The Fighting First: The Royal Australian Regiment

History Australiana Local & Regional History

The Fighting First: The Royal Australian Regiment by L McAulay offers a concise, engaging look at the origins and early campaigns of Australia’s premier infantry unit. Written for both young adults and adult readers, the book blends factual narrative with vivid detail to bring the regiment’s first combat experiences to life.

Published by Allen & Unwin in 1991, this hardcover volume is part of a historical series and includes its original dust jacket, adding to its collectible appeal. McAulay’s clear, accessible style makes it a solid introduction to Australian military history, suitable for anyone interested in true war stories and the development of the Australian Army.

The text covers the regiment’s formation, training, and the challenges faced during its initial deployments, providing insight into the broader context of Australian combat operations. As a non‑fiction work, it serves both as a biography of the unit and a broader look at the political and social backdrop of the era.