I Was Only Doing My Job: Australia's Military History

Ross Manuel

"I Was Only Doing My Job" is a monthly Australian Military History podcast hosted by Ross Manuel. Instead of focusing on maps and dates, each episode is devoted to chronicling Australia's Military History through the individual stories of those who served; where they grew up, what they did, and invariably what happened to them.

  1. 21 Hearts: Interview with Theatre180 Artistic Director Stuart Halusz

    FEB 15

    21 Hearts: Interview with Theatre180 Artistic Director Stuart Halusz

    CW: Sexual Assault- This episode contains a discussion of the murder of women and allegations of sexual assault in war. 16 February 1942. While serving as a Staff Nurse with the 2/13th Australian General Hospital, Second Australian Imperial Force, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel became the sole survivor of the Bangka Island Massacre at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. She would endure three and a half years as a prisoner of war, yet never surrender her courage, compassion, or resolve. That period of captivity forms the emotional and historical centre of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, Theatre180’s powerful new production. In this episode, I sit down with Theatre180’s Artistic Director, Stuart Halusz, to explore the legacy of the nurses of the Vyner Brooke, the responsibility of bringing such a profound Australian story to the national stage, and how 'Bully's Legacy is still relevant 84 years after the event. 21 Hearts National Tour This episode features discussion of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke. For national tour dates and ticket purchases, visit: https://theatre180.com.au/ Support Ross in the March On ChallengeThis year I am again taking part in the March On Challenge, raising funds to support veterans and their families. If you would like to support my 312km challenge and contribute to this important cause, you can do so here: https://www.marchonchallenge.org.au/fundraisers/rossmanuel/virtual26 Support the Podcast Buy the podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Join the Armoured Emu Brigade on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ Show Notes & Resources For show notes, transcripts, references, and photos, visit the I Was Only Doing My Job website: https://www.thedocnetwork.net/ Join the Community Discord: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Follow the Podcast: Facebook |Twitter/X |Instagram |Mastodon |YouTube

    49 min
  2. Driver William Henry Morcombe MM

    12/29/2025

    Driver William Henry Morcombe MM

    CW: Suicide 2-November-1917: While serving as a Driver within 14 Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, Driver William Henry Morcombe MM was subjected to one of the terror weapons of the Great War, Gas. Morcombe survived the war, but unfortunately not the peace that followed it. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Headspace on 1800 650 890 ReachOut at au.reachout.com Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 Open Arms (current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families can seek this free and confidential support) – 1800 011 046 ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 628 036. Safe Zone Support (for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 142 072. Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Join our Community: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Join our Discord https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

    21 min
  3. Battle of Second El Alamein: Interview with Author Tom Gilling

    07/18/2025

    Battle of Second El Alamein: Interview with Author Tom Gilling

    In 1942, while Australian troops were battling for survival along the Kokoda Track, thousands of others were fighting a very different kind of war—across the world in the deserts of North Africa. In this episode, I speak with author Tom Gilling about his new book, Start Digging You Bastards!, which vividly brings the ANZAC experience at the Second Battle of El Alamein to life. We discuss the overlooked role of the 9th Division, the brutal conditions of desert warfare, and how El Alamein became a turning point not just for the Allies but for the soldiers who fought it. Start Diggin,g you Bastards! It is available at all good book retailers Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website athttps://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

    35 min
  4. Flight Sergeant Moheddeen Howsan: The Hero of Marly-le-Roi

    02/08/2025

    Flight Sergeant Moheddeen Howsan: The Hero of Marly-le-Roi

    1 April 1942 – While serving as a pilot with No. 405 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Flight Sergeant Moheddeen Abdull Ghias Howsan and his crew took part in a daring night raid over Nazi-occupied France. A skilled and determined aviator, Howsan was a proud Australian descended from Afghan and Indian immigrants—one of many Muslim ANZACs who answered the call to serve. During the mission, their Wellington bomber was struck by enemy fire and engulfed in flames. As the aircraft fell towards the town of Marly-le-Roi, Howsan fought to maintain control, steering away from homes, a school, and a church. His sacrifice saved the town, but he and his crew paid the ultimate price. To donate in the Soldier on March On Campaign clickhere Intro and Outro byPaul Yudin Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi:https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website athttps://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Mastodon,YouTube.

