The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics and Leadership.
Learn the lessons of military history by looking at the great battles through the lens of the Principles of War. Part of the enduring nature of war, all good Generals follow the 10 Principles of War. The great Generals of history have the ability to know which of the principles are most important at the decisive moments of the campaign. We study the great battles to draw the lessons on strategy, tactics and leadership.
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113 - 75 Squadron and the Kokoda Campaign
04/24/2024
113 - 75 Squadron and the Kokoda Campaign
It was 900 days from the declaration of war against Germany in 1939 to the bombing of Darwin. When Darwin was bombed, there were no RAAF fighters to defend, and it was three weeks before Darwin was had fighter coverage (and they were US fighters). We look at how the RAAF was prepared for war, prepared for war for Japan and prepared to defend Australia. This is Part 15 of our series looking at the , focusing on the combat performance of battalions on the Kokoda Track and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode looks at how No 75 Squadron contributed to the Joint Battle during the Kokoda Campaign. We focus on how the RAAF looked to mobilise and scale up. We discuss EATS, Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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112 - Combined Arms on the Kokoda Track
04/17/2024
112 - Combined Arms on the Kokoda Track
This is Part 14 of our series looking at the , focusing on the combat performance of battalions on the Kokoda Track and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode looks at how the Australians and the Japanese generated combined arms on the Kokoda Track. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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111 - Friendly Fire on the Kokoda Track
03/28/2024
111 - Friendly Fire on the Kokoda Track
This is Part 13 of our series looking at the , focusing on the combat performance of the 53rd Battalion and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode looks at the tragic friendly fire incident that occured during the Battle of Isurava, where the 2/14th C Company attacked into the Battalion Headquarters. What were the factors in this and how could it have been avoided? Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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110 - The JIPOE / IPB for the Kokoda Track
03/08/2024
110 - The JIPOE / IPB for the Kokoda Track
This is Part 12 of our series looking at the , focusing on the combat performance of the 53rd Battalion and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. The Kokoda Campaign for the Japanese is a manifestation of the effects of the manourvrist approach. We then discuss MAJGEN Basil Morris - at the time he took over command of the 8th Military District he was a substantive Colonel. We look at the Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operating Environment for the Kokoda Campaign. What was the decisive terrain in the Morris' plan and how did he use his available resources? We discuss the 49th Battalion and how they were employed. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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109 - Operational mistakes in the Kokoda Campaign
02/18/2024
109 - Operational mistakes in the Kokoda Campaign
This is Part 11 of our series looking at the , focusing on the combat performance of the 53rd Battalion and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode commences our assessment of the operational level, but before we start, we will look at the psychiatric cost of training and fighting in the jungle. has done an excellent job in documenting issues on the Kokoda Track and suggests some solutions to increasing resilience for troops. We look at what the operational level of war is along with the events within MAJGEN Basil Morris' Area of Operations during the Kokoda Campaign. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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108 - The Competition for Superior Doctrine
02/09/2024
108 - The Competition for Superior Doctrine
This is the third episode in a three part interview with Dr Robert Lyman about 'Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918-40', a book he co-wrote with Lord Dannatt, who served as the Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009. This episode looks at how lessons are learnt from victories and defeats and the difficulties in developing doctrine when not in combat. We discuss the lessons from logistics doctrine development along with why it took so long for doctrine to be combat ready - for the British in was 2nd El Alamein. Finally we look for the lessons from the interwar period for the contemporary strategic environment. Check out the for this Professional Military Education podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. There is also a catalogue of episodes on Leadership, the Principles of War, military history, and Mission Command.
