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Bill the Bastard: The Story Of Australia's Greatest War Horse
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 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 regiment, 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.
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 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 regiment, 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.
274 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
28 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Roland Perry
62 books45 followersProfessor Roland Perry (born 11 October 1946) is a Melbourne-based author best known for his books on history, especially Australia in the two world wars. His Monash: The Outsider Who Won The War, won the Fellowship of Australian Writers' 'Melbourne University Publishing Award' in 2004. The judges described it as 'a model of the biographer's art. In the Queen's Birthday Honours of June 2011, Perry was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia 'for services to literature as an author.In October 2011, Monash University awarded Perry a Fellowship for 'high achievement as a writer, author, film producer and journalist.His sports books include biographies of Sir Donald Bradman, Steve Waugh, Keith Miller and Shane Warne. Perry has written on espionage, specialising in the British Cambridge Ring of Russian agents. He has also published three works of fiction and produced more than 20 documentary films. Perry has been a member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council since 2006.
In late 2012 Perry accepted an adjunct appointment at Monash University as a Professor, with the title ‘Writer-in-Residence’ in the University’s Arts Faculty.
In late 2012 Perry accepted an adjunct appointment at Monash University as a Professor, with the title ‘Writer-in-Residence’ in the University’s Arts Faculty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 23, 2013
I'm a bit bleary eyed as I virtually stayed up all night to read this. I had never heard of Bill the Bastard before and that's a great pity as he clearly is worthy of national recognition like Phar Lap. A big horse with a big heart and an attitude to match - that just makes him even more appealing. One of my uncles who was a stockman had a horse that also was a 'one man horse' and we were all banned from going anywhere near the horse 'Fly Away'. The name told what would happen if anyone other than my uncle would try to ride him. The dialogue added to the story telling and was not expected to be 100% accurate. I didn't find young Ben's bareback ride unbelievable. I know that in the bush, you learnt to ride bareback so that you had good balance on a horse and weren't dependent on a saddle and stirrups.
I found the British decision to destroy the horses bloody-minded in the extreme. It seems that for Australian horses and men alike, there was little regard that bordered on straight out indifference and callousness from some British elements.
Perry's handling of the military engagements was informative without straying into in-depth examination which is for other works.
This was the story of Bill and the Bastard and Perry ensures that the focus never leaves him for too long.
I'm glad that Bill and Penny got to see out their days in peace. They deserved it.
I highly recommend this book whether you love horses or not.
I found the British decision to destroy the horses bloody-minded in the extreme. It seems that for Australian horses and men alike, there was little regard that bordered on straight out indifference and callousness from some British elements.
Perry's handling of the military engagements was informative without straying into in-depth examination which is for other works.
This was the story of Bill and the Bastard and Perry ensures that the focus never leaves him for too long.
I'm glad that Bill and Penny got to see out their days in peace. They deserved it.
I highly recommend this book whether you love horses or not.
October 21, 2022
This book looked more used than a Seattle umbrella when I found it at the 2nd hand store. I nearly put the dog-eared thing back on the shelf with its filthy buddies. Glad I didn't. It was pretty good.
While some of the story has been "romanticised", Bill was a real WW1 warhorse and the only bloke who managed to ride him, Major Michael Shanahan, was real too. The fact that Bill and Shanahan rescued four stranded soldiers from the Battle of Romani. Not bad...cantering off 3 miles with Shanahan and four other soldiers hanging on and under fire and atrocious hot desert weather. Bill was finally given recognition of this brave act and there's a statue of him at a small hamlet between Sydney and Canberra.
The writing style is "easy reading" and it is sometimes hard to distinguish fact from fiction (John Simpson was killed by machine gun fire...not shrapnel) this does not detract from the impact of the story. Well, not for me at least. I loved this book and at times I had a lump in my throat. I think I'm becoming a big ol' softie in my old age.
Cheers to Bill the Bastard! May his memory live on forever.
While some of the story has been "romanticised", Bill was a real WW1 warhorse and the only bloke who managed to ride him, Major Michael Shanahan, was real too. The fact that Bill and Shanahan rescued four stranded soldiers from the Battle of Romani. Not bad...cantering off 3 miles with Shanahan and four other soldiers hanging on and under fire and atrocious hot desert weather. Bill was finally given recognition of this brave act and there's a statue of him at a small hamlet between Sydney and Canberra.
