Today I had the chance to view a museum exhibit devoted to HMNZS Southland . The exhibit is located in the Bluff Maritime Museum. Below are some photos I took of the exhibit on my smart phone.
A scale model of HMNZS Southland.
The captain' chair. Originally the captain's would have been on the ship's bridge.
The ship's Telegraph.
.
HMNZS Southland's plot.
A Ikara , HMZS Southland's anti shipping platform/capability.
Anti Submarine torpedo and casing. HMNZS Southland's Anti Submarine weapon/capability.
Seacat Missile and casing. The ship's anti aircraft weapon/capability.
In other words, the requirement for sea control is not necessarily or just about projecting military power, it is also about sustaining an economy by getting vital supplies to where they are needed: into, out of and around a country as well as allowing the movement of both exports and imports for trade and profit. In other words, sea control has a domestic aspect as well as being about our survival.
Even if we consider a defence of Australia scenario alone, this fixation on sea denial, which is central to White's thesis, fails. If Australia's general dependence upon the movement of shipping for exports and imports for trade purposes were to be discounted – and it cannot – the nation's substantial dependence upon imported petroleum, to name only one commodity, is still something that has to be borne in mind.
New Zealand is a maritime nation. All maritime/island nations are depended on sea routes for conducting commerce. New Zealand like Australia is depended on imported oil. New Zealand and Australia are are within the same scale as Maritime nations. Australia and New Zealand are both food producing nations whose economic well being and security is depended upon being able to project sea and air power. I will by in large leave air power for another article.
The United Kingdom and Japan can be found further up the scale of reliance on the maritime environment. Japan and the United Kingdom relay on imports of food to feed their populations. Japan exemplifies the characteristics of a maritime nation. Japan is completely devoid of natural resources leaving them completely reliant on imports of food , oil and other raw materials.
If the reader is just starting out in the field of sea power they will find a wealth of material written by historians and commentators. As a starting point I would recommend The Price of Admiralty: The Evolution of Naval Warfare from Trafalgar to Midway by John Keegan (1934-2012) . The book has stayed in my memory as a very informative and well written title.
As I have touched upon any direct threat of invasion to Australia and New Zealand will come though the South West Pacific. Denying the enemy access to the sea lanes around the South West Pacific will prevent any expeditionary force from threatening northern Australia. Preventing enemy forces from threatening Australia naturally contributes to the defence of New Zealand.
Now I will bring my focus back to New Zealand. The greatest threat to New Zealand sovereignty and trade interests would be the outbreak of a war in Asia. In the event of a medium intensity conflict the RNZAF and RNZN will be called upon to escort oil tankers that are bound for New Zealand. New Zealand could get by without consumer goods made in China. The country would ground to a halt if or when the supply of fuel ran out after the loss of one or more oil tankers.
New Zealand's maritime environment dictates the importance of amphibious capability and capacity. Amphibious operations will be the back bone of future NZDF operations. This applies to future medium to high intensity conflicts in the Asia-Pacific or Peacekeeping operations closer to home. In line with New Zealand military thinking the Joint Amphibious Task Force is only intended for humanitarian and other emergencies that don't involve combat.
New Zealand has two world wars and East Timor to draw lessons from when making defence policy and future contingency plans. East Timor presented a chance for the New Zealand government/defence planners are chance to assimilate lessons in what proved to a low level operational environment. New Zealand never displayed any interest in learning the strategic lessons from East Timor or WW2. In the years since INTERFET the RNZN and RNZAF capabilities have been downgraded .
Notable the RNZN suffers from a shortage of combat capable warships. A four frigate navy is the bare minimum to ensure that one frigate is available in the event of a emergency. As of 2015 the RNZN's two Anzac Class Frigates are due for replacement closer to 2030. There are no indications of any plans to return to a four frigate navy. Nor has any thought been given to replacing the Protector-class offshore patrol vessels with multi role vessels. Multi role vessels that are capable of operating as Offshore Patrol Vessels in peacetime and Anti Submarine and Mine Clearance Warfare in a pinch would serve as a useful backstop.
By relying on land based air power Australia is taking a strategic risk. One of the lessons from the Pacific Theatre in WW2 was that land based air power is vulnerable to roaming Aircraft Carrier task forces. In the present day I would add land or sea based missiles into the mix. By not being able to project air power New Zealand is sitting upon a future strategic catastrophe.
The force structure of the NZDF is geared for peacekeeping. A air and sea Maritime Strategy has been absent. The 2015 Defence White Paper looks set to have been delayed . The reader could very reasonably expect the coming White Paper to begin the process of correcting the deficiencies in New Zealand defence policy. Reasonable thinking went out to sea a long time ago.
At the time of writing no serious discussions about New Zealand being Sea Powerless are taking place in academia , defence circles and with the general public. Any serious and realistic discussion about New Zealand's strategic defence outlook must begin with naval and air power. Following on from this the NZDF must act as a force multiplier for its Australian counterparts as opposed to requiring baby sitting.
How can naval and air power best be utilised to counter Chinese Anti Access/Area Denial capabilities? What will the effects of the Joint Amphibious Task Force inability to participate in a opposed landing be in a emergency? How can the NZDF be best equipped to defend the South West Pacific from a would be invader? What happens in the event of an emergency and the RNZN has no combat capable warships available?
New Zealand clearly won't take part in discussions and debate around these points until the answers are no longer theoretical.