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107 - British Combined Arms doctrine in the inter war period
01/29/2024
107 - British Combined Arms doctrine in the inter war period
This is the second in a three part interview with Dr Robert Lyman about 'Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918-40', a book he co-wrote with Lord Dannatt, who served as the Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009. This episode looks at how the lessons learnt in the victories of 1918 with Combined Arms were forgotten in the interwar period. Robert discusses the impact of the desire to avoid another Second World War, the resistance to creating an Expeditionary Army for continental Europe, the economy for the Great Depression and the lack of a Grand Strategy and Endstate led to a British Army that struggled for the first two years of the Second World War. He also examines the role of Nevile Chamberlain in developing a Strategy for Britain. How does an Army know if its doctrine is capable of winning battles? Check out the for this Professional Military Education podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. There is also a catalogue of episodes on Leadership, the Principles of War, military history and Mission Command.
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106 - Combined Arms Doctrine Development in the First World War
12/11/2023
106 - Combined Arms Doctrine Development in the First World War
This is the first in a three part interview with Dr Robert Lyman about 'Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918-40', a book he cowrote with Lord Dannatt, who served as the Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009. This episode looks at the doctrine development that occurred in the First World War as the British Army developed it's skills in Combined Arms, culminating in the ability to fight and win the battles of the 100 days. We look to answer the question - how does an Army learn to learn, whilst in contact. Check out the for this Professional Military Education podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. There is also a catalog of episodes on Leadership, the Principles of War, military history and Mission Command.
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105 - Ralph Honner, the 39th Battalion and Kokoda
11/27/2023
105 - Ralph Honner, the 39th Battalion and Kokoda
This is Part 10 of our series looking at the , looking at the combat performance of the 39th Battalion. The 39th Battalion was one of Australia's best Battalions. Formed in Victoria, it's story is similar to that of the 53rd Battalion- but with some key differences. We look at those differences with Dr David Cameron, an expert on the Battles of the Kokoda campaign. Have a listed Dr David Cameron, an expert on the Kookoda Campaign as he discusses the history and performance of the 39th Battalion. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. Dr David Cameron's Biography David Cameron received first class Honours in Prehistory, University of Sydney and a PhD in Palaeoanthropology, Australian National University. He has written over twenty books covering Australian Military History, Colonial History, and Evolutionary Science with over 70 internationally peer reviewed papers published in various journals and book chapters. He is a former Australian Research Council Post Doctoral Fellow, School of Archaeology, Australian National University; and an Australian Research Council QEII Fellow in the Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney. He has conducted and led several international fieldwork projects in Europe (Hungary), Asia (Vietnam, India, and Japan), and the Middle East (Turkey, Jordan, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates) and conducted extensive museum studies and conferences (United States, Europe, and Asia). Before retiring in 2023, he was a senior analyst in the Australian Intelligence Community. Books on the Papua Campaign by Dr Cameron: Cameron, D.W. (in preparation – December 2024.) The Battle for Milne Bay, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (in preparation – August 2024) Sanananda, Bastard of a Place: The Battle for the Beachhead, 1942-43, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (in press – November 2023) Bloody Buna: The Battle for the Beachhead, 1942-43, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2023) Gona’s Gone: The Battle for the Beachhead 1942, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2022) Retaking Kokoda: The Australian Advance Across the Owen Stanleys, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2022) Saving Port Moresby: Fighting at the End of the Kokoda Track, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2022) The Battle for Isurava: Fighting on the Kokoda Track in the heart of the Owen Stanleys, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2020) The Battles for Kokoda Plateau: Three Weeks of Hell Defending the Gateway to the Owen Stanleys, Allen & Unwin Australia
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104 - The 39th Battalion on the Kokoda Track
10/25/2023
104 - The 39th Battalion on the Kokoda Track
