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Vietnam

The Australian War

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Vietnam

By: Paul Ham
Narrated by: Peter Byrne
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About this listen

 The definitive account of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, by best-selling author of Kokoda.

Seen as the last 'hot' frontline of the Cold War, the 10 year struggle in the rice paddies and jungles of South Vietnam unleashed the most devastating firepower on the Vietnamese nation and visited terrible harm on civilians and soldiers. Yet the Australian forces applied tactics that were very different from those of the Americans. Guided by their commanders' experience of jungle combat, Australian troops operated with stealth, deception and restraint in pursuing a 'better war'.

Drawing on hundreds of accounts by soldiers, politicians, aid workers, entertainers and the Vietnamese people, Paul Ham reconstructs for the first time the full history of our longest military campaign. From the commitment to engage, through the fight over conscription and the rise of the anti - war movement, to the tactics and horror of the battlefi eld, Ham exhumes the truth about this politicians' war - which sealed the fate of 50,000 Australian servicemen and women.

More than 500 soldiers were killed and thousands wounded. Those who made it home returned to a hostile and ignorant country and a reception that scarred them forever. This is their story.

©2008 Paul Ham (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Air Forces Armed Forces Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Military Oceania War Vietnam War Solider Imperial Japan China Thought-Provoking Imperialism Soviet Union Socialism Russia

Critic Reviews

"It is the comprehensiveness of Paul Ham's blockbuster on Vietnam that is both enticing and chilling to the core, in what is uncovered and laid out with precision and compelling evidence." ( The Australian)
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A very well written and researched account of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam war. Appears honest, fair and thorough. The reader did a great job and was engaging and easy to listen to.

Highly recommended

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I found this to be an amazing coverage of the development of and the events of the Vietnam war, not just by Australians but also the Americans to a lesser extent. Some things will quite simply leave you breathless and in wonder of both good and the bad in people. Some may not fully understand some minor points as a military background would ensure. (I am ex military)
The way this is written and presented really makes for a worthwhile listening experience. The first hour or so may seem a little tedious, but I urge you to continue listening.

A very comprehensive documentary of the war.

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It should be mandatory reading for all young Australians, this book has been my first exposure to the Vietnam war. I feel like iv opened a new chapter in history.

Phenomenal

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Such a great unbiased account of a war that should have never been, like many others. I feel for all the diggers who had no idea what they were heading into.

So sad but enlightening too.

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Amazing insight into the Australian Vietnam War by its soldiers, Australian public, Politicians.
I hope we can learn from history and move forward to finding ways to resolve differences without going to war as it is not the answer clearly

Fantastic insight into the War and times of Australia

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Unbelievable l loved every part of this book it should be made compulsory reading for all Australians,

The best audio book i have ever listen to.

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after more than 30years reading and study I've never read a more concise explanation of facts.

Brilliant and pure account

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An in depth coverage of the conflict and Australian perspectives away and at home, thoroughly researched.

The audio chapters are not cut to align with content chapters? Instead just cut into 1:15 slabs. Lazy packaging Audible!

Byrne goes to far with his accents again in narration

Excellent by Ham, let down by this audio version

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The way it's told leaves you in awe.
I've never written a review but 500 books read this takes the cake.
Thank you Paul Ham.

I've read it 3 times and I will a fourth time yet.

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Really enjoyed this book. The detail and perspective provided was brilliant. Couldn’t recommend it more!

Amazing book

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