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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

This #photofriday I am reading the excellent ‘In the Footsteps of Ghosts’ where Bill Spencer and the 2/9th Bn are heading home to Australia after the fierce fighting at Buna and Sanananda. In August 1943 the 2/9th will return to New Guinea and then fight in the Battle of Shaggy Ridge. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

This #photofriday I am reading ‘In the Footsteps of Ghosts: With the 2/9th Battalion in the African desert and the jungles of the Pacific’ by Bill Spencer. This is Bill’s story of the 2/9th Bn and the battles he fought in from Giarabub to Balikpapan. It’s a terrific read. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Same. Hoping to read this chapter on Shaggy Ridge before the peepers get too heavy. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Love it! Looks like the photographer panned to the left and captured all the grumpy bums in the 2004 edition. 🤣

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This #photofriday I am with the 2/9th Battalion in Milne Bay and also reading Peter Brune’s chapter on that battle in ‘A Bastard Of A Place: The Australians in Papua: Kokoda, Milne Bay, Gona, Buna, Sanananda’. I first read this book five years ago and I heartily recommend it. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This week my #photofriday offering is the book I am currently reading which is ‘Never Late: The 2/9th Australian Infantry Battalion 1939-1945’ by Gordon Dickens. As part of the 18th Brigade, the 2/9th Bn fought in North Africa, Syria, Papua, New Guinea and Borneo. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Apologies for not turning up to the last #histbookchat. Unfortunately, I came down crook on the day. Happy to offer up a newy this #photofriday: “The Admirals Fremantle 1788-1920” by Ann Parry. Of the admirals covered, Admiral Sir Charles Howe Fremantle (1800-1869) is the one I am most keen on. /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

My offering this #photofriday is one from the TBR and I reckon it’s a good’un! ‘The Big L: American Logistics In World War II’ edited by Alan Gropman - Mobilisation, Infrastructure, Lend-Lease, and the Pacific and European theatres. Hoping to get this one read by the end of the year! 📚 #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

For #histbookchat and #photofriday I am reading ‘Purple And Blue’ by Lt-Col. Frank Allchin. The 2/10th, having completed their training in Australia, sailed on the Mauretania to England and that’s where we currently find them. I love the early formation stories and this one made me laugh! /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

@mtmcgurk.bsky.social I’m now on the lookout for the unit history ‘History of the 43rd Engineers in the South-West Pacific’ by Colonel John Brauns. Great work at Milne Bay and I’d be most interested in reading more of their story!

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

#reading ‘Purple And Blue: The History of the 2/10th Battalion, A.I.F (The Adelaide Rifles) by Lt-Col. Frank Allchin, M.M.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Still going with ‘Milne Bay 1942’ and absolutely loving it. It’s just extremely well put together and every page offers an interesting description, quote, story, fact or photo. Quite surprising at times, it’s a great tribute to the terrific fellas who fought at Milne Bay. #photofriday #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The cover painting is ‘RAAF Kittyhawk squadron at Milne Bay, August-September 1942’ by William Dargie, 1969. This painting is on display at the Australian War Memorial in the new Milne Bay exhibition. It was such a treat to see it for myself on a recent visit.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

This #photofriday I am still reading ‘Milne Bay 1942’ and truly loving every word of it. Another of my Milne Bay books is ‘Onward Boy Soldiers’ by James Henderson, a 16 year old signaller from Western Australia, who was sent to Milne Bay in 1942. This is his story of the battle. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

This #histbookchat I am still reading ‘Milne Bay’ so my offering is from the TBR ‘The Voyage Of Their Life: The Story of the SS Derna and its Passengers’ by Diane Armstrong. This book was a present from my Aunty and we had a great chat after I rang her to say it was my #photofriday book choice. /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I read ‘Cruel Crossing’ years ago.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

For #histbookchat this week I’m reading ‘Milne Bay 1942: The story of ‘Milne-Force’ and Japan’s First Military Defeat on Land’ by Clive Baker & Greg Knight. I’m so excited for this one as it’s got the lot: AIF, Militia, US forces, the RAAF, an airstrip defence and the first Japanese land defeat. /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

