Breaker Morant by Peter FitzSimons

$49.99 AUD

Category: Military

The epic story of the Boer War and Harry 'Breaker' Morant: drover, horseman, bush poet - murderer or hero? Most Australians have heard of the Boer War of 1899 to 1902 and of Harry 'Breaker' Morant, a figure who rivals Ned Kelly as an archetypal Australian folk hero. Born in England and emigrating to Qu eensland in 1883 in his early twenties, Morant was a charming but reckless man who established a reputation as a rider, polo player and writer. He submitted ballads to The Bulletin that were published under the name 'The Breaker' and counted Banjo Paterson as a friend. When appeals were made for horsemen to serve in the war in South Africa, Morant joined up, first with the South Australian Mounted Rifles and then with a South African irregular unit, the Bushveldt Carbineers. In September 1901 Morant and two other Australians, Lieutenants Peter Handcock and George Witton, were arrested for the murder of Boer prisoners. Morant and Handcock were court-martialled and executed in February 1902 as the Boer War was in its closing stages, but the debate over their convictions continues to this day. Does Breaker Morant deserve his iconic status? Who was Harry Morant? What events and passions led him to a conflict that was essentially an Imperial war, played out on a distant continent under a foreign flag? Was he a scapegoat for British war crimes or a criminal himself? With his trademark brilliant command of story, Peter FitzSimons unravels the many myths and fictions that surround the life of Harry Morant. The truths FitzSimons uncovers about 'The Breaker' and the part he played in the Boer War are astonishing - and, in the hands of this master storyteller, make compelling reading.           ...Show more

Failures of Command: The death of Private Robert Poate by Hugh Poate

$34.99 AUD

Category: Military

On 29 August 2012 Private Robert Poate, Lance Corporal Rick Milosevic and Sapper James Martin were killed during an insider, or green on blue, attack in Afghanistan. Their killer was supposed to be their ally but was a Taliban sleeper in the ranks of the Afghan National Army. Information provided to the families by rank-and-file soldiers after the event shocked them. When the heavily redacted internal investigation report was received the grieving families knew that it excluded a plethora of incriminating facts.This powerful book is the result of a father's quest to find out all the facts associated with the death of his son. His search reveals a labyrinth of excuses, denials, half-truths, cover-ups, contrived secrecy, incompetence, negligence, orders not followed, and lessons not learnt from the previous twelve years of war in Afghanistan. The determination of Hugh Poate and the other two families to uncover the truth would lead to a civilian Coronial Inquest into combat deaths, the first in the 120-year history of the Australian Army. Compelling and enraging, this story of the true facts surrounding the devastating loss of three soldiers continues to reverberate beyond their families to the highest levels of Defence and government.'A heartrending account of the experiences of three families devastated first by avoidable tragedy, then by inexplicable interference in their search of answers, accountability and closure. Hugh Poate has ensured that the deaths of three Australian war heroes will not have been in vain. A must read for any young Australian contemplating military service.' — Joel Fitzgibbon ...Show more

100 Military Inventions That Changed the World by Jonathan Bailey

$9.99 AUD

$24.99 (60% off)

Category: Military

Nothing ensures the rapid development of new technology like the involvement of the military. From the trebuchet and the cannon to the tank and the ballistic missile, military research programs have produced the most devastating weapons imaginable--but military masterminds are also responsible for a num ber of surprises along the way. Radar, walkie-talkies, and the jet engine are more obvious examples of military inventions that are now in everyday use around the world, but there are plenty of items with which all of us come into contact on a daily basis that have been developed from military technology. Jonathan Bailey describes how the microwave oven in your kitchen, the sat-nav in your car, and the Internet that you use every day all owe their existence to the military. Other inventions include: DynamitePlastic surgeryThe submarineThe crossbowThe longbowThe hand grenadeSatellitesWater purification tabletsNight visionStealth jetsLaser-guided smart bombsThe digital camera With all this and more, this highly readable, fascinating voyage through the world of military inventions will entertain military buffs and technology lovers alike. ...Show more

For Gallantry: Australians Awarded the George Cross and the Cross of Valour by Craig Blanch

$69.99 AUD

Category: Military

From the frozen wastes of Antarctica to the burning ruins of the Bali bombings, For Gallantry tells the stories of the 28 Australians awarded the nation's highest non-combat awards for bravery: the Imperial George Cross and its Australian Honours and Awards replacement, the Cross of Valour. Created to m ark extraordinary deeds away from the field of battle, the awards are the non-combat equivalent of the coveted Victoria Cross. More than a quarter of the recipients were awarded posthumously — testimony to the selflessness recognised by the decorations. They came from all walks of life. From teachers and farmers to defence force members and firefighters, theirs are stories of incredible physical and moral courage. Some were recognised for single heroic acts, others for their conduct over many months of terrible adversity. With assistance from the sole surviving Australian holder of the George Cross, and recipients of the Cross of Valour, For Gallantry profiles their heroic actions in a dedicated volume for the first time. 'Courageous behaviour comes in many forms. For Gallantry tells the remarkable true stories of some of Australia's most selfless people. A beautifully illustrated work that keeps you captivated from the first page.' — Dan Keighran VC ...Show more

Derrick VC: in His Own Words - Australia's Most Famous Fighting Soldier of World War II by Mark Johnston

$39.99 AUD

Category: Military

Tom 'Diver' Derrick VC DCM was Australia's most famous fighting soldier of World War II. Derrick fought in five campaigns, won the highest medals for bravery, and died of wounds sustained while leading his men in the war's last stages. His career reached its climax on the jungle-clad heights of Sattelbe rg in New Guinea, where he won the Victoria Cross by spearheading the capture of seemingly impregnable Japanese defences. The diaries Derrick kept throughout his campaigns, from Tobruk to Tarakan, are among the most important writings by any Australian soldier. Those diaries and all his other known wartime correspondence and interviews are published here for the first time in their entirety. 'Diver' had only a rudimentary education, but his intelligence, humour, ambition and fighting outlook shine through his words. Edited and annotated by Mark Johnston, one of Australia's leading authorities on World War II, this book provides unprecedented insights into the mind and the remarkable career of one of Australia's most decorated and renowned servicemen. ...Show more

You Shouldn't Have Joined... by Peter Cosgrove

$49.99 AUD

Category: Military

General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) is one of Australia's most significant public figures. As a soldier he saw action in Vietnam, winning the Military Cross, and rose to the very top of his profession, becoming Chief of the Defence Force. Soon after his retirement from the Army, he was invited to take charge of the huge relief and rebuilding operation in Queensland after the devastation of Cyclone Larry. In 2014, Cosgrove became Australia's Governor-General. As Governor-General he travelled far and wide, supporting Australians in times of crisis, sadness, joy or celebration, representing us on the world stage with humour, intelligence and a force of personal magnetism that was felt by everyone from prime ministers to presidents. When he retired in July 2019, it was as one of the most beloved and respected governors-general in Australia's history. Cosgrove embodies the traits we truly value: warmth, humanity, toughness and loyalty. His humour and empathy shone through the pomp and ceremony, and his time as Governor-General will be remembered as much for his laughter as for the usual dignities of the office. You Shouldn't Have Joined ... (an expression much used during his days as a soldier) is the story of Cosgrove's extraordinarily full and eventful life. It is also the story of those who have shared it with him, in particular his wife Lynne. His memoir allows us an incredible insight into the role and world of Australia's Governor-General. He was there as two prime ministers were toppled by their own party. He was there through disasters both natural and man-made, such as the destruction of MH17. He was there for world leaders, and for ordinary Australians. You Shouldn't Have Joined ... is a true reflection of the man himself, filled with intelligence, forthrightness, compassion and a brilliant eye for a telling anecdote. ...Show more

