SCRIMGEOUR, Gavin

ISBN 978-1-923156-44-9
PAPERBACK

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.

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

MULCAHY, Liam

ISBN 978-1-923523-73-9
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923589-36-0
HARDCOVER

ISBN 978-1-923523-74-6
EBOOK

Beyond The White Coat

 

The Faces Behind Medical Eponyms

Beyond the white coat, beyond the textbook, lie the people.

We use their names every day-Down, Parkinson, Alzheimer…

But who were they?

Beyond the White Coat uncovers the riveting, and often heartbreaking, human stories behind medicine’s most famous names. These are not just labels; they are tales of curiosity, adversity, and sacrifice.

You’ll meet Robert Graves, who saved a sinking ship with only an axe, and reformers like John Down, who fought for more compassionate care for the intellectually disabled.

Spanning centuries and continents, this book connects you to the individuals whose passions and struggles left an indelible mark on medical science, proving that even in a world of labels and diagnoses, it’s the people who leave the most lasting legacy.

ISBN 978-1-923088-59-7
PAPERBACK (INGRAM)

ISBN 978-1-923088-95-5
PAPERBACK (AMAZON)

Darwin’s Deceit

In the shadows of history lies a secret waiting to be uncovered

Annabelle Young, a spirited and adventurous young woman, stumbles across a trail of enigmatic clues left behind by Charles Darwin. She unveils a profound secret; an undisclosed island meticulously erased from natural history by Darwin and the HMS Beagle crew.

Annabelle is pulled into a breath-taking race against time. But she is not alone—there are others who seek Darwin’s secret and will stop at nothing to take it for themselves.

With her family and a resurgent love interest at her side, Annabelle must confront her demons and a myriad of secrets, each more perilous than the last. Unravelling the island’s mysteries could change the world—or destroy it.

Darwin’s Deceit is a gripping blend of historical intrigue, relentless adventure, and intellectual suspense. How far would you go to guard a secret that could reshape the world?

ISBN 978-1-923265-99-8
PAPERBACK

MetamorFALLS

Join Maria and her dog Riff on an enchanting adventure in MetamorFALLS! While exploring the woods, Maria discovers a magical waterfall that can turn animals into humans and humans into animals.

In this magical world, Maria becomes a cat and meets new friends like Felix the clever fox, Rose the kind robin, and Sebastian the playful squirrel. Together, they explore exciting new places and learn to see the world in a whole new way.

But when they discover unhappy animals at a nearby circus, Maria and her friends must find a way to help. Can they outsmart the Circus Master and save the animals?

Filled with magic, friendship, and thrilling adventures, MetamorFALLS is perfect for kids who love animals and fantasy. Discover what happens when humans and animals switch places and embark on a journey you’ll never forget!

DENMAN, Christine

Christine Denman Beyond the Bank - Power and Invincibility book cover

Sample the book

See a sample of the interior of Beyond the Bank: Power and Invincibility by Christine Denman

Full pricing and availability details coming soon!

ISBN 978-1-922890-52-8
HARDCOVER

Beyond the Bank: Power and Invincibility

The impact of the 2022-23 Floods on the Lower Murray

“A juxtaposition of nature’s might against the community’s persistent resilience.”

This book is a journey that stirs imaginations into the deeper biophilia. The destructive floods of 2022-23 forced remarkable companionship, bonding, and cooperation amongst all local people and other living things.

About the Author

Christine Denman is an award-winning photographer, and has been even more committed to documenting local culture, people, and events since retiring as a nurse in 2020. Her photos have been displayed at regional galleries, shown across South Australian media, and featured in country newspapers. She is also Convenor of Photography at the Mannum Show.

Her photos can be admired (and bought) at her website: christiphotography.com.au

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.

CUNNINGHAM, Andrew

ISBN 978-1-922957-62-7
PAPERBACK

Cry Sorrowful for Bullocky

A novel of the first Australian cricket team to tour overseas

Andrew R. Cunningham had a passion for cricket and he has taken historical events and characters and re-imagined them. He has produced a fascinating novel concentrating on certain aspects of the lives of individual players prior to and after the First Cricket Tour of England in 1868.

He has used his power of language to create and define characters in such a way that the reader will be entertained, whilst being introduced to perhaps unknown aspects of events in early days of colonial Australia, that were indeed real, and impacted on this story of the first Australian International team.

His evocative and clever writing describes aspects often forgotten or not previously represented by this story. He uses compassion and humour as he gently provokes the reader to think seriously about the past injustices practised by society at the time. His writing also celebrates the prowess, skills and sporting successes of the Aboriginal cricketers. His empathy is encapsulated in the title, ‘Cry sorrowful for Bullocky.’

 
 
 
Andrew Cunningham self-published author Cry Sorrowful for Bullocky

About the Author

Andrew was born in Tamworth NSW. He worked at the NSW Registrar Generals whilst studying Law at Sydney University. His professional career experiences were wide and varied, including; private practice, barrister, industrial advocate (PNG), ministerial assistant of the Department of Labour and Industry SA, first Police Complaints Authority SA , Member of the UN Board of the International Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (IACOLE) 1985-1992, and Magistrate of the Industrial Court of SA.

His passions, amongst many, included politics, photography, playing bridge (participant World Bridge Olympiad 1976), studying World and Australian history and literature… and then there was cricket!