Comments on: Review: Australian Zombie Myths

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:55:44 +0000

I concur with Chris here, the Japanese military was surprised how easily they advanced as far as they did but their entire plan was to capture the resources they needed, specifically oil in Borneo and the Philippines and then to form a defensive line to hold on long enough to force a stalemate. No plan ever existed to take Australia. There was some consideration given to it after the easy advances in the initial stages but in reality it was a moot point after the destruction of the main carrier fleet after Midway.

Sounds like a very interesting book Chris.

Dave

By: Chris Slee

Chris Slee — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:08:21 +0000

From what I understand, the documentary evidence and evidence given in interviews with high ranking officers says that after the surprisingly fast move southwards, the Japanese high command considered rolling even further forward. The project was dismissed for a number of reasons including lack of resources and no strategic need. Hence, while the option was investigated, there were no plans to invade.

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 01:44:24 +0000

Wish-listed on Amazon.

I don’t really buy that Japan had “no” (as in none, ever) plans to invade Australia. What I’ve read in the past indicates that the possibility was at least discussed in the Japanese command.

But it is definitely worth remembering that the Japanese “surge” lasted only 8 months. July 1942 was the highwater mark of their advance; after that, the initiative was with the Allies. So from that point on, at the very latest, a Japanese invasion of Australia was definitely not a serious threat.