Author Michael Datcher joins The Lens of History couch for a chat about his book Americus and a wide range of issues . Find out how Michael struck a cord with Luke Herbert despite being a world away culturally and distance wise.
The author set out to tackle the issues of racism , African American culture and domestic/sexual abuse by the bull horn. I take the view that the book is aimed at speaking to current and future generations of people who may or may not be grappling with those issues. Let me explain this further to the reader.
By reaching out to people in the guise of a fictional story the author gives the reader the chance discuss issues like race and sexual abuse. Issues like race and sexual abuse can be by their nature difficult to talk about openly. Having spoken with the author I am certain that the story will reach at least one person. What I can't possible know is if the person is a part of current or future generations. The person may look to take an interest in the subject matter for the first time or identify with the book closely based on their own experiences.
Someone who is a close family member of mine suffered from server forms of abuse as a child. This is why aspects of the book struck a very uncomfortable cord with me. If the reader finds themselves in the same situation they will have to resolve their feelings within the privacy of their own mind. I will state that the reader should treat such moments with care for the sake of their own well being.
Measured by the yardsticks that I have mentioned above, the book will be a success. The book represents a radical departure from my usual focus on foreign affairs , historical events and military matters. In presenting this interview and brief written commentary my aim is the same as it as been all along. My aim to build awareness of historical events and current issues/events that are defining our time. I to seek out to explain today's world to current and future generations of people.
Tony Abbott announced the new surface ships would be built at Osborne in Adelaide on Tuesday. The Government will build a fleet of frigates at the ASC shipbuilding yard from 2020, and a further fleet of Offshore Combatant Vessels (OCV) from 2018, with the start dates for both projects brought forward. Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said total acquisition costs were in the order of $89 billion.
What will happen to ASC? Will it be sold or retained in government hands as a Government Business Enterprise (GBE) or, perhaps, reestablished as a Government Owned Corporately Operated (GOCO)? If ASC is sold, will it be sold intact or broken up into its submarine and shipbuilding component? How will the resulting shipbuilding monopolies be managed? What will stop the private sector monopolies from delivering public sector productivity while booking private sector profits?
I am posting this to keep the reader updated on RAN's Anzac Class Frigate replacement program , formally as the The Future Frigate/Sea 5000 project. I covered the issues involved with the project in a previous article .Like with the Collins Class Submarine replacement my hope is that some patriotic belief in the Australian shipbuilding industry will see a cutting edge /next generation design will emerge.
Also I think modernisation of the Australian shipbuilding industry is a tricky proposition. Nobody is talking about the role 3D Printing and Robotics will play in shipbuilding to small scale manufacturing.
For the record. My Prediction is the the Type 26 Frigate will be chosen as the design basis for the Sea 5000 Project. Elements of the design will be altered to suit the RAN's operational goals. So the likes of radars and combat systems will be chosen for interoperability with the USN. The USN is the RAN main coalition partner.
In May 2012 the Joint Chiefs of Staff debuted a concept known as the Black Swan Class sloop-of-war; a light and modifiable corvette-type vessel. A brief wave of excitement and interest followed suit, however this was short-lived.
3,150 tonnes, 95 meters and £65 million. The Black Swan was a modular design, including; a mission bay for UAVs, USVs and UUVs
It is a shame that the concept seems to have been consigned to a dusty shelf in the bowels of Whitehall. It offered a sober and pragmatic vision that would alleviate many of the pressures which the Royal Navy is currently subject to.
A small, (relatively) cheap and customisable platform would allow the Royal Navy to fulfil its residual duties whilst relieving the frigate and destroyer fleet.
In June 2014 work began on construction of RFA Tidespring, the first of 4 new Tide-class tankers to be built in South Korea. This project is the only remnant of the ambitious original ‘MARS programme’ to fully regenerate the RFA flotilla. They will be the first new replenishment vessels the RFA has received since 2003 and they represent a vast improvement over the older ships they will replace. Designed by British company BMT, the 37,000 tonne vessels are built to modern double-hull standards with highly efficient propulsion and automation.
Two interesting OP Eds from The Lens of History friends at the Save The Royal Navy Campaign, got me thinking about the future of the RNZN up until 2030. Closer to 2030 the RNZN's 2 Anzac Class Frigates are scheduled for replacement. Closer to the present HMNZS Endeavour is due for replacement . Now New Zealand lacks a home grown defence industry. So for NZDF acquisitions the New Zealand government will always go shopping overseas.
What struck me is how the RFA, RN and RNZN current and future acquisition's are on the same wave length. The reader may think that I am a bit crazy to make any kind of comparison between the RNZN and the RN because of the size difference between the two navies. Well I am sad to say that the idea isn't all that mad. As of the time of writing the RN is closer in size to the RAN then it's old Cold War era self.
The reader can find my views on what the RNZN force structure should be can be found here. I have chosen not to replicate my stand point in this article because of space constraints. My views on why the RNZN's current force structure is woeful and dangerous can be found at the same place.
Moving along I will start with HMNZS Endeavour's replacement. Did the New Zealand government drop the ball by not ordering a Tide Class Tanker? I am inclined to think they dropped the ball badly. The chance to replace HMNZS Endeavour and increase the RNZN's logistical capabilities has gone begging.
I believe the government's of New Zealand and the United Kingdom should have made a joint order for Tide Class Tankers. The additional work would have naturally been welcomed by the ships builders Crucially the New Zealand government could have played Hardball over the price of their order. Attaching a ship on to an existing order offers the buyer leverage.
