Captain Bullens War the Vietnam War Diar

by John Bullen, Paul Ham

The hilarity of M∗A∗S∗H meets the satire of Catch 22 in one distinctive Australian voice. 'We need to send our survey party there!' (pointing to map) 'But Colonel, we cain't do it. that's the most insecure area in the whole country!' 'Insecure? Goddamn it! the greatest concentration of American troops in the country is there!' 'Yes Colonel, and have you considered why the greatest concentration of American troops is right there?' CAPtAIN BULLEN'S WAR combines the irreverent humour of M∗A∗S∗H with the sharp satire of Catch 22 in portraying one man's extraordinary experiences of the war in Vietnam in 1968, the bloodiest year of the conflict. the difference is that neither Captain John Bullen nor his experiences are fictional. Nor was he a reluctant soldier. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and a career soldier in the Australian Army, Bullen commanded the vital map-producing section of the Australian task Force at Nui Dat. Alert to the possibility of humour in the bleakest circumstances, he decided to chronicle the events around him. What emerges is one of the most darkly funny and lacerating accounts of the Vietnam War ever written. Strewn with wonderful character sketches and hilarious anecdotes, CAPtAIN BULLEN'S WAR is more than just one man's insightful account of the absurdity of war. He perceives with unsparing clarity the nature and enormity of the conflict around him. A thoughtful, decent man, Bullen's is a voice of sanity in a world gone mad.

474 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sharon]

Great book, the back describes it as a cross between M*A*S*H and catch 22, with a Australian voice, and they are not far wrong, I found this greatly entertaining, and a really good read.

Found myself reading parts out to my husband at times, and had to laugh at the part about the Viet cong cattle.

If you life reading books about Australian war experiences, it paticular Vietnam, you will love this book.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I have to say my father features in this book. I had picked up this book several years ago, saw my Dad's name referenced in the index and he confirmed it was indeed him. Dad spent the next couple of days reading the book and even caught up with Captain Bullen. However, it has taken me several years to obtain a copy and read it for myself. I resisted temptation and did not rush to the bits where Dad makes an appearance, I read the book from front to back.

The blurb at the back says the book is a mixture of the hilarity of Mash and the satire of Catch 22. There is plenty of great material in the book, the need to terminate some cows is funny but completely mad. Bullen provides some insightful descriptions about the people and the land. There are some moments that make you cringe because of the sheer stupidity. For example a service man can not get prescription glasses for over five months.

A highly enjoyable read.

What was most poignant for me, was the last mention of my Dad in the book was on my second birthday.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read from a non-war perspective if anything. The Vietnam War was terribly brutal by any means while Captain Bullen's Diary puts it like it was an inconvenient vacation for the Captain. Can't blame him when the war did not hit him as savagely as it did for everyone else - the Vietnamese.

He even states that he has no love for the Country but he showed empathy and genuine kindness for his comrades and also for the local people when it mattered. He would not have joined the war if not for his commitment to his call of duty I feel. I hope he finally did see the war as it was when he returned to Australia - for his sake.

[Carole Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a guy! This is a great read and gives you a realistic and often amusing view of the Vietnam War from the point of view of a surveyor, drawing up maps in a hurry for the troops to use in the field.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and interesting from someone who knows little about the Vietnam war.