SCRIMGEOUR, Gavin

ISBN 978-1-923156-44-9
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A Veritable Hell

The 32nd Battalion at Fromelles and the families who searched for answers

THE MEN

‘Have passed through a night of Hell on earth. It was awful. The noise and the sights of dead and dying men… We are a very sad few. All our best pals gone. It is damnable.’

Patrick Ohlstrom, 32nd Battalion

In one terrible night in July 1916, over 5500 Australians were casualties at the Battle of Fromelles. The 32nd Battalion from South Australia and Western Australia lost over 85% of its fighting strength. Using the words of those from the 32nd Battalion who survived, the course of the battle in their sector during that night is reconstructed, and the horrific experiences of brave men thrust into an impossible situation revealed.

The Commanding Officer of the 32nd was dismissed in the wake of Fromelles. Was he a scapegoat for the actions of others?

THEIR FAMILIES

‘It is only God himself who knows what the word ‘Missing’ means to those that love them.’

Eva Dellow, friend of Jack Crawford, 32nd Battalion

In the weeks and months following the battle, anxious families in Australia were gradually informed that a husband, son or brother was missing. For long years many were given little or no information about the fate of the missing man.

The heart-breaking letters written by the families of South Australian men of the 32nd Battalion to the Military and to the Red Cross reveal their grief, anxiety, and suspense as they waited for news, and made their own desperate enquiries.

HAINES, Evan

ISBN 978-1-923156-34-0
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The Last Head Hunters

Derrick Marsh returns to his home city after disappearing while living with the last head-hunting tribes in New Guinea.

However, shortly after he returns home, a strange and terrifying masked assailant begins disrupting the city, a police investigation, and a mining company connected to New Guinea.

The media immediately jump on the story, dubbing the assailant the Hectorville Head Hunter.

Notions of good and evil quickly blur, as Derrick is tested to make the right choices and to find the truth about New Guinea. But is Derrick really seeking the truth or just revenge against those who left him for dead?

ATKINSON, Alan

ISBN 978-1-923156-54-8
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923088-84-9
EBOOK

The Trials of Billy Freeman

Of all the Australian states, South Australia has most loudly perpetuated the historic myth that it was convict-free. But although it was not a destination for transportees, convicts and ex-convicts arrived in their thousands and helped build the new province. One of those was Billy Freeman.

This is the true tale of a child convict who, after suffering the horrors of gaols and prison hulks, arrived alone in New South Wales aged just 13. Having laboured to gain his freedom, he then undertook an arduous cattle drive to South Australia with pioneer explorer Charles Sturt, and lived a hard farming life – confronting fire, economic depression and family tragedy – in the Adelaide Hills. All the while, Billy lived in the shadow of official discrimination, and he continued to have brushes with the law, even facing gaol again, with his wife Sarah, in middle age.

Based on official records, the notes of family members and published histories, Billy’s story is that of an unsung pioneer battler. It’s a tale of determination and toughness, from a brutal childhood to making a new life in an often harsh environment.

“The difficulties of many of the settlement years should not be forgotten. From start to finish, Billy Freeman’s story is an important contribution.”

Dennis Chesser
Freeman Relative

Why I wrote the book… watch the video

Alan Atkinson author the Trails of Billy Freemen published by Green Hill Publishing

About the Author

Alan Atkinson is a freelance author and editor based in Adelaide. A former journalist, he worked extensively in print media in Australia and overseas before joining the ABC. He won several awards for his investigative work and was named SA Journalist of the Year in 2004. He won a Walkley commendation and praise for Three Weeks in Bali, his eyewitness account of the 2002 Bali bombings. The Trials of Billy Freeman is his second book.

Alan Atkinson will be speaking…

Fleurieu Genealogy Society at 2.30 on Sat September 21, Uniting Church Hall, William Road, Christies Beach

ABC Radio Adelaide

SMITH, Gayelle

ISBN 978-1-923088-80-1
PAPERBACK

The Enchanted World of Fairies and Elves

The Enchanted World of Fairies & Elves is a captivating tale that transports young readers to a magical realm and imparts valuable life lessons. In this beautifully illustrated story, children will embark on  a journey filled with wonder and imagination. As they witness the birth of Queen Effie and join in the celebration, they’ll learn about unity, courage, and the importance of protecting their home.

This heart-warming book celebrates the changing of the guard, emphasizing the cycle of life and renewal, teaching about transitions and embracing new responsibilities. The message of teamwork in times of adversity will resonate with both young readers and their parents.

