Description
Title: The Fighting Fourth – A History of Sydney’s 4th Battalion 1914 – 1919
Author: Austin, Ron
Condition: Near Mint +
Edition: 1st Edition
Publication Date: 2007
ISBN: 9780975835319
Cover: Hard Cover with Dust Jacket – 256 pages
Comments: The complete history of the 4th Battalion AIF during World War I.
Raised in Sydney in August 1914 by two magnificent leaders – Onslow Thompson and Charles Macnaghten, THE FIGHTING FOURTH Battalion of the first AIF, went on to land at Gallipoli and then participate in the fearsome struggle at Lone Pine in August 1915, during which time over a third of the 4th Battalion died. It was at Gallipoli, that the 4th Battalion firmly established its reputation as a fighting unit under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Macnaghten, and ably assisted by other officers including Iven Mackay, ‘Cat Iron’ Jimmy Heane, Charles Coltman, Edward Lloyd, Alan Scott, the impressible chaplain ‘Fighting Mack’ Mckenzie and that famous fast bowler from NSW – Jack Massie.
From Gallipoli, the 4th Battalion went to the dreaded Western front in April 1916, and fought in famous battles including Pozieres, Mouquet farm, Bullecourt, Ypres, Chuignes, and on to the Outer Hindenburg Line in September 1918, all places where the unit further added to its impressive list of Battle Honours. Although not winning a single Victoria Cross despite some members being recommended for that award, the 4th Battalion had firmly established a tradition that was taken up and enhanced by the 2/4th and the 4th Battalion AIF during the 39-45 War.
Written by one of Australia’s most prolific military historians, THE FIGHTING FOURTH, traces the history of this famous NSW unit, from formation, early training in Sydney and Egypt, through to Gallipoli, and then on to France and Belgium. The book is profusely illustrated with many photos and maps and the appendices include Honours & Awards, Honour and Nominal Rolls.
Includes Nominal Roll
