Author Peter Burgess has published ‘The First Ashore,’ a collection of stories about the brave men who were the first ashore in Gallipoli.
The book launch will be held on Saturday, 18 December 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Banyo Library. The author will be joined by twelve families from Queensland who are proud descendants of the “first ashore.”
Australia’s National Day of Remembrance for the fallen heroes of the war is deeply rooted in the Gallipoli campaign. The book is a tribute to Mr Burgess’ grandfather, Private Syd Davies, who served in Queensland’s 9th Battalion and the memory of the first men ashore.
Mr Burgess said that his grandfather had many tales about the war, particularly about the first men to land at Gallipolli.
“Despite being unable to prove his claims, my research progressed, and I soon realized that, despite our World War 1 Diggers bestowing much esteem on this small but unique group of soldiers, in official and popular history they had been largely overlooked.”
“Yet, for many Queensland families and Queensland communities, they represent a proud and strong connection to the Anzac Legend.”
The author believes that recognition for these men has been long overdue. That thought motivated him to write and publish their stories.
“These men were ordinary Queenslanders whose lives inspire and provide us with an intimate understanding of the tragic war experience of ordinary citizens.
“They were no more courageous than the 16,000 other Anzacs that landed that day but, in almost every aspect of human endeavour, the universal custom is to bestow some level of recognition for the first achiever.”
“The First Ashore” is the culmination of years of hardwork for Mr Burgess, who used to work as a school teacher. The author hopes that this book will fill the gaps for other Australians interested in the history of the Gallipoli campaign.