Neil McDonald. Chester Wilmot reports. Broadcasts that shaped World War II.

Neil McDonald. Chester Wilmot reports. Broadcasts that shaped World War II, ABC Books, 2004, hardcover, dust jacket, 401 pp., $49.95.

The subtitle to this book is particularly apt. Wilmot was an Australian, reporting the actions of Australians and he was not afraid of voicing an opinion if he could get away with it. He spoke directly to Australians who were listing via the shortwave and who were anxiously awaiting news of their "boys". His broadcasts shaped the way those at home learnt about the war, and how they responded.

This is perhaps one of the best books I have read this year. I would often read the text aloud, pretending I was huddled around the wireless, desperate for news of someone I was waiting for. I could imagine the relief that those on the home front would have felt when Wilmot was able to report that the war was going well. He might have let the odd emotion come through, but, as a 1940 listener, I welcomed that. When he reported an account in the words of an unnamed participant, I imagined that the "Digger" was someone close to me, and was comforted to know that at least someone was safe and confidently fighting against the enemy. I was also comforted to know that he was there sharing and reporting what was happening, especially in the escape from Greece. As a 1940 listener, I also appreciated the strategical overviews: some sense was made of individual actions if I could place them in a broader framework.

McDonald provides an excellent Prologue and provides explanatory text where appropriate. He emphasizes Wilmot's strengths, and explains how Wilmot put together his broadcasts. He points out that Wilmot questioned closely everyone from senior officers to non-coms and privates which resulted in the best of his broadcasts becoming an instant history of events that he had witnessed only hours beforehand. McDonald draws on Wilmot's Tobruk and other research where that will fill in a significant gap, but for the most part, he is content to let Wilmot speak for himself in these reports. We learn much of Wilmot's personality in his reports--his intensity, his opinions, his pride in reporting the actions of his compatriots.

Wilmot self-censored to ensure that he broadcast nothing that would aid the enemy, and he enjoyed a good relationship with censor George Fenton. But he was subject to censorship, and, where available, McDonald includes once censored material, so that we can get a sense of what was sensitive. Some cuts are patently obvious, but others less so. Wilmot had a deeply grounded sense of place and was able to make the listener, and now the reader, imagine clearly the environment that the troops lived and found in. Because he was there with them. He may have enjoyed a good relationship with the censor, but he certainly was not in anyone's pocket. In these days of embedded journalism, and spoon-feeding sessions from the military hierarchy, we treat as a little suspect reports from journalists who live and move with the troops. We wonder just how objective they really are. With Wilmot, we have no doubt. He was not afraid to be critical, especially where blunders cost Australian lives, and he was uncompromising as far as Blamey was concerned, much to the detriment of his own career.

McDonald helpfully fills in some of the background details to the issues with Blamey, but naturally, we want more. And we want to learn more about this principled, scrupulous reporter who came into the homes of Australians waiting desperately for news from the front. This appetite whetting is a good marketing ploy, for readers of Chester Wilmot Reports are waiting, perhaps not as desperately as listeners from the 1940s, but we are waiting with baited breath just the same. We are waiting for McDonald's biography of Wilmot. Roll it on, McDonald. This reader certainly can't wait. Highly recommended.