No Australian military commander has ever shouldered more responsibility, nor so divided public opinion, than Sir Thomas Blamey.
Detractors describe him as ruthless, self-seeking and egotistical and point to personal scandals, and the damaged careers of the many capable soldiers who stood in his way. Supporters speak of a man who understood, better than any other Australian leader, the wider nature of war - the political implications of action and inaction, the importance of sea and air power, of logistics, intelligence, and troop training. This exhibition will tell his story and let visitors make up their own mind.
'… he possessed a mind cultured far above the average, widely informed, alert and prehensile. He had an infinite capacity for taking pains.'
General Sir John Monash (1865 – 1931)
Commander, Australian Corps
'… a sensual, slothful and doubtful moral character but a tough commander likely to shine like a power-light in an emergency. The best of the local bunch.'
General Douglas MacArthur (1880 – 1964)
Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area
'…a slow-thinking churl who hates nothing so much as a soldier'
Prime Minister Benjamin Chifley (1885 – 1951)...
