The Commanders

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.