BOOK REVIEW | Borneo, The Last Campaign: Australia's Brilliant, Controversial End to World War II

At home, and on the ground in Borneo, Australians had little appetite for what was widely regarded as an unnecessary and dangerous mopping-up operation. Also, many of the troops and people at home had little respect for and faith in their most senior military leaders.

However, on the ground, the campaign actually turned out to be a significant success. Assisted in many areas by native Iban or Dyak fighters, who, once they realised the Australians had no desire to replace their much disliked colonial masters, the combined force achieved much even though many Japanese had to be liquidated because of their refusal to accept their Emperor’s surrender.