Photo: Courtesy of the Ghost Army Legacy Project

‘Combat Con Artists’ of World War II Who Hoodwinked Nazis Get Long Overdue Top Honor from Congress

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese strategist, famously proclaimed that all warfare hinges on deception. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops unit, better known as the “Ghost Army,” epitomized this principle during World War II, employing ingenious tactics to confound the enemy and safeguard Allied lives throughout the European theatre.

Utilizing a repertoire of deceptive measures ranging from inflatable tanks and artillery pieces to simulated radio transmissions and orchestrated sound effects, the Ghost Army orchestrated an elaborate charade from the beaches of Normandy to the banks of the Rhine. Their efforts, as documented by Army historians, potentially spared the lives of thousands of American troops amidst the chaos of war.

In recognition of their exceptional valour and innovation, the Ghost Army is slated to be honoured with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian distinction bestowed by Congress. President Joe Biden signed the “Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act” in 2022, underscoring the unit’s enduring legacy of bravery and resourcefulness.

Representative Annie Kuster praised the Ghost Army for their remarkable courage and creativity, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the outcome of critical military campaigns. Indeed, the impact of their stratagems was so profound that General George Patton himself sought their expertise to outmanoeuvred the enemy in key engagements, such as the assault on Metz and the relief of Bastogne.

Despite operating in obscurity for decades after the war, the Ghost Army’s clandestine efforts finally came to light, revealing a cohort of enlisted troops and officers drawn from diverse backgrounds, including notable figures like designer Bill Blass and artist Ellsworth Kelly. Their contributions, though often overlooked, were instrumental in turning the tide of battle and sparing civilian families the anguish of loss.

In retrospect, the essence of the Ghost Army’s mission can be encapsulated in the words of Sergeant Stan Nance, who reflected on the profound significance of their deception: to prevent even a single mother or new bride from bearing the heartbreaking burden of a Gold Star in their window.

This address delivered by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper resonates with profound insight. When one approaches Israel’s narrative with a commitment to logic and reason, it becomes undeniably impressive. Regrettably, there exist detractors who reject rationality and common sense. Their voices are increasingly amplified through platforms like ABC and numerous mainstream media outlets, as well as certain segments within the Muslim community and environmentalist groups. Yet, amidst such noise, the strength of Israel’s story stands as a testament to the enduring power of reason and logic.

ED: When discussing the ongoing costs of electric vehicles (EVs), it’s crucial to consider various factors beyond just the initial purchase price. Here are some aspects often overlooked:

1. Resale Value: Resale value after a few years is a significant consideration. EVs typically depreciate faster than traditional vehicles due to concerns about battery life and technology advancements. Buyers should anticipate potential losses in resale value over time.
2. Weight Impact on Road Maintenance: EVs tend to be heavier than their petrol counterparts due to battery packs. While the impact on road maintenance might seem negligible per vehicle, it could accumulate significant costs for municipalities over time, especially as EV adoption increases.
3. Battery Disposal: The disposal of EV batteries is a growing concern. While advancements are being made in battery recycling, it still poses environmental challenges and costs. Proper disposal or recycling processes need to be established and funded.
4. Government Subsidies: Many governments offer subsidies and incentives to promote EV adoption, which ultimately come from taxpayers’ money. These subsidies cover various aspects, including purchase incentives, charging infrastructure development, and research grants. The long-term sustainability of such subsidies and their effectiveness in promoting EV adoption is a topic of debate.
5. Charging Infrastructure: While not directly an ongoing cost of EV ownership, the development and maintenance of charging infrastructure are significant considerations. Public charging stations require investment in installation, maintenance, and operation, which may involve ongoing costs borne by governments, businesses, or consumers.
6. Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums for EVs can be higher due to the perceived higher cost of repair or replacement of specialized EV components like batteries. Additionally, limited availability of qualified repair technicians may affect insurance rates.
7. Maintenance and Repair: While EVs generally have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, servicing and repairing electric drivetrains and battery systems can be expensive. Specialized training and equipment are often needed, which may result in higher labour and parts costs.

In conclusion, while EVs offer numerous benefits such as reduced emissions, it’s essential to consider the full spectrum of ongoing costs and potential impacts on infrastructure, the environment, and taxpayers. These factors should be weighed alongside the benefits to make informed decisions about EV adoption and policy support.

The Labor Party’s latest proposal, spearheaded by Chris Bowen, to impose stringent fuel efficiency standards on vehicle manufacturers reflects a troubling trend towards government overreach and paternalistic control. Under this policy, Australians would find themselves compelled to opt for vehicles that meet the government’s specified fuel efficiency criteria, potentially limiting consumer choice and imposing additional financial burdens.

