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

• Battle of Second El Alamein: Interview with Author Tom Gilling

  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 retailersSupport the PodcastBuy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcastSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJFor 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/XR3tRznAGMFind the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

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• Flight Sergeant Moheddeen Howsan: The Hero of Marly-le-Roi

  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 clickhereIntro and Outro byPaul YudinSupport the PodcastBuy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcastSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJFor 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/XR3tRznAGMFind the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

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• Sister Ellen Savage GM: The Sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur

  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.

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• Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary: The Sandakan Death March

  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.

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• Acting Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade DSO DFC USBS: From Bourke to Bomber Command

  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/

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