Now I will shift to the RNZN Anzac Class Frigates would be replacements. At the time of writing Australia and New Zealand are separately pursuing replacements for their respective ANZAC Class frigates. The New Zealand government's aim is to kick the can down the road so somebody else has to foot the bill. They can get away with this because the matter isn't a vote winner.
About now BAE Systems ought to be knocking on Australia’s door and pushing the virtues of the Type 26 Frigate. Australia has brought forward it's own Anzac Class Frigates replacement program to 2020. BAE Systems could also drop off a few business cards across the ditch. Regardless of which design the Australians adopt, New Zealand will be in the market for two ships.
A future New Zealand government may not opt to maintain Frigates as a part of the RNZN inventory. In that case the Black Swan Class Sloop of War design concept could well be on the table. Lower up front and on going costs would be attractive to the government of the day.
New Zealand's defence policy is geared towards peacekeeping. Having naval units with high end combat capabilities isn't a priority for the RNZN. In essence the RNZN is a long range coast guard with a converted ferry (HMNZS Canterbury) and a couple of low end frigates thrown into the mix.
Why doesn't BAE Systems pitch the Black Swan Class Sloop of War to the export market? Beyond New Zealand which markets should the design be pitched to? The answer to these questions is worth visiting briefly. In general I would say the UK Shipbuilding industry have become reliant on government orders. By doing so they have become lazy. In their laziness they have ignored potential export markets. Their Australian counterparts have gone the same way.
Vietnam and the Philippines immediately spring to mind as potential buyers of vessels that bear similarities in size and capabilities to corvettes like the Black Swan Class Sloop of War does.
In the plant, all the processes are operated by computer- controlled robots, computer numerical control machining equipment, unmanned transport trucks and automated warehouse equipment.
The technical staff just sits at the computer and monitors through a central control system.
At the workshop of Changying Precision Technology Company in Dongguan, known as the "world factory", which manufactures cell phone modules, 60 robot arms at 10 production lines polish the modules day an ..
Like 3D Printing
Robotics looks set to revolutionise manufacturing. The Australian
shipbuilding and wider defence industry has the chance to adopt the
emerging technology. Briefly in this article I will outline some of
the advantages offered by improvements in Robotics field. I will also
offer the reader a look at matter from the stand point of those who
set to be the most affected. This does represent a break in
convention from the normal tone of my articles. By doing so I can
avoid covering the same ground I covered in my article on 3D
Printing.
I feel that some of the
upsides of the use of Robotics in the defence industries may have
been overlooked. During wartimes factories , shipyards and industrial
plants are targets for strategic bombing. Partial or complete
production lines could continue while they are under fire without
risking fewer or no people's lives.
This would allow
important industrial plants to be on going under combat conditions.
In the event that the facilities are damaged or destroyed by enemy
action the combination of Robotics and 3D Printing would see new
machinery assembled and installed in a fast manner.
Note the reader: In
terms of strategic bombing destroying the industrial tooling (enter
name and kind facility here) is the goal of a air strike. So if the
machinery/tooling at a tire factory is knocked it doesn't matter if
the roof is standing or not.
Safety in the work
place isn't a concern for robots. Either is working conditions or
pay. Who ever heard of a Robot making a ACC claim? Now I come to
point of dealing with the arguments for and against the increased use
of Robotics in civilian and defence industries. The adaptation of 3D
Printing and Robotics would inevitable lead to job losses.
Technological evolution results in greater levels of automation and
reduced labour overheads
I
am unashamedly in favour retooling the Australian Defence Industry
with 3D Printing and Robotics. So it's only fair that I present that
stand point of those who seek to protect the jobs and working
conditions of existing workers who stand to be effected. A former
Union employee kindly offered the following (their comments appear in
italics) :
The Unions will
"want to maintain or increase the standard of living of all
workers despite their loss of position. To ensure this, unions most
likely will call for an increase in low-level positions in the
company doing other things or for an increase to company / high
income taxation to ensure a redistribution of welfare from the
'haves' to the 'have nots' " And
"Unions number
one focus is to ensure a fair standard of living for all citizens in
the country through providing a life style that encourages personal
growth and interest in bettering themselves." - former Union
employee
Thinking
about the issue I was reminded about some of the conversations that I
overheard in the early 1990's. At that time the internet wasn't
really around yet and I was a young child. People would still comment
here and there about how PC's were now doing the jobs that use to be
done by people.
Nobody
was talking about the newer jobs that had first appeared along with
the emergence of the PC industry. The job role of PC repair
technician had emerged in the early 1980's. When somebodies
workstation or home PC was in need of repair a new breed of Geeks
would work their wizardry. I believe that once 3D Printing and
Robotics become mainstays similar jobs will appear in those fields.
How long will it be before CompTia offers a certifications for people
work around Robots and 3D Printers?
To End All War A Historical Novel by Nicholas Lambros (2014 Iuniverse) is historical fiction set in WW1. A cast of fictional characters and historical figures are at the forefront of the story. The author wrote the novel to bring attention to the historical consequences of the war. Also Lambros wish to bring to light how the conflict was the most bloody and destructive up until that time.
The central characters in the story John,Catherine,James and Michael are fictional. Through out the book the central characters interact with historical figures. In this review I will cover the historical figures as they appear in the book. The story takes place from 1916-18.
The books opens with John informing his father that he enlist in the Lafayette Escadrille. John's father Sam is a surgeon. His sister Catherine is a supporting character in the story.