The writing style is "easy reading" and it is sometimes hard to distinguish fact from fiction (John Simpson was killed by machine gun fire...not shrapnel) this does not detract from the impact of the story. Well, not for me at least. I loved this book and at times I had a lump in my throat. I think I'm becoming a big ol' softie in my old age.
Cheers to Bill the Bastard! May his memory live on forever.
January 2, 2020
This was a sweet, very Australian story.
In many ways, "Bill the Bastard" is sort of like an Australian version of War Horse. This narrative non-fiction follows the life of Bill, an Australian Waler, who earns himself the affectionate, though usually accurate, suffix of "the Bastard", when he proves himself to be unrideable, bucking off anyone who dares to mount him in under a minute.
After working as a packhorse at Gallipoli, alongside Simpson and his donkey, collecting the wounded and dead, Bill is sent to Egypt where he forms a bond with Major Michael Shanahan. Eventually, Shanahan earns himself the distinction of being the only man who can ride Bill, and the ride into battle together many times, saving each others lives on the regular.
I listened to an audiobook version, and the narrator, David Tredinnick, does a magnificent job at bringing the world of Egypt, Turkey and Palestine alive. Roland Perry's descriptions were great, though occasionally his dialogue went off into a tangent. And after reading this book, it's very hard not to care about Major A.B. "Banjo" Paterson, Aidan Sutherland, Major Shanahan, and of course, Bill, an awful lot.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a little bit of content (some swearing and sexual references) and is eager to learn more about the campaigns of the Light Horse in an often forgotten theatre of WW1.
In many ways, "Bill the Bastard" is sort of like an Australian version of War Horse. This narrative non-fiction follows the life of Bill, an Australian Waler, who earns himself the affectionate, though usually accurate, suffix of "the Bastard", when he proves himself to be unrideable, bucking off anyone who dares to mount him in under a minute.
After working as a packhorse at Gallipoli, alongside Simpson and his donkey, collecting the wounded and dead, Bill is sent to Egypt where he forms a bond with Major Michael Shanahan. Eventually, Shanahan earns himself the distinction of being the only man who can ride Bill, and the ride into battle together many times, saving each others lives on the regular.
I listened to an audiobook version, and the narrator, David Tredinnick, does a magnificent job at bringing the world of Egypt, Turkey and Palestine alive. Roland Perry's descriptions were great, though occasionally his dialogue went off into a tangent. And after reading this book, it's very hard not to care about Major A.B. "Banjo" Paterson, Aidan Sutherland, Major Shanahan, and of course, Bill, an awful lot.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a little bit of content (some swearing and sexual references) and is eager to learn more about the campaigns of the Light Horse in an often forgotten theatre of WW1.
April 26, 2021
I read this book for ANZAC Day 2021. It was a great story about the war horse known as Bill the Bastard. Brave and intelligent, but also a trickster who would only let a few ride him. There is a statue of him in Murrumburrah in NSW.
Definitely worth a read.
Definitely worth a read.
November 21, 2023
Good historical read that shone an interesting perspective on Gallipoli and the role animals had in it along with the soldiers
November 13, 2024
great read
What a well told tale of adventure and spirit. What a bastard. I learnt about the Light Horse Brigade and a lot about the war in Africa
What a well told tale of adventure and spirit. What a bastard. I learnt about the Light Horse Brigade and a lot about the war in Africa
September 30, 2012
What an amazing part of Australian war history. I admit I was not looking forward to reading this book, as I had anticipated yet another dreary account of Australia at war. This book was both a refreshing surprise and a brilliant, inspiring story. It truly is Australia's answer to Michael Morpurgos' War Horse.
The story of an amazing animal, a Waler horse affectionately named Bill the Bastard due to his unwillingness to let anyone mount him for more than a few seconds; and the select few who he decided were worthy enough to ride him.
Bill surprised everyone with his wealth of equine character but more surprising is the love and brotherhood between a light horseman and his mount. These men were some of Australia's bravest soldiers, who have been somewhat left out of our history books.
I loved this book and felt myself being able to truly see the battles raging at Gallipoli and in the Sinai, but one can never feel what war is truly like, but this book gives a highly accurate portrayal, even bringing to light parts of the ANZAC campaign that aren't written in the history books.
