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I Was Only Doing My Job: Australia's Military History

I Was Only Doing My Job: Australia's Military History

By Ross Manuel

"I Was Only Doing My Job" is a fortnightly (Bi-weekly) Australian Military History podcast hosted by Ross Manuel. Instead of focusing on maps and dates, each episode is devoted to chronicling Australia's Military History through the individual stories of those who served; where they grew up, what they did, and invariably what happened to them.
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Forged in Combat: Australia in the Pacific Campaign: Second World War

I Was Only Doing My Job: Australia's Military HistoryMar 12, 2022

00:00
01:34:36
The Admiral of Elwood: Commander Richard Stanley Veale CMG VRD** RANR

The Admiral of Elwood: Commander Richard Stanley Veale CMG VRD** RANR

4-AUGUST-1914/4-SEPTEMBER-1939. While serving as a Naval Reservist, Midshipman Richard Stanley Veale ordered the first shot fired by British Forces in the First World War. Twenty years later while in command of the same shore battery that fired the first shot in the First World War, Commander Richard Stanley Veale would order the first Australian shot fired in anger during the Second World War.

Explore the remarkable life and service of Commander Richard Stanley Veale. From his early days as a naval cadet to his significant contributions during the First World War and Second World War, Commander Veale's journey is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his country. Join us as we delve into the naval pioneer's story, from ordering the only two shots in Fort Nepean's history to his enduring civic contributions. A true all-rounder, Commander Veale's legacy is a testament to a life well-lived and dedicated to Australian society. Special thanks to Doug Veale for sharing this remarkable family history.

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For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net Access to the Discord Server ⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠ Find the Podcast on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ⁠ Twitter ⁠https://twitter.com/iwodmj⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj⁠ Mastodon ⁠https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://youtube.com/@iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast


Mar 08, 202445:22
Gallipoli Inventor: Sergeant William Charles Bullock Beech and the Periscope Rifle

Gallipoli Inventor: Sergeant William Charles Bullock Beech and the Periscope Rifle

19-MAY-1915. While serving as a soldier of the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force during the First World War, Sergeant William Charles Bullock Beech, horrified by the tragic loss of life of his comrades on Gallipoli, took a biscuit box, signal wire and a broken mirror to invent one of the most iconic weapons of trench warfare on Gallipoli, the Periscope Rifle.

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For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net Access to the Discord Server ⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠ Find the Podcast on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ⁠ Twitter ⁠https://twitter.com/iwodmj⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj⁠ Mastodon ⁠https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://youtube.com/@iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

Jan 27, 202421:56
"Let's Talk about Bruno" the Australian Capture of the Amiens Gun

"Let's Talk about Bruno" the Australian Capture of the Amiens Gun

8-AUGUST-1918. While serving as Engineers of the 8th Field Company, Australian Imperial Force, Lieutenant George Burrows, Sapper John Henry Palmer and Leslie James Strahan were attached to the 31st Australian Infantry Battalion when the Australian Corps participated in the Battle of Amiens, the start of the 100 Days Offensive. As they were deconstructing German fortifications at the old Amiens Defensive Line, they were called forward to deal with an obstacle in No Mans Land, it was the Largest War Trophy Collected by Australian forces that was brought back to Australia.


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For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net Access to the Discord Server ⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠ Find the Podcast on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ⁠ Twitter ⁠https://twitter.com/iwodmj⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj⁠ Mastodon ⁠https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://youtube.com/@iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

Dec 31, 202301:05:44
Lost in Time: The Rediscovery of Private Edward Attfield

Lost in Time: The Rediscovery of Private Edward Attfield

27/28-JANUARY-1916, While serving as a soldier of the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, Private Edward Attfield did not let his diminutive stature prevent him from volunteering for overseas service. He landed at Gallipoli and despite wounds and illness served until the evacuation in December 1915. When he returned to Alexandria, he vanished, never to be seen again.
His story is a murder mystery that took 100 years to solve.


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For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net Access to the Discord Server ⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠ Find the Podcast on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ⁠ Twitter ⁠https://twitter.com/iwodmj⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj⁠ Mastodon ⁠https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://youtube.com/@iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

Nov 29, 202323:29
The Unknown Australian Soldier 30th Anniversary

The Unknown Australian Soldier 30th Anniversary

11-NOVEMBER-1993. To mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the unidentified remains of an unknown Australian soldier, exhumed from the Adelaide Cemetery in Villers Bretonneux in France was interred within the Hall of Memory of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.

