Advertise on podcast: I Was Only Doing My Job: Australia's Military History

CW: Sexual Assault- This episode contains a discussion of the murder of women and allegations of sexual assault in war. 16 February 1942. While serving as a Staff Nurse with the 2/13th Australian General Hospital, Second Australian Imperial Force, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel became the sole survivor of the Bangka Island Massacre at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. She would endure three and a half years as a prisoner of war, yet never surrender her courage, compassion, or resolve. That period of captivity forms the emotional and historical centre of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, Theatre180’s powerful new production. In this episode, I sit down with Theatre180’s Artistic Director, Stuart Halusz, to explore the legacy of the nurses of the Vyner Brooke, the responsibility of bringing such a profound Australian story to the national stage, and how 'Bully's Legacy is still relevant 84 years after the event. 21 Hearts National Tour This episode features discussion of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke. For national tour dates and ticket purchases, visit: https://theatre180.com.au/ Support Ross in the March On ChallengeThis year I am again taking part in the March On Challenge, raising funds to support veterans and their families. If you would like to support my 312km challenge and contribute to this important cause, you can do so here: https://www.marchonchallenge.org.au/fundraisers/rossmanuel/virtual26 Support the Podcast Buy the podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Join the Armoured Emu Brigade on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ Show Notes & Resources For show notes, transcripts, references, and photos, visit the I Was Only Doing My Job website: https://www.thedocnetwork.net/ Join the Community Discord: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Follow the Podcast: Facebook |Twitter/X |Instagram |Mastodon |YouTube

CW: Suicide 2-November-1917: While serving as a Driver within 14 Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, Driver William Henry Morcombe MM was subjected to one of the terror weapons of the Great War, Gas. Morcombe survived the war, but unfortunately not the peace that followed it. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Headspace on 1800 650 890 ReachOut at au.reachout.com Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 Open Arms (current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families can seek this free and confidential support) – 1800 011 046 ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 628 036. Safe Zone Support (for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 142 072. Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Join our Community: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Join our Discord https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

In 1942, while Australian troops were battling for survival along the Kokoda Track, thousands of others were fighting a very different kind of war—across the world in the deserts of North Africa. In this episode, I speak with author Tom Gilling about his new book, Start Digging You Bastards!, which vividly brings the ANZAC experience at the Second Battle of El Alamein to life. We discuss the overlooked role of the 9th Division, the brutal conditions of desert warfare, and how El Alamein became a turning point not just for the Allies but for the soldiers who fought it. Start Diggin,g you Bastards! It is available at all good book retailers Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website athttps://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

1 April 1942 – While serving as a pilot with No. 405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Flight Sergeant Moheddeen Abdull Ghias Howsan and his crew took part in a daring night raid over Nazi-occupied France. A skilled and determined aviator, Howsan was a proud Australian descended from Afghan and Indian immigrants—one of many Muslim ANZACs who answered the call to serve. During the mission, their Wellington bomber was struck by enemy fire and engulfed in flames. As the aircraft fell towards the town of Marly-le-Roi, Howsan fought to maintain control, steering away from homes, a school, and a church. His sacrifice saved the town, but he and his crew paid the ultimate price. To donate in the Soldier on March On Campaign clickhere Intro and Outro byPaul Yudin Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website athttps://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

14-MAY-1943: While serving as a Nurse aboard the 2/3rd Australian Hospital Ship Centaur as part of the Australian Army Nursing Service, Sister Ellen Savage survived the sinking of the Hospital ship at the hands of the Japanese submarine I-177 and in doing so became a symbol of resilience and compassion as she was the sole nursing survivor. In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and service of Sister Ellen Savage, from her early years in Quirindi to her heroic actions during the Second World War. As the sole surviving nurse of the Centaur tragedy, Ellen's courage, dedication to her fellow survivors, and enduring contributions to nursing made her a true beacon of strength. This is the story of a woman who faced the horrors of war with unmatched bravery and left a lasting legacy for future generations. Intro and Outro by Paul Yudin Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon, YouTube.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of war, suffering, and the experiences of prisoners of war, which may be distressing for some listeners. 20-MARCH-1945. While serving as a Gunner in the 2/15 Field Regiment, Gunner Albert Niel Cleary became a tragic symbol of the suffering endured by Australian prisoners of war during the Second World War. Captured and forced to march in the harrowing Sandakan Death March, Cleary's life ended in unimaginable hardship, alongside the 1,700 other Australian prisoners who perished during this brutal ordeal. Intro and Outro by Paul Yudin Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon, YouTube.

