Over 400,000 Australians served in the military during the First World War. Of these, over 60,000 men lost their lives and another 137,000 were wounded. This had a massive impact on the young Australian nation with a population of just a few million. In each Australian state battalions were formed which became closely associated with men of that state or region. In this way the military history of most parts of Australia can be readily traced. The Northern Territory, however, was too small to have its own unit. Indeed there was not even a recruiting centre in the NT Men left to enlist in other states. For these reasons the First World War history of Territiorians has remained obscure.

There were less than 1,000 European adults in the NT at the time war broke out, and as many as 300 enlisted - an incredibly high proportion. There is no better NT enlistment story than that of the famous Albert Borella, who went on to win the Victoria Cross. He walked 88 miles from Tennant Creek and then borrowed a horse to get to Darwin. He then got transport to Townsville where he enlisted. Such were the typically colourful methods used by young men to enlist from all areas across the NT.

From Frontier to Frontline: Northern Territorians in the Great War 1914-1918 is a unique record. It names each of the NT enlistees and gives a brief biography of each man. Other chapters detail 19 gallantry decorations and a roll of honour naming the 67 Territorians who were killed in action or died of illness or wounds. There is also a chapter on the men returning home which includes some rich observations on the social and economic history of Darwin during the war and immediately thereafter.

Details: Biography/True Story, published 2015.

Format: Hard cover, illustrations, 154 pages.

Dimensions: 26.0 cm (h) x 26.0 cm (w).