intense narrative focuses on a marathon 18-hour gunfight that occurred in the hostile Shahi Kot Valley during Operation Anaconda, the 2002 US-led offensive against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Jock Wallace’s unit, part of the coalition force, went into the operation with dangerously incorrect intelligence, anticipating they would encounter minimal resistance—perhaps fewer than 250 enemy fighters. Instead, upon storming the valley, they were immediately plunged into a massive, desperate battle against a far larger and more concentrated enemy force, turning the engagement into one of the largest combat operations of the war at that time.

The brutal encounter was quickly and aptly dubbed “Hell’s Half-Pipe.” Lee’s documentation meticulously details the extreme conditions and constant peril faced by the soldiers throughout the extended engagement. They were relentlessly assaulted by an overwhelming volume of incoming fire, including sustained, heavy machine-gun fire that constantly threatened their positions, as well as a devastating barrage of mortars and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The soldiers felt trapped and risked being completely overwhelmed, with the account highlighting the extraordinary courage, particularly of individuals like Australian Signalman Jock Wallace, who fought desperately to hold off the enemy, call in critical air support, and rescue their injured comrades.

18 Hours is widely praised for its gripping intensity and realistic depiction of combat, capturing the raw emotions and harsh realities faced by soldiers in the field. Critics and readers alike commend Lee for his ability to transform a complex military operation into a powerful human story that delves deeply into themes of courage, resilience, and brotherhood in the face of adversity. The narrative not only recounts the events of the operation but also explores the personal struggles and sacrifices of each character involved. The book serves as a significant tribute to the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen, highlighting Wallace’s selfless actions—holding the line against overwhelming odds, evacuating the injured under fire, and maintaining crucial communication with command. This detailed portrayal of bravery and sacrifice resonates with readers, making it a highly respected work for those interested in contemporary military non-fiction and true stories that exemplify heroism in modern warfare, enriching the reader’s understanding of the personal costs of conflict and the spirit of those who serve.

A great read.

Antony Beevor’s D-Day: The Battle for Normandy – a review

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Guru PIG

Antony Beevor’s D-Day: The Battle for Normandy is a highly regarded historical book that has faced some criticism, especially from academic military historians who often prioritize tactical analyses over narrative style. Its main strength lies in its engaging storytelling, which captivates a wide audience beyond just scholars. Beevor skillfully combines the overarching strategies of the campaign—from the decisive and often contentious decisions made by leaders like Eisenhower and Montgomery to Hitler’s increasingly frantic commands as the situation deteriorated—with detailed and poignant stories of soldiers and civilians caught in the turmoil. By using various archival sources, including both German and French perspectives, he reveals the often-ignored human cost of the conflict. This includes, in particular, the devastating impact on French civilians due to extensive Allied bombings, which destroyed homes and lives. His narrative style, rich in personal accounts and vivid imagery, transforms the complex Battle for Normandy into an impactful human story that reminds readers of the countless individual sacrifices made amidst the great historical events. In doing so, Beevor provides not just a chronicle of military actions but a profound exploration of shared human experiences during one of the most critical moments in history.

However, Beevor’s focus on storytelling and “human drama” detracts from the factual accuracy of historical events. For instance, his military analysis and views on key commanders, can be at times oversimplified or biased. His controversial opinions on British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, where he suggests that the British command was “sluggish,” and contributed to the Germans escaping from the Falaise Pocket are suggested by some to be a negative bias. While his detailed look at inter-Allied tensions is certainly helpful for understanding the dynamics of the war, I believe that Beevor, has overlooked a deeper analysis of the complex military and logistical issues inherent in the campaign. This lack of depth means that certain critical factors, such as supply chain difficulties and battlefield communication failures, which other, more scholarly works address with greater thoroughness, may not receive the attention they deserve. Consequently, while Beevor’s work is widely read and lauded for its readability, it prompts an essential conversation about the balance between storytelling and rigorous historical scholarship in the field of military history.

Furthermore, a common critique I have of Beevor’s work, including this one, is that while he effectively summarizes a significant amount of material and makes the story engaging for general readers, he doesn’t always provide new insights into existing knowledge. His narrative style may captivate readers and draws them into the historical events, the depth of analysis at times lacking. This is in stark contrast to his earlier work, Stalingrad, which was innovative in its use of new Soviet sources that offered fresh perspectives on the battle, but the D-Day book, despite its broad coverage and detailed accounts, does not significantly alter our understanding of the battle’s strategic outcomes or its ramifications in the larger context of World War II.

