General Gordon Bennett Takes Command

The Command Transition

When General Bennett assumed command, he inherited a staff that had been carefully selected by Sturdee. These officers were seasoned veterans, many with distinguished service records from the First World War. However, the transition was not without its tensions.

Challenges with Inherited Staff

The division’s Chief of Staff, GS01 Colonel H.G. Henry Rourke, and the Senior Administration Officer, AA & QMG Colonel J.R. Ray Broadbent, were both experienced and respected officers. However, their initial disappointment with Bennett’s appointment created a challenging environment as Bennett sought to assert his leadership and unify the division under his command.

Bennett’s leadership team

Key Staff Members

Bennett’s leadership team included a mix of permanent soldiers and militia officers, each bringing unique experiences to the division. Brigadier C.A. "Boots" Callaghan, the division’s artillery commander, had extensive experience from World War I and continuous militia service. Other key figures included:

Lieutenant Colonel J.H. "Jim" Fire: Senior Signals Officer

Lieutenant Colonel E.J.H. Scriven: Senior Engineer

Lieutenant Colonel Burns: Commander of the Army Service Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Stahle: Senior Ordnance Officer

Colonel A.P. "Alf" Durham: Assistant Director of Medical Services (ADMS)

Key Staff Members

Did You Know?

General Bennett's Leadership Style: Known for his direct and often confrontational approach, General Gordon Bennett’s leadership style contrasted with the more measured approach of his predecessor, Major General Vernon Sturdee.

Establishing the 8th Division Headquarters

Early Days at Victoria Barracks and Rosebery Racecourse

On July 4, 1940, the headquarters of the 8th Division was established at Victoria Barracks in Sydney. A month later, on August 1, the headquarters moved to Rosebery Racecourse. Initially, the division comprised three brigades: the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

Reorganization of Brigades

In September 1940, as the structure of the AIF evolved, the 24th Brigade was transferred to the 9th Division, and the 27th Brigade was raised as its replacement in the 8th Division. This left Bennett’s 22nd and 27th Brigades as the core infantry units of the division.

Early Days

Building a Cohesive Fighting Force

Brigadier Harold Taylor Lionel Whigmore’s Command

Brigadier Harold Taylor Lionel Whigmore commanded the 22nd Brigade, consisting of the 2/18th, 2/19th, and 2/20th Battalions. With a distinguished military career, Whigmore brought a methodical approach to building a cohesive and effective fighting force.

The 22nd Brigade

Recruitment and Regional Pride

Whigmore’s strategy included selecting commanding officers with First World War experience and allowing NCOs to enlist recruits from their local areas. This fostered strong regional pride and camaraderie within the battalions. For example:

2/20th Battalion: Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Frederick "Jitters" Galleghan, the 2/20th Battalion had a significant contingent from Newcastle and Sydney. Galleghan, known for his strict discipline and tactical acumen, molded the battalion into a formidable force. His leadership, combined with the battalion's strong local identity, created a unit ready to face the challenges ahead.

2/19th Battalion: Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Duffy, this battalion included many recruits from the northern suburbs of Sydney, as well as the Central West region of New South Wales. Duffy, a seasoned officer with a reputation for meticulous planning and leadership, ensured that the 2/19th Battalion was well-prepared and highly motivated. The battalion's regional connections strengthened its cohesion and fighting spirit, as many of its members knew each other from civilian life.

2/18th Battalion: Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Varley, the battalion drew heavily from Armidale, creating a unit with strong ties to the local community.

Did You Know?

Brigadier Callaghan's Nickname: Brigadier C.A. Callaghan earned the nickname "Boots" due to his ownership of several shoe shops—a unique background for a senior military officer.

Preparing for the Southeast Asian Theatre

The Road to War

As Bennett worked to prepare the 8th Division for the demands of World War II, the global situation worsened, with Japan’s aggression in the Pacific looming large. The division's training and readiness were critical, as they would soon face the harsh realities of jungle warfare in Malaya.

Tactical Exercises and Command Preparation

In January 1941, General Gordon Bennett undertook a crucial series of Tactical Exercises Without Troops (TEWT) at the 8th Division's headquarters. These exercises were meticulously designed to prepare the division for the complex realities of warfare. Bennett held a conference of commanders and conducted divisional headquarters exercises that simulated daily movements for up to five days at a time. These exercises were vital in testing and refining the signals and communication channels between division, brigade, and unit levels. By the time the 8th Division was ready to depart Australia, it was as well-trained as the 6th and 7th Divisions, a testament to Bennett's rigorous preparation

Conclusion

General Gordon Bennett’s command of the 8th Division marked a pivotal moment as the division prepared for its role in Southeast Asia. Bennett faced the challenges of uniting a staff selected by his predecessor and preparing his troops for the challenges ahead. As the division moved closer to deployment, Bennett’s leadership and the division's resilience would soon be tested on the battlefield.

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