1942: the year the war came to Australia: The bombing of Darwin and the attack on Sydney by the Japanese

‘Grose’s compassionate, honest and vivid account deserves to be widely read.’ Sun Herald on An Awkward Truth

‘About as good as any yarn can get … a great retelling of a great story.’ Sydney Morning Herald on A Very Rude Awakening

Originally published as the best-selling An Awkward Truth and A Very Rude Awakening

The bombing of Darwin by the Japanese on 19 February 1942 was the first wartime assault on Australian soil. The Japanese dropped more bombs on Darwin, killed more civilians in Darwin and sank more ships in Darwin than Pearl Harbor.

Three months later, on 31 May 1942, three Japanese midget submarines crept into Sydney Harbour and caused an unforgettable night of mayhem, high farce, chaos and courage. The war was no longer confined to distant deserts and jungles. It had well and truly come to Australia.

Absorbing, spirited and fast-paced, 1942: the year the war came to Australia tells the story of the under-armed and unprepared soldiers and civilians who faced their toughest test on home soil.