For the Series. I was born in 1934, so that I can remember well a great deal of what went on around me from 1939 onwards. But of course, the bulk of this book's material came from research. That meant that I spent many hours in front of a computer reading electronic versions of newspapers, magazines, Hansard, Ministers' Press releases and the like. My task was to sift out, day-by-day, those stories and events that would be of interest to the most readers.

Then I supplemented these with materials from books, broadcasts, memoirs, biographies, government reports and statistics. And I talked to old-timers, one-on-one, and in organised groups, and to Baby Boomers about their recollections. People with stories to tell came out of the woodwork, and talked no end about the tragic, and funny, and commonplace events that have shaped their lives.

I think I have covered most of the major issues that people then were interested in. On the other hand, in some cases I have dwelt a little on minor frivolous matters, perhaps to the detriment of more sober considerations. Still, in the long run, this makes the book more readable, and hopefully it will convey adequately the spirit of the times.

In 1941, in Europe, Hitler made his biggest mistake in the War when he invaded Russia. Churchill made his own big mistake when he sent Australian troops to the slaughter in Greece and Crete. In the Pacific, Japan was getting more frustrated as America cut off her resources by blockades. In Oz, we ignored obvious signs of imminent war, and were shocked to the core when the Japs bombed Pearl Harbour in December. A Pacific War started, and Hitler made his second biggest blunder by siding with Japan. We in Australia could not believe that our own shores were under threat.

Overall, I expect I can make you wonder, remember, rage and giggle, and I hope that you and your family will find some comfort in the realisation that no matter how new and novel a current situation is to you, it has all happened often before.

In 1941, in Europe, Hitler made his biggest mistake in the War when he invaded Russia. Churchill made his own big mistake when he sent Australian troops to the slaughter in Greece and Crete. In the Pacific, Japan was getting more frustrated as America cut off her resources by blockades. In Oz, we ignored obvious signs of imminent war, and were shocked to the core when the Japs bombed Pearl Harbour in December. A Pacific War started, and Hitler made his second biggest blunder by siding with Japan. We in Australia could not believe that our own shores were under threat.