This amazing story is about two Aussie soldiers, Diggers, who were best of mates and they decided to sign up together and go off to war together. Little did they know that they would eventually be captured and put in a prison camp, and finally repatriated at the same time as exchange prisoners. The novel has come to fruition by many hours of recorded interviews with The Pair of Jacks and their war time adventures both in action and their traumatic time in Stalag 13C. Aussie Diggers during war time in Europe has not been depicted in as much detail as this novel has.

John was born in Hobart, Tasmania, and is the only son for Jack and Val Sheppard. He is married and a family man with three sons. John is a high school teacher and is an active sportsman. He spent a great deal of time researching the history books making sure the facts in the novel are very accurate.