101 - Mobilisation Mistakes with the Mice of Moresby

101 - Mobilisation Mistakes with the Mice of Moresby

Author: James Eling September 18, 2023 Duration: 35:35
The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.
HistoryGovernment

This is the sixth episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion.  The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men.  Virtually untrained, poorly equipped and with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle-hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. 

This episode looks at the mistakes in mobilisation that we made that sowed the seeds for the performance of the Battalion on the Kokoda Track at the Battle of Isurava.

What are the similiarities between the formation of the 53rd Battalion and the mobilisation of Russian Reserves for the war in Ukraine?

How was the Battalion formed?
What was the Shanghai incident?
How did they get to Port Moresby?
Why were so many of the troops surprised on the Aquatania after it left port?

What lessons are their we can learn from the 53rd Battalion if Australia was required to mobilise rapidly for war in the future?

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.


Hosted by James Eling, The Principles of War-Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership is a deep dive into the timeless patterns of conflict. This isn't just a recitation of dates and troop movements. Instead, each episode takes a pivotal historic battle and examines it through the lens of enduring military principles, extracting practical insights on strategy, combined arms, and command. The discussions are structured to serve as a resource for professional military education, condensing complex analyses into focused, thirty-minute sessions. You'll hear how decisions made centuries ago still resonate within modern doctrine, offering lessons on leadership and tactical execution that are applicable far beyond the battlefield. The aim is to provide these lessons in a compelling narrative format, moving beyond dry after-action reports. For anyone fascinated by how history informs present-day thinking in governance, organizational leadership, and strategic planning, this podcast functions as a regular, thought-provoking seminar. Tune in to explore the fundamental concepts that have shaped outcomes throughout military history and continue to define success in high-stakes environments.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.
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