ANZAC Rebel: Norman Coward's wild ride through World War I

By Allan A. Murray

Exploring the discipline process, medical system, and the recovery and reinforcement cycle of the AIF. This book in the Series is the story of a rebel infantryman and his wild ride through World War I. Norman Coward, from the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, joined the Australian Imperial Force in early 1915 and went on to serve on the front-line at Anzac Cove, Egypt, France and Belgium. Following very limited training at Holsworthy, near Sydney, and Heliopolis, Egypt, Norman found himself within a short period of time at Anzac Cove, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He was with the 20th Battalion of the 5th Brigade, within the Australian 2nd Division. He served through the final four months of the Campaign in static trench warfare as the weather deteriorated and water ran short. The decision was made to end the Campaign and Norman's unit was the last to be evacuated from Anzac Cove in December 1915. Norman was young, he lied about his age during enlistment. He had just turned 19 when he arrived back in Egypt. 20th Battalion was then sent to the Suez Canal Zone alternating between training and manning the Canal Defence Line. After an unexceptional start to his soldiering, Norman became quite the rebel. He went absent without leave on twelve occasions. He received field punishment, detention and forfeiture of pay. His early periods of absence without leave in Egypt and England lead to him contracting serious illnesses and he spent long stretches in hospital. But, he rejoined the 20th Battalion on three further occasions and served in France and Belgium until recurring sickness forced his last evacuation to England. The decision was made to medically discharge Norman. He had experienced limited active service on the Western Front and returned to Australia a sick man; his life was cut short in 1935. Through Norman, this book explores the less covered side of the Australian Imperial Force - the discipline process, medical system, and the recovery and reinforcement cycle. It also provides a concise history of the service of the 20th Battalion from the viewpoint of Norman's fellow soldiers including describing the Battalion's role in Australia's first 'feat of arms' of the War, the Evacuation of ANZAC Cove. . The Foreword for this book has been written by Allan's Duntroon classmate, Grant Dibden. After a successful career in the Regular Army, Grant transferred to the Army Reserve as a Chaplain and subsequently served at both Headquarters 5th Brigade and Headquarters 2nd Division. In 2020 he was appointed as the Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08F6CG55S
• ISBN13: 9798669633158
• Release Date: August 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"