Vietnam: The Australian War by Paul Ham
Last Update: Wednesday, February 13, 2008. 9:29am AEST
By Phil Smith
The definitive book covering Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. Paul Ham has given us a total history taking the read all the way back to he forming of the Country of Vietnam 3,000 years ago.
It becomes evident early that this nation, like many others, has seen more war than peace in its tremulous history with many nations claiming and holding its sovereignty. The book traces the early years of Ho Chi Mein's influence which continued though out Australia's involvements. Ham also introduces us to some of the Australian commanders that have never really been popularised including Colonel Ted Serong, the first commander of the Australian Army Training Team who following that role became a CIA advisor in Saigon. He was one of many on the ground commanders to have their opinions, recommendations and observations ignored by both the Australian and US Governments.
Vietnam, The Australian War, also covers the lesser-known aspects of Australian resistance to conscription and allows the reader to look briefly into the lives of those who didn't object to defending our country, just fighting on foreign soil for half-baked reasons.
I am only 50% through the book, and I will complete my review when the Australians are finally home and the repercussions of our involvement known.
Vietnam: The Australian War by Paul Ham (Harper Collins Publisher)
Saturday Reads with Ian Jay:
Every Fortnight Phil will yarn with Ian Jay about what to enjoy when you put your feet up this weekend. Ian served as a flight engineer and weapons systems technician in the Royal Australian Air Force for over 22 years. He left the RAAF to take up a career as a logistics analyst with a major Australian aerospace company.
His debut novel "To Do or Die" was published in 2004. His second novel, "Echidna" was publishing in 2007 by Zeus Publications. He has 2 new books in work, has written several short stories and screenplays.
Ian lives on Brisbane's Bayside with his wife and children.
Topic: Vietnam: The Australian War by Paul Ham ~great read~ (Read 694 times)