John chose to become a flyer for several very good reasons. John doesn't speak a word of French. If John joined the French infantry he must take an oath to France and risk his American Citizenship. He ruled out naval service .In his mind because he didn't relish the idea of becoming a seal pup swimming on hostile seas whistle killer whales (U-boats) cruised below waiting to pull a meal under the waves.
The author was keen to voice how the medical care available hadn't progressed a great deal since the American Civil War. The surgeon in Sam voices his concern to John about this fact. I found speaking with the author that making this point was important to him.
John's outrage sinking of the Lusitania reflects the wide spread feeling on both sides of the Atlantic at that time. In the same vain how Woodrow Wilson response to the sinking amounted to little more than a diplomatic note to Kaiser Wilhelm II provided him with the motivation to enlist.
The recognition of the war about being about the future of civilisation is spurring him on. From his childhood John was raised from childhood to value and practice civilised behaviour. The death of unarmed combats at the hands of U-boats and German soldiers violated decent standards of civilisation.
IMO John's opinion about the importance of the war in France has been downplayed in some quarters. Some left wing “Historians” have seen fit to recast WW1 as a clash of empires. In their eagerness to rewrite history how the Germans sought to conquer western Europe has been ignored. In an attempted to recast the war in a light that would justify anti war sentiment in the present, historical events that opened many different paths are ignored.
John , his brother Michael and younger sister Catherine are all lovers of history as a subject matter. As a boy John dreamed of having a small role in history. As I read the opening of the book I found myself relating to the character of John. During the Canterbury Earthquakes I had an instinctive feeling that I was witnessing history.
The events of February 22 2011 which saw parts Christchurch devastated by a 6.3 earthquake. Myself and others who were either directly effected by the ground shaking or a part of the relief efforts were eye witnesses to history.
John secured a passage to the UK on the Saint Louis. Originally John planned to enter France directly. He hadn't received a reply to his application to join the Lafayette Escadrille sailing. John was counting on his enthusiasm to get him past any hurdles once he was in France.
In my mind the cold winter weather that confined John to indoors activities while at sea is symbolic of Woodrow Wilson's isolationist sentiment. I see the ghost of Wilson's cold shoulder towards joining the war against Germany in current events. The way President Obama and a fair slice of Congress refusal to use US troops in the Ukraine is reminiscent of Wilson's policy of neutrality.
In the Cafeteria John meets a man by the name of Eddie Rickenbacker (1890 – 1973). In the 1916 Rickenbacker the future ace was a race car driver. Rick as he preferred to be called is John's sporting hero. Rick struck John as an honest man with a very firm hand shake.
John travelled to London via Manchester via in the very British fashion of catching a train. John encounters a member of the RFC by the name of Richard Sloane. Sloane is a mechanic who confidentially tells John that the FE2 is no match for the Albatros. After the ice has been broken Sloane explained his scars that he had landed a Fe2 in flames.
John arrived in London three days before Christmas. Reading a newspaper article on the horrendous British causalities from the Battle of the Somme would have been enough to put anyone in a sombre mood. John harkens back to the Civil War. The causalities at the Battle of Gettysburg were considered shocking at the time. Compared to the Somme the blood spilled at Gettysburg was a drop in the ocean.
At Saint Paul's Church John prey's for those who had been killed the Battles of the Somme and Verdun. John is a Catholic. Preying for the dead meant more to him than the denomination of the Church. As the reader I was touched by this passage in the book.
The reader now meets Albert a taxi driver. Albert encounters John when he enters a taxi. John's destination is the American embassy. Albert acts as an unofficial tour guide. This is the start of enduring friendship between the two men.
At the embassy John enquires about gaining assistance in joining the Lafayette Escadrille. The ambassadors secretary makes an appointment for John at 2PM the next day. John inadvertently leaves his passport behind. Before jumping into a taxi he returns to fetch his passport.
The taxi driver is an associate of Albert's. After a short introduction he informs John that Albert is happy to open his home to John. John gladly accepts the offer of staying the night with Albert and his family. Albert's wife Bertie welcomes John as a warm host. Albert and Bertie have two sons George and Edward.
At a local watering hole the conversation between Albert and John drifts to the topic of the war. John view is that the USA will eventually have to get involved in the war on the side of the allies. John makes the wise case for his argument. The German agents blowing up the Black Tom munitions depot in Jersey City and sinking the Lusitania all resulted in the loss of American lives and property.
I believe that when the Russians invade Western Europe in the next 5 – 10 years the USA will once again try in vain to adopt the policy of neutrality. The USA will be dragged into the war for the same reasons they entered WW1.The Russian's shutting down the Atlantic would inevitability threaten American commerce.
The sinking of merchant ships carrying goods for Walmart or exports is going to place the squeeze on the USA. In the UK the reliance on importing food to feed the population will mean server food shortages .The American agricultural sector will wish to take advantage of the food shortages the UK is facing. Shipments of American grain crossing the Atlantic will be sunk by Russian submarine and aircraft.
Albert reflects on what today we now see as effects of the industrialised warfare. The death toll and carnage on the Western Front has been well documented by historians. I myself have discussed the Western Front at length with people who share my passion for military history.
John returned to embassy for his appointment. The ambassador is unable to help John in any official capacity because of his government's policy of neutrality. John is dispatched as an unofficial courier to the American ambassador in Paris. In exchange for acting as a courier John will receive the assistance he needs.