Today marks the 30th Anniversary of that interment.


Lest We Forget.


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For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net Access to the Discord Server ⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠ Find the Podcast on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ⁠ Twitter ⁠https://twitter.com/iwodmj⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj⁠ Mastodon ⁠https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://youtube.com/@iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

Nov 11, 202315:53
#Shipwreck Summer Roundtable Discussion with Melissa Ratliff and Ryan Day

#Shipwreck Summer Roundtable Discussion with Melissa Ratliff and Ryan Day

In this episode, I sat down over two separate sessions with Melissa Ratliff of God's Favorites: A History Podcast and Ryan Day of the History Daddy YouTube channel

I talk about the service and fate of Australia's first (and only) Battlecruiser HMAS Australia, Ryan talks about the feared German Battlecruiser Bismarck, and Melissa surprised everyone by not discussing the sinking of the Titanic, but of her sister ship the Oceanic.

For Melissa Ratliff
linktr.ee/MelissaFairLady
For Ryan Day linktr.ee/HistoryDaddy
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Nov 04, 202301:23:14
"The Silent ANZAC" Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker DSO MID and the Sinking of HMAS AE2

"The Silent ANZAC" Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker DSO MID and the Sinking of HMAS AE2

25-APRIL-1915, While serving as Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy's second Submarine HMAS AE2, Royal Navy Officer Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker was faced with the challenge, to traverse the Dardanelles when the last two submarines to do so were sunk.

The Stage is set, the curtain is drawn, allow I Was Only Doing My Job: An Australian Military History Podcast to introduce you to the Silent ANZAC

Join us for the conclusion to our involvement in Historytoks #ShipwreckSummer

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Oct 24, 202342:15
Honouring the Silent Service: Lieutenant Commander Thomas Fleming Besant and the sinking of HMAS AE1
Sep 29, 202333:23
From the Frontlines to the Operating Room: Surgeon Lieutenant Dr Kenneth Morris MID and the sinking of HMAS Canberra

From the Frontlines to the Operating Room: Surgeon Lieutenant Dr Kenneth Morris MID and the sinking of HMAS Canberra

9-AUGUST-1942. While serving as a Surgical Officer aboard the Royal Australian Navy Heavy Cruiser HMAS Canberra, Surgeon Lieutenant Kenneth Newman Morris MID participated in the first American counter-attack during the Pacific Campaign, the Battle of Guadalcanal and the disastrous Battle of Savo Island.

In the Second World War chaos, one man apart out for his courage and resilience - Surgeon Lieutenant Kenneth Newman Morris. Morris exhibited unwavering dedication as he tended to wounded sailors amidst relentless enemy fire and blazing flames. As the ship's fate hung in the balance, Morris defied danger, his head torch illuminating the way as he saved lives and provided comfort. His actions in that fiery inferno earned him a mention in dispatches. After the battle, Morris continued to serve, training in cardiac and thoracic surgery. With his wife, Dr Fay Kinross, he pioneered advancements in heart surgery, impacting countless lives.

This Episode is part of #ShipwreckSummer --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast ⁠

For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net.

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Aug 20, 202354:25
Coastwatchers: Chief Yeoman of Signals Stephen Lamont and the sinking of the MV Montevideo Maru

Coastwatchers: Chief Yeoman of Signals Stephen Lamont and the sinking of the MV Montevideo Maru

This Episode marks Two years since the launch of the podcast.

1-JULY-1942. While serving as Chief Yeoman of Signals as part of the Royal Australian Navy, Chief Yeoman of Signals Stephen Lamont was selected as part of the network of observers stationed across strategic locations in Northern Australia and neighbouring territories known as the Coastwatchers. Initially stationed on Anir Island off the coast of New Britain, Lamont was in Rabaul when it fell to the Japanese.

Lamont's selfless actions and dedication to his comrades stand out as he bravely chose to stay behind and care for two sick sailors, knowing the dangers that awaited him as he was captured by the Japanese and ended up being on board the MV Montevideo Maru that was sunk by the USS Sturgeon, claiming the lives of over 1000 allied Prisoners of War and civilians in what is still considered Australia's worst maritime disaster.

