Australia in the War of 1939–1945
| Author | Gavin Long (general editor) and twelve other principal authors |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Military history of Australia in World War II |
| Genre | Military history |
| Publisher | Australian War Memorial |
|
Publication date
|
1952–1977 |
| Preceded by | Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 |
| Followed by | Australia in the Korean War 1950–53 |
Australia in the War of 1939–1945 is a 22-volume official history series covering Australia's involvement in the Second World War. The series was published by the Australian War Memorial between 1952 and 1977. Most volumes in the series were edited by Gavin Long, who also wrote three volumes in the series and the summary volume The Six Year War.
In contrast to the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918, this series has a greater focus on the war's impact upon domestic events, including volumes on operations of the Australian Government and contributions made by Australian industry and science. In addition, Australia in the War of 1939–1945 includes a series on the history of the Australian military's medical services, and the problems encountered by these services, during the war.
In April 1943 the Australian War Cabinet decided that plans should be made to write an official history of Australia's involvement in World War II. Gavin Long was appointed the general editor of the prospective series on the recommendation of C.E.W. Bean, the editor of the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918, in January 1943 and presented a provisional plan of the series to the War Cabinet which approved it in July 1943. At this time it was envisioned that the series would consist of 14 volumes, each of about 500 pages. Long's provisional plan stated that the series' purpose was:
a. to crystallise the facts once and for all for any subsequent use
b. to establish a story that will carry conviction in other countries
c. to satisfy the men who took part that the history is an adequate memorial of their efforts and sacrifices.
The War Cabinet approved a revised plan shortly after the end of the war and after further refinements in 1950 it was decided that the series would comprise 22 volumes. These works mainly covered the operations of the Australian military, and the only technical volumes covered the medical services. Sub-series covering domestic politics and the war economy were also included. Some senior officers had advocated for volumes covering military logistics and administration, but without success. Long proposed a volume on Australia's strategic policies, including negotiations with the British and United States governments, but this was not authorised by the Australian government on the grounds that it could be detrimental to postwar policy. In 1982 the Australian War Memorial jointly published David Horner's book High Command. Australia and Allied Strategy 1939–1945 which was marketed as being "the book which Prime Minister John Curtin directed the official historian not to write".
...
Wikipedia