In his role as unofficial courier John suspects that the parcel he is carrying contains sensitive diplomatic documents. I wondered why John would be entrusted to undertake such a role?
After more than his fair share of trials and tribulations John arrives in Paris. Before he arrives in Paris he meets Michelle in Saint-Nazaire. Michelle works in her fathers bakery. Michelle father speaks English and he taught his daughter the language at home. John and Michelle just click.
John is able to explain the hold ups he experienced to Ambassador Sharp and gives him the package . Sharp examines the contents of the documents and makes a phone call. John can tell from the phone call that his suspicious have been confirmed. Sharp has taken the Liberty of phoning Captain Thenault in advance.
Mrs Alice Weeks sponsors a home for servicemen who are in Paris. Weeks a resident of Boston lost a son to the war. American volunteers get special treatment in memory of her son. Sharp's receptionist gives John the address of Weeks's accommodation.
John stays overnight at the the accommodation that was arranged for him. The next day an officer named Alfred de Laage phones Johns and tells him to go to the French Ministry of war. At the Ministry of War John is to meet with Captain Rene Jacquot and enlist in the Lehion Etrangere.
The documents John couriered contained President Wilson's latest peace proposal. Ten days later Ambassador Sharp learned that the French had rejected a German counterproposal to hold peace talks in the Reichstag. The matter was dropped after the French insisted on reparations. The war would go on.
At this stage of the war no one could foresee the end of the war. Today with the benefit of hindsight we know that the Battles of the Somme and Verdun drained the allies of manpower. The Germans were also running out of food because of Labour shortages. Agricultural workers no longer occupied their peacetime jobs and were serving on the front lines.
On the last day of January Germany declared a return to unrestricted submarine warfare. Germany sought to break the deadlock on the Western Front by cutting the allies supply lines. Wilson's isolationist polices would keep America out of the war long enough for the U-boat's to win.
The story now moves forward to 1917 and the USA declaration of war against Germany. James Jefferson nicknamed JJ had quit Harvard University over the Summer break. Monroe is like a second father to JJ. JJ had planned to enlist as a medical officer in the navy. The outbreak of war and the knowledge that his brothers are going to war changed JJ plans.
JJ enlists in the Fifteenth Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard. James writes to Monroe and tells him of his enlistment in the regiment. The Fifteenth Heavy Foot , the name the gave themselves was mustered into the US Army in July by President Wilson. The regiment received orders to go to Camp Whitman. Subsequently the regiment was broken up for many weeks. Units were sent to whatever Headquarters needed guarding. JJ went to Ellis Island with a small group of men. The group guarded German POW's.
In October the regiment was called together, with orders to go to Spartanburg, South Carolina. The move was made public. Spartanburg's Mayor Floyd wrote to military authorities warning them against posting black men in his town. He made it clear that Spartanburg would not welcome a black regiment and their arrival would not change the way the town treated blacks. No special Jim Crow shops would be opened for the troops. Local Negroes had shops that supplied their needs.
Mayor Floyd called on General O'Ryan to warn his high-minded Northern Negroes to behave. If they understood the customs they'd get along. If not the customs would still be observed. Mayor Floyd wrote a letter that was published in the New York times. The regiment arrived in Spartanburg via rail. After their arrival Colonel Hayward addressed the officers from the top of a bathhouse.
My feeling is that Hayward spoke with a dignity that the Jim Crow south didn't deserve in the slightest. Hayward called for restraint , the regiment shouldn't lower its standard of behaviour to match local customs. He asked them to avoid any places they wouldn't be welcome. Would they take an oath to avoid to refrain from violence no matter who or what provokes you? The entire regiment took the oath regardless of rank and skin colour.
The seventh a white regiment hadn't taken an a oath. This became apparent when two of their soldiers saw a black man from the fifteenth thrown from a pavement into the gutter. Not contend with the original abuse the townsmen involved began to beat him even after the solider told them he had sworn not to fight. The two whites intervened. They beat the bullies into the street. The incident made the men of the fifteenth proud and equals in the eyes of the seventh.
The potential for trouble helped Haywood convince his superiors that the unit should be in France. On October 24 the regiment entrained for New York and immediate embarkation to France. The unit was delayed sailing on Pocahontas because the vessel was under going repairs. On January 31 the regiment landed in Saint-Nazaire.
In March the regiment left Saint-Nazaire for training behind the lines near Givry-en-Argonne. The French equipped the regiment. I have always found it interesting how in WW1 American forces were equipped by the French. In WW2 the USA was the industrial powerhouse that supplied the winning quantity of war material to the allies , including Free French Forces.
The story now to the character of Catherine and the month of June. At only 22 Catherine's father was dead and her mother lived in Arizona. As Monroe the family chauffeur called out to her that it was time to leave for the trip to New York. Catherine is reflecting on her fathers death and how Michael is the latest member of the family is heading to the war in France. Michael is due to report at the Brooklyn Naval Yard by the third of the month.
Michael had volunteered to serve fresh from John Hopkins School of Medicine. The USN promised to appoint him to the medical service. Catherine was closer to John in spirit and in age. She was proud of John as a flyer. Fighter pilots took lives and surgeons saved them. Catherine blamed the war for making her judger her brothers.
