In Soldiers and Gentlemen, Westerman explores the stories of the vitally important, yet often forgotten, Australian commanding officers.

John and Betty Guard were a pioneer European whaling family on New Zealand's South Island, arriving about 1830. Their descendants still live there and fish the waters of Cook Strait.

At Fromelles in July 1916 two divisions – one British and one Australian – within a few weeks of arriving in France – went into action for the first time. Their task was to prevent the Germans from moving troops to the Somme where a major British offensive was in progress, but the attack on 19/20 July was a disaster with nearly 7,000 casualties in a few hours.This account explores this battle which for many epitomises the futility of the Great War. In those few hours many heroic deeds were done but the battle caused a souring of Anglo-Australian relationships and truly was a baptism of fire for these British and Australian troops. This is their history.In a new section, Paul Cobb explores the recent discovery in 2008/09 of a mass war grave on the battlefield and includes details of the findings of the archaeological dig, the recovery of 250 bodies and the creation of a new military cemetery.

Includes Coast Guard program for procurement of vessels and aircraft construction and acquisition of shore facilities and alteration of bridges, fiscal year 1976.