Toughness Was a Help by Laurie Lovett

Laurie Lovett tells of an eventful life. 
Boyhood pranks and struggles in northern Tasmania give way to the grim reality of war service in Greece and Crete, followed by a long spell as POW in Germany and Poland. In post-War Launceston, the story shifts to family, football and politics. With much humour and vivid detail, this book shows a world in which nothing came easily, but in which daring and hard work had rich rewards.

Toughness was a help is a classic account of an Australian life.