This is Part 9 of our series looking at the , looking at the combat performance of the 39th Battalion. This episode discusses the formation of the 39th Battalion, it's preparation for combat and how it performed on the Kokoda Trail. The 39th Battalion is one of the Australian Army's most famous Battalion, a militia battalion that bore the brunt of the Japanese attacks down the Kokoda track. What enabled it to fight so well? Have a listed Dr David Cameron, an expert on the Kookoda Campaign as he discusses the history and performance of the 39th Battalion. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. Dr David Cameron Biography David Cameron received first class Honours in Prehistory, University of Sydney and a PhD in Palaeoanthropology, Australian National University. He has written over twenty books covering Australian Military History, Colonial History, and Evolutionary Science with over 70 internationally peer reviewed papers published in various journals and book chapters. He is a former Australian Research Council Post Doctoral Fellow, School of Archaeology, Australian National University; and an Australian Research Council QEII Fellow in the Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney. He has conducted and led several international fieldwork projects in Europe (Hungary), Asia (Vietnam, India, and Japan), and the Middle East (Turkey, Jordan, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates) and conducted extensive museum studies and conferences (United States, Europe, and Asia). Before retiring in 2023, he was a senior analyst in the Australian Intelligence Community. Books on the Papua Campaign by Dr Cameron: Cameron, D.W. (in preparation – December 2024.) The Battle for Milne Bay, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (in preparation – August 2024) Sanananda, Bastard of a Place: The Battle for the Beachhead, 1942-43, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (in press – November 2023) Bloody Buna: The Battle for the Beachhead, 1942-43, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2023) Gona’s Gone: The Battle for the Beachhead 1942, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2022) Retaking Kokoda: The Australian Advance Across the Owen Stanleys, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2022) Saving Port Moresby: Fighting at the End of the Kokoda Track, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2022) The Battle for Isurava: Fighting on the Kokoda Track in the heart of the Owen Stanleys, Big Sky Publishing Cameron, D.W. (2020) The Battles for Kokoda Plateau: Three Weeks of Hell Defending the Gateway to the Owen Stanleys, Allen & Unwin Australia
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103 - Principles of Training for War
10/15/2023
103 - Principles of Training for War
This is Part 8 of our series looking at the , Battle of Isurava, the 53rd Battalion, how they fought and how they were prepared to fight. This episode looks at the Principles of Training and how they were(n't) applied by New Guinea Force. We compare it with the preparation of the 6th Division in preparation for it's first battle at Bardia. Bardia illustrates what right looks like for preparing troops for combat. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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102 - Training a Battalion for War
10/10/2023
102 - Training a Battalion for War
This is Part 7 of our series looking at the Battle of Isurava, the 53rd Battalion, how they fought and how they were prepared to fight. This episode looks at the arrival of both the 39th and 53rd Battalions to Port Moresby, the conditions that they encountered and how that impacted their preparation for combat. What was a day in the life of the soldiers like? How well were the soldiers trained? What were their weapon handling skills like? How well prepared were they for combat in the Jungle? Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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100 - The fall of Isurava
09/18/2023
100 - The fall of Isurava
This is the fifth episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle-hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. This episode looks at the fall of Isurava. Japanese troops in increasing numbers, with increasing persistence and increasing ferocity forced Australian troops to withdraw. Australian efforts to retake Kokoda will need to wait for another day. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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101 - Mobilisation Mistakes with the Mice of Moresby
09/18/2023
101 - Mobilisation Mistakes with the Mice of Moresby
This is the sixth episode in our series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped and with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle-hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. This episode looks at the mistakes in mobilisation that we made that sowed the seeds for the performance of the Battalion on the Kokoda Track at the Battle of Isurava. What are the similiarities between the formation of the 53rd Battalion and the mobilisation of Russian Reserves for the war in Ukraine? How was the Battalion formed? What was the Shanghai incident? How did they get to Port Moresby? Why were so many of the troops surprised on the Aquatania after it left port? What lessons are their we can learn from the 53rd Battalion if Australia was required to mobilise rapidly for war in the future? Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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99 - The Death of a CO
04/05/2023
99 - The Death of a CO
