A FASCINATING tale of World War I heroes sent on a "suicide mission" will be the focus of a presentation in Kiama.
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The Friends of Kiama Library and Kiama and District Historical Society will host a combined event on Saturday, April 11, at 2.30pm at the Kiama Family History Centre, featuring Kit Cullen.
The Wollongong-based history researcher, and English teacher, will discuss his book, Jack's Journey.
Jack's Journey was published in 2013 and tells the story of an unheralded action that occurred on May 1-2, 1915 (during the Anzac campaign at Gallipoli).
"I have always been interested in military history, particularly Gallipoli and Vietnam; I am still pinching myself that I have had a Gallipoli book published," Cullen said.
"I spent about 10 years researching and writing Jack's Journey. I'm still amazed by it all."
Cullen's book tells the story of Jack Collyer from Mudgee, who was 23 when he joined the 4th Battalion in Sydney in September 1914. He died at Gallipoli from wounds a week after the Anzac landings.
Cullen traced Collyer's story using his three diaries and service record.
"I started to find out where he was and what he was doing, and was amazed by what I found," he said.
On May 1, Collyer and about 50 other members of No. 15 Platoon 4th Battalion were ordered to go to the aid of about 60 Royal Marines, who had been trapped for 2½ days in an isolated trench.
The Anzacs were ordered to resupply the Marines and to reinforce their line. To do so meant they had to run an exposed 50-metre long track.
As they braved the death trap, most were killed or wounded, including Collyer.
Cullen views Jack's Journey as a chance to ensure that their sacrifice was appropriately recognised.
"They saved those marines at the expense of their own lives," he said.
"They were basically sent on a suicide mission. They just accepted it, that this was what they had to do. Some of them were in their teens."
Cost: $5 members and $8 for visitors. All welcome.