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Loading shells with propaganda leaflets
Title : Loading shells with propaganda leaflets Loading shells with propaganda leaflets
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Source : PRG 369/27/2
Date of creation : 1944
Format : Photograph
Contributor : State Library catalogue
Catalogue record
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Copyright : This item is reproduced courtesy of Nicholas Kerr. It may be printed or saved for research or study. Use for any other purpose requires written permission from Nicholas Kerr and the State Library of South Australia. To request approval, complete the Permission to publish form.
Description :

Photograph of four members of the U.S. Psychological Warfare Branch loading shells with propaganda leaflets in 1944. The location is not specified, but it is most probably New Guinea.


In 1943 and early 1944 thousands of Australian troops fought in rugged terrain to drive the Japanese out of mainland Australian New Guinea, significantly contributing towards the Allied victory against Japan. Under the supreme command of the United States, the offensives were conducted in conjunction with American forces, and supported by hundreds of indigenous carriers. All three Australian services (army, navy and airforce) took part in the campaigns. Allied troops faced a formidable enemy, and distribution of propaganda was part of the offensive.

South Australian journalist, Colin Kerr, served with the AIF in both North Africa and the south-west Pacific. He worked with the Far Eastern Liaison Office, FELO, as editor of their propaganda pamphlets, and also with the Unites States Psychological Warfare Branch. His diaries record his experiences in New Guinea and the Philippines. While in New Guinea, on 9 October 1944, he wrote:
If propaganda is worthwhile - and every competent commander today realises it's immense value - the propagandists should be given every possible facility to do his job.

Subjects
Coverage year : 1944
Period : 1939-1945
Further reading :

Bullard, Steven and Tamura Keiko. From a hostile shore: Australia and Japan at war in New Guinea, Canberra, A.C.T.: Australian War Memorial, 2004

Johnston, Mark. Australia's home defence 1939-1945: Australians in the Pacific War, Canberra, A.C.T.: Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, 2006

Jungle warfare: with the Australian Army in the south-west Pacific, Canberra, A.C.T.: Australian War Memorial for the Australian Military Forces, 1944

Long, Gavin. The six years war: a concise history of Australia in the 1939-45 war, Canberra: Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Publishing Service, 1973

Internet links :

Australian War Memorial

Australia's war 1939-1945see: As far as they got [Australian Government: Department of Veteran's Affairs]

South Australians at warsee: Conflicts: World War Two


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