This heavy-handed approach not only infringes upon individual freedom but also neglects the diverse needs and preferences of Australian consumers. By effectively dictating which cars citizens “must drive,” Labor is undermining the principle of free market dynamics and stifling innovation within the automotive industry. Rather than empowering consumers to make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances, the government is imposing its will in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.

Moreover, the unintended consequences of such a policy are manifold. While ostensibly aimed at promoting environmental sustainability by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, the reality is that it could exacerbate socioeconomic disparities. The inevitable rise in prices for popular vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Ranger would disproportionately impact working-class Australians who rely on these vehicles for their livelihoods, such as farmers, tradespeople, and regional residents.

Furthermore, the lack of consideration for infrastructure readiness and affordability of alternative options like electric vehicles demonstrates a disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by everyday Australians. Rather than coercing citizens into compliance with arbitrary mandates, the government should focus on fostering a supportive environment for technological advancements and offering incentives to encourage sustainable choices.

In summary, Labor’s proposal to dictate the types of cars Australians are permitted to drive represents an alarming encroachment on personal liberty and economic autonomy. Instead of paternalistic control, policymakers should prioritize empowering individuals to make informed decisions while fostering innovation and inclusivity within the automotive sector.

Yes Minister, a British sitcom that aired from 1980 to 1984, is often lauded for its astute portrayal of government bureaucracy and political maneuvering. Despite being set in the UK, many of its themes and scenarios resonate with audiences worldwide due to their universal applicability to governmental systems and human behavior.

It’s not uncommon for comedy shows, especially those centered around politics and bureaucracy, to offer insights into real-world issues and dynamics. Through satire and humor, they can often shed light on truths and realities that might be uncomfortable or inconvenient to acknowledge directly.

Given the nature of government and bureaucracy, it’s entirely plausible that the themes and scenarios depicted in Yes Minister could apply to Australia, or any other country for that matter. The show’s exploration of topics such as power struggles, political expediency, and the challenges of governance are certainly not limited by geographical boundaries.

In fact, many viewers and critics have pointed out the relevance of Yes Minister to contemporary politics and governance, highlighting its enduring insight into the complexities of governmental systems and the behavior of those who operate within them.

So, if you find parallels between Yes Minister and the political landscape of Australia, it’s not surprising. Comedy often has a way of illuminating truths that might otherwise remain obscured behind the facade of officialdom.

It is August 1918, World War I is not far from its’ end, but fierce, bloody battles still rage across the Western Front. The stagnant trench fighting has been replaced with a war of movement and during this phase many impressive acts of valour are recorded. However, perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all these deeds are those accomplished by the man who would become known as “Super VC”. And so today on the Ulysses Files we cover the extraordinary story of Australian Lieutenant Lawrence Dominic McCarthy.

ED: The following comment from John Clarkson was in my inbox this morning.

Hello Ray,

I enjoyed reading your article on Australia introducing National Service once again.  I agree that in some circles, the name ‘National Service’ may conjure up unpleasant thoughts and memories.  But I believe they would be in a distinct minority.

As I completely agree with your essay on the topic, I won’t go any deeper on that issue.  My input is to describe in some detail just how it might work, beginning from the time these 18-year-old men and women register for National Service.  As you would be aware, the last time it was introduced it was for 20-year-old men, and it was for the Army only, and it was through a ballot.  Yes, there were many complaints about how it was administered and most of those complaints were legitimate.

However, I suggest that ALL 18-year-old men and women should register for National Service, and that it be shared with all three services, Army, Navy and Air Force, and that it be for a term of two years full time service, plus a ten-year term of Reserve.  Also, at any time during their full time or part time service, if a National Service person were to volunteer to become a permanent member of the that service, then he/she would be welcomed into full time service.

I also agree with your proposal that if a young man or woman did not pass the medical examination, then they could very well be offered to several other excellent services such as the SES, Bush Fire brigades, St John Ambulance Service, Coast Guard, and several other worthwhile groups.

However, back to the training programme.  Upon enlistment into one of the three services, each would undergo the same recruit training programme as those who enter for full time service.  Upon completion of the recruit training, they be allocated to undergo training into any one of the many service elements.  These would include for Army, infantry, Artillery, transport, Aviation, both maintenance and operations, Engineering, and many others.  Likewise, for Air Force and Navy, upon completing their recruit training, each one would be offered entry into one of the hundreds of vocations within the service.

