COMP CLOSED | Book Giveaway | The Last Battle

The Last Battle
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We’re excited to be giving away two copies of The Last Battle by Aaron Patrick to our GrownUps members!

To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.

The Last BattleAbout The Last Battle

The SAS, the commandos and the making of the Victoria Cross.

‘The corporal made a decision that turned him into the most famous Australian soldier alive. It might have killed him. Instead, it ruined his life.’

Over five days in June 2010, in southern Afghanistan, 150 Australian commandos and SAS soldiers fought and won the Battle of Shah Wali Kot, our largest engagement since Vietnam.

Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, for his part in the battle, received our nation’s highest military honour – the Victoria Cross. He became an instant household name. The bravery and heroism of the 2nd Commando Regiment remained in shadow.

After underestimating the size and skill of their enemy, the commandos found themselves in a fight for their lives. Within the SAS, disputes over recognition and what really happened split the unit apart, eventually leading to fellow senior soldiers alleging that Roberts-Smith was a war criminal.

The Last Battle is the thrilling true tale of that fateful fight in Shah Wali Kot. It renders in compelling detail the personal stories of the commandos and SAS members involved, the conflict between our two special forces regiments, and the aftermath that both forged and destroyed our country’s once most lauded hero.

Author Information

Aaron Patrick is a highly experienced journalist and chief writer at The Nightly, a Seven West Media publication. He was a senior correspondent and deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review. He has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the author of four previous books on Australian politics. The Last Battle reflects his lifelong interest in military history and the personal experience of warfare. He lives in Sydney.

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Terms and conditions

    1. You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.

    2. The competition closes on 21st January 2026. Winners will be notified via email by 22nd January 2026.

    3. It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.

    4. Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.

    5. GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.

    6. By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.

    7. One entry per household.

    8. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.

    9. You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.

    10. You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.