As I said this raises an interesting point about the balance between storytelling and scholarly rigor in historical writing. Despite these scholarly discussions and debates within the academic community, the book’s enduring popularity is strongly supported by its unflinching portrayal of the brutal realities of the longest and fiercest battle in the Western European campaign, which resonates with readers seeking to understand not just the events, but the human experience behind them. This connection to the reader is, in many ways, what solidifies Beevor’s place in the realm of accessible military history.

It is a good read but if you are looking at a detailed history then you might want to look elsewhere such as:

Overlord: D Day and the Battle of Normandy by Max Hastings: A comprehensive look at the battle, available in several editions.
Normandy ’44: D-Day and the Battle for France by James Holland: Combines the grand strategy with the personal experiences of those involved.
Cross-Channel Attack by Gordon A. Harrison: An official history from the U.S. Army’s series on World War II, providing an authoritative military account.
D-Day minute by minute by Jonathan Mayo: A detailed timeline of the events of June 6, 1944.
Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies by Ben MacIntyre: Focuses on the crucial intelligence and deception operations that preceded the invasion.
Bletchley Park and D-Day: the untold story of how the battle for Normandy was won by David Kenyon: Explores the critical role of codebreaking.
Forgotten: the untold story of D-Day’s Black heroes by Linda Hervieux: Highlights the contributions of African American soldiers.
A breath of freedom: the civil rights struggle, African American GIs, and Germany by Maria Höhn and Martin Klimke: Examines the experiences of African American soldiers in the aftermath of D-Day.
The cruel victory: the French Resistance, D-Day and the battle for the Vercors 1944 by Paddy Ashdown: Focuses on the French Resistance during the invasion.
D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose: An influential book that draws heavily on interviews with veterans.
Crusade in Europe by Dwight D. Eisenhower: A memoir from the Supreme Allied Commander that offers a firsthand perspective.

I am glad to have finally read, or rather skimmed through this, and what I read it was a good read but one I probably will not pick up again. I was looking forward to more than I received, which I know says more about my expectations rather than Beevor’s broader readership and appeal.

Review of Commandos: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Elite Fighting Force by John Parker

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Guru PIG

Commandos: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Elite Fighting Force by John Parker offers a compelling and comprehensive historical deep dive into one of Britain’s most legendary military institutions. As a key installment in Parker’s acclaimed series on British military units, the book chronicles the Commandos from their audacious inception in 1940. Formed from volunteers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Commandos were, in essence, Britain’s original special forces—a direct and daring response to the early German successes in World War II.

Parker’s narrative strength lies in his use of primary sources, vividly bringing the history to life through the raw, unfiltered words of the men who were there. This commitment to firsthand accounts transforms the book from a standard military chronicle into a series of intimate, often shocking, testimonies. The author meticulously details the extreme psychological and physical demands of their training, emphasizing the unique, unrelenting ethos required to earn and wear the coveted Green Beret. This intense focus on the individual soldier’s experience grounds the broader military history in human reality, resulting in what the book describes as “bloody, fearful, and controversial accounts.”

The book meticulously charts the Commandos’ role in global conflicts across six decades. It begins with the pivotal, small-scale raids of World War II—operations so successful and disruptive that they prompted Adolf Hitler’s infamous “Commando Order” for the summary execution of captured Commando personnel. Following the war, Parker covers their transition into the Royal Marines Commandos, detailing their evolution into a highly versatile, “ready-to-go” brigade deployed at a moment’s notice to virtually every major crisis involving British troops globally. This extensive scope makes the book an invaluable resource for military history enthusiasts, providing not just a chronology, but a visceral and dramatic appreciation for the courage and impact of these elite fighting men.

I have to admit that I treated this book as a history reference and only picked out the bits that I was interested in. Easy to read and well referenced this is ideal as a history read or a reference book. Glad I have it in the collection

Blaine Harden’s “King of Spies” – a review.

