George Odgers: The Legacy of a Premier Australian Military Historian
George Odgers was a distinguished figure in Australian letters, blending the precision of a military historian with the accessibility of a seasoned journalist. Throughout his long career, he documented the evolution of Australia's armed forces, ensuring that the rigors of official record-keeping were balanced with a narrative style that resonated with the general public.
Key Facts
- Official Historian: One of 14 authors for the series Australia in the War of 1939–1945.
- Major Works: Authored Air War Against Japan 1943–1945 and the comprehensive two-volume Diggers.
- Journalistic Career: Worked for GTV-9 and The Age as a defense specialist.
- Government Service: Served as Director of Historical Studies and Information in the Department of Defence.
- Longevity: The last surviving member of the original 14 historians of the 1939–1945 war series.
The Path to Military History
Odgers' transition into historical writing began shortly after World War II when Gavin Long selected him to contribute to the air series of Australia in the War of 1939–1945. This appointment launched a lifelong commitment to documenting the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)—the primary aerial warfare branch of the Australian Defence Force.
His first published work, Across the Parallel (1952), focused on the history of No. 77 Squadron RAAF during the Korean War. He followed this with his contribution to the official history, Air War Against Japan 1943–1945, published in 1957, which detailed RAAF operations in the Pacific theater from 1943 onward.
Expanding the Narrative
Following his official history work, Odgers continued to explore the RAAF's trajectory through several key publications: The Royal Australian Air Force (1965), The Golden Years (1971), and Mission Vietnam (1974). These works were praised for maintaining academic rigor and detail while remaining accessible to a popular audience, a feat he attributed to his own firsthand experiences within the RAAF.
Journalism and Public Relations
Parallel to his academic pursuits, Odgers maintained a prolific career in defense journalism. After the closure of the Argus in 1956, he joined the news production team at the new television station GTV-9. By 1960, he had moved to The Age, where he served as a special writer specializing in defense issues.
His expertise eventually led him into government administration. In 1965, he was appointed head of public relations for the Department of Air and the RAAF. He remained in this role until 1975, when he transitioned to the Department of Defence as the Director of Historical Studies and Information.
Later Works and Final Contributions
Even after retiring from the Department of Defence in 1981, Odgers remained an active historian. He produced a series of illustrated histories covering the three main branches of the Australian military: the Royal Australian Navy (1982), the Air Force (1984), and the Army (1988).
In 1994, he published Diggers, a comprehensive two-volume history detailing Australia's involvement in 11 different wars. His final literary contribution was Mr Double Seven, a biography of Wing Commander Dick Cresswell, which was published shortly before Odgers passed away in early 2008 at the age of 91.
| Year | Title | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Across the Parallel | No. 77 Squadron RAAF (Korean War) |
| 1957 | Air War Against Japan 1943–1945 | Official history of Pacific War operations |
| 1974 | Mission Vietnam | RAAF operations in Vietnam |
| 1994 | Diggers | Australia's involvement in 11 wars |
| 2008 | Mr Double Seven | Biography of Wing Commander Dick Cresswell |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George Odgers' role in the official history of WWII?
George Odgers was one of 14 historians selected by Gavin Long to author the series Australia in the War of 1939–1945, specifically contributing the volume Air War Against Japan 1943–1945.
Which military branches did Odgers write about?
While he specialized in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), he also published illustrated histories of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army.
What was the focus of the book 'Diggers'?
Diggers is a two-volume history that chronicles Australia's military involvement across 11 different wars.
Did George Odgers work in government?
Yes, he served as the head of public relations for the Department of Air and the RAAF from 1965 to 1975, and later as the Director of Historical Studies and Information in the Department of Defence until 1981.
What was Odgers' background in journalism?
He worked in news production for GTV-9 and served as a special writer for The Age, focusing specifically on defense issues.