Truth Under Fire

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 the individuals who made up this network, we must consider them not just as a series of separate journalists but as a group connected through their work, social interactions, journalistic ambition and philosophy, artistic interests and engagement with the Anzac legend. In this vivid, groundbreaking book, he does just that. A must-read for anyone interested in Australian military history and writing.