Hell of a Time: An Australian Soldier's Diary of the Great War

Discover the profound insights and emotional depth of *Hell of a Time: An Australian Soldier's Diary of the Great War*. This compelling account chronicles the experiences of Philip Owen Ayton, a soldier from Australia whose journey took him from the bustling tramways of Sydney to the brutal fronts of World War I. Written during a pivotal moment in history, Ayton's diary offers an intimate glimpse into the life of an Australian Imperial Force engineer who bravely participated in the Gallipoli landing and subsequent campaigns in Egypt and France. With 304 pages of rich storytelling, Ayton's narratives detail both the harrowing horrors of trench warfare and the fleeting joys of life off-duty in Cairo, London, and Paris. This trade paperback edition, published by The Text Publishing Company in 2019, is a brand new collector's item for historians, educators, and enthusiasts of Australian military history. The book includes a heartfelt postscript by one of Ayton's sons and a moving poem reflecting on the Gallipoli campaign. Embark on a journey through a century's worth of memory, courage, and camaraderie with Ayton's compelling prose. Perfect for anyone interested in world history, the effects of war on individuals, and the unique perspective of Australian soldiers during the Great War. Experience a slice of the past that is crucial for understanding our present. FREE shipping is included, though combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Allow up to 10 days for delivery to savor this remarkable story.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781925773422
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2019
Publisher: The Text Publishing Company
Pages: 304


Description:
Philip Owen Ayton was working on the Sydney tramways when the call to join the fight against Germany came. Keen for action, he found himself in the First Field Company Engineers in the First Division of the Australian Imperial Forces.

Shipped to Egypt, Ayton soon after took part in the Gallipoli landing. 'I would not have missed this for anything,' he wrote to a friend. Badly injured, he was sent to England to convalesce and from there joined the campaign in France, where he saw out the war.

From the start, Ayton kept notes of his experiences, which he would write up in a diary. Plucky, charming and self-deprecating, this son of the new nation records the horrors of trench warfare and his off-duty adventures in Cairo, London and Paris.

This remarkable story is now published for the first time, a century after the war's end. Accompanied by a postscript by one of Ayton's sons and Ayton's poem about the Gallipoli campaign, A Hell of a Time is a vital and compelling account of the Great War.

This product has FREE shipping however combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.