Hero Or Deserter. Gordon Bennett And The Tragic Defeat Of 8th Division

Cover Type: Softcover
Book Condition: Fine
Jacket Condition: None Issued
Publisher: Ebury Australia
Publisher Place: Ferntree Gully
Publisher Year: 2017
Edition: First Edition

Description: 374 pages. Book appears to have hardly been read and is in Fine condition throughout.

Publishers Description: Major-General Gordon Bennett played a decisive role in the defense of Malaya and Singapore in World War II. A colorful character, known to sport a straw hat with a rainbow scarf tied around it, his officers found him at times abrasive and cocky, but he was also known as an outstanding commander. He is, however, best remembered for his escape by boat from Singapore in the dying days of the Japanese invasion, which led to the imprisonment of 15,000 Australian servicemen. Bennetts decision to leave his men to their fate is one of the most controversial episodes in the fall of the island. In this vivid and comprehensive history of the 8th Division and its stoic force of fighting men, Roger Maynard investigates their conflicted leader, whose reputation as an outstanding soldier was shattered by wars end. He also examines Bennetts legacy through the prism of todays military standards to establish whether he was, indeed, a hero or deserter.Though he was exonerated by Prime Minister John Curtin on his return to Australia, 8th Divisions commander was never forgiven by the militarys top brass for what many viewed as a clear case of desertion. While Bennett alone cannot be blamed for the defeat there were many other factors, including Britains military failings in both tactics and defense he was and remains a ready scapegoat.

ISBN: 9780143783923