Highlights of this book for me included the story of the great balladeer Banjo Paterson in this engagement. He was made a major and looked after many of the light horse mounts.
I was also enthralled by the story of Major Michael Shanahan, who not only "tamed" Bill, but was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word, not only in battle but in life in general.
I was however, outraged at the behaviour of General Allenby and the British government in ordering the destruction of thousands of our war horses, despite them being healthy and despite the protests of their troopers, but was pleased at the ending which tells of Bill and his love Penny living out peaceful lives only kilometres away from Anzac Cove where Bill first shot to infamy and earned the nickname The Bastard.
All in all, a well written book from Roland Perry, on old hand in the non-fiction game. This book will not disappoint any fan of war stories or military history as it contains a fair dose of each within its pages.
The story of an amazing animal, a Waler horse affectionately named Bill the Bastard due to his unwillingness to let anyone mount him for more than a few seconds; and the select few who he decided were worthy enough to ride him.
Bill surprised everyone with his wealth of equine character but more surprising is the love and brotherhood between a light horseman and his mount. These men were some of Australia's bravest soldiers, who have been somewhat left out of our history books.
I loved this book and felt myself being able to truly see the battles raging at Gallipoli and in the Sinai, but one can never feel what war is truly like, but this book gives a highly accurate portrayal, even bringing to light parts of the ANZAC campaign that aren't written in the history books.
Highlights of this book for me included the story of the great balladeer Banjo Paterson in this engagement. He was made a major and looked after many of the light horse mounts.
I was also enthralled by the story of Major Michael Shanahan, who not only "tamed" Bill, but was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word, not only in battle but in life in general.
I was however, outraged at the behaviour of General Allenby and the British government in ordering the destruction of thousands of our war horses, despite them being healthy and despite the protests of their troopers, but was pleased at the ending which tells of Bill and his love Penny living out peaceful lives only kilometres away from Anzac Cove where Bill first shot to infamy and earned the nickname The Bastard.
All in all, a well written book from Roland Perry, on old hand in the non-fiction game. This book will not disappoint any fan of war stories or military history as it contains a fair dose of each within its pages.
September 7, 2021
Another very satisfying recreation from Roland Perry who has a way of making history come alive. A good read that makes time fly.
February 24, 2019
A truly amazing horse (I learnt what a waler was), an outstanding soldier and hero (Major Michael Shanahan), and an extraordinary story. Some of the writing was a bit hokey but it suited the subject matter. I loved reading it because my grandfather was involved in the same campaigns during The Great War and as a horse breaker and machine gunner would probably have been involved in similar if not the exact same activities/engagements. Several of the reviews in Goodreads suggest that it is all fiction but my (minimal) research suggests much of it is factual. The pragmatic slaughter of so many of the horses at the end of the war was rather distressing, you can imagine the emotions of the blokes that had formed such a bond with their animals.
December 6, 2014
A blend of fact and fiction, based on a remarkable war horse. Although I feel as if I could tell where the facts ended and the fiction began, it is still a truly amazing story and an insight into World War I and the great bond the Light Horsemen shared with their mounts.
Where Michael Morpugo's 'War Horse' is a sweet fictitious creature, Bill was a real horse and from the sound of it not a very easy one to get along with. Some of the references to horses in the book are inaccurate or unlikely but nevertheless, Bill's strength and courage is obviously true.
I'm not a big fan of war stories but for this I will make an exception.
Where Michael Morpugo's 'War Horse' is a sweet fictitious creature, Bill was a real horse and from the sound of it not a very easy one to get along with. Some of the references to horses in the book are inaccurate or unlikely but nevertheless, Bill's strength and courage is obviously true.
I'm not a big fan of war stories but for this I will make an exception.
October 9, 2013
I didn't intend on reading this book. My husband was given a paperback copy by a customer at his work. He read it and raved about it so I decided to give it a go. I loved it too. The author has a particular style to his writing and includes factual details which makes the story all the better. If you like war history and horses then this book will be of interest to you. I'm now reading another of Roland's books, The Australian Lighthorse. I guess I can be counted as a fan.
