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Jacka VC: Australian hero
The remarkable life story of Albert Jacka - a true Australian war hero - the first Australian to be awarded a VC at Gallipoli who later became prominent in local government in Victoria.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2006
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 12, 2016
An interesting book about a true Australian hero. Somewhat marred by the authors almost fanatical desire to introduce the concept of military incompetence and the bungling of generals, without any facts to back up his hubris of the Australian soldier.
In his Author's note he gives recognition to Anthony Staunton and states "- for his willingness to read the manuscript at an early stage to eliminate errors of fact. If any remain, they may be put down to my obduracy in the face of superior knowledge". He then goes on to litter the text with mistakes. For example, on Page 4 he writes 'Turks in the trench!' and loaded another magazine onto his Lee Enfield .303. The SMLE had one magazine and was reloaded by charging new rounds using a clip.
Although I enjoyed the narrative regarding Jacka VC I felt that his unnecessary theme that all British Generals were useless and all Australian soldiers braver than the brave grated after a while.
It is not a book that I would purchase to place in my library.
In his Author's note he gives recognition to Anthony Staunton and states "- for his willingness to read the manuscript at an early stage to eliminate errors of fact. If any remain, they may be put down to my obduracy in the face of superior knowledge". He then goes on to litter the text with mistakes. For example, on Page 4 he writes 'Turks in the trench!' and loaded another magazine onto his Lee Enfield .303. The SMLE had one magazine and was reloaded by charging new rounds using a clip.
Although I enjoyed the narrative regarding Jacka VC I felt that his unnecessary theme that all British Generals were useless and all Australian soldiers braver than the brave grated after a while.
It is not a book that I would purchase to place in my library.
March 23, 2016
Some men went to war and came home. Their experiences remain personnel. Albert Jacka showed outstanding bravery on numerous times winning a VC and two MCs. His exploits had to be shared with a nation desperate for a hero. In doing so he became unpopular with many more senior officers who must have been extremely jealous of the soldier's soldier.
Macklin's book is easy to read and provides short descriptions of the political and military environment in which Jacka found himself. The sickening part of the story is how the ambitions and stupidity of the Generals and wanabee Generals ruined so many lives. The good part of the story is the honest and sympathetic way Jack's amazing exploits are explained and those brave men who were part of these stories.
If they made a movie on Jacka you would not believe it. But like many soldiers he died early from the wounds, injuries and illnesses gained in the war.
Macklin's book is easy to read and provides short descriptions of the political and military environment in which Jacka found himself. The sickening part of the story is how the ambitions and stupidity of the Generals and wanabee Generals ruined so many lives. The good part of the story is the honest and sympathetic way Jack's amazing exploits are explained and those brave men who were part of these stories.
If they made a movie on Jacka you would not believe it. But like many soldiers he died early from the wounds, injuries and illnesses gained in the war.
June 1, 2016
Listened to audio
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews