In Borneo, Michael Veitch gives a narrative account of the last major land campaign of World War II, conducted by the Australian Army, principally the 7th and 9th divisions (veterans of North Africa and New Guinea), to secure Tarakan, Labuan, and Balikpapan in what was then the Dutch East Indies.

The Australian Government, keen for troops to help shape the post-war world, had hoped to join the recapture of the Philippines, but the US and MacArthur insisted on a purely American operation. Operation Oboe became the consolation prize and remains controversial. The dates give it away: the landing on Tarakan Island began on 1 May 1945, with the war in Europe in its final days and the American capture of Okinawa well advanced. By then the Japanese could no longer safely transport troops or oil to Japan, so the main strategic reason for the invasion had ceased.

Five hundred and sixty-eight Australians and about 5000 Japanese were killed. The Japanese fought with their trademark tenacity, but the Australians proved clinically effective, slogging through jungle bunkers with grit. Veitch conveys the professionalism of this experienced force.

Major operations ceased in Balikpapan by 21 July 1945. An atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, showing Operation Oboe made no difference to the war’s length. Australia had, however, proven its commitment and secured a good seat at the San Francisco Conference, which led to the United Nations’ establishment – though whether that justified the cost is questionable.

Reviewed by Grant Hansen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Veitch is well known as an author, actor and former ABC television and radio presenter. His books include the critically acclaimed accounts of Australian airmen in World War II, 44 Days, Heroes of the Skies, Fly, Flak, Barney Greatrex, Turning Point and The Battle of the Bismarck Sea. He lives in the Yarra Valley, outside Melbourne.

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