'Like many people, Chester Wilmot experienced a short period that defined who he was and determined the rest of his life. This period was the four years he spent as a war correspondent. However, there was a second unpleasant undercurrent that affected his work and his life: this was his dispute with the Australia Commander-in-Chief over what Wilmot saw and General Blamey's misconduct, poor military judgement and political machinations for his own benefit.' (Introduction)