The Military History Society of NSW

Under The Same Moon is a distinctive narrative that weaves together the lives of a family, their sons, and the men of the battalion they join, all set against the backdrop of a now-vanished Australia of World War II. This compelling historical account breathes life into the people and places of the era, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy that captivates you. Drawing extensively from unpublished and previously unseen written accounts, oral histories, letters, and archival materials, Under The Same Moon provides a deeply personal exploration of the lesser-known Australian campaign in the Middle East. It captures the dramatic separation of a group of men from their Australia-bound convoy and their arrival in Java, teetering on the brink of collapse, while illuminating the fears and anxieties of families left in the dark. An unforgettable story of love, comradeship, bravery and courage, laced with humour, suffering and beauty. Through its rich narrative, Under The Same Moon invi...

Drummoyne’s Great War by Brendan Bateman tells the stories of the 95 men listed on the Drummoyne War Memorial who served and died in the First World War. The stories of these soldiers, told in the order in which they died, follow the narrative arch of Australia's involvement in the Great War providing a unique contextual depth. Referencing personal correspondence, service records, unit war diaries, Red Cross reports, official histories and newspaper articles, and featuring over 350 archival images and 2,000 meticulously researched footnotes, Brendan brings the stories of these men to life with a deep respect. Their stories provide an insight into the broader experience of Australia in the war – the volunteers who came from all districts and backgrounds, sometimes with only a fleeting connection to Drummoyne, and who served in all theatres from 1914 to the end of the war. Drummoyne's Great War tells 95 stories missing from Drummoyne and Australia's history. Brendan commenc...