Summary
This is the first volume of The Australian Centenary History of Defence series. The Australian Army is the oldest of the three armed services, and is one of the oldest continuous national organisations in the country. It has fought in many of the twentieth century's major and minor conflicts, but has never engaged in battle on Australian soil. This book is a history of the Australian Army as an institution. It is not a history of the Army's battles, nor is it a study of the Australian soldier or general - it is the history of the Australian Army with its shortcomings and failures paid due attention, its triumphs and successes duly noted.
