Blood and Iron - The Battle for Kokoda 1942

The Kokoda campaign of 1942 is one of the classic battles in Australian military history, and has taken its place alongside the landing at Gallipoli, the charge at Beersheba, and the defence of Tobruk. It was also the first time that Australians fought to defend their homeland against direct threat, without the protection of great and powerful friends.

In Blood and Iron, Lex McAuley tells the full story of the campaign - from the beginning, when an untried force of Australians went to do battle with a Japanese army which had swept aside all before it in its relentless drive through southeast Asia, to the victorious conclusion, with the Australians emerging as victors. The Japanese side of the campaign is also describd in some detail.

Blood and Iron is also the story of personal heroism and courage, and a refusal to give way, as the men battled the elements, the terrain, the jungle, and the enemy.