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The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli: The many lives and tragic death of Harry Freame, the Anzac hero betrayed by his nation
Harry Freame was the first Australian to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli. Raised as a samurai, he risked his life again and again to scout the beaches and hills of the battlefield, reporting invaluable intelligence back to his officers and relieving stranded soldiers who otherwise would surely have died. Some say he should have got the VC but didn't because he was half-Japanese, a fact he tried hard to conceal.
After the war, Harry (real name Henry Wykeham Koba Freame) became a soldier settler and champion apple grower. But when Japan emerged as a perceived threat to Australia, Harry was recruited into Australian intelligence to spy on the Japanese community in Sydney. Before Japan's entry into World War II, Australia opened a diplomatic legation in Tokyo, and Harry was sent as a translator - but his real role was a spy. Extraordinarily, his cover was leaked by the Australian press, and the Japanese secret police tried to assassinate him not long after his arrival in Tokyo in 1941. Harry died back in Australia a few weeks later, but his sacrifice has never been acknowledged by Australia.
Until now. Featuring never-before-seen material, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli is a fascinating and immersive investigation into a grievous historical wrong.
After the war, Harry (real name Henry Wykeham Koba Freame) became a soldier settler and champion apple grower. But when Japan emerged as a perceived threat to Australia, Harry was recruited into Australian intelligence to spy on the Japanese community in Sydney. Before Japan's entry into World War II, Australia opened a diplomatic legation in Tokyo, and Harry was sent as a translator - but his real role was a spy. Extraordinarily, his cover was leaked by the Australian press, and the Japanese secret police tried to assassinate him not long after his arrival in Tokyo in 1941. Harry died back in Australia a few weeks later, but his sacrifice has never been acknowledged by Australia.
Until now. Featuring never-before-seen material, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli is a fascinating and immersive investigation into a grievous historical wrong.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2024
6 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Butta
6 books12 followersAfter starting out life on the opal fields of western NSW, Ryan was raised among the vineyards and horse studs of the Hunter Valley. His first work of historical non-fiction, The Ballad of Abdul Wade, recounted the previously untold story of the Afghan men that came to Australia in the1800s to work in the mining and wool industries. The Ballad of Abdul Wade was longlisted for the Indie Book Awards non-fiction book of the year for 2023. Ryan's latest work, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli, retells the remarkable life story of Harry Freame, a Japanese-Australian adventurer, soldier of fortune, Anzac, orchardist and spy.
Ryan's feature writing has appeared in the Good Weekend Magazine and he is a regular contributor to Galah Press, writing about the people and places of regional Australia. Ryan’s works of historical non-fiction look to reveal and understand the hidden and forgotten stories of Australia and the Australians who, like his own family, came across the seas to make their home here. Ryan believes that only by dismantling the myths of the past can we build the country of the future. Ryan now lives on Dharawal country on the NSW South Coast.
Ryan's feature writing has appeared in the Good Weekend Magazine and he is a regular contributor to Galah Press, writing about the people and places of regional Australia. Ryan’s works of historical non-fiction look to reveal and understand the hidden and forgotten stories of Australia and the Australians who, like his own family, came across the seas to make their home here. Ryan believes that only by dismantling the myths of the past can we build the country of the future. Ryan now lives on Dharawal country on the NSW South Coast.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 4, 2024
Ryan Butta has a knack for telling untold stories from Australian history that reflect our multiculturalism. I previously enjoyed his book, The Ballad of Abdul Wade, so was keen to learn about Harry Freame - “the Marvel of Gallipoli.”
“His whole life was a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma and soaked in intrigue.”
Harry was certainly a mysterious character that led numerous lives. Born in Japan as Hidetsugu Kitagawa, we follow his story from samurai upbringing to becoming the first Australian to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli. Ryan then traces his challenging time as a soldier settler, before his recruitment by Australian intelligence during World War II – service that would ultimately take his life.
There has been an over-saturation of media on Gallipoli in recent years. If not for the sacrifices made, you could be forgiven for feeling tired of it – but this feels fresh. The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli opened my eyes to much I didn’t know. It’s a unique perspective that turns the stereotypical Anzac narrative on its head.
“Poignantly the little boy who didn’t belong would eventually find his place in no-man’s land, that stretch of ground between enemy trenches, where his courage and determination would make him beloved by the officers and men of the first AIF.”
