The Unseen Anzac: how an enigmatic explorer created Australia's World War I phot

Discover the untold story of George Hubert Wilkins, Australia's enigmatic World War I photographer, through 'The Unseen Anzac'. This compelling book reveals how Wilkins, a polar explorer turned war correspondent, defied the odds to capture the true essence of battle during one of the most tumultuous times in history. Cameras were initially banned at the Western Front, yet Wilkins went above and beyond, armed only with a glass-plate camera, leading soldiers into battle and documenting their struggles face-to-face with the enemy. His remarkable photographic collection, now held at the Australian War Memorial, stands as a testament to his bravery and talent. The book by Jeff Maynard unravels the mystery surrounding Wilkins' life, chronicling his forgotten contributions and the legacy left behind after four decades of exploration and secrecy. Perfect for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Australia's World War I heritage. Dive into a narrative rich with personal diaries, letters, and revelations that shine a light on the life of Australia's greatest war photographer. With FREE shipping from Smartfox NZ, order now and explore this captivating journey through forgotten history. Please note that combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Expect delivery within 10 days.
The previously untold story of an extraordinary man and a great war photographer. Cameras were banned at the Western Front when the Anzacs arrived in 1916, prompting correspondent Charles Bean to argue continually for Australia to have a dedicated photographer. He was eventually assigned an enigmatic polar explorer - George Hubert Wilkins. Within weeks of arriving at the front, Wilkins' exploits were legendary. He did what no photographer had previously dared to do. He went 'over the top' with the troops and ran forward to photograph the actual fighting. He led soldiers into battle, captured German prisoners, was wounded repeatedly, and was twice awarded the Military Cross - all while he refused to carry a gun and armed himself only with a bulky glass-plate camera. Wilkins ultimately produced the most detailed and accurate collection of World War I photographs in the world, which is now held at the Australian War Memorial. After the war, Wilkins returned to exploring and, during the next 40 years, his life became shrouded in secrecy. His work at the Western Front was forgotten, and others claimed credit for his photographs. Throughout his life, Wilkins wrote detailed diaries and letters, but when he died in 1958 these documents were locked away. Jeff Maynard follows a trail of myth and misinformation to locate Wilkins' lost records and to reveal the remarkable, true story of Australia's greatest war photographer.
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