The book describes the development and employment of artillery in Australia over 150 years, from colonial times to the second decade of the 21^st Century.  The account is set against the background of wider Army and national imperatives, which provide the context for the artillery’s changing fortunes – its origins in coastal defence, its contribution to early expeditionary adventures, its rise in the World Wars, its decline in inter- and post-war years, its re-emergence in the Vietnam era, and its subsequent evolution into the modern but relatively modest force it is today.  Indeed, at one level, this is the story of judgements by successive governments about the relevance and cost-effectiveness of artillery, with important lessons for those charged with building future capability.

Beyond merely relating history, Action! Action! Action! opens a window on what it means to be a Gunner.  The book covers technical matters aplenty, since, at its heart, the artillery is a highly technical arm.  Yet in highlighting the personal stories of a variety of soldiers and officers, the book also recognises that operating and employing artillery is fundamentally a human endeavour, and so points to the Australian artillery’s soul.

Authors Paul Stevens and Nick Floyd were asked to deliver a single, up-to-date, succinct and accessible reference, and they have succeeded admirably on all fronts.  The narrative covers all the milestones in the Australian artillery’s journey to modern times without delving too deeply into particulars.  It strikes a nice balance in the weight given to each part of the tale, with less well-known achievements receiving as much attention as more famous exploits.  Crisp introductions prepare the reader for each chapter, and thoughtful conclusions prompt reflection before proceeding to the next section.  Technical explanations are simple enough for the novice but contain sufficient detail to satisfy the more advanced reader, while photographs, maps, diagrams and call out boxes support and illuminate the text.  The appendices include a wealth of additional detail that will prove a rich resource for those who want to know more.

Action! Action! Action! is cleverly constructed and will appeal to a range of audiences.  It is at once a fine primer for the uninitiated, a useful handbook for the Gunner professional, and a sound starting point for the more serious scholar.  It is sure to be found on bookshelves wherever right and glory lead.

Everywhere Whither Right and Glory Lead