Where Have All the Birds Gone? - by Peter John McCann (Paperback)

About the Book

Brutally honest, confronting memoir of a National Serviceman's deployment to Vietnam as an infantry soldier. Captivating, extensive military detail and personal revelations.

Book Synopsis

A captivating expose of a National Serviceman's deployment to Vietnam. Brutally honest, this confronting memoir covers extensive military detail and personal revelation, so rarely told.

Serving in the Australian Army from 30 January 1969 until 29 January 1971, Peter McCann intimately shares his experiences as an infantryman undertaking recruit, corps, and operational training in Australia prior to deployment on active service and soldiering in Vietnam.

During that time, he served with 8 Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (8 RAR) for 12 months in Vietnam from November 1969-November 1970. This fascinating story focuses extensively on that period of his life and reveals how military service forever changed him.

The substantial amount of technical and educative detail included is nothing short of astonishing, though it's also prudently interspersed with humour and pathos. Returning to civilian life in Australia, McCann also raises some of his strongly held views on several issues of continuing interest within many veteran networks and wider community frameworks operating in Australia today.

Beyond a record of military history, McCann's compelling 'in your face' account is a public disclosure of the author's inner soul. He explains how he coped and dealt with a range of related subsequent personal issues that might well have utterly defeated many other veterans.

Review Quotes

"This gripping narrative immerses readers into the harsh reality of the Vietnam War, offering a first-hand account that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. A rare gem that presents a glimpse into the human side of war and stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who served."

- David Matheson

"I knew that McCann would be thorough in the telling of his time in the army. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine that he'd go to the lengths he has to research all the detail."

- Terry Lucas

"Depth of research is amazing. Technical detail and memory of events are beyond the ability of most to research, recall and describe. The statement that 'the life of an Infantry soldier at war is 90% routine and boredom, 9% fun, and 1% sheer bloody terror' is well depicted."

- Peter Cousins

"Exceptionally detailed and a terrific read. McCann is openly honest about his reactions to some very tough situations."

- Robert A. Hall