The story of Captain Reginald Saunders MBE, Australia's first Indigenous commissioned officer, a true leader who served with daring and distinction in World War II and Korea, as told by his nephew James Saunders.

'As a life-long soldier, I can assert the vibrancy and value of legends - battles, places and always, people. Reg Saunders was such a legend - courageous, inspirational and much admired by all who served alongside or under him. By the way, he was an extraordinary Australian, a true emblem for the future. Thank you, James Saunders!' - Peter Cosgrove

'Reg Saunders was a true pioneer, a courageous defender of this nation and his people, and a powerful advocate for Indigenous Australians. In Fighting for Country, Reg's nephew James Saunders brings the journey of a Gunditjmara warrior vividly to life.' - Rachel Perkins

April 1940: Reginald Saunders, a 19-year-old Gunditjmara man, walks into the enlistment office in Milltown, Victoria, following in the footsteps of his father 24 years earlier. It's the beginning of an extraordinary journey of service and adventure for Reg - a journey that will take him across three continents and two wars. He will be decorated, discriminated against, wounded, bereaved, forsaken - but ultimately victorious.

Captain Reg Saunders had, by any measure, an exceptional military career, serving with distinction in North Africa, Greece and New Guinea during World War II, and later in the Korean War. His exploits - including surviving on the run from the Nazis in Crete for eleven months and leading a company of soldiers against a massive Chinese force in the pivotal Battle of Kapyong - have become part of Australian Army folklore.

Fighting for Country is more than the story of Reg's military career: it is also the story of his family and his people, the Fighting Gunditjmara of Western Victoria, and of Reg's postwar life of struggle and service. James Saunders, Reg's nephew, has drawn on military archives and family records to bring this incredible story vividly to life.

'This book is long overdue, and wonderfully executed.' - Peter FitzSimons

'The story is remarkable, and it covers both the man and his people, the "fighting Gunditjmara" of Victoria.' - Caroline Overington, The Australian

'This is a penetrating work, full of insight, empathy and intelligence. As a first book, it promises much to come from the author. It brings a fine man to life and demonstrates that "fighting for country" is something that we all must play a part in.' - Queensland Reviewers Collective

Details

ISBN13: 9781761471988
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 304
Edition:
Publication Date: 01 Sep 2026
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Dimensions (cm): 23.4(H)x15.3(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

James Saunders is a Gunditjmara Wiradjuri and Wongaibon man from the Saunders and Parker family lines. He is the nephew of Captain Reginald Saunders, whose life and service sit at the heart of this book. Born in Pambula on the south coast of New South Wales, James grew up with a deep awareness of the responsibilities that come with family, Country and history. James runs the Barragi Mawang agency and is a former Chief Operating Officer of IndigenousX. He lives on Gadigal Country. His writing reflects a new generation of Indigenous storytelling, grounded in family truth, cultural responsibility and a clear commitment to telling history as it was lived. Fighting for Country is his first book.

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