In recent years there has been a marked increase in the amount of official and individual attention given to Australia's rich military past. There are many reasons for this: the electronic media; more easily accessible records, an endless procession of military personalities or milestones under examination and the patriotic commemoration of more and more major conflicts and battles. A thirst for a greater knowledge of Australia's military history and especially those involved is nowhere more marked than among the nation's genealogists. Previously there was no concise but comprehensive guide to help the family historian embark on the search for Australian military ancestors, much less one which also gives simple overviews of Australia's military history. This small book sets out to remedy these failings. Herein are provided handy summaries of Australia's military history both in peace and war; a glimpse of where to looks and what to look for, all leavened with brief forays into how to understand and so get the most from military records. For those seeking to search out their Australian military ancestors, there is no better place to start.