Abstract: Sweeney, Peter J The attack by the Australian Corps, led by Lieutenant-General John Monash, on the German-held village of Le Hamel on 4 July 1918 secured an important allied foothold in the Somme valley forward of the vital town of Amiens. Of greater long-term significance than the tactical victory was the manner of its planning and execution. It became a blueprint for subsequent combined-arms attacks during the final allied offensive of the Great War and for deliberate attacks in later wars.
Abstract: Droogan, Julian In response to Islamic State's call to its followers to export violence to Western countries, low technology, high impact, violent extremist events have been on the rise around the world and are hard to pre-empt and prevent. Australia has in place various programmes to counter violent extremism that stress early identification and intervention, disengagement from violence and deradicalisation from extremism, and the promotion of social cohesion and resilience. Dr Droogan describes this countering violent extremism (CVE) approach and its strengths and weaknesses. A study of a violent extremist incident in New South Wales found the society was highly resilient. It has led to a state focus in New South Wales on strengthening community partnerships to further enhance that resilience.
Abstract: Molkentin, Michael Between the Great War and World War II, air power theory and practice evolved as did aviation technology. This paper continues the review of air power between the wars, focusing on the resulting changes in the employment of air power operationally in conventional warfare and asymmetric conflict. It concludes by highlighting certain lessons learned during the period.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: Arnhem: The battle for the bridges, 1944, by Anthony Beevor, Viking, London, 2018, 457 pp., ISBN 9780241326763, (paperback), RRP $35.00.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: The first Nazi: Erich Ludendorff - the man who made Hitler possible, by Will Brownell and Denise Drace-Brownell with Alex Rovt Duckworth, Overlook, London, 2017, 288 pp., ISBN 9780715652183, (paperback), RRP $21.99.
Abstract: Broadhead, Ken Review(s) of: Combat colonels of the AIF in the Great War, by David Clare Holloway Big Sky Publishing Pty Ltd, Newport NSW, 2014, 417 pp., ISBN 978-1-922132-97-0, (hardcover), RRP $31.75.
Abstract: Pfennigwerth, Ian Review(s) of: Missing in action: Australia's World War I Grave Services, an astonishing story of misconduct, fraud and hoaxing, by Marianne van Velzen Allen and Unwin, Sydney NSW, 2018, 267 pp., ISBN 9781760632809, (paperback), RRP $32.99.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: The culture of war, by Martin van Creveld, Presidio Press/Ballantine Books, New York, 2008, 501 pp., ISBN 9780345505408, (hardcover), RRP $39.99.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: Why we fight, by Mike Martin Hurst and Company, London, 2018, 328 pp., ISBN 9781849048897, (hardback), RRP $35.00.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: Traitors: How Australia and its Allies betrayed our ANZACs and let Nazi and Japanese war criminals go free, by Frank Walker Hachette Australia: Sydney, 2017, 336 pp., ISBN 9780733637179 (paperback), RRP $32.99.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: A bit on the side: price fixing, rationing, profiteering and black markets in Australia and Britain, 1939-1945, by Michael Tyquin, Self-Published, 2017, 299 pp., ISBN 9780648156604, (paperback), RRP $35.55.
Abstract: Pfennigwerth, Ian Review(s) of: The decline of European naval forces: Challenges to sea power in an age of fiscal austerity and political uncertainty, by Jeremy Stohs, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, 2018, 290 pp., ISBN 97871682473085, (hardback), RRP $93.99.
Abstract: Treloar, Bob Review(s) of: High in the sunlight silence: The story of fifty trainee pilots, RAAF Narromine NSW, December 1941, by Commander Tony Vine RANR, Vivid Publishing, Fremantle, Western Australia, 2017, 356 pp., ISBN 978-1-955590-21-0, (paperback), RRP $36.99.
Abstract: Hartcher, Peter Mr Hartcher examines five key features of the strategic character of the world in 2017 and comments on their significance for Australia's national security: China's attempts to 'shape' the Australian polity - finally being resisted; terrorism, including its manifestation in our neighbourhood; Russia's mastery and use of cyber warfare; the ongoing global failure to adequately address climate change; and the changing ecology of geopolitics in the Trump era.
Abstract: Linwood, Russell Review(s) of: Rallying the troops: A World War I commemoration volume II: Enlist now - forward to victory and volume III: Will you help', Edited by Kathie Reith, Allan Rost, Janet Turner, Jackie van Bergen and Dave Wilkins Ku-ring-gai Historical Society: Gordon, NSW1; 2015 (Vol. II), 2017 (Vol III); ISBN: 9780959867305 (Vol II), 9780959867312, (Vol III); RRP $35.00 (Vol II), $50.00 (Vol III).
Abstract: Skinner, Christopher J Hugh White has not convinced me that, in their competition for dominance of the Indo-Pacific region, China will win as America withdraws, and that, consequently, Australia now faces difficult choices between the United States as the foundation of our national security and China our foremost trading partner. Rather, I see this as an extraordinary opportunity for Australia to construct a more successful basis for future security and success by adroit management of these important relationships and with others in the region.
Abstract: Carroll, Jacinta 2017 has been a game changer in terms of terrorism. This paper describes the international terrorist landscape in 2017 and Australia's response, explaining where we are, how we got there, and where we are headed. The response is illustrated by recent cases studies. Carroll concludes that Australia is well-placed to continue to pre-empt and meet the terrorism challenge.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Review(s) of: Stealth raiders: A few daring men in 1918, by Lucas Jordan, Vintage Books, North Sydney, NSW, 2017, 320 pp., ISBN 9780143786634 (paperback), RRP $34.99, Ursula Davidson Library call number 572 JORD 2017.
Abstract: Smith, Alan H The Allied powers expected that World War II in the Pacific would not conclude until the Japanese mainland had been invaded. Planning for this invasion began in 1944 and was intended to proceed in two stages: the amphibious invasion of the island of Kyushu, followed by the amphibious invasion of the island of Honshu. This paper describes the planning for Operation Olympic, the proposed invasion of Kyushu, which the Allies had scheduled for November 1945.
Abstract: Fielding, Marcus Marcus Fielding summarises the Ottoman Empire's First World War campaign in the Sinai, Palestine and Syria, which included raids on the Suez Canal, the defence of the Gaza-Beersheba line and key battles at Katia, Romani, Magdhaba, Jerusalem and Megiddo. He critically examines the relationships between key German and Ottoman leaders and concludes that, although defeated by the Allies, the Turkish soldiers ended the war with their reputation as fighting men intact.