This is the fourth episode in our series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. This episode looks at the events on the 27th of August, 1942. We discuss how the CO, LT COL Kenneth Ward was killed and the impact it had on the 53rd Battalion and Maroubra Force as they fought desperately to defend Isurava. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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98 - Creating the doctrinal and cultural changes for effective Mission Command with Jim Storr
03/16/2023
98 - Creating the doctrinal and cultural changes for effective Mission Command with Jim Storr
This is part 2 of our interview with Dr Jim Storr, the author of Something Rotten: Land Command in the 21st Century. We discuss the correct size for a Headquarters. We discuss the selection and training of officers within the Wehrmacht. How do we affect cultural and doctrinal change within Armies to support the effective use of Mission Command? Jim Storr was an infantry officer in the British Army for 25 years. He served in the British Army of the Rhine for five years in the 1980s. A graduate of the Army Staff College, Camberley, he also worked in the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, and wrote high-level doctrine. He was a professor of war studies at the Norwegian Military Academy for four years. His published works include ‘The Human Face of War’, ‘The Hall of Mirrors’ and 'Something Rotten'. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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97 - Time and the importance of timeliness in orders with Jim Storr
02/13/2023
97 - Time and the importance of timeliness in orders with Jim Storr
This episode is with Dr Jim Storr, the author of Something Rotten. Preparing a set of orders is a core function of a Headquarters. Why have today's procedures changed from the what was done in WW2, what have we learnt and are modern HQs fit for purpose? We discuss the form and functioning of Headquarters, looking at people, processes, products and purpose, comparing WW2 doctrine with what is happening today. Jim Storr was an infantry officer in the British Army for 25 years. He served in the British Army of the Rhine for five years in the 1980s. A graduate of the Army Staff College, Camberley, he also worked in the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, and wrote high-level doctrine. He was a professor of war studies at the Norwegian Military Academy for four years. His published works include ‘The Human Face of War’, ‘The Hall of Mirrors’ and 'Something Rotten'. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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96 - The 53rd Battalion at Isurava during the Kokoda Campaign
02/06/2023
96 - The 53rd Battalion at Isurava during the Kokoda Campaign
This is the third episode in our series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. This episode continues to story of the 53rd Battalion as they start patrolling the jungle around Isurava. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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95 - A militia Battalion on the Kokoda Trail
01/27/2023
95 - A militia Battalion on the Kokoda Trail
This is the second episode in our series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. This episodes looks at just 4 weeks in the history of the Battalion, from when the started up the track, during their contact with the Japanese and through till the time the were order to leave the battlefield. There is much to learn from their experience. We look for lessons in training, leadership, strategic surprise and mobilisation from the 53rd on the Kokoda Trail. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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94 - The 53rd Battalion on the Kokoda Trail
01/09/2023
94 - The 53rd Battalion on the Kokoda Trail
This episodes starts a new series looking at the Kokoda Track at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. This series will look for lessons from the experience of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd is a sister Battalion to the 49th and the excellent 39th Battalions. There is a marked difference between the 39th and 53rd. Despite incredible bravery, the 53rd struggled to achieve some of that tasks assigned to it (through no fault of their own.) Indeed, many of the men went on to fight bravely in the 55th/53rd and 39th Battalion after the 53rd was disbanded. We look for lessons in training, leadership, strategic surprise and mobilisation from the 53rd on the Kokoda Trail. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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93 - Chinese Deception Planning on the Yalu River, 1950
08/29/2022
93 - Chinese Deception Planning on the Yalu River, 1950
This episodes looks at PLA doctrine in 1950 and how it was used to surprise the UN forces on the Yalu River as well as looking at how deception is employed in contemporary PLA doctrine. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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92 - Deception and self deception on the Yalu River - 1950
08/15/2022
92 - Deception and self deception on the Yalu River - 1950
Stunning intelligence failures, rigidity of mind and excellent Chinese tactical camouflage led to a stunning reversal of fortunes for the UN forces in late 1950 on the Yalu River? What deception measures did the Chinese use? How did MacArthur contribute to the surprise? A fascinating look at Chinese military deception and American intelligence failings. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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91 - Principles for Employment of Artillery at 2nd Alamein