At times, the Gallipoli section read like an action movie – such was the engaging writing style and daring feats of Harry. His wartime appearance of two revolvers on each hip, knife in his boot, and third revolver hidden under arm only enhanced that vibe! By around page 70, however, this part of Harry’s journey was over.
“The war had left him maimed, forgotten and discarded. In all he was wounded eighteen times at Gallipoli, including the shattered right arm that put him out for good.”
Australia’s WWI soldier settler schemes appeared disastrous. I couldn’t help but feel for Harry – government failures, on various levels, became an ongoing theme. I admire Ryan for leaving no stone unturned and depicting a raw portrait of the man – though Harry’s affairs and treatment of wife, Edith, left me conflicted.
It was tough to learn of Harry’s demise in service of his country, and how that same country failed to recognise these sacrifices. I’m glad stories like this are finally being told.
Ryan’s immersive investigation sets the record straight in a touching tribute to an Australian hero who gave so much.
Many thanks to Affirm Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“His whole life was a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma and soaked in intrigue.”
Harry was certainly a mysterious character that led numerous lives. Born in Japan as Hidetsugu Kitagawa, we follow his story from samurai upbringing to becoming the first Australian to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli. Ryan then traces his challenging time as a soldier settler, before his recruitment by Australian intelligence during World War II – service that would ultimately take his life.
There has been an over-saturation of media on Gallipoli in recent years. If not for the sacrifices made, you could be forgiven for feeling tired of it – but this feels fresh. The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli opened my eyes to much I didn’t know. It’s a unique perspective that turns the stereotypical Anzac narrative on its head.
“Poignantly the little boy who didn’t belong would eventually find his place in no-man’s land, that stretch of ground between enemy trenches, where his courage and determination would make him beloved by the officers and men of the first AIF.”
At times, the Gallipoli section read like an action movie – such was the engaging writing style and daring feats of Harry. His wartime appearance of two revolvers on each hip, knife in his boot, and third revolver hidden under arm only enhanced that vibe! By around page 70, however, this part of Harry’s journey was over.
“The war had left him maimed, forgotten and discarded. In all he was wounded eighteen times at Gallipoli, including the shattered right arm that put him out for good.”
Australia’s WWI soldier settler schemes appeared disastrous. I couldn’t help but feel for Harry – government failures, on various levels, became an ongoing theme. I admire Ryan for leaving no stone unturned and depicting a raw portrait of the man – though Harry’s affairs and treatment of wife, Edith, left me conflicted.
It was tough to learn of Harry’s demise in service of his country, and how that same country failed to recognise these sacrifices. I’m glad stories like this are finally being told.
Ryan’s immersive investigation sets the record straight in a touching tribute to an Australian hero who gave so much.
Many thanks to Affirm Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2024
We will remember them.
I never cease to be impressed and humbled by the bravery of our young Aussie lads who climbed the hills of ANZAC cove at Gallipoli. They were ordered to go over the top of the trenches into certain death – and went – and died. All because some dumb-arse Pommy general told them too, when he didn’t have a clue what they were facing. I think if it were General Hamilton facing the Turks at Gallipoli, he’d jump over the top of the trench and yell, “Listen here you Turks! Stop firing at us so we can kill you fair and square.”
Butta has clearly done a lot of research for this book and brought to light the brave Harry Freame, who, despite being a philandering, wife-abandoning, country-hopping bigamist, was a natural born scout and a HUGE asset to the AIF in Gallipoli. His biggest problem was that he was half Japanese and lied about it; telling everyone he was Canadian and fought in the Mexican wars (which he may or may not have). Nevertheless, Harry distinguished himself in service to his country, and after a controversial death in 1941 (while in service to his country once more), he was buried in an unmarked grave and forgotten. Worse still, his wife and children were left destitute. Thanks to the efforts of this author and others, his grave is now marked as it should be, with a Veteran’s plaque.
The problem I found was, there was just way too much detail about ancillary or unrelated events/people. I ended up skipping a lot of chapters, and the enjoyment factor suffered a near fatal wound.
RIP Harry. You done good!
I never cease to be impressed and humbled by the bravery of our young Aussie lads who climbed the hills of ANZAC cove at Gallipoli. They were ordered to go over the top of the trenches into certain death – and went – and died. All because some dumb-arse Pommy general told them too, when he didn’t have a clue what they were facing. I think if it were General Hamilton facing the Turks at Gallipoli, he’d jump over the top of the trench and yell, “Listen here you Turks! Stop firing at us so we can kill you fair and square.”
