This comprehensive history of Australia’s often overlooked but important role in World War II, in which one million service members from a country with a population of seven million served, is based on the moving and emotional personal stories of soldiers who served on the front lines and of prominent politicians on the home front. Campaigns in which Australian soldiers played a significant role are discussed, including those in North Africa, the Middle East, New Guinea, and the Anzac Corps in Greece. A controversial discussion of the home front in wartime Australia concentrates on political leaders, including Thomas Blamey, Commander-in-Chief; Robert Menzies, Prime Minister from 1939–1941; and John Curtin, Prime Minister from 1941–1945.

Michael McKernan was principal historian at the Australian War Memorial and is a resident historian for the Australian Broadcasting Company. He is the author of All In!, The Brumbies, Drought, and The Red Marauder.