How war fired up indigenous soldiers, and Japanese espionage - fact or fiction?
From Late Night Live — Full program podcast by ABC Australia
April 27, 2026 · 54 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the experiences of indigenous soldiers in WWI and explores the historical context of espionage between Australia and Japan before the Pacific War.
Indigenous soldiers who fought in WW felt betrayed when they returned, then formed the first radical Aboriginal political organisation. And, before the Pacific War, Australia had a strong business relationship with Japan. But were there spies in the mix? Guests: John Maynard, historian, author, Emeritus Professor at Newcastle University. Contributor to the book ‘Challenging Anzac: stories that don’t fit the legend’ (NewSouth) Nick Hordern, author, former diplomat, former policy advisor, former journalist. New book ‘Loyalty: Australians, Japanese and Espionage, on the eve of the Pacific War’ (Australian Scholarly Publishing)
People in this episode
Guests: John Maynard, Nick Hordern
Topics covered
- indigenous soldiers
- World War II
- Japanese espionage
- Aboriginal political organisation
- Australia-Japan relations
Keywords
- indigenous soldiers
- World War I
- Japanese espionage
- Aboriginal political organisation
- Australia Japan relations
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Newcastle University, NewSouth, Australian Scholarly Publishing
Books & works: Challenging Anzac: stories that don’t fit the legend, Loyalty: Australians, Japanese and Espionage, on the eve of the Pacific War
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