An extra #histbookchat this week is my current read: ‘The Second World War and its Australian Army Battle Honours’ by Major General Gordon L. Maitland. It’s a concise history of the war and also the story of the 100-odd ‘honoured’ battles fought by Australian soldiers. It’s a little beauty! /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

The photo of the “Top Brass” includes company commanders Capts. Tom Vincent and Dick Keegan who both fought with great courage against the Japanese but were sadly killed in action. On a recent visit to the Australian War Memorial we placed poppies against their names on the Roll of Honour. 🙏🏻

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

It’s difficult to convey how special this book is to me but hopefully the pictures below might show what a beauty it is. The first talks about the horror of the cholera epidemic on the Railway and the second is one of the many gorgeous photos. /3

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Spent last week in Sydney and had a great time: 2 x 4-hr train trips, 2 x 20km walks and a 6-hr read in the Anzac Memorial library of my favourite book of all time. In fact, reading the 1975 edition of The Grim Glory - history of the 2/19th Bn - was the main objective of my trip. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

This week I am reading ‘Heroes of F Force’ by Don Wall. My #histbookchat offering this week is another Don Wall book ‘Heroes at Sea’ which looks at the sinking of a number of Japanese ships and the 1800 Australian prisoners and internees who were lost at sea. /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Within eight months on the railway approx 2000 British and 1000 Australians had died. The losses would have been much higher had it not been for our medical staff and this book also honours their tireless dedication and expertise. One of the greatest heroes of them all was Major Bruce Hunt, below.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

This week I am still with Don Wall and his 2/20th Bn in Singapore where the Japanese are starting to send out their various POW slave labour work forces. My next read will be ‘Heroes of F Force’ by Don Wall which describes the suffering of this force on the Thai-Burma Railway. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

This week’s #histbookchat is my current read ‘Singapore and Beyond’ by Don Wall. This is the history of the 2/20th Battalion AIF and like the 2/18th, 2/19th, 2/29th and 2/30th battalions covers the battalion’s formation, training, fighting in Malaya and Singapore followed by Japanese captivity. /

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Lovely portrait of the CO of the 2/18th, Brigadier Arthur Varley. After entering into Japanese captivity, he commanded ‘A Force’ on the Thai-Burma Railway. Sadly, in Sep ‘44 his transport, the Rakuyo Maru, was torpedoed by the USS Sealion and Varley and his lifeboat party were never seen again.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

I agree, Laurence. I’m glad the revised edition kept the cross on the cover. 🙏🏻

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

My offering this week is my next read ‘Against All Odds: The History of the 2/18 Battalion A.I.F’ by James Burfitt. The cover shows the wooden cross erected at the site of heavy fighting in the Nithsdale Estate between the advancing Japanese and the 2/18th, Johore Bahru, Malaya. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

I love this picture of Lt Col Anderson from 1919 when he was in the King’s African Rifles. For his actions during the East African campaign in WWI he was awarded the Military Cross.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

The 2/29th fought the Japanese at the Battle of Muar. The CO, Lt Col Robertson, was killed in action on 18 January 1942 after being shot while riding as a pillion passenger on a motor cycle in an attempt to report to 45th Brigade Headquarters at Bakri. The CO of the 2/19th then took over command.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Bit late to #histbookchat this week due to browser problems. Switched to a desktop pc for now and can finally see videos! Last week I finished the Grim Glory history of the 2/19th Bn and it was the best book I have ever read. I'm still thinking about it but now reading the 2/29th history. /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

This #photofriday finds me still with the Grim Glory of the 2/19th Bn so I am hoping my offering of ‘The Price of Admiralty’ by P & M McGuire might be of interest. It is the story of HMAS Parramatta and also represents the story of her sister ships shown in the list on the right. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Went out for the day kickin’ rocks in the Snowy-Monaro area of NSW. Ended up with this nice haul of red jasper. It will polish up a real treat! Or it will just sit in the garage with all the other rocks. 🤓 Not far from my mind, the 2/19th Bn was raised from the Snow-Monaro and Riverina areas.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

