What do you think?
Rate this book
Innocent No More #5
Nothing Forgotten, Nothing Learned: The Fall of Singapore
Thomas Stark’s return to Australia is delayed by a short campaign in Syria – the active, shooting war with Vichy France that followed on the defeat in Greece. Having led a makeshift squadron through the messy, untidy fighting with colonial France, Thomas is finally sent back to Australia. There, he finds himself unwelcome for having gained experience in the real war while the senior officers of the RAAF have stayed home and learned nothing new. Following a few happy weeks with his wife and new son, Thomas is sent away, off to Singapore where his comments on RAAF training and competence cannot be heard.
Reaching Singapore, Thomas finds the bulk of senior officers are those who were sent away from England, either for being jolly good chaps and hopelessly incompetent, or for being Fascist supporters who were insufficiently active to be interned, but were nevertheless untrustworthy. Some were both.
The Island of Singapore cannot be defended from attack from the land side. This is known but ignored as such an attack is impossible, and in any case, the Japanese are only little yellow men. The Air Force is equipped with hopelessly inadequate aircraft and poorly trained pilots who have been enjoying the tropical life style.
Thomas is unable to break down the massive complacency and can only wait on the inevitable attack and Japanese victory, and hope to be one of the few who escape.
Reaching Singapore, Thomas finds the bulk of senior officers are those who were sent away from England, either for being jolly good chaps and hopelessly incompetent, or for being Fascist supporters who were insufficiently active to be interned, but were nevertheless untrustworthy. Some were both.
The Island of Singapore cannot be defended from attack from the land side. This is known but ignored as such an attack is impossible, and in any case, the Japanese are only little yellow men. The Air Force is equipped with hopelessly inadequate aircraft and poorly trained pilots who have been enjoying the tropical life style.
Thomas is unable to break down the massive complacency and can only wait on the inevitable attack and Japanese victory, and hope to be one of the few who escape.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2023
237 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 31, 2023
I love Andrew Wareham’s writing. He personalises history in a manner that is always fascinating. His perception of the times in which his stories are written gives some historical context to today’s views of past societal mores. Times were tough and many things were necessarily different than today.
With some experience of senior staff level activities in the Defence forces, the reality is that the politicians and permanent civilian heads of the various branches are the real villains of the piece. Service Chiefs are appointed by Governments largely on advice from elsewhere and generally spend their time waring with the other chiefs for limited resources. Who rises to the top are generally those who play that game better than others. Wartime generally sorts that situation out. This I think is Wareham’s general premise. Australia’s lack of preparedness in WW2 is the case at point. Nothing much has changed?
With some experience of senior staff level activities in the Defence forces, the reality is that the politicians and permanent civilian heads of the various branches are the real villains of the piece. Service Chiefs are appointed by Governments largely on advice from elsewhere and generally spend their time waring with the other chiefs for limited resources. Who rises to the top are generally those who play that game better than others. Wartime generally sorts that situation out. This I think is Wareham’s general premise. Australia’s lack of preparedness in WW2 is the case at point. Nothing much has changed?
July 25, 2023
Singapore’s fall
There were two main reasons for the fall of Singapore in February of 1942: Japanese military superiority, and British complacency. Much of the latter had to do with the British establishment’s belief that they were naturally superior to Asians, and that Japanese military could never stand up to Englishmen, as the author of this novel makes clear. Unfortunately, he’s done his historical research.
Wing Commander Thomas Stark has been sent to Australia and the Pacific theatre after flying in North Africa, and is seconded to Singapore to take charge of the RAF forces based there. What he finds is depressing— one badly run squadron of obsolete fighters and another of flying boats useful for antisubmarine warfare. He is convinced that the Japanese will attack Singapore as they move on the oil-rich Dutch West Indies, and fears that there’s little he can to slow that attack.
Recommended.
There were two main reasons for the fall of Singapore in February of 1942: Japanese military superiority, and British complacency. Much of the latter had to do with the British establishment’s belief that they were naturally superior to Asians, and that Japanese military could never stand up to Englishmen, as the author of this novel makes clear. Unfortunately, he’s done his historical research.
Wing Commander Thomas Stark has been sent to Australia and the Pacific theatre after flying in North Africa, and is seconded to Singapore to take charge of the RAF forces based there. What he finds is depressing— one badly run squadron of obsolete fighters and another of flying boats useful for antisubmarine warfare. He is convinced that the Japanese will attack Singapore as they move on the oil-rich Dutch West Indies, and fears that there’s little he can to slow that attack.
Recommended.
