Australian Commandos' Secret War
Australian Commandos Carried Out Missions Against Japanese in WWII
Dec 15, 2008
Australian Commandos is an account of Australia’s elite commando teams who carried out covert missions against Japanese forces during World War II. The teams conducted daring rescue, sabotage, and intelligence missions.
Commandos Inflicted Harm on Japanese Military
M Unit secretly set up coast watching posts to monitor Japanese shipping movements and bombing flights. They assisted operations like that of Jack Read and Paul Mason on Bougainville in the Solomon Islands.
Z Unit members carried out 81 missions behind opposing lines. Inserted into enemy territory by submarine, parachute, Catalina aircraft, snake boats, and PT boats, the commandos attacked targets in brutal terrain where capture meant death by beheading. They suffered 112 men killed or missing in action, but inflicted approximately 2000 fatalities upon the Japanese.
Australian Commandos features more text by A. B. Feuer than his other books for the Stackpole Military History Series, which rely heavily on first hand accounts of World War II. It begins slowly, establishing the Allies presence in the South Pacific.
Fascinating Accounts of Commando Missions
The pace soon picks up, however, and interesting stories of daring come one after another. Chapter 4, Operation “Python” in Borneo, recounts a battle between the submarine USS Harder and Japanese forces. While evacuating commandos from British North Borneo, the Harder encountered at least 17 enemy vessels (including two sub chasers) and two float planes over five days. The Harder sunk three ships, possibly more.
In August, 1945, Lieutenant Rowan Waddy was charged with the task of inserting a coast watcher at Tatua and delivering much needed food supplies to friendly islanders at Mukah on Borneo. When his dingy capsized in turbulent waters, he discovered one of his operatives couldn’t swim. He was forced to carry the man for an hour as he swam to the shore.
Later in the war, Lieutenant Waddy was awarded the head of a member of the Japanese secret police he had shot and killed by Iban tribesmen. The Ibans were the most dreaded headhunters in Borneo. The head was slowly roasted over a fire, causing it to “shrink.”
Early Days of Modern Special Operations
Feuer recounts the early days of modern special operations. Australian military authorities suggested that all commandos carry money, travel lightly, and wear shoes with treads resembling those of Japanese soldiers. After operatives were compromised by a child they allowed to live, all personnel were instructed to kill anyone, including small children, who discovered them.
The riveting history of Australian Commandos offers readers and intimate look at the little known plight and adventures of Australia’s special forces during World War II. The book is an excellent choice for history buffs students of the war, and anyone interested in rousing adventures.
A. B. Feuer is the author of several books on military history, has contributed to multiple magazines, and conducts writing workshops. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 - 46.
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