This Episode is part of #ShipwreckSummer --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast ⁠

Feedspots Top 50 Military History Podcast list

⁠https://blog.feedspot.com/military_history_podcasts/⁠ For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net.

Access to the Discord Server

⁠https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj⁠

Find the Podcast on Facebook

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Jul 30, 202332:39
Unresolved Valor: Midshipman Robert Ian Davies and the Sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse

Unresolved Valor: Midshipman Robert Ian Davies and the Sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse

10-December-1941. While serving as a midshipman aboard the Royal Navy Battlecruiser HMS Repulse, Midshipman Robert Ian Davies MID participated in the first major naval engagement of the Pacific Campaign. We delve into the remarkable story of Midshipman Robert Ian Davies and his role in the sinking of the British battleships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse during the Second World War. Despite limited firsthand accounts of Davies' actions, his bravery and leadership caught the attention of his superiors, leading to his nomination for higher recognition. We explore the Valour Inquiry and the challenges faced in honouring Davies' gallantry. While the Tribunal ruled against awarding him the Victoria Cross, the testimonies of respected naval officers shed light on his courageous actions. We also reflect on the fate of the sunken ships and the unfortunate illegal salvage activities that have disturbed their resting places. Join us as we uncover the life, service, and legacy of Midshipman Robert Ian Davies, a symbol of sacrifice and resilience during a tumultuous time in history. This Episode is part of #ShipwreckSummer --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast

Feedspots Top 50 Military History Podcast list

https://blog.feedspot.com/military_history_podcasts/ For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net.

Access to the Discord Server

https://discord.gg/v3Vpb9Fhsj

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Jul 06, 202339:03
The Hero of Kokoda: Part Five: Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner DSO, MC: Buna, Gona and Sanananda Campaigns
May 30, 202343:02
The Bangka Island Massacare: Sister Florence Rebecca Casson
May 11, 202317:01
The Hero of Kokoda: Part Four: Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner: The Kokoda Trail Campaign
Apr 16, 202328:35
The Hero of Kokoda: Part Three: Major Ralph Honner: The Defence of Crete
Mar 22, 202328:03
The Hero of Kokoda: Part Two: Captain Ralph Honner: The Fall of Greece
Feb 28, 202332:48
The Hero of Kokoda: Part One: Captain Ralph Honner: The Battle of Bardia
Feb 15, 202332:40
#SaveSundowner: Special Interview with Melissa Ratliff
Jan 28, 202301:05:20
The Greatest Aviator: H/ACDRE Charles Edward Kingsford-Smith AFC MC
Jan 14, 202349:38
The EMU Door Gunner: LACM Noel Ervin Shipp
Dec 24, 202219:08
My Silent Hero: Episode Two: Lieutenant Isaac Althorp Ridgway
Dec 16, 202212:02
The Highest Decorated Stretcher Bearer: Cpl Ernest Albert Corey MM and Three Bars
Nov 13, 202232:54
The Greatest Peacekeeper: Part Three: Lieutenant General Robert Harold Nimmo CBE: The Kashmir Observer
Oct 29, 202219:29
The Greatest Peacekeeper: Part Two: Major General Robert Harold Nimmo CBE: The Armoured Cavalryman
Oct 15, 202225:30
The Greatest Peacekeeper Part One: Major Robert Harold Nimmo: ANZAC Administrator
Oct 03, 202225:28
Cheerio and Keep Smiling: FLGOFF Colin Kelvin Flockhart
Sep 12, 202213:52
80th Anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay: The Story of SQNLDR Peter St George Bruce Turnbull DFC
Aug 26, 202215:09
The Australian Capture of Mephisto
Aug 14, 202229:43
The Ballad of the Horsehold Cavalry: Maj Andrew Barton "The Banjo" Paterson
Jul 19, 202234:44
My Silent Hero Episode 1: 29919 Gunner Eric William Benjafield
Jul 10, 202206:41
The Scrap Iron Captain: Capt Hector MacDonald Laws Waller DSO and Bar
Jun 19, 202225:03
The First Conscript is Dead: Pte Errol Wayne "Flex" Noack
Jun 05, 202217:45
The Covert Life of Sgt Leonard George Siffleet
May 21, 202219:58
A Lifetime of Service: Principal Matron Grace Margaret Wilson CBE RRC
May 07, 202219:48
My Silent Hero Trailer
Apr 27, 202201:01
The Flying Demon: SQNLDR Keith William "Bluey" Truscott DFC And Bar
Apr 23, 202218:54
The Gallipoli Sniper: Pte William Edward "Billy" Sing DCM
Apr 10, 202220:55
The Man worth a Thousand Words: Hon Capt James Francis "Frank" Hurley OBE
Mar 27, 202243:55
Forged in Combat: Australia in the Pacific Campaign: Second World War
Mar 12, 202201:34:36
The Antarctic ANZAC: Capt Edward Frederick Robert Bage
Feb 26, 202210:41
80th Anniversary Banjka Island Massacre: Lt Col Vivian Bullwinkel