May 7, 2024
Decent story of the brief campaign to stop the Japanese from invading Singapore. The greatest fear is that they will invade Australia, using the islands to hop forward one at a time and take the island continent.
Unfortunately, for years now every miscreant, incompetent, and failure in the brass that couldn't be outright just discharged or put before a court martial for political reasons... has been sent to the far east where it was believed they could do no harm. Now Tommy Stark, responsible for several of these exiles, has to work under these men and try to stop the Japanese.
Again, a fast read, and full of Warehamisms which can grate at times, but make for quick progress. The book felt a bit short and cut off like several in this series, but it covers a pretty tough time in the war.
Unfortunately, for years now every miscreant, incompetent, and failure in the brass that couldn't be outright just discharged or put before a court martial for political reasons... has been sent to the far east where it was believed they could do no harm. Now Tommy Stark, responsible for several of these exiles, has to work under these men and try to stop the Japanese.
Again, a fast read, and full of Warehamisms which can grate at times, but make for quick progress. The book felt a bit short and cut off like several in this series, but it covers a pretty tough time in the war.
February 10, 2023
Intrresting
Interesting take on how the higher ups were not ready for WWII. How the privileged felt they new better than what was actually the case of how to fight the war. Also how privileged viewed those not as privileged and of different races and nationalities were of a lower class and were not entitled to be treated as equal even though they fought the same enemy. Also how this privilege played a part in not believing the enemy was capable often better than they foresaw.
Interesting take on how the higher ups were not ready for WWII. How the privileged felt they new better than what was actually the case of how to fight the war. Also how privileged viewed those not as privileged and of different races and nationalities were of a lower class and were not entitled to be treated as equal even though they fought the same enemy. Also how this privilege played a part in not believing the enemy was capable often better than they foresaw.
March 17, 2023
TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS.
WWII from the air war perspective, but hits on the ground & sea as well.
Especially The Politicians -- Civilian as well as Military.
Very realistic from historical records, especially from not being prepared perspective & under estimating the enemy's capabilities, skills, and commitment to victory.
A fast paced, page turner for the most part. Kept me reading long & late.
WWII from the air war perspective, but hits on the ground & sea as well.
Especially The Politicians -- Civilian as well as Military.
Very realistic from historical records, especially from not being prepared perspective & under estimating the enemy's capabilities, skills, and commitment to victory.
A fast paced, page turner for the most part. Kept me reading long & late.
January 18, 2023
War as it happened.
This story even though fiction seems to be very accurate. Andrew Wareham is a great story teller. I wish he could write faster cause by the time his new book is out I've forgotten the preceding one. My plan is to start reading the first in this series to get the story fresh in my mind.
This story even though fiction seems to be very accurate. Andrew Wareham is a great story teller. I wish he could write faster cause by the time his new book is out I've forgotten the preceding one. My plan is to start reading the first in this series to get the story fresh in my mind.
January 24, 2023
Innocents No More Book 5
This another wonderful book by Andrew Wareham, with further development of Thomas Stark’s character and insightful depiction of the smug mindset of the English and Australian military at the onset of the Pacific war. I have no doubts that the Americans are due for some of the same. I only hope that our dear author doesn’t kill off Grace.
This another wonderful book by Andrew Wareham, with further development of Thomas Stark’s character and insightful depiction of the smug mindset of the English and Australian military at the onset of the Pacific war. I have no doubts that the Americans are due for some of the same. I only hope that our dear author doesn’t kill off Grace.
Read
February 18, 2023Excellent!!!!!
Always look forward to any release from Mr. Wareham on Kindle! His plot and high humor cannot be excelled!!! Thomas, his father, and Noah are memorable characters, so well woven into the plot lines. Also the many extras who pop up along the way. Cannot praise Mr. Wareham too much!
R.K. Craver.....
Always look forward to any release from Mr. Wareham on Kindle! His plot and high humor cannot be excelled!!! Thomas, his father, and Noah are memorable characters, so well woven into the plot lines. Also the many extras who pop up along the way. Cannot praise Mr. Wareham too much!
R.K. Craver.....
July 25, 2023
Great series
Well written; although, I often wonder if the criticism of political persons and high level military leaders are the authors. It sometimes just seems not quite like the character. ( I actually have many of the same opinions )
I have enjoyed all the books. The flying sequences are spot on.
Well written; although, I often wonder if the criticism of political persons and high level military leaders are the authors. It sometimes just seems not quite like the character. ( I actually have many of the same opinions )
I have enjoyed all the books. The flying sequences are spot on.
