The military history of Australia tells an important narrative of Australia’s past.

Australia has been involved in numerous conflicts, wars, and military service, which have significantly influenced  Australia’s society and national identity.

John Stanley speaks to Mat McLachlan, a leading Australian battlefield historian, about his new book, The Cowra Breakout.

The Cowra Breakout occurred on 5th August 1944, when more than 400 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from a prisoner of war camp near Cowra, in New South Wales.

The book brings to light the missing pieces of Australia’s World War II history, exploring the raw emotions these soldiers faced and the extremes people will go to when they feel all hope is lost.

Image: Hachette Australia

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