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Guru PIG

Blaine Harden’s King of Spies tells the remarkable, often overlooked, true story of Donald Nichols, an American intelligence officer who became a leading U.S. spymaster in Korea for over ten years. Born into modest circumstances, Nichols was a seventh-grade dropout who initially began his career by fixing jeeps in the military, showcasing both his hands-on skills and his strong work ethic. In 1946, his life took a dramatic turn when he was recruited into the Counter Intelligence Corps and sent to Korea, a country rife with political tensions and the aftermath of war. His impressive ability to make connections and build relationships allowed him to quickly ingratiate himself with powerful figures in the region, including South Korean President Syngman Rhee, who trusted him implicitly. This unique relationship bestowed upon Nichols significant power and influence, enabling him to navigate the complexities of military and governmental protocols with ease. As a result, he was able to circumvent traditional military procedures, ultimately creating his own clandestine operations group known as “NICK,” which operated outside the regular military command structure. Nichols’ legacy would leave an indelible mark on U.S. intelligence operations in Korea and beyond, illustrating the intricate web of espionage and political maneuvering during a pivotal time in history.

Nichols’s intelligence operation was immensely successful, particularly during the Korean War. He was among the few U.S. officials who accurately predicted the North Korean invasion in 1950. During the conflict, his unit became invaluable, excelling at code-breaking, identifying targets for American bombers, and supplying critical real-time intelligence to U.S. forces. The U.S. military publicly lauded him, decorating him with the Distinguished Service Cross and other honors for his valor and resourcefulness. However, the book illuminates the darker, more brutal reality of his clandestine reign. Nichols operated without moral or legal restraint, running a world immersed in torture, executions, and extreme violence. He recruited agents from refugee camps and prisons, often sending them on reckless, fatal missions into the North. Moreover, his close ties to Rhee meant he was a knowing—and complicit—witness to the mass slaughter of tens of thousands of South Korean civilians in anti-communist purges.

Nichols’s remarkable career, marked by significant achievements and battles, came to an abrupt and shocking end in 1957. Despite his impressive accomplishments in combat, his increasingly odd, reckless, and sometimes cruel behavior ultimately became intolerable to his superiors, who struggled to understand the transformation he underwent. The U.S. military made the difficult decision to forcibly remove him from Korea and transfer him to psychiatric hospitals, first in Japan and subsequently in Florida, as they sought to address his troubling conduct. There, he was diagnosed with “deteriorating schizophrenia” and, against his will, subjected to months of electroshock therapy—an experience he believed was a deliberate attempt by the U.S. government to erase his memories and identity. Harden’s book, meticulously researched and based on newly declassified records and psychiatric notes, not only reveals the shocking tale of one man’s tragic downfall but also serves as a critical piece of narrative history, offering a disturbing and profound insight into the complex web of foreign policy issues that continue to plague the Korean Peninsula today, echoing the impact of past decisions on contemporary geopolitical challenges.

An excellent if not disturbing account of a period of history that is often ignored. Worth picking up cheaply secondhand.

Nancy Wake: A Biography of Our Greatest War Heroine by Peter Fitzsimmons

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Guru PIG

Peter FitzSimons’s biography, Nancy Wake: A Biography of Our Greatest War Heroine, is an engaging account of an extraordinary Australian-born agent in the French Resistance during World War II, whose life story continues to inspire generations. Based mainly on FitzSimons’s extensive interviews with Wake, it depicts her as a brave and clever individual, whose quick thinking and resourcefulness allowed her to navigate perilous situations. The book highlights her remarkable courage, detailing her daring missions, and is well-regarded for making a historical topic into an entertaining narrative that has reached a wide audience, demonstrating not only her heroism but also the larger struggle of countless individuals during the war. FitzSimons expertly weaves personal anecdotes with historical context, allowing readers to feel a deep connection to Wake’s character while shedding light on the pivotal role played by female operatives in the resistance movement. This blend of storytelling and factual recounting makes the biography not just an informative read, but also a tribute to a woman whose legacy bravely challenges the norms of her time.

A major strength of the book is FitzSimons’s clear writing style. He uses a simple, journalistic approach that makes the complex history of the French Resistance easy for anyone to understand. The narrative features exciting stories of Wake’s actions, from her role as an intelligence agent and saboteur to her command of many Maquis fighters. FitzSimons effectively shows the significant risks of her work, especially her famous knack for escaping capture by the Gestapo, who called her “The White Mouse.” Readers often mention this engaging storytelling style as what drew them to her story.

