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Meet Peter Mitchell: author behind true tale of Australian soldiers

By Seymour Telegraph

Aug 7, 2026

Author Peter Mitchell will visit Avenel Library on Wednesday, August 26. Photo by Supplied

Author Peter Mitchell will visit Avenel Library this month to speak about his latest book, I'll Walk Beside You, a true account of Australian soldiers in Java and on the Burma-Thai Railway.

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I'll Walk Beside You opens in February 1942, with the troopship HMT Orcades in port at Java, carrying Australian soldiers whose fate hangs in the balance.

Among them are brothers Cal and Alan, whose journey takes them from the defence of Java to captivity in Batavia and the Burma-Thai Railway.

Based on letters, diaries and official records, the book follows the 2/2 Pioneer Battalion through disease, starvation and brutality.

The battalion has local significance, having undergone intensive training at Puckapunyal throughout 1940 and early 1941, and marched throughout the region.

The book is Mr Mitchell's follow-up to his earlier work, Under the Same Moon.

Mr Mitchell will appear at Avenel Library on Wednesday, August 26 at 2pm.

Seats can be reserved by calling 1300 374 765 or emailing gvlibraries@gvlibraries.com.au

Bookings can also be made online at gvlibraries.com.au/events