The Commanders : Australian Military Leadership in the Twentieth Century

Originally published in 1984, this book tells the story of sixteen of Australia’s most eminent military men, as they performed under the stress of strategy-making and in the heat of battle.

In scrutinising critical periods in the careers of such men as Brudenell White, Chauvel, Monash, Gordon Bennett, Blamey and Scherger, it addresses a number of fascinating questions:

• Is there an Australian style of command?
• How well have Australian officers been prepared for high command?
• How have Australian commanders handled the problems of coalition way or co-operation with allies?
• How have political direction, organisational structures and entrenched defence policy affected the performance of commanders in the field?

Each re-evaluation compares performance with reputation. Some of the figures examined are familiar (What was the real basis of Monash’s reputation as a commander? Was Blamey worthy of the field-marshal’s baton?); some are given an appraisal long denied them.

This roll-call of some of Australia’s greatest warriors presents a fascinating picture of the realities of war at the top. Each of the sixteen lives examined presents a revealing account of the conditions under which crucial military decisions are made and carried out – on the battlefield, at headquarters, in victory and defeat.

The Commanders will appeal not only to students of military affairs but to everyone interested in Australian history and biography.