At the Brooklyn Naval Yard Michael finds a sergeant who isn't expecting his arrival. Captain John Turnbull greets him. Commander Fields is absent. Fields expresses a desire to take Michael and Catherine out to dinner. Even through she is worn out Catherine agrees to go along because she hopes to get an idea when Michael will ship out. At dinner Fields asks Catherine if she intents to teach French. He displays support for the role women have taken on in the workforce due to men serving at the front. Catherine is impressed by Fields show of support.
The next day Fields takes Catherine tiki touring around New York City. His attraction to Catherine is cemented when he knocked on her front door. Catherine's striking beauty and keen intellect all strike a cord with him. Catherine also takes a fancy to Fields.
Central Park is their first stop off. Catherine and William settle on on addressing each other by their first names. The significance of this may not be understood by the contemporary reader. In the very formal post Edwardian society Catherine and William are taking a step to cement a budding relationship.
William was bold enough to speak with Captain Turnbull about asking one of his friends at the State Department about a job for Catherine if she is interested in taking up the role. The State Department currently has a vacancy for a women who speaks French. Catherine is stunned when William mentions this offer as they are riding in a horse drawn cart. By accepting the offer her fear of being left alone as her brothers went off to war vanished.
At dinner Michael and Catherine neared the end of their meal. Michael was beaming about Catherine's chance to become a interpreter. He notices the change in Catherine. He liked the change. As the reader I feel this is the start of a long journey whose destination is the character of Catherine's role in the story.
On June 7 1918, Michael received his orders to ship out to France. Directly reporting to Colonel George C Marshall JR (GHQ ,AEF); LT.Morris will be temporarily assigned to the Allied Expeditionary Force (AEF) as directed.
Michael technically violates his orders by informing Catherine of his pending departures. For security reasons he doesn't reveal to her what ship he is sailing on. Catherine is naturally upset about the Turn of events. Monroe is taking on board the turn of events.
Fields escorts Catherine to her job interview. The interview was conducted by Counsellor Frank L. Polk the assistant secretary, acting on behalf of Secretary Robert Lansing. It was over in an hour and a half. The Counsellor had hired her contingent on a background check.
William took Catherine out to dinner to celebrate. At dinner he asks her permission if he can write to her ( think of it like a guy getting the email address or phone number in the present day) . Catherine reply is “Oh, William men are so thick where women are concerned! Really! Don't you know how I feel about you? Of course you should write. I'd be miserable if you didn't.
As ordered Michael arrived in France. On arrival he reported to General James McAndrew , Perishing's Chief of Staff. After a brief meeting he was directed to the office of the assistant Chief of Staff for Operations for assignment , one George C Marshall.
The author's portray of Marshall was of great interest to me. Since I first read about Marshall's contribution to the American and allied war effort in WW2 as a 8 or 10 year old. When I look at the relationship's that Presidents Barack Obama and George Walker Bush had with their military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan , Marshall always springs to mind.
The corrosive influence of Donald Rumsfled over the handling of the Iraq War has been well documented elsewhere. The same goes for the sway Rumsfeld had over the decisions Bush made concerning Iraq. Obama's sour relationships with the Joint Chiefs and senior military commanders have emerged from the tell tale memoirs of Robert Gates and Leon Panetta . The circumstances behind General McChrystal's dismissal as Commander of International Military Assistance Force are also present the reader with a telling incident.
Successive US presidents have never taken into account the historical importance/lessons from the role Marshall played in the allied war effort during WW2. Marshall was FDR's trusted advisor. Marshall was the key backer of the Germany First policy. How different would the post 9-11 world been if Bush and Obama had trusted the knowledge and professionalism of the US military instead of what has happened in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Marshall informs Michael that he will be used as a test bed for a new experiment in preliminary care. At the time Aid Stations near the front lines only offered very basic care to wounded soldiers. This level of care was the same if a soldier suffered from life threatening or non life threatening injuries. The injured were transported to hospitals located behind the lines. Performing surgical procedures on the wounded at first aid stations would save lives.
The topic of battlefield medicine struck a cord with me. My own father was seriously injured while serving with the Australian contingent in Vietnam. Subsequently the seriousness and the nature of his injures saw return to Australia. In between being evacuated from the battlefield and his return to Australia he would have gone through what today is known as triage. His most immediate medical/surgical needs would been meet at a Field Hospital.
Real life doctors performed surgery on my father and countless other wounded Diggers. When I recently attended a local Anzac Day service the doctors and nurses who looked after my father were in my thoughts.
Hours later Michael reported to General Dickman's Headquarters and was told to report to Brigadier General Ulysses Grant McAlexander's Thirty Eighth Infantry Regiment. The aid station was directly behind the main defensive lines above Condre-en-Brie, the name given to the water that ran through the valley.
The winter of 1916 was the most server in Parisian memory. John drifted in and out of sleep on the train to Pau. At Pau John was issued with his mess kit , leather boots , and a jacket. John is quartered in a drafty barrack . Wood and coal burning stoves bellowed smoke into the barracks.
At 5.30am the next day , John was awakened by the blare of a French bugle. Later on John meets his flight instructor Captain Mallory. A modified Blériot serves as the introductory flying machine for the would be pilots. The Blériot's wings were shortened to prevent the trainees from getting off the ground.
Mallory informs the trainees that their very survival in air combat depends on how well they adsorb the training they are given. The current gen French fighters are no match for the German Albatros D.III and the new Fokker. The Albatros can out turn its French counterparts.
