This is a short account of Australia's role in World War II.

From War to War, 1918-1939 -- September 1939 -- Australia's War in outline, 1939-1945 -- Politics and command, 1939-1942 -- The Mediterranean campaign, 1940-1945 -- Australians in the Royal Air Force, 1939-1945 -- The Japanese threat, 1939-1941 -- A new War? -- 'Australia's gravest hour' -- Malayan fiasco -- Collapse of the Malay barrier -- Invasion threat? -- The arrival of the Americans, September 1941-April 1942 -- Southwest Pacific Area, 1942-1945 -- Reprieve for SWPA, March-July 1942 -- Papua, July 1942-January 1943 -- New Guinea, 1943-1944 -- Redundant ally? -- Unnecessary battles? -- Equipping the Forces, 1939-1945 -- Total War? -- A People's war -- Australia's contribution to the war.