Although a part-time tank unit was formed in 1930, later followed by two armoured car regiments, armour in Australia was still in its infancy on the outbreak of World War Two. The three AIF divisions sent to the Middle East each had a divisional cavalry regiment but those reconnaissance units were not fully-equipped until they received British vehicles in the desert. The Australian Armoured Corps was born in July 1941, at a time when Australia was still focused on supporting the British in the Middle East. Not only was the Corps formed but an Armoured Fighting Vehicle School was built from scratch in a location now synonymous with Australian armour - Puckapunyal. The entry of Japan into the war slowly changed the focus of Australia's armoured formations. Armoured vehicles in quantity did not begin arriving from overseas until the first half of 1942, just as Australia's tank programme was getting into stride. Training of the armoured divisions took place in many locations and it was often stated that at the time, they were the best-trained troops in the Army.

Units of the Australian Armoured Corps did not see action until late in 1942, and then only regimental strength in the jungles of New Guinea. Initially using Stuart Light Tanks, and later Matilda tanks, a vehicle obsolete for the European theatre, Australian Armour proved that heavy vehicles could be used in jungle terrain, Their contribution to the success of the campaigns was far in excess of the numbers employed.

Australian Armour later saw service in Japan with the occupation force, possibly the first of Australia's peacekeeping operations.

This book tells the story of Australian Armour during training and operations from 1927 to 1948. It includes details of the formation of the Corps and the School. training and operations. unit histories and vehicle developments.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-189) and index.