Nobody does the war in the South Pacific better than you. Where did you get your education? I read books on these subjects (written by proper historians) that are not as well written or as good at communicating. As well your take on MacArthur(from other videos as well) is refreshing, many US historians share your opinion in a tongue-in-cheek way, some things need to be said out loud. Another aspect you excel in is portraying the Japanese Sailors, Marines and Army as military units, people in history, not as a nameless and faceless enemy, a la US high-school history textbooks. Bravo sir, bravo and encore.
So glad I stumbled upon your channel. As an American, much of the information on Australia's vital role in the Pacific is never really told. We hear of the great heroics and importance of Australia in the war, but no one really goes into the specifics. American filmmakers and documentaries focus on the American battles, which is fine but you can only hear the tales of the same battles so many times before it's completely redundant. So this content is such a breath of fresh air as someone fascinated with WWII looking for a different perspective and different content focus. If that weren't enough, the way you use still images, topo maps, etc is extremely well done. I usually find it hard to watch vids that are stills/photos/narration, but you've done an excellent job of making it both informative and entertaining. Kudos
My Dad served there with the U.S. Army in 1943 where he received wounds from a Japanese grenade on August 14th. I found out only thru a newspaper article where they interviewed him and another soldier about a harrowing experience where they spent the night in the jungle exchanging fire with Japanese Imperial Marines. They were relieved in the morning at a point where they were about to be overrun. He never would go camping with us. Now I understand why.
Grew up in Lae, spent lots of time in Salamuia diving over the wrecks. There were old anti air military equipment still on the peninsula. It was common to find shells, old weapons and helmets on a common occurrence. Along a ridge that overlooked the Lae yacht club was rumoured to house an old Japanese installation for an underground hospital and arms depot. Nadzab airport that catered to Lae had heaps of wrecks littered around it. The airport was so long many planes could take off at once. I loved exploring Papua New Guinea as a child.i got to see so much of that beautiful country and meet such wonderful people.
You know, I've always considered myself a military history lover. Especially around the world wars, I considered myself pretty knowledgeable. Well, I really shouldn't have. Frankly, I'm deeply disappointed in myself for having no clue about the phenomenal effort, sacrifice, and determination that Australia and its soldiers gave for the Pacific Theater. I knew they were a valuable ally in the war but I had no idea just how critical their fighting was to the success in halting Imperial Japan's expansion and then pushing them back. Sincerely, thank you for the amazing historical content you produce here. Being completely honest, I think your content is on par with Dan Carlin's "Hardcore History" podcast.
A lot of research has gone into this. Thanks for recording the history of our forefathers. My dad was in the 2/8th independent commando unit fighting in New Guinea, Bougainville and the Solomons. Some good books written by survivors about their actions. All those brave young guys saved us all, literally. At the rising and going down of the sun, we will remember them.
The History Channel had a momentary glimpse of the majesty this channel presents. Carry on.
my grandad was on the LCI 339 that got hit by the Japanese bomb, he didn't talk about his time during the war but i did hear about this event. he made it out alive for that i'm eternally grateful.
Just want to add to the praise for this channel and this kind of content. I've only viewed the WWII videos so far, but needs to be said that they are very well done, well sourced and explained, with good analysis and context. The southwestern Pacific story is of course not very well known outside Australia, and these videos are an excellent and needed addition for those whose interest covers all theaters of WWII. Bravo.
Your writing is so under-rated. I can watch hours of your content without break and be engaged. I write that because I have done it.
I’m glad you re-uploaded operation posters with added content. A history enthusiast I’m very pleased and enlightened!❤
Many years back a friend's grandfather made a point that there were only 3 things that lowered the constant anxiety fighting in the South Pacific. A battleship anchored offshore. A squadron of A 26s flying overhead. Several men arriving in shorts and slouch hats. The avg American grunt was relieved when they knew ANZACS had arrived to advise on how to navigate that jungle. It was usually bruised egos of upper echelon US commanders that caused friction.
The Aussies were real heroes. They not only had to deal with the IJA and an unforgiving jungle environment, they had to endure the insufferable Macarthur and his massive ego while doing it. Very brave men indeed. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
I have read countless books on war and particularly WWII. In all my reading since 1972 I have never come across anything that covered the New Guinea campaign beyond the defense Port Moresby and the Kokoda Trail. Thank you for this excellent video and the obvious hard work you put into this video. I deeply appreciate the devotion to duty by the Australian and New Zealand armed forces. I have know for many years they were an important part of Victory in the Pacific. Now I have a deeper appreciation for my cousins down under!
Thank you for putting this together. My grandfather was with the 24th Battalion AIF. Learnt lots and looking forward to watching some of your other videos about the operations in PNG.
Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what/whom the orator was describing. Special thanks to veteran soldiers/civilians sharing personal information/combat experiences. Making this documentary more authentic and possible. A loud shout out to the medical 🚑 personal medics/stretcher bearers risking life and limb tending to the wounded soldiers. Enabling doctors/nurses working tirelessly to hopefully save the soldiers whom were taken to a field hospital. Whom are often forgotten for their valor.
Looking forward to learning more about the Aussies participation in the pacific. Once again, appreciate the effort you put into these videos.
Thank you for your video. My Great Uncle was one of the 34 Australians killed in the 2nd/4th Commandos during the air attacks on LST-471 4th September 1943. He was found in his bunk below deck without a mark on him. It’s believed he was killed by the concussion of the torpedo blast.
What revelation these documentaries are. A whole history of the War in the Pacific revealed in detail and with frankness. Many thanks
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