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The Unseen Anzac

how an enigmatic explorer created Australia's World War I photographs
By Jeff Maynard
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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
The Unseen Anzac by Jeff Maynard unravels the hidden story of diver and photographer George Hubert Wilkins and his unearthing of World War I battlefields. Focusing on Wilkins' unique mission to document the valiant efforts and lives of ANZAC soldiers during combat, this historical exploration reveals the meticulous yet perilously overlooked task of capturing history through a unique lens.
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by lesser-known stories of World War I, particularly relating to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. This captivating history unveils hidden tales and achievements of Anzacs, offering fresh insights and intriguing details that have previously gone unrecognised.

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The previously untold story of an extraordinary man and a great war photographer from Australia.

The previously untold story of an extraordinary man and a great war photographer.

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

The previously untold story of an extraordinary man and a great war photographer.

Cameras were banned at the Western Front when the Anzacs arrived in 1916, prompting correspondent Charles Bean to argue continually for Australia to have a dedicated photographer. He was eventually assigned an enigmatic polar explorer—George Hubert Wilkins.

Within weeks of arriving at the front, Wilkins' exploits were legendary. He did what no photographer had previously dared to do. He went 'over the top' with the troops and ran forward to photograph the actual fighting. He led soldiers into battle, captured German prisoners, was wounded repeatedly, and was twice awarded the Military Cross—all while he refused to carry a gun and armed himself only with a bulky glass-plate camera.

Wilkins ultimately produced the most detailed and accurate collection of World War I photographs in the world, which is now held at the Australian War Memorial. After the war, Wilkins returned to exploring and, during the next 40 years, his life became shrouded in secrecy. His work at the Western Front was forgotten, and others claimed credit for his photographs.

Throughout his life, Wilkins wrote detailed diaries and letters, but when he died in 1958 these documents were locked away. Jeff Maynard follows a trail of myth and misinformation to locate Wilkins' lost records and to reveal the remarkable, true story of Australia's greatest war photographer.

The Unseen Anzac by Jeff Maynard uncovers this fascinating story.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925321494

Publisher: Scribe Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 April 2017

Country: Australia

Imprint: Scribe Publications

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 137.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 332g

Pages: 304

Collections

Anzac History & Archaeology History & Military Jeff Maynard Military History Non-Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Jeff Maynard is an author and documentary maker. His books include Niagara's Gold, Divers in Time, and Wings of Ice. He is a former editor of Australian Motorcycle News, and retains a keen interest in classic motorcycles. He is a member of the Explorers Club and is on the board of the Historical Diving Society. Jeff continues to research Sir Hubert Wilkins and locate his records and artefacts in Australia, Europe, and the USA. Jeff lives in Melbourne with his wife, Zoe, and their family.

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