Out of the trainees , John is the first to have a go at taxing the Blériot down the field and back to the hanger. John would commit two errors. After the machine started John forgot to reset the throttle. The machine gathered speed quickly. His foot instinctively pressed the right pedal where the brake pedal is in his auto mobile. The plane began to turn to the right and John started to sweat.
John compounded his error. By hitting the left rudder the aircraft spun to the left. John was angry with himself. John was able to steady the plane in about 10 seconds. The 10 seconds seemed like an eternity. John was able to bring the machine back into the hanger without future hiccups.
Mallory passed on his hard won Tactical knowledge to the trainees. Mallory stressed that a man was only as good as his machine. The same went for understanding the performance characteristics of the aeroplanes of the day. Mallory bore an artificial leg from his time in the air.
Mallory had flown an BE2 in aerial combat. In the action he shot down two enemy observation planes. A single winged Fokker out climbed Mallory's BE2 and nearly shot him down. The enemy pilot was either low on fuel or thought he was finished. What the trainees didn't know is that the action had earned Mallory a DFC.
The next incarnation of the Blériot sprouted wings. Once the trainees had archived the attitude of take off, they were to ease back on the stick, briefly lift off and then land and repeat the exercise down the field. John's pilot training continued when he nearly misjudged the length of the field. Mallory made it clear that he would ground any pilot who made the same mistake.
The author uses the character of Eugene Falman to demonstrate the dangers of aviation in its infancy. Falman is a boisterous Texan. On his return trip his hops off were to low or to short. On his last hop he pulled the stick back to quick and stalls the machine. The aircraft flips and crashes. A fire ignites a broken fuel line leading the plane to explode. Falman is killed.
John earned his wings. He only lost his lunch when airborne once. Before this in 80 hours of solo flight , John is a natural at Circling turns , figures eights,roll and dives. Entering and leaving a spin required the most nerve. From 4000 feet the trainees were to initiate a dive , spin no more than four times and pull out no higher than 1000 feet. Mallory invited John to have lunch in his office as a farewell.
John meets Captain Georges Thenault (1887-1948) the commander of the Lafayette Escadrille in Paris. The Lafayette Escadrille was based at Ravenel near Saint Just en Chaussée. Thenault drives John to the airfield. He meets the American ace Gervais Raoul Lufbery (1885-1918) in the most ungracious manner. Lufbery trips over John's bag. He left his bag in the door way of his hut.
John meets his fellow flyers. He discovers that they are on a first name basis. At first John is unaccustomed to this as he has become adjusted to military life. More importantly John meets the squadron's mascots Whiskey and Soda. Whisky and Soda are lions. Whisky has taken a fancy to lying at John's feet not unlike your domesticated feline would happily do.
John is called into Thenault's office. Thenault explains what is expected of John. He also welcomes John to the squadron. Thenault informs John that he expects him to uphold the standards of the unit by avoiding the world's oldest profession. Thenault promotes John to sergeant on the basis of his performance in training.
John' first combat patrol is delayed by bad weather. When he did take to the air he was very jittery. His inexperience in aerial combat was soon shown. Lufbery joins the patrol later on so he can check on the newbie. John committed the cardinal error of not keeping an eye on his 6 o'clock. Lufbery shakes a Albatross off John's tail.
In April 1917 the United States took the plunge from the kids to the adult pool by declaring war on Germany. In the time before American Doughboys arrived in France the squadron performed its customary duties.
Come the middle of the Month , John recorded his first kill. In the moment John contemplated the morality of killing his fellow man. In this moment which most have seemed like an eternity he reminded himself of the words of Lufbery “never forget why you are here.” From that day onwards John's cold passion became the destruction of the enemy.
Now the story shifts to July 1918 and General Ludendorff making a last ditch attempt to restart a war winning offensive.
Michael’s aid station sat at a creek running North north along the Bois de Conde to the Marne. Michael and Captain McKay were overwhelmed by the number of oncoming casualties. The walking wounded became orderlies after they had been bandaged.
A solider with a seriously wounded leg arrived at the aid station. A fellow private and friend of the solider brought him to the aid station. The wounds required that Michael amputate the injured leg. Michael was shocked when he recognised the patient as being James Jefferson. James is serving with the French Army. Michael writes a letter to Monroe informing him of his son's injuries.
While reading Michael's letter Monroe breaks into tears. He is relived that his son will be coming home. At the same time the nature of his son's injury disturbs him. While the tears flow he is viewing a map of France in an atlas in relation to where his son is serving.
Catherine now returns to the narrative. She has a meeting in Frank Polk office. Frank offers her an usual assignment. The assignment is unusual because of it's secretive nature. General Perishing sent an urgent memorandum requesting a special assistant. The role is for a civilian who isn't well known around the tracks. Catherine accepts the offer.
Catherine's cover story is that she is being assigned to the US embassy in France. As a part of her cover she is meeting with Ambassador Sharp. In the days before she sails to France she informs William and Monroe of her departure. Monroe shows Catherine the letter from Michael. Before she leaves for France she spends the night with William.
Back in 1917 , John's squadron is receiving new flying machine the Spad VII. The Spad VII was more durable then the Niueuport17. The engine had an extra 40 horsepower. Less manoeuvrable then the Niueuport17 the Spad VII the advantage lay in its faster speed and climb. When scheduled missions were completed John took to the air to familiarise himself with the controls.
One of the many Americans arriving in France is Sergeant First Class Edward Rickenbacker. Before embarking on a weeks leave he receives a letter from Catherine. The letter informs John that his father had past away. John feels a pang of guilt for not being at home when his dad died. While on leave he runs into Michaelle. He first meet her when he was in Saint-Nazaire transiting through France after his first arrival.
