In 1942, the shadow of modern war reached Australia’s shores for the first
time. In this compelling volume, leading historians explore why 1942 was such
a pivotal year in Australia’s history, and explain how the nation confronted
some of its greatest challenges. This broad-ranging study covers key issues from
political, economic and home-front reform to the establishment of a new
partnership with the United States; the role of the Air Force and the Navy; the
bombing of Darwin; as well as the battles of Kokoda, Milne Bay, the
Beachheads and Guadalcanal.
Australia 1942 provides a unique and in-depth exploration of the controversy
surrounding the potential for invasion. Japanese and Australian historians
offer perspectives on Japanese military intentions and strategies towards
Australia and the South Pacific. Generously illustrated, it is essential reading for
anyone interested in one of Australia’s most decisive and critical years.
Peter J. Dean is the Director of Studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies
Centre, the Australian National University and a Senior Lecturer at the
Australian Command and Staff College. He is the author of The Architect of
Victory: The Military Career of Lieutenant-General Sir Frank Horton
Berryman (2011), a contributing editor to the Second World War journal
Global War Studies and a managing editor for the journal Security Challenges