15-JULY-1944. While serving as a pilot in the Royal Air Force's Path Finder Force. Acting Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade, Commander of Lancaster Bomber N Nuts, en route to a raid on Hamburg, was struck by anti-aircraft fire, was able to recover the aircraft sufficiently to continue the attack, drop his bombs and return home with 48 square foot piece of the port wing missing and with limited controls, managed to bring the plane in for a "successful" landing. this was his 59th operational flight over enemy territory. In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade, from his early days as a young migrant in Australia to his post-war life in Boorowa, where he became a respected community figure. With firsthand accounts from those who remember his presence, This episode uncovers the remarkable yet humble legacy of a man who, both in the air and on the ground, was defined by his unwavering sense of duty. Huge thanks to Helen McGrath of the Boorowa Historical Society, Shane Casey Senior Curator and Dr Lachlan Grant Senior Historian at the Australian War Memorial for their assistance in this episode. --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server Visit https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast on https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ/, https://twitter.com/iwodmj/, https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj/, https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqSibhtovM96eBi0Fcg5BRA/

30-AUGUST-1942. While serving as a soldier in the 2/14th Australian Imperial Force as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force, Private Claude Herbert Roberts served from the sands of Egypt and Palestine to the mountainous slopes of Kokoda. This episode was requested by his great-niece Christine and was made possible thanks to recently discovered letters sent home during the war. If there is someone that you think needs to have their story told, drop the podcast an email at [email protected] Thanks to Seth for purchasing the brand-new Armoured Emu Brigade Unit Patch. Get yours now at Our Ko-Fi Shop --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

7-SEPTEMBER-1901. While serving with the Bushveldt Carbineers, a British Irregular Mounted Unit, during the Second Anglo-Boer War, Lt Harry Harbord Morant, better known as "Breaker Morant" allegedly ordered the execution of eight Boer Prisoners of War, along with several Dutch civilians, and a German Missionary. For this act, Breaker Morant is one of the first British Subjects, charged, tried and convicted for War Crimes. And while he claimed to be following orders, at what point does just doing your job constitute unlawful killings of non-combatants? From Duty to Dishonour is a backer-exclusive podcast that tells the story of those service personnel who didn't live up to the societal expectations of what an Australian Service person represents, but their story still deserves to be told. --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast ⁠ Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ --- Linktree https://linktr.ee/iwodmj For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net Access to the Discord Server ⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠ Find the Podcast on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ⁠ Twitter ⁠https://twitter.com/iwodmj⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj⁠ Mastodon ⁠https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://youtube.com/@iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

16-DECEMBER-1943. While serving as part of the 2nd Mountain Battery of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, Lance Bombardier Leslie James Greenwood, a professional soldier within the Permanent Military Force, served from before the Second World War in Garrison Artillery postings before serving as part of Wren Force in Nauru. His first offensive deployment was part of a Specialised Mountainous Artillery Battery trained and equipped to bring fire support to Allied personnel high in the mountains of New Guinea. Thanks to Karen, Linda, Mitch and Paul for purchasing the brand-new Armoured Emu Brigade Unit Patch. Get yours now at Our Ko-Fi Shop --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

6-JUNE-1944. While serving as part of the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve assigned to the Royal Navy, Sub Lieutenant Richard "Dick" Michael Pirrie, gave up a promising VFL career with the Hawthorn VFL Team. to serve in the Second World War attached to the Royal Navy. Initially serving on escort duty on Destroyers escorting convoys to Russia and Malta. Upon receiving his commission as a Sub-Lieutenant he transferred to landing craft and served as the commander of a Landing Craft Support (Medium) vessel which served as a floating observation platform for naval and army artillery spotters. This episode was made possible due to support from History Guild. ' This Autumn I Was Only Doing My Job; An Australian Military History Podcast has Partnered with History Guild to bring you a series of episodes dedicated to telling the life service and legacy of five Australians, of the tens of thousands who served in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, playing a vital role in the theatre. History Guild has created this project so more people can discover the stories of service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought there, and Honour them by visiting these battlefields. The History Guild website, historyguild.org, has guides to help people visit and understand battlefields in Crete, Greece and Malta.' --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

