Dolphin Posted 10 April , 2010 Share Posted 10 April , 2010 Anzacs in Arkhangel, ISBN 978 1 74066 751 7, is an excellent history of the 150 former members of the AIF who served in Russia after the Armistice. While it is chiefly concerned with the men of the Elope Force and the North Russia Relief Force, there is a coverage of the Australians who served in other parts of Russia as well. It was an unfortunate post-Armistice sideshow, which is well explained - together with just how the men came to be there - but the fighting there was, at times, quite intense. The story is enlivened by contemporary accounts by participants. The author has a good writing style, and his story is greatly helped by his having travelled to North Russia to walk the ground and report on just what is left of the old battlefields. There's also a nominal roll of the Australians who served in Russia, medal citations, including the two VCs, and information on the post-War careers of many of the veterans. In essence, it's a fascinating account of a long-forgotten campaign, and I heartily recommend it. I found my copy in K-Mart for $22.75, which I rate as one of the great bargains of the year. Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frev Posted 10 April , 2010 Share Posted 10 April , 2010 Thanks so much for this review Gareth. I almost ordered this book (on-line) just yesterday (slightly dearer price!) - but changed my mind at the last minute (already have a copy of Bruce Muirden's "The Diggers who signed on for more"). You've now convinced me it's worthwhile obtaining - especially if I too can pick up a copy at Kmart! Cheers, Frev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 10 April , 2010 Share Posted 10 April , 2010 Hopefully K-mart everywhere may have copies. Will have a look here next week David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River97 Posted 10 April , 2010 Share Posted 10 April , 2010 K-Mart Best I go down the road tomorrow and have a look. I'll do it on the way back to the militaria and arms fair in Adelaide. Spent a small fortune there today. Cheers Andy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Molkentin Posted 24 April , 2010 Share Posted 24 April , 2010 I agree with Dolphin- this is a good book. It's very well presented and deals with a complex story (due to the Australian troops being split up among a bunch of different units) quite effectively. It's nice and punchy and clearly (but concisely) establishes the context (the revolution and civil war). My one criticism is the final chapter. The author describes his trips to north Russia- it is interesting stuff. That said though, the photographs of the author and his guides handling live ammunition (grenades, artillery rounds etc) and his descriptions of putting them on camp fires is really quite an irresponsible example to set for battlefield tourists. MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceebee Posted 27 April , 2010 Share Posted 27 April , 2010 Margaret Throsby interviewed Michael Challinger about his book on her show at ABC Classic FM last Wednesday (21 April). The interview can be downloaded through this link. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 27 April , 2010 Share Posted 27 April , 2010 Luckily it was in K-mart here at 22.75 had a look at another book store d.....s, who are asking $35 for it. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmi01 Posted 5 May , 2010 Share Posted 5 May , 2010 Luckily it was in K-mart here at 22.75 had a look at another book store d.....s, who are asking $35 for it. David Good book review about it here: http://regimental-books.com.au/2010/05/boo...ssia-1918-1919/ Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 5 May , 2010 Author Share Posted 5 May , 2010 Good book review about it here: http://regimental-books.com.au/2010/05/boo...ssia-1918-1919/ Mick I liked the bit in the review that tells us that "Lennon had come to power"! John Lennon's dad? Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted 7 May , 2010 Share Posted 7 May , 2010 Just started on it & so far so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmi01 Posted 10 May , 2010 Share Posted 10 May , 2010 I liked the bit in the review that tells us that "Lennon had come to power"! John Lennon's dad? Gareth You sure? All I saw was a mention of Lenin! Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 23 May , 2010 Share Posted 23 May , 2010 Have finally got to read the book and it opened my eyes because I originally believed that the Russian affair was just a peace keeping force to try and keep the Bolsheviks apart from the White Russian sympathisers. How wrong I was. Liked the style of writing, not as heavy as some, clear with lots of photos and maps to see where everyone was. A good read. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 23 May , 2010 Author Share Posted 23 May , 2010 You sure? All I saw was a mention of Lenin! Mick It's been corrected since I first saw it. There was definitely mention of 'Lennon'. Cheers Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now