On October 3 last, at the Chief of Army’s annual history conference in Canberra, a book was launched which interests me as much as any hopeful new pilgrim daring the perils of print in years. The author is Colonel Graeme Sligo, a serving professional officer. His book is titled The Backroom Boys: Alfred Conlon and Army’s Directorate of Research and Civil Affairs, 1942–46. The dual stories of Alf Conlon and his oddball unit are extraordinary, and at a first hearing could invite rubbishing as a collection of army fairytales. (“Nice yarn, mate. Now try pulling the other leg.” “That’s got…
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