Interview with Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Cooper 2/27 Battalion (The Gona/Buna interviews) Accession Number: F04808

Description

Interview with Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Cooper commander of the 2/27 Battalion. Rates the 21 Brigade before Gona as well trained and seasoned troops made up of long term Militia members. Faulty intelligence given prior to the attack on Gona. Describes the quality of support given on the attack on Gona. Lack of artillery support needed to attack entrenched infantry. Opinion that the high command wanted a victory and therefore wanted to push troops. wounded on December 1 the third day of the attack. Content of the conversation with General Vasey. Opinion that the day that infantry can attack entrenched infantry with support have passed. Reckons a advantage of four to one is required. Only four guns at Gona with 10 rounds allotted for a day. High Command conception that men can overcome a difficult situation if they have high morale. Ambition and aggression will not beat bullets. There were other ways to attack Gona. Comment that local commanders in jungle warfare must be trusted implicitly. Enduring memory of 2/27 participation at Gona.

Details

People

• Major General George Alan Vasey CB, CBE, DSO & Bar

Conflicts

• Second World War, 1939-1945

Places

• Gona

Units

• 2/27th Australian Infantry Battalion

Tags

• Casualties
• Veterans
• Jungle operations