However, the book is not without its criticisms. Some reviewers point to FitzSimons’s overly celebratory and at times uncritical tone. This I agree with. His profound admiration for Wake is clear throughout the text, leading some, me included, to feel that the biography lacks a balanced or analytical perspective. The informal, almost “larrikin” style of writing, which is a hallmark of FitzSimons’s work, can also be a point of contention for readers who prefer a more formal or scholarly historical account. I find this unfounded as it is a Biography and like most modern biographies is the authors personal account and not an historical treatise. The focuses more on the heroic legend of Nancy Wake rather than delving into the deeper complexities of her personality and the full context of her post-war life.

Despite these points, Nancy Wake, a number one bestseller, has cemented Nancy Wake’s place as a national hero in Australia and beyond. I liked it.

“Star Scapper” by Chaney and Goodwin.

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Guru PIG

Scrapper is the first book in the Star Scrapper series by J.N. Chaney and Matthew A. Goodwin, a science fiction novel that readers who enjoy action-packed space operas will be in their element. Set against a backdrop of interstellar conflict and technological marvels, the narrative immerses readers in a richly developed universe teeming with diverse alien races and advanced spacecraft. The book has a fast-paced, exciting narrative while also laying the groundwork for a larger, more complex universe that promises further exploration in subsequent books. The strong character development, particularly the compelling arcs of the protagonists, and immersive world-building are key reasons for its success, noting how each character’s personal struggles resonate with deeper themes of survival, loyalty, and ambition. As you turn the page, you find yourself caught in thrilling battles and daring escapades but also intricate politics and ethical dilemmas that define this vast cosmos, making Scrapper a fine read.

The story is set in a future where humanity is still recovering from a devastating war against a malevolent artificial intelligence that occurred two centuries earlier. The protagonist, Hank Spears, is a resourceful “scrapper,” making a living by salvaging parts from old starships scattered across the ruins of abandoned spaceports. His mundane life, filled with the routine of scavenging treasures amidst the debris, takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a long-dormant and outlawed AI hidden within the wreckage of a colossal starship. This advanced AI, with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, warns him of a new, grave threat to the galaxy, one that could spark another cataclysmic conflict if left unchecked. As AI is strictly banned by remnants of the old government, Hank and his new companion are forced to go on the run, navigating the treacherous underbelly of a fractured society that fears what it does not understand. Their journey not only becomes a desperate race to uncover the truth, but also an odyssey of self-discovery as Hank grapples with his own past and the moral implications of his choices. Together, they must rally a diverse group of outcasts and renegades to prevent the looming threat from unleashing chaos upon the universe once again.

The plot is well-structured and full of action, with one event logically flowing into the next, creating a seamless narrative that kept me engaged. The characters are a strong point, particularly the dynamic between the protagonist, Hank Spears, and the AI, which offers a fascinating exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology. Their interactions are often filled with tension and emotional depth, revealing layers of personality and motivation that resonate deeply with the audience. The universe the authors have created is also a key feature, with the rich world-building and sense of history that pervades the story being a key featurd. From the intricate details of the setting to the complexities of the societal structures, the world feels alive and immersive. While the initial pacing was a bit slow as the world was being established, the book quickly becomes a page-turner, with tension building steadily until the final chapters.

Despite this it is hardly Tolstoy or Hemingway, but it doesn’t claim to be. I found it great escapism and an enjoyable read, although the tension between AI and human is thought provoking and perhaps not as “Sci-Fi” as we may think!

Free on kindle unlimited it is well worth a look at. I am currently reading book 2.

The Eagle in the Mirror

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Guru PIG

This book was an aspect of Australian history that I had little knowledge of and it was a fascinating read that I finished in one night.

Jesse Fink’s The Eagle in the Mirror is more than just a biography; it’s a meticulously researched effort to rewrite a significant chapter in the history of 20th-century espionage. The book’s subject, Charles Howard “Dick” Ellis, was a man of immense influence and a figure central to the formation of some of the world’s most powerful intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Australia’s ASIS. Yet, his legacy was tarnished by posthumous accusations of being a “triple agent” for Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, a claim popularized by sensationalist books in the 1980s. Fink’s work sets out to dismantle these accusations and rehabilitate Ellis’s reputation.

