Author: Derek Guille
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780987313966
Category : Australia
Languages : en
Pages : 37

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Book Description
From the prologue by Derek Guille: Until recently I knew very little about the town of Villers-Bretonneux. All I knew was that there was a village in France whose citizens continued to keep a promise, made almost a century ago, to never forget the Australians who saved them in the First World War. I was fortunate to accompany the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on its 2007 European tour as a journalist and blogger. Members of the Brass Section told me of their plans to visit Villers-Bretonneux, inviting me to recite the Ode of Remembrance at a private commemorative service for Nelson Ferguson and all those who served. That day in Villers-Bretonneux is deeply etched into the memories of all of us as a truly remarkable and emotional experience. We were warmly welcomed as friends and discovered the depth of feeling that remains for Australia and Australians. It has become very clear to me that more Australians should know about this place, about what happened there in World War One and the legacy and strength of friendship that remains. If we want our children to really know about war we should tell them the stories of the people who fought in them. Nelson's story is representative of thousands who served and suffered, and to follow his story to northern France was for me a privilege and a true education.

Author: Don Farrands
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1925520544
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 496

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Book Description
This is the true story of a young Australian soldier whose life of opportunity was challenged by trauma and salvaged by strength. Nelson Ferguson, from Ballarat, was a stretcher-bearer on the Western Front in France in World War I. He survived the dangers of stretcher-bearing in some of Australia's most horrific battles: the Somme, Bullecourt, Ypres and Villers-Bretonneux. In April 1918, at Villers-Bretonneux, he was severely gassed. His eyes were traumatised, his lungs damaged. Upon his return home, he met and married Madeline, the love of his life, started a family, and resumed his career teaching art. But eventually the effects of the mustard gas claimed his eyesight, ending his career. Courageously enduring this consequence of war, he continued contributing to society by assisting his son and son-in-law in their stained-glass window business. Advances in medicine finally restored his sight in 1968, allowing him to yet again appreciate the beauty around him, before his death in 1976. The story of this Anzac will stir your soul. It is a story of war and bravery, pain and strength, hope and miracles. “remarkable…. deeply personal” - Barry Jones AC “extremely moving, vivid, and highly informative” - Nigel Westlake (Australian composer)