The Independent Companies and Commandos were a unique form of sub-unit within the Australian army during the Second World War. They were units composed of an exceptional group of individuals with very special attributes and skills who thrived on the unconventional and doing things very much in their own way. The army found it very hard to accept this at first but ultimately allowed the Independent Companies and Commandos to fight in their own style. They did this in the Jungles of Timor, New Guinea and Bougainville using tactics and procedures all of their own. As exponents of jungle warfare they were second to none and contributed significantly to important Australian military campaigns from 1942 until 1945. This history follows the story of some of these remarkable soldiers and units and the manner in which they fought the war against Japan at a time when Australia was engaged in a struggle for its very existence.