When Imperial Japan unleashed the Pacific War, Australian forces went into action in Malaya and later on Singapore Island. This book covers the role of Australians in the Malaya campaigns, 1941-42.

Introduction : fighting soldiers -- Roads to war : defending Australia in the Near North -- Strike south : Preparations for war in Malaya -- Hostages to fate : deploying the 8th Division to Malaya -- Defeat in detail : the Japanese 'Driving Charge' -- We would soon have the Japanese reeling back : Bennett takes command -- Bravery we had not prevously seen : the fight for Northern Johore -- A race for the causeway : the retreat to Singapore -- Conclusion : death of an Army.