80th Anniversary Banjka Island Massacre: Lt Col Vivian Bullwinkel

CW: Sexual Assault- This episode contains a discussion of the murder of women and allegations of sexual assault in war. The sexual assault is isolated to the end of the episode, with a warning just prior. the discussion of the Bangka Island Massacre will begin at 5:16 to 8:06

This is a Special reupload to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Bangka Island Massacre

16-FEBRUARY-1942. Serving as a Staff Nurse in the 2/13th Australian General Hospital, Second Australian Imperial Force, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel would be the sole survivor of the Bangka Island Massacre at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. She would go on to be a Prisoner of War for three and a half years, but would never abandon her courage or resolve.  Her career didn't end in captivity, and she would go on to serve until 1947 when she would resume her nursing duties, up until the Vietnam War, when she would once again enter the battlespace to help the disadvantaged.  She would receive honours and decorations for her service to the cause of nursing and would uphold those tenents until her death in 2000. She did more than just her job, and for that, we are immensely proud of her. 


To Donate to the Vivian Bullwinkel Project or the Bangka Island Scholarship Fund go here https://foundation.acn.edu.au/Foundation/Donate/The_Vivian_Bullwinkel_Project_2021.aspx

For show notes, photos and transcripts visit www.thedocnetwork.net and follow the show on Instagram and Twitter at @IWODMJ and like us on Facebook at I Was Only Doing My Job and to follow me for more history hijinks you can follow me on TikTok/Instagram/Twitter @docwinters.

Feb 16, 202217:27
The Bully Beef Bomber: Maj Leslie George Fussell MC
Feb 12, 202219:13
The Great Emu Commander: Part Three: H/Brig Gen Gwynydd Purves Wynne-Aubrey Meredith: The Fortress Commander
Jan 30, 202210:21
The Great Emu Commander: Part Two: Major Gwynydd Purves Wynne-Aubrey Meredith: The "Great" Emu War
Jan 15, 202217:54
The Great Emu Commander: Part One: Major Gwynydd Purves Wynne-Aubrey Meredith: Fortress Innovator
Jan 01, 202214:40
The (Formerly) Unknown Australian Sailor: AB Thomas Welsby Clark
Dec 18, 202111:14
A Pioneer and her Ella-fant: Sgt Olive May Kelso King
Dec 04, 202112:12
A Lifetime at Sea: CMDR Warwick Seymour Bracegirdle DSC and two bars

A Lifetime at Sea: CMDR Warwick Seymour Bracegirdle DSC and two bars

8-JANUARY-1952. While serving in the Royal Australian Navy as a gunnery officer, Commander Warwick Seymour Bracegirdle served with distinction aboard several warships of the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Navy, in both the Second World War and the Korean War, being one of only a handful of officers to receive the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross a total of three times. 


For show notes, photos and transcripts visit www.thedocnetwork.net and  follow the show on Instagram @IWODMJ to follow me for more history  hijinks you can follow me on TikTok/Instagram/Twitter @docwinters.

Nov 20, 202112:38
The Gallipoli Painter Sig Ellis Luciano Silas
Nov 13, 202114:14
The Unknown Australian Soldier

The Unknown Australian Soldier

11-NOVEMBER-1993 to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the First World War, Australia would go on to entomb an Unknown Soldier from the battlefield of France in the Hall of Memory of the Australian War Memorial. 

For show notes, photos and transcripts visit www.thedocnetwork.net and follow the show on Instagram @IWODMJ to follow me for more history hijinks you can follow me on TikTok/Instagram/Twitter @docwinters.

Nov 11, 202115:53