The Hidden War

The Hidden War by Damien Finlayson is a gripping work of Australian military history that takes you beneath the Western Front, into the dangerous world of WWI tunnelling where darkness, silence and unstable ground were constant enemies. Meticulously researched yet highly readable, it shines a light on the men whose war was fought with picks, timber, calculations and nerves of steel.

Finlayson traces Australia’s tunnelling companies from 1914 to 1919, drawing on firsthand accounts and operational records to show how underground engineering, mine warfare and close-quarters listening shaped major battles from Fromelles to Messines and beyond. The book balances technical detail—shafts, charges, clay and supports—with a strong feel for the human experience: camaraderie, fear, and the mental toll of working where a single mistake could mean being entombed.

Perfect for readers of WWI history, Australian stories, engineering in war, and lesser-known ANZAC perspectives.

Step into a remarkable, overlooked chapter of the Great War and discover The Hidden War today.