The Bn experienced heavy losses in Singapore and as POWs of the Japanese. What I find particularly special and moving are the family photos, some of which are in colour and others in black and white. The hope was for us to see these men in a different light; their personalities, hearts and souls. 🙏🏻

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

The book includes a history of the battalion and a narrative covering the battles and period in captivity. In addition, the maps and diagrams are of excellent quality. The photo section shows all the companies and platoons. /4

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

One of the things I love is the photo and history section showing all the members of the battalion from the CO, below, to the privates and often some additional information from their families or details about their service. /3

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Last year one of my favourite books was the 2/4th MG history ‘Ghosts In Khaki‘ by Les Cody. This book follows that and features the men of the battalion and it is truly a thing of beauty. Over the weekend I’ll try to post some more pictures because I feel that they’re definitely worth sharing. 💕

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

This week I am about halfway through ’The Grim Glory’ and the 2/19th Bn is up against it as the Japanese landings begin on Singapore Island. Also facing the Japanese is the newly arrived 2/4th Australian Machine Gun Bn and the exquisite ‘Colour Patch’ is my #photofriday #histbookchat offering. /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Two years ago I was fortunate to read the Battle of Muar chapters from the 1975 edition and that is where I am currently up to. The second part of the book covers the period in Japanese captivity and will make for some very grim reading. The title is from Gilbert Mant’s 1942 book, ‘Grim Glory’.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

This #photofriday I am reading ’The Grim Glory: The Official History of 2/19 Battalion A.I.F’. This is the story of my favourite battalion and it is also the most treasured book in my collection. I am most grateful to own a copy although the 1975 edition remains the Holy Grail! #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Struck by the aircraft carrier, Voyager broke in two. The forward section sank first and the aft section about three hours later. The Melbourne was damaged but sustained no casualties. My dad served on the Voyager the year before, in 1963, and he kept his hat ribbon in this frame with the photo. /3

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

This #photofriday my offering is ‘Where Fate Calls: The HMAS Voyager Tragedy’ by Tom Frame. On the night of 10 Feb 1964, during exercises off Jervis Bay, the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne collided with the destroyer HMAS Voyager resulting in the loss of 82 of Voyager’s 314 crew. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

#histbookchat #photofriday ‘No Lost Battalion’ is a brilliant book. 💕

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

This #photofriday I am reading ‘Galleghan’s Greyhounds’ with the 2/30th currently on the retreat to Singapore. It’s a great read! My offering this week is a book on the CO which I read in 2023 - ‘Black Jack: The Life and Times of Brigadier Sir Frederick Galleghan’ by Stan Arneil. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

This #photofriday I am reading ‘Galleghan’s Greyhounds: The Story of the 2/30th Australian Infantry Battalion, 22 November 1940 to 10 October 1945’ by A.W. Penfold, W.C. Bayliss and K.E. Crispin. As part of the 27th Brigade, the 2/30th fought in the Malaya Campaign and Singapore. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

A photo of the author taken shortly after his release after three and a half years as a POW.

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

This #photofriday I am reading ‘Nippon Slaves’ by Lionel de Rosario. Lionel was a member of the Singapore Volunteer Corps. He was imprisoned in Changi as a POW and later forced to work on the Thai-Burna Railway at the remote Songkurai camp just south of the Thai border with Burma. #histbookchat /2

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

I was locked out of Bluesky all day yesterday and now I’m waiting on a bus to take me away for the weekend. Not ideal for #photofriday so just a quick offering this week: ‘The Singapore Chinese Massacre’ which I finished the other day and ‘Staff Wallah’ which is my current read. #histbookchat

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Chez @milhistreader.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

This #photofriday finds me with Peter Brune and his ‘Descent Into Hell’. Today we meet the 2/30th Australian Infantry Battalion (Galleghan’s Greyhounds) at their ambush at Gemencheh Bridge near Gemas where 800 troops of the Japanese 5th Division were killed, wounded or went missing. #histbookchat /2

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