August 20, 2014
Books about war are not a topic that "like" is the right word for. I enjoy books about animals and I like the way Roland Perry writes to tell a story. Remarkable is a word to describe not only Bill but also the men, women and other horses that shared his military service. What makes me so sad is what happened to the horses that did not return to Australia, this part of Bill's story certainly does not make for an enjoyable read but the rest of the book does.
January 1, 2013
As a horseman myself I found much of this book extremely far fetched and unbelievable. I began reading with a great expectation but very early in the book thought what a load of rubbish the description of young Towers trying to ride Bill bareback set the tone for me. Very disappointed in the book.
April 7, 2014
An interesting insight into the First World War and the original Anzac's. Based around the light horse brigade and the australian soldiers and their mounts in particular, the story follows the war with Bill, a huge waler horse. He has a low tolerance of people, but comes to respect one in particular.
April 21, 2014
Loved this book so much. The love these Aussie Diggers had for their horses was so strong. To choose to shoot your own horse at the end of the war because you owe them so much better than to be left in a foreign country. Lots of tears fell reading this book. What a hero Bill was working beside Simpson and his donkey for a while :(
January 20, 2014
Great book, about a forgotten hero of the first world war. I found the ending sad, it was awful what was done with these horses at the end of the war.
I was also upset about the majors story and how it ended, (How could she!!!!)
I was also upset about the majors story and how it ended, (How could she!!!!)
April 8, 2018
Omg... Nearly cried about 100000000000 times through this book.
It was absolutely incredible and I can't believe that I never knew about this story.
Even if you are not a fan of horses, you need to stop what you are doing and pick up this book right now.
It'll melt your heart <3
It was absolutely incredible and I can't believe that I never knew about this story.
Even if you are not a fan of horses, you need to stop what you are doing and pick up this book right now.
It'll melt your heart <3
August 10, 2021
Never thought a book about a horse would make me laugh and cry but I did. An amazing story
May 13, 2021
GENRE
Non-fiction, History, War
MY RATING
As this is a historical novel based on true events, I believe I should base my rating on two things.
1. How well/clearly was the information provided to the reader? 3.5/5
The book aims to create an emotional connection between the reader and Bill, Shanahan and Paterson (yes, THAT Paterson). This allowed the writer to explore their roles in the war by telling their side of the story, as well as explaining some of the war tactics used and people involved, in defeating the Turks in Egypt.
2. How well was the writing style suited to this story? 4/5
Perry captures the true essence of Anzac spirit through the way he writes about the men. He did not try to polish their speech which I am grateful for as it added to the authenticity of the story and made it hit home for me.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 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 regiment, 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.
MY THOUGHTS
This book was given to me by my father for my 30th birthday. I asked him for a copy of his favourite book, so here it is.
This book made me laugh out loud as well as want to cry. The massacres which occurred during Gallipoli and Egypt were horrendous at best but what really pulled on my heartstrings was that ending….it was awful what happened to all of those loyal war horses once the war was over.
FAVOURITE QUOTES
“hmm” the officer interrupted, “how old are you again?”
“You asked me before”
“But you’re older now than when your first told me.” The officer said, holding the recruit’s gaze for several seconds before adding “why don’t you go for a walk around the block and come back a year older”
“Wait you… why I oughta…!” Henderson snorted. He staggered up to Bill. Just as he reached for the saddle, Bill bolted another thirty metres away. Henderson was left stumbling and nearly fell again. He cursed so hard that his deep voice went up an octave. Bill waited. He still had his back to his rider. When Henderson was ten metres away, Bill took off again, then stopped once more, now some forty metres away. Henderson was sweating profusely under the weight of his accoutrements. He needed a drink, but the water bottle was on the horse. He wanted his rifle, but that too was wedged close to the saddle.
“I am going to stick you!” he yelled, but his sheathed bayonet was next to the rifle.
“Wallow in your own bloody excrement then!” Paterson called to him as he left the stall. He jumped clear as Bill kicked back at the doors hard that he split the wood. His minder never abused him again.
“You want to ride him, Captain?”
The other lieutenants laughed.
“Good God no! I’d rather remove a tiger’s tooth without tranquilliser.”
Non-fiction, History, War
MY RATING
As this is a historical novel based on true events, I believe I should base my rating on two things.
1. How well/clearly was the information provided to the reader? 3.5/5
The book aims to create an emotional connection between the reader and Bill, Shanahan and Paterson (yes, THAT Paterson). This allowed the writer to explore their roles in the war by telling their side of the story, as well as explaining some of the war tactics used and people involved, in defeating the Turks in Egypt.
2. How well was the writing style suited to this story? 4/5
Perry captures the true essence of Anzac spirit through the way he writes about the men. He did not try to polish their speech which I am grateful for as it added to the authenticity of the story and made it hit home for me.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 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 regiment, 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.
MY THOUGHTS
This book was given to me by my father for my 30th birthday. I asked him for a copy of his favourite book, so here it is.
This book made me laugh out loud as well as want to cry. The massacres which occurred during Gallipoli and Egypt were horrendous at best but what really pulled on my heartstrings was that ending….it was awful what happened to all of those loyal war horses once the war was over.
FAVOURITE QUOTES
“hmm” the officer interrupted, “how old are you again?”
“You asked me before”
“But you’re older now than when your first told me.” The officer said, holding the recruit’s gaze for several seconds before adding “why don’t you go for a walk around the block and come back a year older”
“Wait you… why I oughta…!” Henderson snorted. He staggered up to Bill. Just as he reached for the saddle, Bill bolted another thirty metres away. Henderson was left stumbling and nearly fell again. He cursed so hard that his deep voice went up an octave. Bill waited. He still had his back to his rider. When Henderson was ten metres away, Bill took off again, then stopped once more, now some forty metres away. Henderson was sweating profusely under the weight of his accoutrements. He needed a drink, but the water bottle was on the horse. He wanted his rifle, but that too was wedged close to the saddle.
“I am going to stick you!” he yelled, but his sheathed bayonet was next to the rifle.
“Wallow in your own bloody excrement then!” Paterson called to him as he left the stall. He jumped clear as Bill kicked back at the doors hard that he split the wood. His minder never abused him again.
“You want to ride him, Captain?”
The other lieutenants laughed.
“Good God no! I’d rather remove a tiger’s tooth without tranquilliser.”
September 11, 2024
This true story of an Australian Waler horse in WW1 was truly uplifting. His connection with Major Michael Shanahan was remarkable. He seemed to have a 6th sense of impending danger, and helped prevent injury on several occasions.
Roland Perry included more than Bill's story. Banjo Paterson's role was also described along with a lot of detail about Gallipoli and the Sinai battles. It was good that the "after story" was added so that I found out what happened to Bill and his Major following the war.
I had no knowledge of this horse and all he went through before reading this. I am so glad I found this book by accident in a second-hand shop.
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 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 regiment, 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.
Roland Perry included more than Bill's story. Banjo Paterson's role was also described along with a lot of detail about Gallipoli and the Sinai battles. It was good that the "after story" was added so that I found out what happened to Bill and his Major following the war.
I had no knowledge of this horse and all he went through before reading this. I am so glad I found this book by accident in a second-hand shop.
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 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 regiment, 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.
August 7, 2021
What an excellent book. Bill is the story of a horse taken from Australia to Egypt, Gallipoli, and Palestine, and eventually back to Gallipoli, during World War One. It's also the story of the only man who managed to ride him properly, Michael Shanahan, who bribed the unruly horse with liquorice allsorts, and allowed Bill to set his own terms, without trying to force him to do anything.
It covers the period from 1915, when the ANZAC force under British commend landed at Gallipoli, were defeated badly by the Turks, regrouped in Egypt, and then took on the Turkish army throughout Palestine and Syria, defeating them in battle after battle, including the Lighthorsemen's most famous victory at Beersheba.
Roland Perry has written an excellent tale of a historical event in such a way that is very relatable to almost anyone interested in military history, and Aussie military history especially.
It covers the period from 1915, when the ANZAC force under British commend landed at Gallipoli, were defeated badly by the Turks, regrouped in Egypt, and then took on the Turkish army throughout Palestine and Syria, defeating them in battle after battle, including the Lighthorsemen's most famous victory at Beersheba.
Roland Perry has written an excellent tale of a historical event in such a way that is very relatable to almost anyone interested in military history, and Aussie military history especially.
September 16, 2020
Moving story of both the horrors and if you can call them such the enchantments (or feelings of enchantment) of wartime. The book is both a wonderful story following both Bill and Shanahan, and fascinating in the historical aspect of it. (No idea how true to fact it all actually is) It is quite engaging and a fun easy read as well.
