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Bill the Bastard

The story of Australia's greatest war horse
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( 727 ratings, 71 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Bill the Bastard by Roland Perry is a historical fiction novel that chronicles the adventures of Australia's most ornery war horse during World War I. The story captures the unbreakable bond between Bill, the temperamental horse, and the soldiers who depend on his courage and strength amidst the chaos of war. With a focus on heart-pounding action and compelling characters, the book highlights the trials and camaraderie of battle.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy compelling tales from World War I, particularly those featuring extraordinary bonds between soldiers and their horses. You'll be drawn into a masterfully crafted narrative that highlights bravery, camaraderie, and an enigmatic horse who left a significant mark in Australian military history.

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An epic yarn based on the true story of a great Australian war horse who rode with bravery and valour at Gallipoli, the desert campaigns of Egypt, and Palestine.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Bill was massive. He had power, intelligence, and unmatched courage. In performance and character, he stood above all the other 200,000 Australian horses sent to the Middle East in the Great War. But as war horses go, he had one serious problem. No one could ride him but one man - Major Michael Shanahan. Some even thought Bill took a sneering pleasure in watching would-be riders hit the dust.

Bill the Bastard is the remarkable tale of a bond between a determined trooper and his stoic but cantankerous mount. They fought together. They depended on each other for their survival. And when the chips were down, Bill's heroic efforts and exceptional instincts in battle saved the lives of Shanahan and four of his men.

By September 1918, Bill the Bastard was known by the entire Light Horse force, who used his name not as an insult, but as a term of endearment. Bill had become a legend, a symbol of the courage and unbreakable will of the Anzac mounted force. There was no other horse like Bill the Bastard.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781743312629

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 November 2012

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 284g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Roland Perry is one of Australia's best known authors. He has written 26 books, many of them going on to become bestsellers, including Bradman's Invincibles, The Changi Brownlow, The Australian Light Horse and Monash: The Outsider Who Won a War.

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