One common theme is the horror of war. These stories often show the brutal and violent nature of combat. Another theme could be comradeship. Soldiers form strong bonds in the face of danger. Also, the theme of sacrifice is present, as many characters in these stories give up a great deal, including their lives, for their country and their fellow soldiers.
Leonard Mann is a well - known author in this genre. He has written some poignant short stories about the Australian war efforts. Also, Dymphna Cusack has made contributions. Her stories might offer different perspectives on war from an Australian point of view. She often delved into the human aspects of war, such as the emotions of the soldiers and those on the home front.
One famous Australian war story is about the Gallipoli Campaign. Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops showed great courage there. They faced tough Turkish defenses. It was a costly battle but became a significant part of Australian military history and national identity.
One Australian Vietnam War story is about the courage of the soldiers in the thick jungles. They faced not only the enemy but also the harsh environment. For example, there were many tales of soldiers having to endure long marches in the sweltering heat, constantly on the lookout for hidden Viet Cong forces. They had to deal with the threat of booby traps and snipers at all times.
They also tend to have a distinct Aussie sense of humor. In stories like 'The Loaded Dog', the humor is dry and often based on the characters' reactions to absurd situations. This humor is a way to cope with the tough conditions of life in Australia.
Australian short stories typically have a distinct voice. They can be quite raw and unfiltered, just like the Australian character. The stories might deal with themes such as isolation, as Australia is a large and sparsely populated land. Another characteristic is the use of Australian vernacular, which gives the stories an authentic local flavor.
Sarbi's story is extremely heroic. As mentioned before, she was missing in action and survived on her own in a hostile environment. When she was finally found, it was a moment of great joy. Her resilience in the face of danger was remarkable.
One inspiring story is that of Weary Dunlop. He was a doctor in the POW camps. He used his medical skills to save many lives under extremely harsh conditions. He also showed great leadership and courage, standing up to the brutal guards on behalf of his fellow prisoners.
Some veterans' stories might be about the harsh jungle conditions they faced. For example, the thick vegetation made it difficult to move around and also provided good cover for the enemy. They had to constantly be on guard against surprise attacks.