J P Morthen

John Morthen is a passionate historian dedicated to preserving and sharing Australia’s military past. Based in Sydney, he specialises in early to mid-20th-century conflicts and the pre-Federation era, bringing forgotten stories to life through meticulous research and immersive storytelling.
A graduate of the University of Canberra with a degree in Heritage and Museum Studies, John has spent years working in Sydney’s most respected museums, including the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, where he served as a researcher, and the Liverpool Regional Museum. His commitment to history extends far beyond Australia—his research has taken him to historic battlefields and archives across Western Europe, the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
John’s debut book, Drawing Hell: The Life of Australian War Artist Alan Moore, is the result of nearly four years of dedication, uncovering the extraordinary story of a man who documented war through art. With a deep reverence for the past and a talent for uncovering untold narratives, John is fast becoming a leading voice in Australian military history.