HISTORY OF THE 14th BATTALION, AIF

The Author, Newton Wanliss, was from an influential Ballarat Family, at the time of writing the 14th Battalion History he was a retired solicitor who had gained a LLB from Cambridge University. Newton Wanliss's son Harold was an Officer of the 14th Battalion. Harold (see pic) was killed at the Battle of Polygon Wood his Father dedicated the remainder of his life to writing this History. For years Newton Wanliss searched for his son's body but was unsuccessful. This is the Official Battalion History compiled and written by Wanliss with information gained from numerous 14th Battalion Association members including the famous 14th Battalion hero Albert Jacka VC MC & Bar. Wanliss published the 14th Battalion History in November 1929. At that time Lieut.General Sir John Monash, in a Foreword to the 14th Battalion History said, "unrivalled by any other war book of its kind....has brought to his task a capacity for historical research...., which have rarely been equalled in the literature of the Great War."

Australian historian Bill Gammage recently wrote,"One of the best 1st A.I.F. unit histories, it reveals a competent researcher, a good writer, and a proud and grieving father."

A very thorough Battalion history, produced to the best standards of the 1920s. The 14th Battalion's principal battles are concisely described in forty-two chapters, with each page having extensive margin notes. Individual members are mentioned throughout, with lists of award winners listed for each action. A well produced history full of interest, and easy to consult, and also rare in its original printing with just 200 books having been produced. Exactly why only 200 of the original 14th Battalion History book were produced is unknown. One would have imagined when the 14th Battalion History Book was released around November 1929 the actual ex members of the 14th Battalion would have numbered in the thousands. It has been suggested possibly something to do with the 1929 Stock Exchange crash and the pending economic crisis had some basis. The Book was well advertised an original 1929 press release can be seen below.

The Roll of Honour, Honours and Awards, list of brothers killed while serving with this Bn., and unit nominal roll complete this history.
This book being offered is a professionally produced reprint of the original 1929 1st edition 14th Battalion history. It is a true reproduction of the 1929 edition.
Of course with the original of this 14th Battalion History being so rare the cost of the original is higher than $1000. Even these reprints escalate in value when they in turn become out
of print. Here is your chance to obtain this book that can be treasured as a
hand me down Family History Book.

Follows the 14th Battalion's 1st AIF history from its formation in Victoria. Training Broadmeadows Victoria Egypt First day landing Battalion on ANZAC Gallipoli and the many Battles on the Western Front
Since 1929......The Best for 14th Battalion Jacka's Mob medal or genealogy research !
Don't miss this one !
Following is the Fourteenth Battalion 1929 Press Release by Newton Wanliss.

Albert Jacka had assisted Newton Wanliss to write and was a contributor to the 14th Battalion History.  It's interesting that after his completion of the 14th Battalion History, Newton Wanliss was planning to write a biography of Albert Jacka. Albert Jacka was writing his memories of the major Battles for Newton Wanliss. Wanliss never completed the Albert Jacka biography. Probably in part due the Depression but mainly that Albert Jacka's health had deteriorated to such a degree that Jacka died on the 17 January 1932. Click here to read the Albert Jacka wiki page.  After Albert Jacka's death Wanless was one of the largest contributors to the fund to assist Albert Jacka's Wife and Daughter. Wanless for the rest of his life continued to attend the Jacka Pilgrimage a annual march to Jacka's grave. Newton Wanliss died in 1950 aged 88.

Condition and Details

Gloss Grey printed softboards 
Perfect is new. Quality reprint.
416 pages
135mm x 215mm - 30mm Thick 570grams
 
Battalion Battle Honours include
Somme Pozieres  Bullecourt  Messines Ypres 
 Menin Road Polygon Wood  Passchendaele  Hamel Amiens Albert Hindenburg Line    ANZAC  Landing at ANZAC  Defence at ANZAC