On our doorstep

By March 1942 there was a strong fear in Australia of the threat of Japanese invasion. The Japanese had taken Singapore and Malaya and Darwin had been bombed. The Australian Prime Minister had recalled Australian troops who had been sent to the Middle East. They were now required to help defend Australia and our neighbouring countries.

On Our Doorstep by Craig Collie looks at how the Australian government, Australian military and the Australian people reacted to the possible threat to our country and our region. This book examines how prepared Australia was for the war in the Pacific, the fall of Singapore and Malaya, Australia's traditional alliance with Britain and the necessity of forming strong ties with America, political preparedness as well as how Australians at home coped with the rapid changes occurring around them. The book also looks at the bombing of Darwin and the arrival of Japanese submarines in Sydney Harbour.

Australia's dependence on Britain to help defend Australia was forced to be adjusted as it was realised that previously promised help would not be available. Australia therefore had to turn to the United States for military support. On Our Doorstep provides an informative account of this part of Australian history.