Japanese Withes’ When Placed On Defensive
(Received 11.30 a.m.)
SYDNEY, This Day.
MAJOR-GENERAL BENNETT, - WHO COMMANDED THE 1 EIGHTH AUSTRALIAN DIVISION IN MALAYA, IN A BROADCAST ON THE POSSIBILITY OF A JAPANESE ATTACK ON AUSTRALIA, AND THE REASONS FOR THE FALL OF MALAYA, SAID THAT THE JAPANESE WERE AT THEIR BEST WHEN ON THE OFFENSIVE, BUT THE MOMENT THEY WERE PUT ON THE DEFENSIVE THEY WITHERED AND FELL AWAY.
The Japanese attacked with confidence of success and not with a defeatist attitude. It was the defeatist attitude, even among the troops, that led to Malaya’s - fall. Jungle fighting suited the Japanese, but they would find many natural obstacles, such as lack of water, if they attacked Australia. Australians must adopt the offensive spirit not only among the fighting forces but among the whole of the people. In Malaya it was difficult to distinguish between Japanese, Chinese and Malayans, but that would not happen in Australia.
What was needed was equipment. They had the fighters aind the fighting spirit, but must have weapons with which to fight.
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Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 9 March 1942, Page 3
Word Count
176Japanese Withes’ When Placed On Defensive Northern Advocate, 9 March 1942, Page 3
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