Law turned his attention to Green’s military record. There was a report in the file suggesting Green senior had made every attempt to prevent his youngest son from enlisting in the AIF. That effort should have been easily achieved, for at the time, Aboriginals were actively excluded from the ranks. Law recalled the guidance for enlisting officers at recruiting depots promulgated earlier in the war: “Aboriginals, half-castes, or men with Asiatic blood are not to be enlisted—This applies to all coloured men.” Apparently, Green senior had learned of his son’s intention, and had ensured the local recruiters were aware of his son’s heritage. There could be little doubt that furnished with this information, the local recruiting officer would have turned Green junior away. However, the lad was a resourceful fellow and overcame his father’s interference by simply travelling in secret to a recruiting station in Victoria where he reapplied for enlistment and was accepted.
Law glanced at Green over the top of his teacup, the sergeant’s complexion was certainly dark, and he wondered how he had overcome that particular hurdle at enlistment. However, Law noted grimly that whatever subterfuge Green had used his true racial background was eventually discovered, but by that time he was in Egypt about to deploy to Gallipoli, and no action was taken against him. Other than this infringement of the law, so far as Law could tell, Green’s service record was impressive and almost unblemished. There was a small incident during his initial training, something about an affair with a married white woman, and another unproven accusation of assault during the Gallipoli campaign.
The rest of the report detailed Green’s deeds in glowing terms, with several particular commendations provided by General Monash, leaving Law puzzled as to why the recommendations had not resulted in any award for bravery. However, when he considered the existing antagonism within the AIF’s senior leadership toward Monash, the lack of awards for Green became clearer. Perhaps, he mused, Monash had an enemy in the higher echelons where the award of medals was considered. It would be easy enough to quash a recommendation at that level.
He glanced at the space on the page that listed Green’s promotions, first to Corporal and later to Sergeant. It was hardly a meteoric rise; however, the issue of Green’s aboriginality was probably the reason for the man’s career had peaked at senior non-commissioned level. Social snobbery and racist beliefs, Law thought sadly, were so bloody stupid and wasteful, for he was sure Green’s aboriginality provided the reason why the Australian press had studiously avoided any reports of Green’s deeds on the battlefield to the Australian public. The worst of it was, if they had reported on Green, rather than much deserved adulation, there would have been a public outcry as to why a black fellow was in the AIF.
Aside from these background notes, the report stated that Green was of slight physique, a description that prior to their meeting had given Law to wonder if Green would be strong enough to undertake the rigors of a battlefield. That part of the report Law now dismissed, for while Green was certainly no muscle-bound hulk, he was clearly an extremely fit and powerful man.
As he watched Green sipping his tea, Law recalled another aspect of the report that he found to be almost alarmingly understated. The report simply stated Green’s eye colour as “pale blue.” While this was certainly correct, Law found that as he looked into Green’s eyes, he was reminded of a bird of prey. Law had no doubt whatsoever that under certain circumstances, Sergeant Green would be a very dangerous man.
‘So you’re Killer Green,’ Law said quietly.
Green blushed. ‘That’s what they’ve called me, sir,’ he replied. ‘I’m not into nicknames myself, although I’ve certainly had a few in my time: “darkie,” “boong,” even “nigger.” They were bad enough, but I find “Killer” to be a bit,’ he searched for a word, ‘ostentatious,’ he concluded.
Law smiled. ‘Well perhaps the nickname is the price of fame,’ he said. ‘I’ve heard all about you, of course. You and Billy Sing were quite the celebrities of the campaign, were you not?’
‘Billy might have been a celebrity,’ Green replied, ‘not me though. I just did my job. Besides, I’m sure others made a damn sight more positive contribution to the campaign than either of Billy or me.’
‘Hmm, perhaps they did,’ Law mused thoughtfully. He took a pipe out his breast pocket and began to fill it with tobacco. ‘But that does not detract from your contribution,’ he concluded. He smoothed the contents of the pipe bowl into the desired shape and struck a match. The flame flared briefly on the tobacco as he sucked the pipe stem, to be rewarded by the rich fruity flavour of the smoke.
Green shrugged depreciatingly.
Law was enthralled by Green’s demeanour. In spite of having studied the man’s background report, Law had expected to meet a rather basic human being, one who would be unable to resist boasting of his prowess.
However, the more he talked with Green, the more he realised how wrong this preconception had been. Green was articulate and confident, and Law had the impression the famed “Killer” Green would be at home in most social situations. He puffed briefly at his pipe and once again regarded Green through the cloud of tobacco smoke. There was no doubt in his mind that Green was indeed ideal for the mission he was soon to be offered. He set the pipe aside and began to nibble at a cake. ‘Well, all that’s behind us now,’ he continued. ‘France is very different, much tougher. Compared to France, the Gallipoli adventure was just a side show. The Germans are real soldiers, professionals.’
Green frowned. He had heard belittling comments regarding the Turks’ skill at arms before, but it was an opinion generally expressed by men who had not fought at Gallipoli. ‘Well, I can’t comment on that, sir,’ he replied evenly. ‘I’ve not been to France.’ He decided to change the subject. ‘Where do you fit in to all of this, sir? he asked.
Law shrugged. ‘I can’t tell you much about myself,’ he said. ‘While I’m part of General Monash’s staff, I also work for another organisation as well.’
A crisp knock on the office door interrupted further discourse on the subject, and without Law’s leave, the door opened, and General John Monash entered the room.
Chapter 5
Monash smiled briefly as he placed his peaked cap on the hat rack. ‘Sorry I’m a bit late, Law,’ he said gruffly. ‘A couple of minor issues took me away.’ He glanced briefly at Green. ‘Good to see you again, Robert.’ His eye fell on Green’s colour patch, which still reflected the sergeant’s old unit. ‘You’ll have that colour patch changed to the blue circle on white, won’t you Robert.’ It was not a question, but a clear direction. Monash was determined to promote pride in the 3rd Division in every soldier under his command, and Green was not going to be an exception to that policy.
Green did not respond but stood stiffly to attention, his mind racing. The School RSM was right, after all, and Monash was behind his move from the School. The morning had just gotten a lot more interesting.
Monash seated himself in the spare armchair and waved Green back to his seat. ‘Sit down, Sergeant, and relax for heaven’s sake. You never used to stand on ceremony.’ He turned his attention to Law. ‘Is that tea?’ Monash inquired.
‘Yes sir…the usual?’
‘Please…how far have you got with Sergeant Green?
‘I’ve reviewed Sergeant Green’s background, and I agree with you. He would be ideal for our task.’ Law handed Monash a cup of tea. ‘You are aware of the relevant details concerning the sergeant, sir?’
Monash nodded and waved a hand dismissively. “All too aware,’ he replied with a wry smile.
Law passed the plate of cakes to the General.
‘Ah, my favourite. Thanks, Law.’ Monash glanced