Under the Same Moon: An Australian battalion at war and a family at home – With Peter Mitchell – Video

Under the same Moon intricately weaves together the lives of a family, their sons, and the men of the battalion they join, all set against the backdrop of a bygone Australia during World War II.

This compelling historical narrative breathes life into the people and places of the era, immersing readers in a vivid sense of immediacy and intimacy.

Drawing extensively from unpublished and previously unseen written accounts, oral histories, letters, and archival materials, Under the same Moon offers a deeply personal exploration of the lesser-known Australian campaign in the Middle East.

It captures the dramatic separation of a group of men from their Australia-bound convoy and their arrival in Java, teetering on the brink of collapse.

The narrative also illuminates the fears and anxieties of families left in the dark.

This unforgettable story of love, camaraderie, bravery, and courage is laced with humour, suffering, and beauty. Through its rich narrative, Under the same Moon invites readers to experience the profound human connections forged in times of turmoil.

The Presenter: Peter Mitchell
Peter was born and grew up in Melbourne, where after lengthy absences he currently lives.
After he qualified as a lawyer he moved to London where he lived for 5 years.
While a partner with one of Australia’s largest law firms, he moved to Singapore with his family in 2000 where he lived for 20 years.
Early on there, he left the law to run a regional non-profit organisation.
His company ran professional training programmes in India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore and he also spent time in Thailand and Indonesia.
While he lived in Singapore he travelled around Asia frequently.
He visited the Myanmar end of the Burma Thailand railway (this is very hard to get to, especially now) and he used his father’s memoirs as a basis to explore.
He has also been to the Thailand end of the railway a number of times.
At the Myanmar end he spoke to many local people and the railway was a vivid memory, even then.
Some spoke of still hearing howls in the jungle at night.
He went to the Thanbyuzayat Allied War Cemetery and saw the graves of many of his father’s friends.

Praise for the Book
“A vivid portrait of the most desperate chapter in our nation’s history.” Michael Veitch
“Touching and horrifying, galvanizing and tragic.” – Don Watson
“A compelling, highly engaging and thrilling history.” – Professor Joy Damousi
“A story of war and peace – of love and separation, combat and capture, anxiety and hope.” – Professor Alistair Thomson

Click here to see Eminent historian Michael McKernan speaks about Under the Same Moon at the official launch on Wednesday 16th April, held at Jimmy Watson’s in conjuction with Readings