An Anzac's Story by Roy Kyle, introduced and edited by Bryce Courtenay, was chosen to be part of the first Books Alive campaign in 2003. Books Alive is the biggest promotion of books and reading ever undertaken in Australia.

Roy Kyle was a typical Australian soldier, gripped by patriotism to defend King and country during the First World War. It was the war to end all wars.

Enlisting early and underage, Kyle celebrated his eighteenth birthday in the trenches of Lone Pine, Gallipoli where over two and a half thousand Australians were killed or wounded. He was one of the last to be evacuated.

After Gallipoli he served in Egypt and later at the battle of the Somme until he was wounded in the head, arms and back. The Armistice was signed while Kyle was at sea on his way home.

Over seventy-five years later, at the age of 93, Kyle returned to Gallipoli. This is his story, written in his own words.

Roy Kyle started writing his remarkable memoirs at the age of eighty-nine and almost completed his story before he died. Bryce Courtenay was asked if he would edit Roy's work with the view to it being published.

Will be released for an Australia Day Challenge - around 26 January 2005!

RELEASE NOTES:

Left at the Bridgewater Online Access Centre - just as you come in the door.