This work aims to provide a picture of World War II at the frontline. It is the story, specifically, of the 2/2 Battalion who fought in the Middle East, Greece, Crete and Papua New Guinea. Barter describes the experience of battle and warfare itself: of fear and injury, of hunger and tiredness, of sickness, of marches through snow and jungles, of loneliness and bravery. The book provides an anatomy of war through the experience of this volunteer battalion who fought in all major theatres in World War II in which Australians took part.