25 February 1942

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill seethes at his Australian counterpart John Curtin’s insistence on returning the AIF 7^th Division, about 20,000 troops, to defend Australia. 

Churchill had unilaterally ordered them diverted to Burma. After a furious Curtin challenged him, Churchill relented and the convoy steamed to Colombo, refueled and then headed to Australia.

Churchil privately claims Curtin and the Australians are “the most egotistical, conceited people imaginable”.

Both Curtin’s colleagues and political foes are increasingly disturbed by the profound impact the remorseless pressure is having on his health.