    19 min
  5. Sister Ellen Savage GM: The Sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur

    11/23/2024

    Sister Ellen Savage GM: The Sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur

    14-MAY-1943: While serving as a Nurse aboard the 2/3rd Australian Hospital Ship Centaur as part of the Australian Army Nursing Service, Sister Ellen Savage survived the sinking of the Hospital ship at the hands of the Japanese submarine I-177 and in doing so became a symbol of resilience and compassion as she was the sole nursing survivor. In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and service of Sister Ellen Savage, from her early years in Quirindi to her heroic actions during the Second World War. As the sole surviving nurse of the Centaur tragedy, Ellen's courage, dedication to her fellow survivors, and enduring contributions to nursing made her a true beacon of strength. This is the story of a woman who faced the horrors of war with unmatched bravery and left a lasting legacy for future generations. Intro and Outro by Paul Yudin Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon, YouTube.

    40 min
  6. Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary: The Sandakan Death March

    10/28/2024

    Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary: The Sandakan Death March

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of war, suffering, and the experiences of prisoners of war, which may be distressing for some listeners. 20-MARCH-1945. While serving as a Gunner in the 2/15 Field Regiment, Gunner Albert Niel Cleary became a tragic symbol of the suffering endured by Australian prisoners of war during the Second World War. Captured and forced to march in the harrowing Sandakan Death March, Cleary's life ended in unimaginable hardship, alongside the 1,700 other Australian prisoners who perished during this brutal ordeal. Intro and Outro by Paul Yudin Support the Podcast Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IWODMJ For Show Notes, transcripts, and photos, check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon, YouTube.

    43 min
  7. Acting Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade DSO DFC USBS: From Bourke to Bomber Command

    09/22/2024

    Acting Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade DSO DFC USBS: From Bourke to Bomber Command

    15-JULY-1944. While serving as a pilot in the Royal Air Force's Path Finder Force. Acting Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade, Commander of Lancaster Bomber N Nuts, en route to a raid on Hamburg, was struck by anti-aircraft fire, was able to recover the aircraft sufficiently to continue the attack, drop his bombs and return home with 48 square foot piece of the port wing missing and with limited controls, managed to bring the plane in for a "successful" landing. this was his 59th operational flight over enemy territory. In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Squadron Leader Herbert Frank Slade, from his early days as a young migrant in Australia to his post-war life in Boorowa, where he became a respected community figure. With firsthand accounts from those who remember his presence, This episode uncovers the remarkable yet humble legacy of a man who, both in the air and on the ground, was defined by his unwavering sense of duty. Huge thanks to Helen McGrath of the Boorowa Historical Society, Shane Casey Senior Curator and Dr Lachlan Grant Senior Historian at the Australian War Memorial for their assistance in this episode. --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi https://ko-fi.com/iwasonlydoingmyjobpodcast  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at https://www.thedocnetwork.net/. Access to the Discord Server Visit https://discord.gg/XR3tRznAGM Find the Podcast on https://www.facebook.com/IWODMJ/, https://twitter.com/iwodmj/, https://www.instagram.com/iwodmj/, https://mastodonbooks.net/@IWODMJ/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqSibhtovM96eBi0Fcg5BRA/

    32 min
  8. Private Claude Herbert Roberts: "Dear Maudie..."

    08/24/2024

    Private Claude Herbert Roberts: "Dear Maudie..."

    30-AUGUST-1942. While serving as a soldier in the 2/14th Australian Imperial Force as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force, Private Claude Herbert Roberts served from the sands of Egypt and Palestine to the mountainous slopes of Kokoda. This episode was requested by his great-niece Christine and was made possible thanks to recently discovered letters sent home during the war. If there is someone that you think needs to have their story told, drop the podcast an email at podcast@thedocnetwork.net Thanks to Seth for purchasing the brand-new Armoured Emu Brigade Unit Patch. Get yours now at Our Ko-Fi Shop --- Buy the Podcast a Ko-Fi here  For Show Notes, transcripts and photos check out the I Was Only Doing My Job Website at www.thedocnetwork.net. Access to the Discord Server Visit here Find the Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon YouTube

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"I Was Only Doing My Job" is a monthly Australian Military History podcast hosted by Ross Manuel. Instead of focusing on maps and dates, each episode is devoted to chronicling Australia's Military History through the individual stories of those who served; where they grew up, what they did, and invariably what happened to them.

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