Australian Heroes of World War II

 Australian Heroes of World War II

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       October 2, 2025

 

Author  Mark Johnston.

Distributor:      New South Books
ISBN:                 9781761170362
Publisher:         UNSW Press
Release Date:   October 2025  

Website:    https://unsw.press/books/australian-heroes-of-world-war-ii/ 

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Remarkable stories of battlefield courage

Mark Johnston is a leading authority on the Australian Army in World War 2. He is a Historian and head of History at Scotch college Melbourne. Mark has written twelve books including “Derrick VC in His Own Words.”

This retelling is a detailed account of the bravery of soldiers when facing overwhelming odds in various field of battle. To begin the book, Mark has included a list of contents showing individual aspects of that time with several chapters referring to, “The advance to Benghazi, Kokoda, El Alamein, the siege of Tobruk, the unsung heroes of the Syrian campaign”, and many more.

Next comes a list of maps, which show at the beginning of each chapter, where the fighting took place. In the introduction we are exposed to thoughtful ideas about individuals and bravery as well as how fear is felt by all soldiers, and how they all react differently.

There is an example of Sergeant Ron Patrick who was a “pious, laconic teetotaller, who only became aggressive when sent into ‘No Man’s Land’.” He was renowned for leading his men to protect them, rather than ordering them on.

In the notes on style, the author explains the meaning of words such as “citation, and recommendations.” He then goes on to list the Military Awards and explains who they could be given to and for what reason. There is also a table which shows Military units and commanders. For example,’ A Brigade consists of 700-860 men overseen by a Brigadier’.

With the description of the battles the author also mentions individuals and their achievements. One man of great courage and bravery went on to murder a couple after the war. The Judge mused on whether the war may have affected his behaviour. The stories of the strategies, battles and personal lives of the men involved make fascinating reading.

Australian Heroes of World War 2 is a lasting treasure for Australian people to acknowledge.

History, Non Fiction