Ipswich Grammar School was founded in 1863, and has beena beacon of education throughout the history of Queensland. However, it was during the Great War, that the school reallydefined itself. Just under 1500 students had been enrolled atthe school throughout its years, and of these 1500, over 290volunteered to serve in WW1. Students from all walks of life,had two things in common - their passion for 'The School onthe Hill', and their desire to serve their country - to do whatwas right. Of these 230 boys, 37 made the ultimate sacrifice,many won military honours, many came home wounded andmany returned to a somewhat normal life (if life could everbe normal for them again). It is this journey from boyhoodto becoming a man, on the battlefields of France, the desertsof Egypt and the skies over Europe that has yet to be toldfor these IGS Old Boys. It is an honour that is long overdue.By creating a biography on each of these men, and sheddinglight on their stories, our community can commemorate theirservice and their impact on the war. It is the stories of theseboys, that will form the basis of this book.

This text presents the history of the development of fibre optic technology, explaining the scientific challenges that needed to be overcome, the range of applications and future potential for this fundamental communications technology.