HILLIER, Kevin

ISBN 978-1-923589-70-4
EBOOK

Discover the truth behind the

Murder on the Linley River

This story is set on the fictional Linley River in South Australia, based on the real South Australian River Murray.

This book starts with a victim of a stabbing, who is taken to the forensic Mortuary, where Kev and Sully help the forensic Pathologist, Doctor Malloy do a first assessment for the attending detectives.

Kevin, after this late-night call-out, is at work the next day, his last day before giving a talk to pre-deployment troops. Kev after this talk spends a week on the river to reset his work life balance.

Follow the investigation and follow Kev’s part in MURDER ON THE LINLEY RIVER.

ISBN 978-1-923088-46-7
PAPERBACK

Discover the truth behind the

Murder at the Linley Cove Lighthouse

“The broken railing and askew post on the outside of the fourth-floor balcony was a giveaway to the attending detective Peter.”

In the early morning, Kev is woken by a phone call; a body had been found at the base of a seven-storey lighthouse. As a senior mortuary technician, Kev is tasked with preparing this new patient for analysis.

Paul is the supposed victim, and close friend of Peter the detective assigned to the case. Paul’s body had been removed from the scene before Peter got there, authorised by Peters Chief Superintendent so he would not have to see his friend looking like he did at the foot of the lighthouse. The investigation progresses, more and more is revealed that leaves the police questioning everything.

In the midst of the investigation, Kev’s relationship with his co-worker, Liz, unexpectedly blossoms and Kev finds his attention split between his job and this fledgling love affair.

Discover the true inner workings of a forensic mortuary and the training of a new employee. Also follow the homicide detective Peter to discover the truth behind the Murder at the Linley Cove Lighthouse.

About the Author

 

Kevin is the third son of Robert George Hillier and Dorothy Margaret Hillier. Stephen and Andrew being his two older brothers. Kev was born in the lounge room of the family home soon after ten pm on the 21st of October 1966. His childhood was a good and loving one. From the age of fourteen, Kev worked in a butcher’s shop after school. It was situated in the small village of Alverstoke in Gosport, Hampshire, on the south coast of England, to the left of Portsmouth Harbour.

When he left school, he gained a position with a large supermarket chain, working in their meat preparation room. That was, until he damaged an eye in an accident at home, which made it impossible to work with all the equipment at that time. After working in a few different departments over the next six months or so, he decided he needed something new.

He then worked for a maritime engineer, helping with everything from building or repairing slipways, to painting and varnishing yachts. At this time, Kev lived on a boat to try to save money, and that is when he started writing as he had no television. He would while away the hours in the evenings drafting stories that came into his head like waking dreams. These stories were handwritten in a book and wouldn’t have been able to be read by anyone other than Kev due to his dyslexia. The stories were badly written, spelt and had hardly any punctuation.

After six months of working with the marine engineer, he joined a jewellery retail company as a trainee manager and made it to the position of manager a couple of years later. When a competitor bought out the company, Kev went for another change and became a trainee mortuary technician.

That’s where he met Liz, you may say the rest is history. He is now settled in South Australia with Elizabeth and their two grown up daughters. He started writing again as a hobby in January 2023. After his father heard Kev had completed his first draft he said about the story “that should be published.” Kev’s father died three days later. Kev decided to approach a publisher and this is his novel. Thank you for reading it.

RAVESTEYN, Jan (John)

ISBN 978-1-923088-14-6
PAPERBACK

Family Stories of a Migrant Child

His life, hopes and adventures written and remembered by Jan Ravesteyn

Introducing a heartfelt memoir that intertwines the lives of Jan Willem and his son Jan (John) Ravesteyn. In this captivating account, Jan delves into the memories of his beloved father, showcasing their unbreakable bond despite their occasional disagreements.

With deep filial love and a human connection that remained unwavering, Jan explores the profound influence his father had on shaping his childhood and ultimately shaping the person he became. As the narrative unfolds, Jan shares his own life, work, and adventures, with the invaluable support and encouragement of his daughter, Maaike.

His mother’s stories relating events from WW1, the Great Depression, WW2, a growing expanding family and the devastating flood of 1953. The biggest fork in their road was migrating to the other side of this wonderful world. The change in language, culture, geography and much more, but Maaike always used to say “you take you self with you”.
So that simplifies life when you remain true to yourself.

This memoir highlights the enduring familial ties that have shaped multiple generations, extending beyond the immediate family into the future. This is a testament to the strength of family, the wisdom passed down through the ages, and the recognition that each member is a cherished gift from above.