The next things I'm thinking of is a shakeup of Command arrangements and the Army Reserve while participating in the Malayan Emergency at a low level. I think this needs to be sorted out before the West Papua Crisis, Indonesian Confrontation and Vietnam happen.
This is a weekend thing for me, and I've orders some stuff from the Library which will take a bit of time to arrive.
This weekend, a few funny things happen in the mid 50s, like the RAAF getting a wing of Vampires based in Malta. I should be able to do the equipment and Army reserve bits this weekend but need info for command arrangements.
That was the deal, virtually get given a wing of jet fighters but only if they are stationed in Malta. It's not too outlandish, up until the late 50s Australia's plan in the event of WW3 was the same as it was in WW1 and WW2, send a large expeditionary force to the Mid East to fight alongside the British.
They were only there a few years before being deployed to Asia and replaced by Sabres.
I understand that, but in Malta?
Australia doesn't have allmost any interests in Malta.
In Aden or Singapore, maybe even Hong Kong or Persian Gulf, but Malta?![]()
Well, if you read what Riain says, it does make some sence. If Australia's plan was in the event of WW3 to send troops to fight in the Middle East as part of a larger Commonwealth/Empire effort, then it is in their interest to perhaps have a presence in the region. Gradually, as this plan shifted to Asia so did the basing of their military.
Hell, according to Solly Zuckerman (who spent considerable time working with the British government in the 60's) many civil servants and older ministers who had been around during Suez had claimed that the fear was not just that Britain would be unable to reach it's remaining Asian colonies but also that in the event of a war Antipodean troops would be unable to reach Europe.
Russell
That was the deal, virtually get given a wing of jet fighters but only if they are stationed in Malta. It's not too outlandish, up until the late 50s Australia's plan in the event of WW3 was the same as it was in WW1 and WW2, send a large expeditionary force to the Mid East to fight alongside the British.
They were only there a few years before being deployed to Asia and replaced by Sabres.
True, but isn't this repeating of WW2 situation where australian forces were in Middle East and not in Australia?
I admitt that, if these jets are given for free to Australia that Malta is acceptable solution...
Yes. However, as the Prime Minister of the day once described himself as "British to his boot straps", it is not quite as surprising as it appears.
It was a squadron, by the way, not a "wing".
Yes, I'm aware of that Rickshaw, but there's not much sence for me to have australian forces stationed anywhere west of Suez except in case of big war.
Hong Kong, Singapore, Buttersworth, Aden, Persian Gulf, Suez, that are much more probable places to me.
The info I need on Command arrangements hasn't arrived yet. I'd forgotten about this to be honest, I'll have a crack this weekend.