Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Herring, an Australian Army officer during World War II, had insights into the dynamics and perceptions of military leadership during the war. His views on why General Douglas MacArthur and General Sir Thomas Blamey were not fully appreciated in their respective countries can be understood through several historical and contextual factors:

1. Douglas MacArthur: As a prominent American general, MacArthur was a controversial figure. His leadership style was often seen as autocratic, and he had a complex relationship with both political leaders and the public. Despite his significant military achievements, such as his role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, his later actions during the Korean War, particularly his disagreements with President Harry Truman, led to his dismissal. This controversy overshadowed his earlier successes and contributed to a mixed legacy in the United States.

2. Thomas Blamey: As the commander of the Australian Army, Blamey faced criticism for several reasons. His leadership style was often questioned, and he was involved in several contentious decisions during the war. Additionally, Blamey was sometimes seen as being too closely aligned with MacArthur, which led to perceptions that he was not sufficiently advocating for Australian interests. His post-war reputation was further tarnished by various controversies, including his handling of military operations and his relationships with subordinates.

Herring likely believed that both generals were not fully appreciated due to these controversies and the complex nature of their leadership roles during a tumultuous period. Their contributions were significant, but the political and personal challenges they faced affected how they were perceived in their home countries.