Thomas Rogers
@drtom-historian.bsky.social
Interested in history:
colonial Australian, Australian Indigenous, British Imperial, violence, military, genocide. Views my own.
colonial Australian, Australian Indigenous, British Imperial, violence, military, genocide. Views my own.
Issue 2 of our new mag ("WM") arrived on Friday! Some fantastic work inside. If you want to know more, you could always visit wm.awm.gov.au
November 23, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Issue 2 of our new mag ("WM") arrived on Friday! Some fantastic work inside. If you want to know more, you could always visit wm.awm.gov.au
A beautiful, if windy, Remembrance Day in Canberra.
November 11, 2025 at 3:32 AM
A beautiful, if windy, Remembrance Day in Canberra.
#otd in 1914: the first time a ship of the Royal Australian Navy went into battle. HMAS Sydney's success meant the Indian Ocean was clear for British shipping for much of the First World War.
www.navy.gov.au/about-navy/h...
www.navy.gov.au/about-navy/h...
November 9, 2025 at 5:24 AM
#otd in 1914: the first time a ship of the Royal Australian Navy went into battle. HMAS Sydney's success meant the Indian Ocean was clear for British shipping for much of the First World War.
www.navy.gov.au/about-navy/h...
www.navy.gov.au/about-navy/h...
Which books shaped you? Always a tough question for historians, because there are so many!
wm.awm.gov.au/read/militar...
wm.awm.gov.au/read/militar...
The books that shaped our historians | WM
WM | Inspiring stories - Expert insights
wm.awm.gov.au
November 5, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Which books shaped you? Always a tough question for historians, because there are so many!
wm.awm.gov.au/read/militar...
wm.awm.gov.au/read/militar...
A state governor to apologise for a frontier massacre carried out by the first governor of that colony.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
'Telling the truth': WA governor to apologise for Pinjarra Massacre
The descendants of people who were murdered in one of Western Australia's most brutal attacks on Aboriginal people — the Pinjarra Massacre — are set to hear an apology from the WA governor.
www.abc.net.au
October 28, 2025 at 2:26 AM
A state governor to apologise for a frontier massacre carried out by the first governor of that colony.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#OTD in 1944, HMAS Australia (II) was struck by a Japanese suicide aircraft, killing 30 of the ship's crew including the CO, Captain Emile Dechaineux.
Story: seapower.navy.gov.au/ran-battle-l...
Story: seapower.navy.gov.au/ran-battle-l...
October 21, 2025 at 2:09 AM
#OTD in 1944, HMAS Australia (II) was struck by a Japanese suicide aircraft, killing 30 of the ship's crew including the CO, Captain Emile Dechaineux.
Story: seapower.navy.gov.au/ran-battle-l...
Story: seapower.navy.gov.au/ran-battle-l...
I’ve seen two published histories recently refer to the Australian “Infantry” Force. It should be *Imperial*.
The error omits soldiers (e.g. artillery), and also downplays just how important the British Empire was in Australia.
Cf. the “expeditionary” forces: BEF, CEF, NZEF.
The error omits soldiers (e.g. artillery), and also downplays just how important the British Empire was in Australia.
Cf. the “expeditionary” forces: BEF, CEF, NZEF.
October 7, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I’ve seen two published histories recently refer to the Australian “Infantry” Force. It should be *Imperial*.
The error omits soldiers (e.g. artillery), and also downplays just how important the British Empire was in Australia.
Cf. the “expeditionary” forces: BEF, CEF, NZEF.
The error omits soldiers (e.g. artillery), and also downplays just how important the British Empire was in Australia.
Cf. the “expeditionary” forces: BEF, CEF, NZEF.
You have 4 hours left to vote on your favourite 21st-C books in ABC Radio National's Top 100 Books:
www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
Radio National's Top 100 Books - ABC Radio National
Radio National's Top 100 Books of the past 25 years is here. Listen on Saturday 19 October and Sunday 20 October as we count down the books you voted as your favourites.
www.abc.net.au
October 2, 2025 at 2:25 AM
You have 4 hours left to vote on your favourite 21st-C books in ABC Radio National's Top 100 Books:
www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
If you're in Canberra this weekend, I can confirm that Lifeline Bookfair is, once again, awesome! Go there!!
www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/books/bookfa...
www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/books/bookfa...
Lifeline Canberra - Lifeline Canberra Bookfair
www.lifelinecanberra.org.au
September 26, 2025 at 2:40 AM
If you're in Canberra this weekend, I can confirm that Lifeline Bookfair is, once again, awesome! Go there!!
www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/books/bookfa...
www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/books/bookfa...
Reposted by Thomas Rogers
CLOSING NEXT WEEK - submit your entry by Tuesday 30 September to be in the running for the Ken Inglis Postgraduate Prize.
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference in July? Email it to us: ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
See the pinned post for more details.
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference in July? Email it to us: ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
See the pinned post for more details.
September 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
CLOSING NEXT WEEK - submit your entry by Tuesday 30 September to be in the running for the Ken Inglis Postgraduate Prize.
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference in July? Email it to us: ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
See the pinned post for more details.
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference in July? Email it to us: ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
See the pinned post for more details.
Reposted by Thomas Rogers
This paperweight, made of Haematite carved in shape of a grasshopper. But it was hand-carved between 1800-1700 BC in ancient Babylonia (modern-day Iraq).
It served as a functional weight and also showcases the artistic skill of Babylonian artisans.
British Museum
#archaeohistories
It served as a functional weight and also showcases the artistic skill of Babylonian artisans.
British Museum
#archaeohistories
September 23, 2025 at 10:02 AM
This paperweight, made of Haematite carved in shape of a grasshopper. But it was hand-carved between 1800-1700 BC in ancient Babylonia (modern-day Iraq).
It served as a functional weight and also showcases the artistic skill of Babylonian artisans.
British Museum
#archaeohistories
It served as a functional weight and also showcases the artistic skill of Babylonian artisans.
British Museum
#archaeohistories
More HMAS Australia (II) posting by me...
#OTD 85 years ago, Operation Menace began off the west coast of Africa.
www.awm.gov.au/articles/blo...
#OTD 85 years ago, Operation Menace began off the west coast of Africa.
www.awm.gov.au/articles/blo...
“Operation Menace”- the story of HMAS Australia in African waters. | Australian War Memorial
www.awm.gov.au
September 23, 2025 at 3:37 AM
More HMAS Australia (II) posting by me...
#OTD 85 years ago, Operation Menace began off the west coast of Africa.
www.awm.gov.au/articles/blo...
#OTD 85 years ago, Operation Menace began off the west coast of Africa.
www.awm.gov.au/articles/blo...
I've always found this "wine-dark sea" debate fascinating. Couldn't the archaic Greeks see blue?
An old article, but probably the best take I've seen on it: www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
An old article, but probably the best take I've seen on it: www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
Were the ancient Greeks and Romans colour blind? - ABC Radio National
Homer left historians with the impression that the ancient Greeks and Romans had an underdeveloped appreciation of colour. The ancients, in fact, were a shade more sophisticated than that and understo...
www.abc.net.au
September 22, 2025 at 3:09 AM
I've always found this "wine-dark sea" debate fascinating. Couldn't the archaic Greeks see blue?
An old article, but probably the best take I've seen on it: www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
An old article, but probably the best take I've seen on it: www.abc.net.au/listen/radio...
Reposted by Thomas Rogers
London museum tells forgotten story of African and Indian troops in second world war
National Army Museum’s Beyond Burma exhibition examines stories of soldiers from Britain’s colonies
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
National Army Museum’s Beyond Burma exhibition examines stories of soldiers from Britain’s colonies
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
London museum tells forgotten story of African and Indian troops in second world war
National Army Museum’s Beyond Burma exhibition examines stories of soldiers from Britain’s colonies
www.theguardian.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:38 AM
London museum tells forgotten story of African and Indian troops in second world war
National Army Museum’s Beyond Burma exhibition examines stories of soldiers from Britain’s colonies
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
National Army Museum’s Beyond Burma exhibition examines stories of soldiers from Britain’s colonies
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
#OTD in 1918, the British (incl. Australian) assault on the Hindenburg Line. Pic is from the fighting at Epéhy.
Pic: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/...
Pic: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/...
September 18, 2025 at 2:59 AM
#OTD in 1918, the British (incl. Australian) assault on the Hindenburg Line. Pic is from the fighting at Epéhy.
Pic: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/...
Pic: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/...
So who else can say that they work with an expert in Second World War-era RAAF aeroplane nose art? I can!
wm.awm.gov.au/read/nose-art
wm.awm.gov.au/read/nose-art
More than just paint | WM
WM | Inspiring stories - Expert insights
wm.awm.gov.au
September 16, 2025 at 2:31 AM
So who else can say that they work with an expert in Second World War-era RAAF aeroplane nose art? I can!
wm.awm.gov.au/read/nose-art
wm.awm.gov.au/read/nose-art
Reposted by Thomas Rogers
I'm honoured to be speaking to @petermcphee.bsky.social on Mon 6 Oct at 1pm AEDT about my book Dangers of Youth: Age, Criminality, and Juvenile Justice Reform in Third Republic France at an online event hosted by the George Rudé Society. Please register here: uni-sydney.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
September 15, 2025 at 9:23 AM
I'm honoured to be speaking to @petermcphee.bsky.social on Mon 6 Oct at 1pm AEDT about my book Dangers of Youth: Age, Criminality, and Juvenile Justice Reform in Third Republic France at an online event hosted by the George Rudé Society. Please register here: uni-sydney.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
#OTD in 1945, the Battle of Morotai began. HMAS Australia (pictured) and other Australian & US ships bombarded the island for some two hours prior to the landings.
HMAS Australia's history is remarkable: seapower.navy.gov.au/history/unit...
HMAS Australia's history is remarkable: seapower.navy.gov.au/history/unit...
September 15, 2025 at 2:24 AM
#OTD in 1945, the Battle of Morotai began. HMAS Australia (pictured) and other Australian & US ships bombarded the island for some two hours prior to the landings.
HMAS Australia's history is remarkable: seapower.navy.gov.au/history/unit...
HMAS Australia's history is remarkable: seapower.navy.gov.au/history/unit...
Kinda spooked by how much archaeological material is within digging distance under our feet, that I'll never see, and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to interpret...
September 12, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Kinda spooked by how much archaeological material is within digging distance under our feet, that I'll never see, and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to interpret...
Reading a wartime love story researched & written by my colleague Alix (...and apparently also cutting up onions...)
wm.awm.gov.au/read/colin-s...
wm.awm.gov.au/read/colin-s...
Wartime love story: Colin and Irene Simper | WM
WM | Inspiring stories - Expert insights
wm.awm.gov.au
September 11, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Reading a wartime love story researched & written by my colleague Alix (...and apparently also cutting up onions...)
wm.awm.gov.au/read/colin-s...
wm.awm.gov.au/read/colin-s...
Reposted by Thomas Rogers
Ken Inglis Postgrad Prize CLOSING SOON - 30 Sept.
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference? Tidy it up and email it to us at ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
Read the flier for all the T&Cs. You might get published in the journal...good luck!
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference? Tidy it up and email it to us at ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
Read the flier for all the T&Cs. You might get published in the journal...good luck!
September 9, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Ken Inglis Postgrad Prize CLOSING SOON - 30 Sept.
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference? Tidy it up and email it to us at ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
Read the flier for all the T&Cs. You might get published in the journal...good luck!
Did you present a paper at the AHA conference? Tidy it up and email it to us at ahs-history@unimelb.edu.au
Read the flier for all the T&Cs. You might get published in the journal...good luck!
Fascinating reading about the Imperial Camel Corps, by one of our former Summer Scholars, Hannah Swaine:
wm.awm.gov.au/read/rough-r...
wm.awm.gov.au/read/rough-r...
September 9, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Fascinating reading about the Imperial Camel Corps, by one of our former Summer Scholars, Hannah Swaine:
wm.awm.gov.au/read/rough-r...
wm.awm.gov.au/read/rough-r...
Wondering about late-19th-C British army doctrine of cold steel - a seemingly unshakeable belief that, if only the British infantry could get into close combat, the battle would be won.
I.e. the Corporal Jones doctrine: "They don't like it up 'em, sir!"
There's a cultural study in there somewhere.
I.e. the Corporal Jones doctrine: "They don't like it up 'em, sir!"
There's a cultural study in there somewhere.
September 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Wondering about late-19th-C British army doctrine of cold steel - a seemingly unshakeable belief that, if only the British infantry could get into close combat, the battle would be won.
I.e. the Corporal Jones doctrine: "They don't like it up 'em, sir!"
There's a cultural study in there somewhere.
I.e. the Corporal Jones doctrine: "They don't like it up 'em, sir!"
There's a cultural study in there somewhere.
I really enjoyed reading Craig L. Symonds' *Nimitz at War* - as you can see from my review of it: researchcentre.army.gov.au/library/aust...
September 4, 2025 at 11:53 PM
I really enjoyed reading Craig L. Symonds' *Nimitz at War* - as you can see from my review of it: researchcentre.army.gov.au/library/aust...