A Controversial Commander
H. Gordon Bennett was one of Australia's most controversial military commanders, reaching the rank of Lieutenant-General during the World War 2. After joining the military in 1908, quickly became known for being a courageous leader, as well as being difficult and bad-tempered. At the beginning of the Second World War, Bennett was passed over for the leadership of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and was given command of the 8th Division instead. On 15th February 1942, after an unsuccessful campaign against the Japanese in Singapore and with surrender negotiations underway, Bennett controversially handed over his command and left the island. This action was met with general disapproval, and although being made commander of the 3 Aust Corps in Perth between April 1942 and May 1944, Bennett was never given another field command. As shown in the photo, this desk was used by General Bennett as General Officer Commanding 3 Aust Corps with his headquarters at Perth College in 1943. Delivered to the Army Museum as a piece of office furniture in 2014, its significance was discovered through a photograph in the collection. Its provenance was subsequently confirmed as the desk of the senior army officer in Western Australia used successively by GOC 3 Aust Corps, Commander Western Command, Commander 5th Military District and Commander 13 Brigade. The desk along with Bennett's hat, gloves and swagger stick are located in the entrance to the World War Two Gallery. Also on the desk is an official publication, a Malay - English dictionary and phrase book with a prophetic introduction by Bennett on the importance post war, of a knowledge of the languages of South-East Asia. The General’s portrait, painted by local artist Margaret Johnson, entered in 1943 for the Archibald Prize, is located in the Singapore exhibit further along in the Gallery.
