When Gordon Maitland’s unique military career ended he had risen as high as possible and had received the then highest possible military honour in the Order of Australia. That was thirty odd years ago and that is when he started a new life. He is still helping soldiers; he is still enhancing and growing commemoration; and, through addresses, articles, and books, he is still adding to his reputation as a military historian. He has written six books but, in an effort to save basic military history, he has turned to writing reference books.
His depth of experience and his second-to-none knowledge make him the only one who could write such books. Yet his way with words and his fund of stories transform his books. The large number of reviews written about Honours and Awards of the Army all comment about this and conclude by saying ‘it is a great read’. This book is in the same vein, to be read for enjoyment and to further your knowledge, after which it should be retained as a reference book.