Butta has clearly done a lot of research for this book and brought to light the brave Harry Freame, who, despite being a philandering, wife-abandoning, country-hopping bigamist, was a natural born scout and a HUGE asset to the AIF in Gallipoli. His biggest problem was that he was half Japanese and lied about it; telling everyone he was Canadian and fought in the Mexican wars (which he may or may not have). Nevertheless, Harry distinguished himself in service to his country, and after a controversial death in 1941 (while in service to his country once more), he was buried in an unmarked grave and forgotten. Worse still, his wife and children were left destitute. Thanks to the efforts of this author and others, his grave is now marked as it should be, with a Veteran’s plaque.
The problem I found was, there was just way too much detail about ancillary or unrelated events/people. I ended up skipping a lot of chapters, and the enjoyment factor suffered a near fatal wound.
RIP Harry. You done good!
August 17, 2024
Brilliant and brave Digger
Many thanks to Ryan Butta for researching and publishing the story of Harry Freame. Harry was an incredible soldier and a fascinating person, who was greatly respected by the Diggers he served with during WWI, by those who he worked the land, and finally, by the men who sent him to spy on Japan, his birth place.
Many thanks to Ryan Butta for researching and publishing the story of Harry Freame. Harry was an incredible soldier and a fascinating person, who was greatly respected by the Diggers he served with during WWI, by those who he worked the land, and finally, by the men who sent him to spy on Japan, his birth place.
November 17, 2024
I normally reserve five stars for works of “literature” that resonate with me for style, language and characterisation. But this gets it for exposing the racist flaw in the ANZAC myth, for giving a different perspective of the White Australia policy, for exposing a clear bureaucratic coverup and for righting a wrong. I will visit Harry’s grave and pay my respects. This is a must read for those interested in Australian history and who read stuff on the glorification of the Digger. Here’s one Digger who was ignored and whose family suffered.
August 28, 2024
Factual and emotive, Is that possible? Ryan Butta’s intricately researched book is a combination of both. It isn’t just a historical account of Harry Fream’s life and family. When reading you feel like you can know the characteristics of Harry and those whose lives he has affected.
At times I felt frustrated with the Australian government and quite sad how Harry and his family were treated.
After finishing this book, I felt far more knowledgeable about Australian history, the Gallipoli landing and WW1.
I am left to ponder, is Australia very different today regarding multiculturalism.
When a book educates you, makes you emotionally connected and leaves you asking more questions, it is a winner!
At times I felt frustrated with the Australian government and quite sad how Harry and his family were treated.
After finishing this book, I felt far more knowledgeable about Australian history, the Gallipoli landing and WW1.
I am left to ponder, is Australia very different today regarding multiculturalism.
When a book educates you, makes you emotionally connected and leaves you asking more questions, it is a winner!
December 31, 2024
This is not a genre I am usually found reading, but because the author came and spoke at my local book shop
I bought the book and I’m glad to have read it. I have a great deal of amazement for Harry’s feats in war and his survival in life after war. The white Australia policy and everything it spurned seems pretty outrageous and unjust looking through today’s lens. We get a sense of Harry as a very good person and his son the same. He clearly had a loving relationship
with Gracie and young Harry but I was intrigued about what happened with Chappie. I read the first half of the book very slowly and interest waned at times. But the second half I powered through bedridden with Covid on New Year’s Eve.
I bought the book and I’m glad to have read it. I have a great deal of amazement for Harry’s feats in war and his survival in life after war. The white Australia policy and everything it spurned seems pretty outrageous and unjust looking through today’s lens. We get a sense of Harry as a very good person and his son the same. He clearly had a loving relationship
with Gracie and young Harry but I was intrigued about what happened with Chappie. I read the first half of the book very slowly and interest waned at times. But the second half I powered through bedridden with Covid on New Year’s Eve.
March 13, 2025
A very interesting story of someone I had never heard of before, Harry Freame, who was apparently the first Australian soldier to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal as well as being the top scout at Gallipoli. Freame’s job was a very dangerous one, involving going out into no man’s land at night time to map enemy trenches and gather other intelligence. Freame was wounded a number of times and captured once, managing to escape because he had a concealed pistol and was able to shoot his way out.
