The simple and easy way to get your mind around Australia's military history

More people are visiting Gallipoli and walking the Kokoda Trail each year now find out why. This complete guide helps you trace the story of Australia's involvement in war, from the colonial conflicts with the Indigenous population, through the World Wars to peacekeeping initiatives in East Timor and the controversial conflict in Afghanistan.

Find out the origins of Australia's military history go all the way back to the arrival of the First Fleet and the conflicts with the Indigenous peoples

Learn about the heroism of the Anzacs discover the origins of the legend of Gallipoli, and how the brass bungled the campaign

Discover the horrors of war consider the suffering and huge losses on the Western Front

Recognise the successful battles of World Wars I and II follow the Diggers' exploits in Palestine and Syria, and at Tobruk and Alamein

Marvel at the grim jungle battles track the Diggersthrough New Guinea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam between 1942 and 1972

Admire Australia's efforts to repel possible invaders learn how Australians defended their country against the Japanese during World War II

See how the Cold War heated up witness the fight against communism in the Korean and Vietnam Wars

Appreciate the modern-day Australian Defence Force acknowledge the courage of the men and women who protectus into the 21st century

Open the book and find:

New insights into the meaning of Anzac Day

Simple explanations of the structure of Australia's military

Details of who fought whom, where, when and why

Stories of Australia's great military fighters and leaders

Accounts of the iconic battles that established Australia's reputation

Locations of Australia's peacekeeping operations around the world

Ways in which war and conflict have shaped the nation

Reasons why Australia goes to war

Learn to:

Comprehend the impact of waron Australia

Appreciate the heroism at AnzacCove and other significant battlefields

Understand the controversies ofrecent conflicts, including in Vietnam and Iraq

Part I: The Essentials of Australian Military History.

Chapter 1: Exploring Why Australia Goes to War.

Chapter 2: Coming to Grips with the Military.

Part II: The Wars of Colonial Australia.

Chapter 3: Colonial Confl icts.

Chapter 4: Battling the Boers, 18991902.

Part III: The First World War: Australia's Greatest Tragedy.

Chapter 5: Australia Goes to War, 1914.

Chapter 6: Creating the Anzac Legend at Gallipoli, 1915.

Chapter 7: Enduring the Horrors of the Western Front, 191617.

Chapter 8: Riding to Victory in Palestine, 191618.

Chapter 9: Hammering the Huns, 1918.

Part IV: The Second World War: The Empire Beckons.

Chapter 10: Winning the First Battles, 194041.

Chapter 11: New Theatres, New Allies and New Enemies, 1941.

Chapter 12: Defeating the Afrika Korps, 194142.

Chapter 13: Our Airmen in Europe, 193945.

Part V: Our War in the Pacific.

Chapter 14: The Japanese are Coming! 1941 42.

Chapter 15: New Guinea Battles A Jungle Hell, 194244.

Chapter 16: Fighting to the Finish, 194445.

Chapter 17: The Civilian Side of the War.

Part VI: The Aussies Do Their Bit in the Cold War.

Chapter 18: Taking up Arms for the United Nations in Korea, 195053.

Chapter 19: Backing the Brits in Malaya and Borneo, 195066.

Chapter 20: Fighting Alongside the Yanks in Vietnam, 196272.

Part VII: On Overseas Service.

Chapter 21: Peacekeeping Near and Far, 19472010.

Chapter 22: Flying the Flag in Iraq and Afghanistan, 19902010.

Part VIII: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 23: Ten Top Australian Military Leaders.

Chapter 24: Ten Famous Australian Battles.

Chapter 25: Ten Myths of Australian Military History.

Index.