Interview with Hilary Hughes and stills (When the war came to Australia)

Mr Hilary Hughes served with the 2nd AIF in the North African campaign, Syria, Greece, Crete and in New Guinea. After his initial training, he spent time doing beach patrols in WA as far as Geraldton and Derby. He was a member of the 2/4th Battalion. He was stationed in the islands and describes conditions there- food short, bad weather, no rations for three days while advancing. Mr Hughes describes conditions in Western Australian - all Italian aliens were interned at Yanship. He mentions that Western Australians were unhappy as they were suffering shortages, and were fearful of a Japanese invasion, especially after Darwin was bombed. He describes the military presence north of Geraldton- the 8th Brigade, armoured division, hospital, engineers etc. Mr Hughes details the defence capabilities of Rottnest island naval guns, army garrison, tunnels. These guns were in place to defend the mouth of the Swan River and therefore Perth. He mentions submarine activity on the west coast. He discusses Perth's isolation - the most isolated city in Australia and possibly the world. Mr Hughes describes the gun tunnels at Rottnest, including guns, ammunition, living quarters, communication rooms, range finding rooms, etc. Mr Hughes mentions censorship, suffering with malaria, his health as a result of his service, his mother's health was poor, with worry being a major factor. Her health improved noticeably after he returned and was discharged. He comments on the fall of Singapore, mentions General Gordon Bennett- his knowledge of the tropics was valuable intelligence for our troops. He also mentions the return of the POWs from Asia. Mr Hughes comments on his reasons for enlistment, and also mentions why Australian men don't discuss the war- it is a closed shop, horrific experiences. He remarks that readjustment after the war was very difficult, the Army gave them no help at readjusting to civilian life. Mr Hughes mentions black marketeering, says it was a bad business, discusses the Military Police - provos and concludes that he still has bad feelings concerning the Japanese.