In 1943, the Australian Government selected Gavin Long as general editor of the Australia in the War of 1939–1945.
This was to be a 22-volume official history of Australia's involvement in the Second World War.
He progressed the project for the next several years, planning various volumes and identifying potential authors.
In 1948, Long selected Wigmore as the author of the volume concerning the Australian Army's effort in British Malaya after his original choice had dropped out.

The volume, titled The Japanese Thrust, would prove to be a difficult work to write.
There were disagreements with Stanley Kirby, the author of the British official history on the war with Japan about the analysis of events in Singapore.
Wigmore also had to deal with attempts by a member of the Australian Government, Wilfrid Kent Hughes, who was a prominent former officer in the 8th Division, to influence his treatment of Gordon Bennett's leadership of the division in Singapore.
Bennett himself tried to sway the coverage of his command.
Wigmore already had an acrimonious relationship with Bennett from his own time in Singapore and this worsened with allegations from Bennett of bias and inaccuracy.
By request of the British Government, publication of the book was delayed until 1957, by which time Malayan independence had been granted.
The public reception to The Japanese Thrust was favourable and it reviewed well.
In 1943, the Australian Government selected Gavin Long as general editor of the Australia in the War of 1939–1945. This was to be a 22-volume official history of Australia's involvement in the Second World War. He progressed the project for the next several years, planning various volumes and identifying potential authors. In 1948, Long selected Wigmore as the author of the volume concerning the Australian Army's effort in British Malaya after his original choice had dropped out.
The volume, titled The Japanese Thrust, would prove to be a difficult work to write. There were disagreements with Stanley Kirby, the author of the British official history on the war with Japan about the analysis of events in Singapore. Wigmore also had to deal with attempts by a member of the Australian Government, Wilfrid Kent Hughes, who was a prominent former officer in the 8th Division, to influence his treatment of Gordon Bennett's leadership of the division in Singapore. Bennett himself tried to sway the coverage of his command. Wigmore already had an acrimonious relationship with Bennett from his own time in Singapore and this worsened with allegations from Bennett of bias and inaccuracy. By request of the British Government, publication of the book was delayed until 1957, by which time Malayan independence had been granted. The public reception to The Japanese Thrust was favourable and it reviewed well.
Lionel Wigmore