‘Heartbreaking but essential … a fitting tribute and reminder of why we must never forget the sacrifices made by ordinary young Australian men and women and their families to secure the freedom we enjoy today.’

During World War I, over 330,000 Australians served their country on battlefields far from their homeland, more than 60,000 of them died.

This is the story of the Marlow brothers, five young volunteers – three of whom were destined to never return home – a heart-breaking tale of courage, mateship and sacrifice. Read the letters the brothers wrote from the trenches, trace their footsteps and commemorate all those who have served to defend our freedom and way of life.

Compiled by the granddaughter of a surviving brother from a primary source collection of over 500 letters, postcards and photos, this is the ideal tool for developing understanding of Australia’s major days of commemoration – Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

‘… easy to understand and quite fascinating to read … it offers a very personal and relatable perspective on the impersonal statistics of war.’


‘A beautifully presented picture book … a must have for any classroom and many homes.’

First released in 2015, a CBCA notable book and ABIA shortlisted, this updated edition now includes teaching activities.