Geoffrey Ballard, On Ultra Active Service, The Story of Australia’s Signals Intelligence Operations During World War II, Spectrum, Richmond, Victoria, 1991.

The book is a combination of a personal narrative, unit histories and general history of Australia’s Signals Intelligence during World War II. One of the motivations of the author was to tell the Australian story of signals intelligence.

The book is not about any particular Signals Intelligence Unit. The narrative describes a great variety of small, often ad-hoc and variable structures, operating under secret conditions. The book goes a long way to providing these involved in Signals Intelligence with the recognition they deserve.

The book covers the different fields of service, Middle East, Australia and South West Pacific; the various operations, technical matters, equipment and organisations.

It also covers the personalities, including the impressions of the author and his comrades, their ideals, motivations and experience. They produce quite a share of commentary, poetry and ditties; some of which are reproduced for the book.

The author has thoroughly researched the topic, having interviewed many of those involved in wartime SIGNIT and received access to some previously sensitive material. This along with his personal involvement has meant a comprehensive coverage.

Overall the book is eminently readable and doesn’t assume any in depth knowledge of the War. Young people could be happily refereed to the book.

It is notable that the book’s forward was written by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Brain Howe, who also launched the book.

Published in SABRETACHE VOL XXXII JULY/SEPTEMBER 1991

To Top of Page