In early August 1941 Percival had an opportunity to have Gorden Bennett replaced as CO of the 8th Australian Division. He chose not to, partly so as not to get involved in the Australian politics of it. However let’s say he did, who would have been the replacement commander in August 1941.
My front runners would be
Stanley Savige – 50 years old, Brid Gen commanding the Australian 17th Inf Bde, through Libya, Greece and Syrian campaigns. He was promoted to Maj Gen, and given command of the 3rd Militia Div on arrival in Australia in Jan 1942. He’d proved to be good, but it was thought he desperately need a rest, and Malaya could have been considered a good fit.
Sydney Rowell – 46 years old, newly promoted to Maj-Gen, into the Deputy Chief of the General Staff post, he had previously been GSO1 of first the 6th division, and then Brig General Staff, Australian I corps. Pre-war he had attended Staff College, Camberley and the Imperial Defence College, and had been an exchange officer with the British Army. He knew, and was known and respected in British circles. Blamey thought quite well of him, but considered he need a break, Malaya may have been considered ideal.
Alan Vasey – 46 years old, started as Quartermaster Gen of 6th Australian Div, briefly GSO1, then given 19th Brigade, which he led in Greece, and then again in Crete. Despite the defeats, Vasey’s performance was considered very good. Malaya would have been a good promotional reward for him.
Any others, or is it one of these three?
Regards
Fatboy Coxy