The actual story of Freame’s time at Gallipoli did not take up much of the book. Most of the book is a mixture of what happened to Freame after Gallipoli, mixed in with a very interesting discussion of the tensions between Australia and Japan leading up to World War II. This is highly relevant because Freame himself was half Japanese, something he had tried to keep hidden for various reasons (describing himself as partially Mexican when he joined up to the AIF in the First World War).
The story of what happened to Freame and his fellow soldier settlers on the land granted to them by the government is quite interesting and the extreme level of government incompetence and corruption is quite something.
This is no spoiler, the blurb of the book says that Freame is the first Australian to have died partaking in secret intelligence activities. Due to his fluency in Japanese and being half Japanese, Freame is considered to be a useful intelligence asset as the Second World War approaches. Freame is recruited into the secret intelligence service and goes to Tokyo, ostensibly as part of a translating staff for the diplomat, but really to seek intelligence on Japan. Here, the story becomes a bit more conjectural. What is known is that Freame is invalided out and has to come back to Australia being severely ill. He dies shortly after returning from Japan. His official cause of death is gallbladder cancer. However, Freame apparently told a couple of people that he had been garroted by the Japanese Secret Police and had managed to escape but the injuries were so severe that he never recovered. Freame himself never gave a direct account of this to anyone at the hospital in Japan, or to any of his superiors in the intelligence service, or any doctors when he returned to Australia.
The author believes that Freame was murdered by the Japanese secret police but personally I think the evidence is a bit thin to say that that is definitely what happened.
The last couple of chapters of the book are dedicated to righting some wrongs, including an argument that Freame’s DCM should have been a Victoria Cross, regarding Freame’s cause of death, and getting a headstone on his grave.
Overall an interesting book, written somewhat in the style of a Peter Fitzsimmons—but don’t let that put you off as this delves into a much more obscure and interesting topic than those popular histories.
Overall, recommended.
The actual story of Freame’s time at Gallipoli did not take up much of the book. Most of the book is a mixture of what happened to Freame after Gallipoli, mixed in with a very interesting discussion of the tensions between Australia and Japan leading up to World War II. This is highly relevant because Freame himself was half Japanese, something he had tried to keep hidden for various reasons (describing himself as partially Mexican when he joined up to the AIF in the First World War).
The story of what happened to Freame and his fellow soldier settlers on the land granted to them by the government is quite interesting and the extreme level of government incompetence and corruption is quite something.
This is no spoiler, the blurb of the book says that Freame is the first Australian to have died partaking in secret intelligence activities. Due to his fluency in Japanese and being half Japanese, Freame is considered to be a useful intelligence asset as the Second World War approaches. Freame is recruited into the secret intelligence service and goes to Tokyo, ostensibly as part of a translating staff for the diplomat, but really to seek intelligence on Japan. Here, the story becomes a bit more conjectural. What is known is that Freame is invalided out and has to come back to Australia being severely ill. He dies shortly after returning from Japan. His official cause of death is gallbladder cancer. However, Freame apparently told a couple of people that he had been garroted by the Japanese Secret Police and had managed to escape but the injuries were so severe that he never recovered. Freame himself never gave a direct account of this to anyone at the hospital in Japan, or to any of his superiors in the intelligence service, or any doctors when he returned to Australia.
The author believes that Freame was murdered by the Japanese secret police but personally I think the evidence is a bit thin to say that that is definitely what happened.
The last couple of chapters of the book are dedicated to righting some wrongs, including an argument that Freame’s DCM should have been a Victoria Cross, regarding Freame’s cause of death, and getting a headstone on his grave.
Overall an interesting book, written somewhat in the style of a Peter Fitzsimmons—but don’t let that put you off as this delves into a much more obscure and interesting topic than those popular histories.
Overall, recommended.
September 13, 2024
This is a sad indictment of how returned service personnel are treated by our Gov.
Great read, enjoyed learning about Harry Freame
Great read, enjoyed learning about Harry Freame
January 17, 2025
A very interesting and thought provoking piece- well presented!
January 24, 2025
Great read
April 25, 2025
Just finished and today being being April 25th very relevant. Informative and relevant read. Thanks Ryan for bring Harry's life and service to notice.
July 21, 2025
4.5
“The digger from the land of the rising sun could now rest below the rising sun that he had lived and died for”
“The digger from the land of the rising sun could now rest below the rising sun that he had lived and died for”
October 22, 2025
pretty solid read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews