In August 1914, James McCay was appointed to command one of the first three brigades of the newly formed AIF. In the course of a successful political career he had been a member of Australia's first federal parliament, and while Minister for Defence had introduced far-ranging reforms of the Australian Army's command structure.

    As a militia officer, McCay commanded the Intelligence Corps and had nurtured the military career of his friend John Monash.

   McCay seemed to be destined for a distinguished military career, yet despite his determination and personal courage, by 1918 he had been relegated to a training command in England and was reviled by many who had served under him. Monash by contrast had won distinction commanding the AIF in France.

     This book examines the life of McCay and his relationship with Monash. It seeks an answer to the enigma of McCay: was he brought down by the failures of others or by his own personality?