Truth Under Fire: Australia's Second World War Correspondents

The story of six remarkable men who shaped the way Australians witnessed and remember war

This is a biography of six of Australia’s most notable Second World War correspondents, who were also significant cultural figures: Kenneth Slessor, Damien Parer, Chester Wilmot, George Johnston, Osmar White and George Silk.

Some believe Chester Wilmot was the best Allied war correspondent of all, especially as seen in his book The Struggle for Europe. Kenneth Slessor is now regarded as one of Australia’s finest poets. Damien Parer, George Silk and Osmar White made their names bringing the New Guinea campaign to the world’s attention. George Johnston is remembered for his Miles Franklin Award–winning novel My Brother Jack and his writing partnership with wife Charmian Clift.

Daniel Seaton argues that to truly understand these journalists, we must consider them not just individually but as a network. Connected by work, social relationships, artistic ambitions and their engagement with the Anzac legend, their significance is clearest when we read them as a group. In this vivid, groundbreaking book, Seaton does just that. A must-read for anyone interested in Australian military history and writing.

© 2026 La Trobe University Press (E-bog): 9781743824757

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E-bog: 18. august 2026