Books

One man’s bravery. A generation’s legacy.

Lieutenant Colonel Terence Patrick McSharry CMG DSO MC was one of the Australian Imperial Force’s most respected battalion commanders—a man whose service, sacrifice, and leadership stand as a shining example of the AIF’s enduring values.

From the brutal slopes of Gallipoli to the decisive battles of Bullecourt, Passchendaele, and Hamel, McSharry’s wartime experience spanned almost the entire duration of the Great War. He was among the first Australian officers to receive the Military Cross for gallantry, rising rapidly through the ranks to command the 15th Battalion with distinction. Tireless, courageous, and deeply respected by his men, McSharry embodied values-based leadership at every level of command, from subaltern to lieutenant colonel.

Despite his extraordinary career, his story has never been told—until now. Come on Australia fills that long-standing gap, while also highlighting the broader absence of detailed studies on AIF battalion commanders. It places McSharry among the finest of his peers, offering a deeply researched and humanising portrait of a man who led by example and died as he lived, attempting to rescue a wounded soldier under fire.

This is more than just a military biography. It is an exploration of character, of how excellence is built through habit and upheld through adversity. McSharry’s life offers modern readers, military professionals, and history enthusiasts an enduring lesson: that courage, compassion, and competence are as relevant today as they were more than a century ago.

“Terence McSharry’s shows how one man’s leadership can shape a force — his legacy still underpins Australia’s role in coalition warfare today.”

“An inspiring true story of courage, sacrifice, and leadership on the battlefields of World War One.”

“A powerful account of how AIF leadership, discipline, and innovation shaped Australia’s enduring military legacy.”