Walk in My Combat Boots: True Stories from the Battlefront by James Patterson

$32.99 AUD

Category: Military

Written with Matt Eversmann, the real-life hero of Black Hawk Down, James Patterson brings us true stories of life on the battlefront In Walk in My Combat Boots, men and women from all branches of the US military - Army, Navy Air Force, Marine Corps - share the moments of their service that matter most. These powerful true stories of courage, honour and duty from those who have sacrificed are at once humbling and inspiring. What defines them is the shared ethos- 'We all need to serve something bigger than ourselves.' Whether they're jumping out of planes, being shot at on the ground, or feeling like they might never get back home, 'When the fear shows up,' explains a Marine Corps rifleman, 'I tell myself I can do it - I will do it. And I do.' From armour technicians and tank commanders to truck drivers, from combat medics and flight nurses to psychological operatives, from training to deployment in country all across the globe - and post-tour life on the home front - each and every one of these heroes embodies the warrior spirit in their daily work. ...Show more

SAS Combat Handbook by Barry Davies

$14.99 AUD

$32.99 (54% off)

Category: Military

An SAS soldier explains the battle history of this prestigious military service, while teaching how you can defend yourself in both hand-to-hand and military combat.   Seventy years after its inception, the Special Air Service (SAS) is recognized by many as one of the most decorated military forces in the world. Their soldiers do battle on a daily basis, taking actions that are normally swift, very hard hitting, and extremely secretive. They will go--willingly--deep behind enemy lines, taking on incredible odds and risking their lives in the hope of rescuing others.   In the SAS Combat Handbook, you will be informed on all aspects of SAS operations. With never-before-seen photographs of these heroes in action and untold stories of individual acts of bravery, you will be taught the key combat methods that have made this military group exactly what they are: elite.Included are training tips that will teach you about various military tactics, such as:   The art of cover and remaining hidden behind enemy linesThe keys to covert insertion and extraction operationsCounterterrorism skills, including building entry, ambush, and snipingFire battles on land, in the air, or at seaAnd so much more   From the gathering of intelligence to undercover operations, the SAS is made up of two hundred men who are rigorously selected, highly trained, and ready to face what others fear. They know what it takes to get the job done, and no matter the situation, their combat skills are the best in the business. ...Show more

Girl with a Sniper Rifle - An Eastern Front Memoir by Yulia Zhukova

$29.99 AUD

Category: Military

In this vivid first-hand account we gain unique access to the inner workings of Stalin's Central Women's Sniper School, near Podolsk in Western Russia. Luliia was a dedicated member of the Komsomol (the Soviet communist youth organisation) and her parents worked for the NKVD. She started at the sniper school and eventually became a valued member of her battalion during operations against Prussia. She persevered through eight months of training before leaving for the Front on 24th November 1944 just days after qualifying. Joining the third Belorussian Front her battalion endured rounds of German mortar as well as loudspeaker announcements beckoning them to come over to the German side. Luliia recounts how they would be in the field for days, regularly facing the enemy in terrifying one-on-one encounters. She sets down the euphoria of her first hit and starting her "battle count" but her reflection on how it was also the ending of a life. These feelings fade as she recounts the barbarous actions of Hitler's Nazi Germany. She recall how the women were once nearly overrun by Germans at their house when other Red Army formations had moved off and failed to tell them. She also details a nine-day stand-off they endured encircled by Germans in Landsberg.   ...Show more

The Greatest Beer Run Ever - A Crazy Adventure in a Crazy War by John Donohue

$32.99 AUD

Category: Military

An incredible true story of how, in 1967 - having seen students protesting against the Vietnam war - Chickie Donohue and his New York City bar friends decided that someone should go to Vietnam and take their soldier pals a beer and show them that SOMEONE appreciates what they're doing out there. It wou ld be the Greatest Beer Run Ever! But who'd be crazy enough to do it? One man was up for the challenge: John "Chickie" Donohue. A U. S. Marine Corps veteran turned merchant mariner, Chickie decided he wasn't about to desert his buddies on the front lines when they needed him most. In THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER, Chickie sets off on an adventure that changes his life forever. Armed with Irish luck and a backpack full of alcohol, he makes his way to Qui Nho'n, tracking down his disbelieving friends one by one. But Chickie sees more of the war than he ever bargained for, unexpectedly getting caught up for a night on the front line by the Demilitarized Zone, and in Saigon during the Tet Offensive. Donohue talks his way in and out of situations; learns a lot about himself and most importantly, changes his view on the Vietnam War, seeing first-hand the craziness of the whole endeavor and ultimately realising that the protesters were right. ...Show more

