At the Front Line: Experiences of Australian Soldiers in World War II

Hardback

Main Details

Title At the Front Line: Experiences of Australian Soldiers in World War II
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Mark Johnston
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:300
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreEuropean history
Second world war
ISBN/Barcode 9780521560375
ClassificationsDewey:940.548194
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 2 Maps; 23 Halftones, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 14 October 1996
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

At the Front Line draws on a plethora of letters, diaries and documents written by over 300 Australian soldiers in the field to present a picture of the hardships and triumphs of their wartime experience. Mark Johnston analyses the suffering of front-line soldiers caused not only by the opposing force, but also by the conditions imposed by their own army. The book details the physical and psychological pressures of life at the front and shows how soldiers survived or surrendered to unbearable environments, fear, boredom and the constant threat of impending death. The myths of mateship and equanimity are brought under scrutiny. Much hostility can be explained by competition between ranks and the perceived hostility of superiors. The author investigates the immense strain that led to many breakdowns and the characteristic forebearance that saw so many others through.

Reviews

"This is an extremely worthwhile study of an army..." R. Higham, Choice "Johnston's discussion of the sources of stress on battlefields...is both scholarly and moving. It would be useful for any modern commander planning a ground war to refer to the discussion here of the incidence of psychoneurotic casualties both before, during and after battle." John McCarthy, Pacific Affairs