07/25/2022
91 - Principles for Employment of Artillery at 2nd Alamein
This episode looks at the the principles of employment for artillery 2nd Alamein and is part of our series. We discuss Why the German artillery performed so poorly. How Montgomery's use of artillery replicated the principles of war today; and How integration was achieved with the manvoeuvre plan Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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90 - Counter Battery Fires at 2nd El Alamein
07/19/2022
90 - Counter Battery Fires at 2nd El Alamein
This episode looks at the Counter Battery battle at 2nd Alamein and is part of our series. Ramsay and Kirkman denied Axis Artillery the ability to interfere with the commencement of Op Lightfoot. How did they do it and what role did the 4th Survey (Durham) Regiment play, along with the Desert Air Force and Engineers in constructing a process to find and neutralise Axis Artillery. How was the fire plan developed to support the infantry as they crossed the LD? Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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89 - Artillery at 2nd El Alamein
06/14/2022
89 - Artillery at 2nd El Alamein
This episode looks at the development of artillery doctrine leading up to 2nd Battle of El Alamein. 2nd Alamein was the apogee of Australian Artillery in the Second World War and we will look at the role that BRIG Ramsay from 9th Div Arty built a team and capability to support the 9th Div and MAJ GEN Morshead. The lessons learnt from Ex Bumper - the largest exercise ever conducted by the British Army in preparation for a German invasion of England. The required improvements in artillery C2 Centralisation at the Divisional and higher level. The lack of the AGRA - the Army Group Royal Artillery. Montgomery, who had fought in WW1, understood the impact that artillery can have and was keen to restore it's capability to delivery decisive effects on the battlefield. How did he do this? Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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88 - The Role of Artillery at 2nd Alamein
05/16/2022
88 - The Role of Artillery at 2nd Alamein
We look at the roles of Artillery, including how it integrated with all of the Forces within 8th Army. 2nd Alamein is the apogee of Australian Artillery in the Second World War and we will look at the role that BRIG Ramsay from 9th Div Arty built a team and capability to support the 9th Div and MAJ GEN Morshead. We will look at: Field Artillery Medium and Heavy Artillery Anti Aircraft Artillery Survey Anti Tank Artillery Met Comms C2 Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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87 - Julian Corbett and British Maritime and Grand Strategy with Professor Andrew Lambert
03/30/2022
87 - Julian Corbett and British Maritime and Grand Strategy with Professor Andrew Lambert
This episode is an interview with Professor Andrew Lambert about Sir Julian Corbett, the premier maritime strategist in the 20th century. We discuss Corbett, Maritime and Grand Strategy, Churchill and the Dardenelles Campaign. We also look at his contribution to PME. If you would like to know more about the impact the Corbett had in Maritime and Grand Strategy, please read Professor's Lambert's excellent book - 'The British Way of War'. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. Andrew Lambert is Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. After completing research in the Department he taught at Bristol Polytechnic,(now the University of West of England), the Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich, and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and also Director of the In 2020 he was made a Fellow of Kings College London (FKC).
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86 - Lessons learnt from the 2nd Battle of El Alamein
03/15/2022
86 - Lessons learnt from the 2nd Battle of El Alamein
This is the 6th episode in our series. This episode looks at the conduct of the 2nd Battle of El Alamein, the impact that it had on the Second World War and the lessons learnt. This episode looks only at Operation Lightfoot, and examines the battle predominantly from the viewpoint of the 9th Australian Division and the critical role that they played in the fighting. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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85 - Monty fights to buy time for the 8th Army at Alam Halfa
02/17/2022
85 - Monty fights to buy time for the 8th Army at Alam Halfa
This is our 5th episode of our 2nd Battle of El Alamein series. This episode looks at Rommel's attack at Alam Halfa just 17 days after Monty took command. Why did Rommel attack? How did Monty prepare for the attack? How did the Battle go? What lessons were learnt? Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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84 - Montgomery, Fighting Power and turning morale around in the 8th Army
02/07/2022
84 - Montgomery, Fighting Power and turning morale around in the 8th Army
This is our 4th episode of our 2nd Battle of El Alamein series. This episode looks at when LT GEN B L Montgomery took command of 8th Army. He didn't like what he saw, so using the concept of Fighting Power, we look at the changes that he took to get the Army ready to take on the Desert Fox. Check out the for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.
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