Description

Title: Crossed Boomerangs – A History of All The 31 Battalions

Author: Burla, Bob 

Condition: Mint

Edition: 1st Edition

Publication Date: 2005

ISBN: 187643967

Cover: Hard Cover without Dust Jacket – 611 pages

Comments: The history of the 31st Battalion AIF in World War 1 and World War 2. Now out of print.

The 31st Infantry Battalion has existed I one form or another for over a century and has suffered various reorganisations and titles throughout its long history.  However, its link with North Queensland has remained constant since 1885, with members serving in the Boer War, then the 31st Battalion in World War One, 2/31st Battalion and 31/51st Battalion I World War Two.  Other men, who first served in the Battalion, went on to serve with distinction in other units and conflicts.  During the two World Wars, while serving with the Battalion, Private Patrick Bugden and Private James Gordon both earned a Victoria Cross, while ex-member, WO Keith Payne deployed with ‘The Team’ in Vietnam, was also awarded the VC.  The spirit of the 31st inspired generation after generation of young men to share in the ethos of service to the Battalion and Australia, many going on to fight with distinction in other units.  This book records the long history of a battalion and men who served in it – sons of North Queensland.

Bob Burla served with the Battalion in the post – WW2 years and gained first-hand experience of the men of North Queensland and the history of the unit.  This book was written by him, as a ten-part series of ‘Historical Journals’ and became the basis for a very detailed history of the 31st Battalions over 100 years.  Unfortunately, Bob Burla died in 1995, before this project began and never saw his thorough research in print.  Now his legacy will allow Australians to read the history of this proud battalion.  His work had been greatly enhanced by the many photographs that Mrs Elise Burla has made available from Bob’s collection and elsewhere, contributing greatly to the completeness of this history.

Includes battle honours, honour roll 31st Battalion & 2/31st Battalion, awards for bravery 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 with citations, unrewarded heroes