January 17, 2023
Syria as a diversion and then the fall of Singapore
Enjoying this series from Andrew Wareham
. Out of the North African desert and heading home to Australia, with a quick stop to defeat Vichy French and Germans in Syria.
Then onto the Gibraltar of the east at Singapore.
Enjoying this series from Andrew Wareham
. Out of the North African desert and heading home to Australia, with a quick stop to defeat Vichy French and Germans in Syria.
Then onto the Gibraltar of the east at Singapore.
January 21, 2023
Very informative
It was interesting to read the beliefs of the politicians, and they control the armed forces. Opened my eyes in what they thought USA would do prior to December 7.
It was interesting to read the beliefs of the politicians, and they control the armed forces. Opened my eyes in what they thought USA would do prior to December 7.
January 22, 2023
Once again a fabulous read
Having read lots of Andrew Wareham's books, once again he.has written a great book. How he has written so many brilliant books, on so many different eras, so quickly amazes me. Keep it up Andrew I love them all.
Having read lots of Andrew Wareham's books, once again he.has written a great book. How he has written so many brilliant books, on so many different eras, so quickly amazes me. Keep it up Andrew I love them all.
April 16, 2023
Interesting take on view of WWII Australian point of view,especially re PM Churchill
Same as above. A bit disheartening but probably correct.
Look forward to subsequent escapades.
This is far more than 20 words
Same as above. A bit disheartening but probably correct.
Look forward to subsequent escapades.
This is far more than 20 words
September 9, 2023
O.k. but not a second read
Well written but seemed choppy. Historically accurate but lacked definition. Personally I would have liked to have more thought about the working personnel than the odd stuffy ones that a lot of time was spent on..all and all not a bad read.
Well written but seemed choppy. Historically accurate but lacked definition. Personally I would have liked to have more thought about the working personnel than the odd stuffy ones that a lot of time was spent on..all and all not a bad read.
October 12, 2023
Great read
Great due to the insight of working military as opposed to the leaders that had no idea on combat and what they were dealing with and the stubborn enemy that would die rather than give up.
Great due to the insight of working military as opposed to the leaders that had no idea on combat and what they were dealing with and the stubborn enemy that would die rather than give up.
February 13, 2024
Excellent tranfer to the Pacific.
Great transfer from one theater to the next with a bit of action in between. Needs a bit more time spent internally within the main character but otherwise well told.
Great transfer from one theater to the next with a bit of action in between. Needs a bit more time spent internally within the main character but otherwise well told.
July 15, 2024
A great and detailed story of the air war.
The author has written a very intriguing and interesting story of one man’s adventures in the air war in Africa and China. Very entertaining story and very enjoyable reading.
The author has written a very intriguing and interesting story of one man’s adventures in the air war in Africa and China. Very entertaining story and very enjoyable reading.
July 27, 2024
A good solid Wareham yarn
I like Wareham's prose, characters, and story lines. Solid historical research, excellent grasp of tactics. No nonsense! Recommended to anyone who likes air war stories.
I like Wareham's prose, characters, and story lines. Solid historical research, excellent grasp of tactics. No nonsense! Recommended to anyone who likes air war stories.
December 22, 2024
Becoming more eventful
As World War Two rages and the Americans enter the fray, our main character sees first hand the strength and speed of the Japanese forces. A good progression of this fine series. As the war continues, the action increases. A very enjoyable read.
As World War Two rages and the Americans enter the fray, our main character sees first hand the strength and speed of the Japanese forces. A good progression of this fine series. As the war continues, the action increases. A very enjoyable read.
January 31, 2023
Another great w
Another great read,with criticism from hindsight. If you can put up with that,you will enjoy it.A thoroughly enjoyable read.Onwards to the next instalment.
Another great read,with criticism from hindsight. If you can put up with that,you will enjoy it.A thoroughly enjoyable read.Onwards to the next instalment.
February 9, 2023
The Starks continue to fight
Continuation of a really good series
Looking forward to the next installment
World war 2 revisited in an entertaining and pretty accurate way
Continuation of a really good series
Looking forward to the next installment
World war 2 revisited in an entertaining and pretty accurate way
February 10, 2023
Incompetent bastards
Great book full of the white man thinking they owned the world without realising that other nations could fight too.
Great book full of the white man thinking they owned the world without realising that other nations could fight too.
March 15, 2023
Roll on the sequel
Good tale well written! Look forwards to the next book when it comes out
Hopefully not too long in coming .
Good tale well written! Look forwards to the next book when it comes out
Hopefully not too long in coming .
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews