The finding that now-disgraced former Australian soldier had committed alleged war crimes in Afghanistan has taken a toll on a public who had largely accepted the narrative of his heroism.

Investigative journalist and author of Crossing the Line – a new book detailing the Ben Roberts-Smith trial – Nick McKenzie told Simon Beaumont on 6PR Mornings it’s important to not generalise on the Australian military based on Mr Roberts-Smith’s actions.

“Part of the privileges of detailing the saga that went on for more than six years is to tell the story of those blokes in the SAS who stood up to Ben Roberts-Smith,” Mr McKenzie said.

“They served with bravery in Afghanistan, they saw things they didn’t like and they had the courage to confront it.”

Press PLAY to hear more about the in-depth details surrounding the Ben Roberts-Smith case

Image: Getty/Sam Mooy