Fink’s narrative style is like a “real-life international whodunit” or a “forensic jigsaw puzzle.” Fink approaches the subject with the mindset of a cold-case detective, sifting through decades of conflicting information, declassified documents, and secondary accounts. The book’s structure allows the reader to follow this process of investigation, which makes for a compelling and tense reading experience. It takes a complex and “muddy” episode of history and attempts to bring clarity, allowing the reader to weigh the evidence for themselves.

Charles Howard “Dick” Ellis

The central theme of the book is to exonerate Ellis. The core of Fink’s argument is that Ellis was unjustly accused. The book presents a powerful case for Ellis being a hero, not a traitor. The author challenges the claims made by figures like Peter Wright in his book Spycatcher, which helped to cement the idea of Ellis as a “super mole.” Fink’s research suggests that the alleged “confession” from Ellis in 1965 may have been a fabrication or a misinterpretation, and he methodically breaks down the inconsistencies in the historical record. The book aims to provide a long-overdue and more balanced view of a man who was instrumental in the Allied intelligence effort during and after World War II.

For those with a keen interest in intelligence history, The Eagle in the Mirror is what I would consider a crucial text. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of MI6 and other intelligence services during a pivotal period. It explores the political machinations, rivalries, and internal struggles that characterized the British intelligence community. The book goes beyond the simple “traitor or hero” question to explore the broader context of Cold War paranoia and how it led to unfounded suspicions and ruined reputations. By focusing on Ellis, Fink sheds light on a figure who operated in the shadows but whose influence was felt globally.

Fink should be commended on his “old-school journalistic rigour.” Rather than taking existing narratives at face value, he seeks out primary sources and cross-references information from a multitude of these. This dedication to detail is what allows the book to challenge a long-held view of Ellis. The result is a biography that is not only gripping but also a valuable work of historical revisionism, providing a compelling argument for Ellis’s exoneration and leaving the reader with a renewed appreciation for the difficulty of knowing the truth in the secretive world of espionage.

An excellent read.

SAS Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre – a review

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Guru PIG

Another Thrift Shop gem. A great read and prompted me to watch the BBC TV series.

Ben Macintyre’s book, SAS: Rogue Heroes, is a popular read that dives into the thrilling tale of how the British Special Air Service (SAS) came to be during World War II. With exclusive access to top-secret SAS files and other cool resources, the book gets a shout-out for its captivating storytelling, solid research, and down-to-earth portrayal of the guys who built this legendary fighting force.

The book dives into how David Stirling, a young and pretty quirky officer, kicked off the SAS in the North African desert back in 1941. Tired of the usual military stuff, Stirling dreamed up a small, speedy team to pull off sabotage and surprise raids behind enemy lines. Macintyre gives us a look at some of the key players, like the tough Jock Lewes and the fiery Paddy Mayne, showing us a bunch of unconventional and sometimes wild guys who were just right for the job.

SAS: Rogue Heroes takes you on a wild ride with the SAS, starting from their messy first parachute drop to their triumph in messing up Axis supply lines and airfields. The book dives into their adventures in Europe, teaming up with resistance fighters in Italy and France. Macintyre doesn’t hold back on the tough stuff, showing the failures and the heavy toll these missions took. Even though it’s about military history, it really zooms in on the personal stories and bonds between the guys, looking at how they lived during and after the war and how these “rogue heroes” figured out (or struggled with) life after the military.

The book’s got such an awesome story that it had to be made into a TV show! SAS: Rogue Heroes was turned into a TV series by Steven Knight, the genius behind Peaky Blinders. It kicked off on BBC One in 2022 and is a cool historical drama that follows the stuff happening in Macintyre’s book. People are loving it for the action and great visuals, bringing Stirling and his crew’s daring exploits to more viewers. They’re already gearing up for a second season, where the SAS takes their missions to mainland Europe.

I really love how Macintyre turns historical facts into a gripping story. His knack for using primary sources like diaries and war docs adds a lot of depth and realness to the book. The way he brings the characters to life is also a big hit, making them feel truly unique. Sure, some folks think he focuses too much on personal stories rather than the bigger picture, but overall, the book is seen as a fun and interesting read about how one of the world’s most famous special forces units came to be.

Pick it up and watch the TV series if you haven’t already

History of the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade 1940-1945

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Guru PIG

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.

Guru Pig – the gaming Guru

Guru's thoughts on wargaming, life, and the universe!

Category Archives: Book and Rules Reviews