Australian Commandos

Australian Commandos
Author: A. B. Feuer
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Total Pages: 212
Release: 2005-11-16
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780811732949

Little-known story of elite Australian commandos and their daring, clandestine operations deep in enemy-held territory Many of their missions remain classified This is a fascinating account of Australia's M/Z commando unit and the part it played in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. M Unit personnel were secretly landed to set up coast-watching posts and radio stations to monitor Japanese shipping movements and bombing flights. Members of the Z Unit carried out raids in enemy-controlled areas and also attacked targets of opportunity. Many commandos were delivered on their missions by U.S. Navy submarines that sneaked into dangerously shallow waters to put the men ashore. Other operatives were inserted by PT boats, Catalina aircraft, parachute, and snake boats.

Jungle Cavalry

Jungle Cavalry
Author: Gregory Blake
Publisher: Helion
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019
Genre: World War, 1939-1945
ISBN: 9781911628828

The Australian Independent Companies and the Commandos into which they evolved were unique sub-units of the Australian Army during the Second World War. The Independent Companies were units raised to fight in an autonomous unconventional manner, and while supporting them, were independent of higher formations. These units were unlike any other in t

No Front Line

No Front Line
Author: Chris Masters
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Total Pages: 709
Release: 2017-10-25
Genre: History
ISBN: 176063896X

The soldiers of the SAS, the Commandos and Special Operations Engineer Regiment are Australia's most highly trained soldiers. Their work is often secret, their bravery undeniable and for thirteen years they were at the forefront of Australia's longest war. Shunning acclaim, they are the Australian Defence Forces' brightest and best skilled. In an extraordinary investigation undertaken over ten years, Chris Masters opens up the heart of Australia's Special Forces and their war in Afghanistan. He gives voice to the soldiers, he takes us to the centre of some of the fiercest combat Australia has ever experienced and provides the most intimate examination of what it is like to be a member of this country's elite fighting forces. But he also asks difficult questions that reveal controversial clouds hanging over our Special Operations mission in Afghanistan. For Australia, there is no more important war to examine in detail. Afghanistan lives in our recent past and will continue to occupy our future. Masterfully told, No Front Line will find a place as one of Australia's finest books on contemporary soldiering. 'In this remarkable book about the intense combat environment experienced by our soldiers in Afghanistan, Chris Masters captures the highs, the lows, the courage and the sacrifice of Australian warriors and their loved ones in our longest war.' - Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd) 'This book tells a story that many of us had not told our loved ones and will no doubt help to articulate and heal all those who sacrificed much in and out of uniform.' - Commando Warrant Officer 'I was impressed by [No Front Line's] detail, quality and objectivity...I wanted to reassure you that most Regiment members understand this and are speaking positively about the book.' - Former SASR Patrol Sergeant 'Thank you Chris Masters for your dedication and attention to detail in documenting this most comprehensive story of Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan.' - Former Commando corporal 'I have always felt that 90% of the blokes in the unit would be supportive of the book...' - SASR Troop Sergeant 'Brilliant. There's seriously no one else in Australia with the knowledge that Chris Masters has in relation to Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan. Lots of lessons learned and examples of heroism that if not for Chris Masters would be lost forever.' - Former Commando Major 'Thanks for your professionalism and intellectual honesty. It is much needed in this space.' - Former SASR Trooper 'Well done. Great to see the boys being recognised for their sacrifice.' - Former Commando Lance Corporal 'I think you captured the feelings of many of us at the end of that deployment perfectly.' - Former Special Forces Major

Timor 1942

Timor 1942
Author: Christopher C. H. Wray
Publisher:
Total Pages: 220
Release: 1987
Genre: History
ISBN:

After Japan entered the war, the 2/2nd had been sent to Timor and following the Japanese occupation of the island in February, had been conducting a guerrilla war using 'hit and run' tactics. The 2/4th continued this guerrilla war and from September carried out many successful ambushes, blew bridges and roads, and manned two observation posts in the mountains outside Dili where they reported the movements of Japanese ships and aircraft. However, during the last few months of 1942, the Japanese had intensified their efforts to end such resistance and they made the situation untenable for the Australians. In mid-December the 2/2nd was evacuated from Timor to Darwin, as was the 2/4th in January 1943.