Content wise obviously it is a war story, so though never gruesome it doesn't play down the horrors and death. There is also content like smoking and such, and you know some characters are sleeping around.
In some ways it is a bit disjointed as with it being a story of Bill we have to follow him through the eyes of many different humans and their colliding story lines. But all that seemed to fit in well for the kind of story it was.
Content wise obviously it is a war story, so though never gruesome it doesn't play down the horrors and death. There is also content like smoking and such, and you know some characters are sleeping around.
In some ways it is a bit disjointed as with it being a story of Bill we have to follow him through the eyes of many different humans and their colliding story lines. But all that seemed to fit in well for the kind of story it was.
January 23, 2026
Confession...I skimmed through portions of this book because the immense detailing of Australia's role in WWI was not what I was hoping to read.
That said...the parts about the life story of Bill the Bastard, a Waler horse born in Australia and sent over to Egypt to serve in the calvalry, was fantastic. This stallion was was so well described from the twitch of his ear to the glistening sweat on his chest, I did not even need an image to know what he looked like. And even more, throughout the story he reminded me much of my old mare...wicked intelligent, moody, loyal to a fault, and the most honest horse I have ever known.
A delightful read about a true war horse.
That said...the parts about the life story of Bill the Bastard, a Waler horse born in Australia and sent over to Egypt to serve in the calvalry, was fantastic. This stallion was was so well described from the twitch of his ear to the glistening sweat on his chest, I did not even need an image to know what he looked like. And even more, throughout the story he reminded me much of my old mare...wicked intelligent, moody, loyal to a fault, and the most honest horse I have ever known.
A delightful read about a true war horse.
December 30, 2021
Not my usual type of read but it was lent to me. An interesting account of the First World War from the perspective of the Australian light horse brigade. The main horse celebrated was Bill for his intelligence, strength and stamina throughout the campaign. It also contains the story of the only man able to ride Bill, Major Michael Shannahan. There is also Banjo Paterson and his involvement during the war. Very interesting read even for someone like me who usually avoids accounts of war.
January 28, 2023
Really good book and very well told. Occasionally there was a blurring of fact with fiction but most times this added to the story. The futility of war is subtlety woven into the narrative and the story itself is a unique one. I was intrigued to learn there there is a statue of Bill the Bastard at Murrumburrah, which is a town only 2.5 hours from my place so I will have to check it out next time I am passing through.
April 22, 2024
It took a bit to get into, but I learnt heaps about the war from this great story of war horse, his personality and his feats and those of the people around him.
There are a couple of brief adult bits, but in terms of the war it was more informative and less graphic than some youth fiction which tends to rely on the sights and smells of blown up bodies to get the message across.
A highly enjoyable listen where stubbornness, tenacity and respect were honoured.
There are a couple of brief adult bits, but in terms of the war it was more informative and less graphic than some youth fiction which tends to rely on the sights and smells of blown up bodies to get the message across.
A highly enjoyable listen where stubbornness, tenacity and respect were honoured.
June 12, 2021
An easy read that beautifully illustrates Bill the Bastard's story and the efforts of the Light Horse. It draws you in and you can't help but laugh as yet another trooper (or uppity brass) takes a dive off Bill or feel the pull of your heart strings as the end of the war draws near. But most of all I loved Shanahan's story, his courage and most of all his "can-do" attitude despite adversity.
October 19, 2021
Historical story of WW1 of Australian troops & their relationship with there horses, specifically Bill (the bastard)
Also the evolving conflict in the Middle East & the characters involved from Gallipoli to post war & back in Australia & in mother England
Very moving & informative
Helps to understand modern geo political world events
Also the evolving conflict in the Middle East & the characters involved from Gallipoli to post war & back in Australia & in mother England
Very moving & informative
Helps to understand modern geo political world events
December 25, 2019
I'm not usually interested in war stories, but as I live near Murrumburrah, I was interested to learn the story of Bill, a local. It was a very interesting story to read and even the war tales were easy and interesting to read.
November 1, 2020
I enjoyed this book - for the second time. It is one of my all time favourite Australian World War 1 stories. I assume there is a good deal of poetic licence in the telling, but that doesn't matter as it is highly entertaining and isn't that why you read. I thoroughly recommend it.
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