This book has been written by a committee of former members of the Citizen Military Forces and Army Reserve. It commemorates 150 years of service by Newcastle and the Hunter Valley citizens in Australia's Defence Forces.

The aim is to acknowledge the contributions of these citizens to our Nation's defence, during times of war and peace.

These citizens were not members of the full-time Defence Forces, except in times of war, but were citizen servicemen and women who, as well as having a regular civilian job, devoted much of their leisure time to learn and train how to defend their country should the need arise. Many suffered reduced civilian career opportunities because of the time devoted to part-time military service. They are often acknowledged as "Twice the Citizen"

Much of the history of the many generations of citizen sailors, soldiers and air men and women from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley who have served in the defence forces, has never been fully recorded and much of it is lost forever. The committee has attempted to gather as much information as possible from many different sources, including interviews with former serving members in an attempt to record what is still available.

The book covers more than just the servicemen and women but deals with Newcastle's and the Hunter Valley's military infrastructure now and in earlier periods. It lists sites of significance in our area and details of memorabilia that are important parts of our history and traditions.

No doubt there is much more that could be written, but it is hoped that this book will record some of what is currently available and encourage others to further document the Hunter's military history for future generations.