15-JUNE-1942. While serving as a Fighter Pilot in 126 Squadron Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Pilot Officer Adrian Phillip Goldsmith received the Distinguished Flying Medal for shooting down six Axis planes over Malta, this was followed up with the Distinguished Flying Cross a month later and in doing so became the second highest fighter ace in the RAAF This episode was made possible due to support from History Guild. ' This Autumn I Was Only Doing My Job; An Australian Military History Podcast has Partnered with History Guild to bring you a series of episodes dedicated to telling the life service and legacy of five Australians, of the tens of thousands who served in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, playing a vital role in the theatre. History Guild has created this project so more people can discover the stories of service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought there, and Honor them by visiting these battlefields. The History Guild website, historyguild.org, has guides to help people visit and understand battlefields in Crete, Greece and Malta.' --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

20-JUNE-1940. While serving as an Orderly in the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade during the Second World War. Sergeant Henry Armstrong Lacey Snr received the British Empire Medal for exemplary service and dedication to his duties, which is understandable, as he wasn't a 35-year-old fresh soldier, but a 53-year-old veteran of both the Second Anglo-Boer War and the First World War. in a military career that spanned three two continents and the length and breadth of Australia's involvement in the conflicts of the early 20th Century, in particular Gallipoli, the Western Front, North Africa and the disastrous campaign in Greece before becoming a Prisoner of War. In this episode we show the experiences of enlisted soldiers in captivity, in particular those that had been captured during the failed rearguard operation in Greece. This episode was made possible due to support from History Guild. ' This Autumn I Was Only Doing My Job; An Australian Military History Podcast has Partnered with History Guild to bring you a series of episodes dedicated to telling the life service and legacy of five Australians, of the tens of thousands who served in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, playing a vital role in the theatre. History Guild has created this project so more people can discover the stories of service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought there, and Honour them by visiting these battlefields. The History Guild website, historyguild.org, has guides to help people visit and understand battlefields in Crete, Greece and Malta.' --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

23-April-1941. While serving as Matron of the 2/5th Australian General Hospital during the Second World War. Matron Kathleen Annie Louise Best was the youngest Matron in the Australian Imperial Force during the Second World War including the disastrous campaign in Greece and her decision to stay behind when the chance of capture was great. In this episode, we focus on the nursing involvement of the Australian Imperial Force during Operation Lusture, the Failed Rearguard Operation to Defend Greece from the German Invasion. This episode was made possible due to support from History Guild. 'This Autumn I Was Only Doing My Job; An Australian Military History Podcast has Partnered with History Guild to bring you a series of episodes dedicated to telling the life service and legacy of four Australians, of the tens of thousands who served in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, playing a vital role in the theatre. History Guild has created this project so more people can discover the stories of service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought there, and Honor them by visiting these battlefields. The History Guild website, historyguild.org, has guides to help people visit and understand battlefields in Crete, Greece and Malta.' --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

30-April-1941. While serving as a Company Commander within the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion, Captain William Holmes Travers participated in the first major engagements of the Australian Imperial Force during the Second World War including the capture of Bardia, Tobruk and the disastrous campaign in Greece before becoming a Prisoner of War following the failure at Crete. In this episode, we focus on the first involvement of the Australian Imperial Force during the Second World War, the Capture of Bardia during Operation Compass and Operation Lusture, and the Failed Rearguard Operation to Defend Greece from German Invasion. This episode was made possible due to support from History Guild. 'This Autumn I Was Only Doing My Job; An Australian Military History Podcast has Partnered with History Guild to bring you a series of episodes dedicated to telling the life service and legacy of four Australians, of the tens of thousands who served in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, playing a vital role in the theatre. History Guild has created this project so more people can discover the stories of service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought there, and Honor them by visiting these battlefields. The History Guild website, historyguild.org, has guides to help people visit and understand battlefields in Crete, Greece and Malta.' --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube