Australian historians of World War II are fast running out of time. Although printed and photographic records are more accessible than ever, the number of eyewitnesses to the war’s events is dwindling. Rescuing veterans’ insights and memories from oblivion is a matter of ‘now or never’. The subject of this book, the late Major General Ken Eather, will not be forgotten. His name will always be associated with the fighting for Bardia, Lae and Kokoda. More fragile are the invaluable recollections that living veterans have of his career and personality.

Steve Eather deserves credit for gathering their testimonies, though he does much more than merely collect them. Although he is related to the general, and clearly sees him as a great soldier and good man, he has presented his account in a scrupulously even-handed way. The result may be flawed, but it is a convincing and moving tribute.