 The defence of Australia took on a new urgency in December 1941 with the entry of Japan into the war . Within the Army there was a concern that Bennett or Lavarack would be appointed as Commander in Chief . In March 1942 , Vasey , Herring and Steele approached the Minister for the Army , Frank Forde , with a proposal that all officers over the age of 50 be immediately retired and Major General Horace Robertson be appointed Commander in Chief . This " revolt of the generals " collapsed with the welcome news that Blamey was returning from the Middle East to become Commander in Chief Australian Military Forces . 
