One Hell at a Time

by Tracee Spiby

Albert Spiby had just turned 18 when he signed up to fight in the Great War in 1915. He was not a 'hero' in the traditional sense. He didn't receive special awards for bravery or gallantry. He did what hundreds of thousands of other Australian soldiers did - his job. From the searing sands of the Egyptian desert to the blunders at Bullecourt, the stupidity of the Somme and the horror of Pozières to the mud and insanity of Passchendaele - One Hell at a Time follows Albert Henry Spiby and the 46th Battalion AIF from one hell to the next. One Hell at a Time has been extensively researched, yet it is not a military history of how the war was won or lost. Nor is it the story of heroes. It's the story of what it was like for an ordinary man just doing his job and provides a glimpse into some of the extraordinary circumstances that influenced his survival. One Hell at a Time reveals the humour, humanity and exasperation of Albert and his fellow diggers. The reader is privy to the transformation of Albert over four years of waste from a naive 18-year-old into Alby, a war-weary veteran questioning himself and what he is doing. And just wanting to survive the next hell and go home.

314 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2023

Reviews

[Angela Tennant · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most gritty, humourous, sorry, inspirational and tragic accounts of WWI, through the eyes of Alby Spiby, and through the words of his granddaughter Tracee. The incredible diggers, their resilience, strength, and honour under a scathing incompetent British command, with horrible losses of life....I'm forever in debt for our ANZACS, and this story...which keeps me honest about our history....if you read one WWI true account, please read 'One Hell at a time ' .

[Kersten Gentle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Hell at a Time" is an intensely gripping account of a soldier’s harrowing journey during World War I, meticulously penned by Tracee Spiby. Inspired by her grandfather's experiences, Spiby has succeeded in painting a vivid picture, so compelling that it's impossible not to visualize the scenes described.

The book is a stark, unabashed exposé of the gruesome realities of war. Though the details are heart-wrenching, they are a necessary evil, offering an unfiltered lens into the lives of our brave diggers. It's a reminder that in order to truly honor their sacrifice, we must be cognizant of the horrors they endured.

Spiby’s narrative is gripping and relentless, making it a page-turner from start to finish. The aftermath leaves one with an increased reverence for our diggers who have given up so much for their countrymen. In its raw, unflinching honesty, "One Hell at a Time" serves as a grim yet important reminder of the true cost of war.

[Jessie Halls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading, this made me realise how little I knew about a soldiers survival , relying on pure adrenalin and strength, being pushed to the their limits, for the sake of collateral Damage/loss, and pain! This is one book, that you can't put down, and the first time you'll read about, conditions you probably never read or heard of.
My eyes and heart have opened up a little more, in the appreciation and the sacrifices these men made!
READ IT, YOU WON'T BE DISSAPPOINTED!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us know about the Great War or have seen black and white photos of men in uniforms in the town halls, schools, offices, or in the houses of family members or friends. This book gives life and emotions to those faces. It juxtaposes the sadness and devastation our soldiers witnessed with humour and tales of the mischief they got in to between battles. The personal story of Albert runs simultaneously with the third person narration which explores the social and political landscape of Australia, Britain and Europe at the time of the war and what this meant for anyone caught in between.

The author has created a piece of writing accessible to all ages of all interests. You don't need to be interested in war or have any prior knowledge on it to read this book. It's also suitable if you need a good laugh, a good cry, to feel angry, or feel hopeful. This is a story that will stay with you.

[Karen Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

#onehellatatime #traceespiby
Wow I read this book because I know the author, this is such an amazing book, I loved reading Albert Spiby’s letters, while reading them you felt a little like you could see what was happening, the letters he described being so cold and soldiers getting trench foot, asking to be sent woollen mittens, socks and scarves, being with the French and no Australians able to speak “Frog”, and the Red Baron could have been shot down by an Australian soldier with a .303. We are such a lucky country and owe our defence force personnel so much. “Lest we forget “

[Tracey Bons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superbly researched, educational written account of life on the battlefield and trenches during the World War 1 conflict. Takes the reader on an intensely emotional, moving and inspiring journey of bravery and mateship. Enhanced by personal letters written by Albert Spiby to his parents. Captivating from the very first page.

[Aaron Cordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book that paints the true horrors of war.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details the WW1 experiences of my great grandfather Albert Spiby and this account has been extensively researched by my Aunty Tracee Spiby. The detailed descriptions evoke vivid sensations of the sights, sounds, smells and emotions experienced from the front line. I appreciated the occasional sprinkling of humour - “the tanks could at times equal the fastest snail” and uplifting moments (the tale of brothers Ted and Ernie reuniting again after being split up in childhood 🙌🏻🥰) amongst the sombre barrage of war atrocities. This book is a valuable piece of my family’s history to be treasured by both Alby’s descendants and anyone with an interest in life on the front line.