I think one of the contentious issues during the last programme was the fact that National Service personnel were eligible for posting to Active Service.  It is true that many of these did serve in Active Service areas and many served with distinction.  However, back home, that topic was one of the most contentious.  Therefore, I suggest that any National Service member not be eligible for Active Service unless he/she openly and genuinely, officially applies for such a posting.

I realize that there would be many other topics which would need to be addressed prior to the introduction of such a service, but I think I have outlined the backbone of the issue.  To finish my little essay, I shall attach a little story, which I included in my book “War Stories and other Tales”, written in 2005/06.  This is a story about an Army fellow who befriended we RAAF fellows at the Re-Arm pad at Nui Dat during the 1971 period.

Reference has been made in previous chapters about the Anti-Vietnam marches. Well on one occasion I saw the result of one of those marches during one of my tours in Nui Dat.  One young Army fellow became a regular visitor to our Re-Arm pad and we enjoyed his company over a can or two.  He was with the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) unit and had befriended us over a period of months.  On one occasion, this fellow came down to see us at the Re-Arm area in a very depressed state to have a chat with us.  We began to worry about how or what we should say, perhaps he may have lost a mate??  However, this day he was really down. He showed us a copy of the Melbourne Age newspaper, which would have been about ten days old by this time and showed us the front page.  On the front page was a very large photo of three women displaying a sign, “Save our Sons!”, whilst taking part in an Anti-Vietnam rally.  He identified one of these ladies as his mother.  He said as soon as he saw the paper he wrote to his mother telling her NEVER to do that again. In his letter he told her that before he was called up to the Army, he was a bum!  Now, he told her, “I have a trade”.  Also, he told her that he had just signed up to transfer from being a National Serviceman to a Regular Soldier and a fully trained Electrical Fitter.  He emphasised that he had progressed from being a 20-year-old uneducated bum to a responsible person who had a trade as well.

It is stories like this which need to be told far and wide.

Kind Regards – and keep up your good work.

John.

ED: If you would like to comment please send to my email [email protected]

1. Recently – Otago University – the oldest in NZ, and founded with pure Scottish history by new immigrants – my ‘Alma Mater’ for my 6 years undergraduate study in Medicine, and where 2 grandchildren are recent graduates and 2 are presently attending there – has recently – ‘wait for it’ -unbelievably announced a name change to that of the invented M?ori title of ‘Otakou Whakaihu’. Of course, Māori had a lot to do with the foundation of Otago University in 1869 – like ‘zilch’!!!

TODAY we also hear the news that previous Deputy PM and Minister of Finance, Grant Roberson – after destroying our economy and putting NZ into a huge unbelievable debt position – is leaving politics to take up the position of no less than Vice Chancellor (the CEO) of the University of Otago!

One has to wonder as to the University of Otago Council who made these two decisions.

2. Today we also learn that St. John of NZ – now renamed ‘Hato Hone’ by its ‘Knights of St John’ administrators, is having to cut back on its services (largely government funded anyway) because of financial difficulties. It is understood that many longtime annual donors – including my family for 40 years- have ceased their contributions because of the change to a Māori name – which St John officially refuses to alter.

Can we believe that this ancient ‘order’ was founded by Monks in Jerusalem in about 1080 to provide first aid, healthcare, and support – especially to many pilgrims- and is a movement established in about 40 countries worldwide. My postgraduate teaching hospital in London founded in 1805 has had a 200 Year history of mutual cooperation with that of the St John hospital in Jerusalem.

We can see how intimately NZ Māori has had such an association with St John, that its name here has such justification to be now changed to ‘Hato Hone’ – with such tragic financial results!

Dr Hylton Le Grice

Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite announced a $5.445 million grant for RSL Victoria to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Surf Coast/Geelong region.

Geelong RSL will expand to accommodate the new Hub, which will also include satellite support sites in the Surf Coast region.

RSL Victoria has a proven track record of providing localised support for current and former Australian Defence Force personnel. RSL Victoria is the lead organisation for the recently established Wodonga Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, and also runs a network of hubs in Melbourne, Frankston and Warrnambool, delivering tailored support in partnership with state and local governments, ex‑service organisations and other community groups.

The new Hub will be tailored to the needs of local veterans and families. It will offer services to support health and wellbeing, advocacy, education, skills and employment, housing and accommodation support, and more.

This is great news for the region’s 6,600 veterans and family members who will receive the support they need and deserve much closer to home. The Hub will be open to all current and former Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and families.

The Surf Coast/Geelong region Hub is part of a $46.7 million 2022 Budget commitment by the Australian Government to establish eight new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.

Visit the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs webpage to learn more.