Strike Swiftly

Strike Swiftly
Author: Peter Collins
Publisher:
Total Pages: 323
Release: 2005-01-01
Genre: Commando troops
ISBN: 9780949284709

The inspirational story of commando service in Australia, starting with the early Independent Companies and their remarkable exploits against the Japanese in WWII. Gives a remarkable insight into a close knit unit of highly trained individuals with extraordinary skills.

The Men Who Came Out of the Ground

The Men Who Came Out of the Ground
Author: Paul Cleary
Publisher: Hachette UK
Total Pages: 315
Release: 2011-07-26
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0733627218

'This account . . . is breathtaking in its scope and riveting in its research' - Sydney Morning Herald The gripping story of a small force of Australian Special Forces commandos that launched relentless hit and run raids on far superior Japanese forces in East Timor for most of 1942. These Australians were the men of the 2/2nd Australian Independent Company - a special commando unit. Initially stranded without radio contact to Australia, the Japanese declared these bearded warriors ‘outlaws’ and warned they would be executed immediately if captured. The Australians drawn mainly from the bush, were chosen for their ability to operate independently and survive in hostile territory. As film-maker Damien Parer said after visiting in Timor in late 1942, ‘these men are writing an epic of guerrilla warfare’. Expertly researched by Paul Cleary, who is fluent in Tetum, the main language of the indigenous group of East Timor, it also contains insightful black and white photos. 'A cracker of a read' - The Age 'Paul Cleary has brought to life one of the great success stories of World War II' - Daily Telegraph

Double Diamonds

Double Diamonds
Author: Karl James
Publisher: NewSouth
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2016-08-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 1742247822

During the Second World War, in the mountains and jungles of Timor, Bougainville and New Guinea, Australian commando units fought arduous campaigns against the Japanese. The story of these elite independent companies and commando squadrons, whose soldiers wore the distinctive double-diamond insignia, is told here for the first time. Through 130 powerful images from the Australian War Memorial’s unparalleled collection – some never published before – Double Diamonds captures the operational history of these units and the personal stories of the men who served in them, many of whom lost their lives or the friends who trained and fought alongside them.

SAS : Phantoms of War

SAS : Phantoms of War
Author: David Horner
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Total Pages: 584
Release: 2002-04-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 1741764866

SAS: Phantoms of War is the history of the Australian Special Air Service. Originally published as SAS: Phantoms of the Jungle in 1989, and a bestseller since then, this edition has been updated to include details of the SAS's activities in the 1990s and into the 21st century. Based on patrol reports and interviews with participants, this Australian military classic tells the fascinating story of the formation of the SAS, its secret role in Borneo during confrontation with Indonesia and its operations in Vietnam. The SAS operated deep behind enemy lines, conducting surveillance at close range, poised to spring into violent action at need. It was with good reason the Viet Cong came to call them Ma Rung-'phantoms of the jungle'. After Vietnam, the SAS formed a crack counter-terrorist force, ready to defend Australia. It became involved in action in Somalia, Kuwait and East Timor in the 1990s and, in 2000, the security of the Sydney Olympic Games. SAS: Phantoms of War tells the story of a highly disciplined force operating secretly at the cutting edge of Australia's defence in war and peace.

The Australian Army at War 1976–2016

The Australian Army at War 1976–2016
Author: Leigh Neville
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2019-06-27
Genre: History
ISBN: 1472826302

Since the end of their involvement in the Vietnam War, the Australian Army has been modernized in every respect. After peacekeeping duties in South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle East in the 1980s–90s, 'Diggers' were sent to safeguard the newly independent East Timor from Indonesian harassment in 1999, and to provide long-term protection and mentoring since 2006. Australian Army units have served in the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Australian Special Forces are currently operating alongside US and British elements against ISIS in northern Iraq. During these campaigns the Australian SAS Regiment and Commandos have fully matured into 'Tier 1' assets, internationally recognized for their wide range of capabilities. The book, written by an Australian author who has written extensively about modern warfare, traces the development of the Army's organization, combat uniforms, load-bearing equipment, small arms and major weapon systems using specially commissioned artwork and photographs.