Bill the Bastard: The Story of Australia's Greatest War Horse by Roland Perry

$27.99 AUD

Category: Military

An epic yarn based on the true story of a great Australian war horse who rode with bravery and valour at Gallipoli, the desert campaigns of Egypt, and Palestine.

Secret and Special (PB) by Will Davies

$34.99 AUD

Category: Military

Soon after the declaration of war on Japan, a secret military reconnaissance unit was established, based on the British Special Operations Executive (known as SOE) and called the Inter-allied Services Department. The unit was tasked with the role to "obtain and report information of the enemy ... weaken the enemy by sabotage and destruction of morale and to lend aid and assistance to local efforts to the same end in enemy occupied territories." In 1943 it became known under the cover name Special Reconnaissance Department (SRD) and included some British officers who had escaped from Singapore. After arriving in Australia, they assembled in Melbourne, forming the nucleus of ISD and together with some Australians established what became the Z Special Unit. Training began in a number of locations around Australia including on Fraser Island off the Queensland coast, In Broken Bay near Sydney, at Careening Bay in Western Australia, at the "House on the Hill" in Cairns and at East Arm near Darwin. From these training areas and bases, Z Special undertook intelligence gathering and raiding missions throughout Southeast Asia including New Guinea, Singapore, Timor, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and the Dutch East Indies. The first operation was Jaywick in September 1943. Led by a 28 year old officer from the Gordon Highlanders, Captain Ivan Lyon. Using an old Japanese fishing boat renamed Krait this captured vessel was re-fitted and provisioned for a voyage from Australia to just south of Singapore where it released six commandos in three folding kayaks to attack Japanese shipping in the harbour. They placed limpet mines on several Japanese ships sinking 40,000 tons of shipping. After the successful attack, they paddled south, were picked up by the Krait and successfully returned to Australia. This was followed by Operation Rimau again led by Lyon but this time things went very wrong very early. Identified, they made a fighting withdrawal but all of the raiding party were shot or captured, with the last ten being executed just before the end of the war. Important in Z Special operations were a number of vessels designated "snake boats". Four 66'' modified trawlers were constructed as well as a range of Asian vessels that allowed their operation in South East Asian areas of operation. One Z Special, the last in PNG, set out on the night of the 11 April 1945. Eight operatives were landed on the Japanese held island of Muschu about five kilometres off the coast near Wewak to determine the status of two 140mm Japanese naval guns that had been placed there. These guns would prove dangerous to planned naval landings at Wewak, and allied command needed to know if these were operational. The operatives were launched in four double folding kayaks from a HTML fast crash boat but the current carried them away from their landing position and the surf capsized their boats. The men swam ashore but both their radio and their signal torches had been destroyed and the men had no way of connecting with the return crash boat. Soon their lost equipment was found by the Japanese and a massive search with 1,000 troops scoured the island. Quite soon seven of the eight men had been captured, killed or died trying to swim to the mainland and only one man, Sergeant ''Mick'' Dennis remained. Over the next three days he continued a one man war, fighting off Japanese patrols and living off the land. Unable to do this for long, he took to the dangerous shark and crocodile infested waters and with the aid of a log, paddled to the mainland. Landing on a Japanese controlled beach, he snuck ashore and after further firefights and a difficult journey travelling west, he finally was found by an Australian patrol. Mick Dennis was able to provide valuable information and for his service and bravery, was awarded a Military Medal. During the course of the war, Z Special Unit carried out 81 covert operations in the Southwest Pacific theatre. While the unit was disbanded after the end of the war, many of its techniques would be modified and used by Australian Special Forces to this day.   ...Show more