Australia’s Secret Army: The Story of the Coastwatchers
With Michael Veitch
Established after World War I by the Royal Australian Navy, the Coast Watchers were a loose organisation of several hundred European settlers, missionaries, patrol officers and planters living in British and Australian Pacific Island territories whose job it was to observe and report on the enemy. They were mostly all unpaid volunteers whose job it was simply to observe and report on foreign shipping and aeroplane movements.
It was never envisaged that the Coast Watchers would do any fighting, nor operate inside enemy-occupied territory. But when World War II came to the Pacific, that is exactly what they ended up doing, becoming, in effect, Australia’s secret army. Fully cognisant of their fate should they be caught, they nonetheless battled not just the enemy, but constant exhaustion, tropical disease, and the ever-present spectre of capture, torture and death.
Without the Coast Watchers and the crucial intelligence they provided, key moments in the war could have turned out very differently. This is the story of these unsung heroes who risked their lives – and sometimes lost them – in the service of their country.
From Melbourne, Australian Michael Veitch is well known as an author, actor, TV comedian and radio presenter. In the 1980s he wrote and performed in acclaimed comedy shows such as The D-Generation, Fast Forward and Full Frontal. From 2006 to 2009, Veitch presented ABC Television’s flagship arts magazine program, Sunday Arts. He is also a prolific and highly regarded military history and aviation author. His books include the critically acclaimed accounts of Australian airmen in WWII, 44 Days, Heroes of the Skies, Fly, Flak, Barney Greatrex and Turning Point and The Battle of the Bismarck Sea.
Michael’s previous WW2TV appearance – The Battle of the Bismarck Sea
https://youtu.be/Lg0s0VTcaBI
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Woody/Michael. Thanks for such an interesting presentation! Great little known subject. Bob
One of my favourite subjects, thanks guys
Great presentation Really enjoyed it. Thank you Paul and Michael.
“Ohhhh, Skiiip!” An ode to Michael Veitch – Fast Forward.
Just catching up. Just seen an interesting blog by "The History Chap" about the history of Lance Corporal Jones from "Dads Army". The BBC really did their research on the medals he wore in the show. They don't like it up 'em.
Thanks Woody. Michael's books are great. Definitely need a Milne Bay show!
The difficult lives of WW2 historians. Off for a cruise. I am sure it will be taxing for Woody to fly back from his afternoon in Monaco and film this afternoons stream. 😉
Stupendous and spectacular presentation of the Australian gimlets performing a dangerous mission to frustrate the movements of the Imperial Japanese military upon their nefarious business, leaving me in the state of grace for at least a week 🙂👍
I like to watch coasts!!
Thank you both for this very interesting and informative Presentation on the very important and useful Australian Coast Watchers.
Thanks….enjoyed this topic…and talk
Very well done. So much left to expand and expound. Facts I've read and facts I never knew. Too short but thanks for doing what you could with this in the time available.
Thank you, Michael and Woody. Fascinating information with an effective and engaging presentation. I hope an expanded version of the coast watchers' story is in our future at WW2TV.
Thanks for another great presentation. Another must-read WW II book!
Another good presentation from Mike that filled in several gaps in the story. Missed it live, but school can so often get in the way of education. Hope to hear Mike again Woody @WW2TV
Lot of people think these guys just hung out and drank beer. NOT. This was perilous duty that could get your head lopped off if caught. Great stuff.
This is a "Must watch" video. I knew something of the role of the coast watchers from various books I've read, and documentaries I've watched. What I didn't know was just how much they had contributed overall. When I ponder on the lives that were saved in light of their efforts I am deeply moved. I only hope I would have the same courage as they displayed if ever called upon. Remarkable really. Victory would have been much harder won without them.
Wonderful show. Paul mentioned that mincemeat effectiveness not documented/proven. What exactly does he mean?
Paul Mason ran a Coconut (copra) Plantation (Inus Plantations) on Bougainville not a Rubber Plantation, he first went to the Solomon Islands aged 15 with his brother and managed a plantation and trade store. Amongst the best books to read are Coastwatchers (E Feldt), Fire Over the Islands (D Horton), Hunted (H Murray), Alone on Guadalcanal (M Clements) all written by Coastwatchers. Lonely Vigil (W Lord), Coast Watching in WW2 (A B Feuer) and The Coastwatchers (P Lindsay) are also excellent read’s and my preferences to book buyers. I have spent a lot of time in these area’s and have family from Vanikoro who were plantation owners/traders before and after WW2. Found the presentation a bit offhand and his book is a basic overview. A subject deserving far more than a mere 40 minutes. Just my perspective.
Once the campaign in the Solomon Islands (BSIP) and the islands off Papua New Guinea and the Japanese withdrew to there remaining garrisons M Special Unit (part of Services Reconnaissance Department) operations came to the fore. A small group of Australian Troops were also in the Philippines behind Japanese lines in late '44 and 1945 monitoring and triangulating Japanese radio communications (AMF Det Sec 22 having known a former member).
There are Coastwatcher Memorials in both Madang and Honiara.
Patrick Lindsay's book "The Coast Watchers: The Men Behind Enemy Lines Who Saved the Pacific" is an excellent read and it would have been great to hear him. Great speaker