Love blooms between the pair. While bike riding John reveals everything about himself expect for his combat experiences. He is guarded about his combat experiences and refuses to answer her question about them. Before the week is out Michaelle proposals Marriage to John. Even through she went against tradition John's accepts.
For the first time since he first enter combat John feels that he has a compelling reason to survive the war. John had been fatalist because of the high death toll amongst his fellow flies. In the months to come James was bearing the mental scars from his injuries. Dr Burns is unable to get James to accept a artificial leg. The nurses had no more luck then Dr Burns.
Michael visits James in the hospital without knowing about his depression. Michael does his rounds in the wards.
Michael drops formality by addressing James on a first names basis. Michael inform him that was the surgeon who took his leg. He explains that amputation was necessary to save his life. James begins to accept life with a artificial limb. Michael finds a nurse who James can relate to as a introvert.
In his absence John's squadron had moved aerodromes. John from his old aerodrome to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer near the Belgian border , adjacent to the English Channel. John learns from Thenault how Jagdge-schwader 1 is stationed at a near by field. The British call them the “flying circus.” Their commander is Manfred Von Richthofen, the Red Baron. John bit his teeth as Von Richthofen reputation preceded him.
John is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. The Battle of Passchendaele is under way. Bad weather is keeping John and his fellow flyers grounded. John uses the time to put his combat experiences to good use by developing a new ploy. John wishes to mount a variation of the tactic used commonly by the enemy.
John plans to lure the flying circus into ambushing aircraft flying below them. John wants to split a formation of aircraft in cloud cover and 500 feet below. Discussion ironed out the wrinkles with the concept. The below formation would fire a flare to signal when the top formation was needed. The flare would be used because the two formations were beyond visual range. Flying over the channel allows John and a few of his squadron mates to practice the ploy.
In the vicinity of Ypres the trap was sprung successfully on the Flying Circus. John accounts for a Albatros. In mid August the squadron moves to Senard below the Argonne Forest, twenty miles of South West of Verdun. At Senard John takes a phone call from Rickenbacker. Rickenbacker tells John that he is in pilot training.
Concurrently General Pershing was dealing with the enormous logistical task of equipping US forces that are arriving in France. Thenault briefs his men that their new mission is to escort observer aircraft. The mission is to be commanded by the commandant of the bomber group. They would adopt the tactic of close escort as it later become known, in the next world war. John isn't selected for what proves to be a frustrating sortie.
John's next sortie is solo. He opts to use one of the older Nieuport's. The older model flying machine has better characteristics for gliding. John pilots the machine over the enemy aerodrome. Using the advantage of altitude John cuts off his engine and circles over the aerodrome. By doing so the enemy cannot hear his presence. He is awaiting the German observer planes. At take off they will be most vulnerable.
John lets the enemy fighters take off unmolested. When the two DFW CV rolled down the field to take off John restarted his engine. At 9,000 feet he gently enters a dive. Caught unawares the first DFW CV goes down in flames. In the second DFW CV the Pilot and the rear gunner are dead before the first one hits the ground. The Albatrosses soon broke off their pursuit of John.
Upon his return Lufbery compliments him on his fine tactical mind. Lufbery was aware of John's actions in before he spoke with him. Lufbery had done the same thing over Flanders. He didn't tell John this as he didn't want to spoil the originality of the idea.
Before travelling to Pairs Catherine receives a letter from her Mum. She writes a reply to her mother Elizabeth . Her mother never gets to read the letter. Ill health had caught with her. Elizabeth’s last words were expressing her love of her kids. As per her wishes she is buried next to her husband.
Michael and Catherine are unaware that they are on the same train to Paris. Michael's destination is AEF HQ 136 miles South East of Paris. While locating his driver at Chaumont Michael spots Catherine. Catherine is overjoyed to see her brother and have a brief reunion with him.
Michael reports to Marshall who is now a full bird Colonel. His new assignment is to take responsibility for preparing and coordinating advanced medical collaboration for three divisions. Michael is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His work as a doctor had come to the attention of General Pershing.
Catherine's mission turns out to be confirming the guilt of a suspected spy. The details are best left to the reader. I will say that her French language skills and ability to remain cool are the key to her success.
Around this time a sergeant is driving Michael to new assignment at Saint -Ouen about 25KM south of Virty-le-Francois. They become hopelessly lost. They end near the front line and come under fire from German artillery. The car is upturned by a shell hole in the middle of the road. The NCO turns the car upright and sets off to drive Michael to medical attention.
Rickenbacker informs John that he has received a dispatch concerning how Michael had died having suffered from a serious brain injury. John has been in France for a year and nine months only to hear of Michael's death. On that same day he is ordered stateside. His next role is to become a flight and combat instructor. The timing allows him to escort Catherine on voyage back across the Atlantic.
Before there departure John marries Michelle. Weeks later the war ends. The author rightfully concludes the story with a brief chapter on the doomed peace (The Treaty of Versailles) and how it lead's to WW2.
The author is successful captures the horror and consequences of the first world war. People who are familiar with the historical figures like Marshal who went on to a more famous role in the next war will enjoy the book. I have the utmost respect for the author's motivation's in writing the book. In the event just one reader who has a mild interest in WW1 takes up the torch, I believe the author's endeavor will have been successful.
