That Magnificent 9th by Mark Johnston
That Magnificent 9th by Mark Johnston
That Magnificent 9th
An Illustrated History of the 9th Australian Division 1940-46
by Mark Johnston
Allen & Unwin, 2002, b/w photographs throughout, maps, hardcover, dustjacket, ISBN 1865086541
Very Good Condition, rubbing to edges, tape residue on cover, shelf wear adn edge wear, dustjacket has minor edge and shelf wear with minor creasing to back (see photographs)
'This is a unique and powerful visual history of the men who fought in the 9th Australian Division. Many never before published photographs, some from veterans' private collections, illustrate dramatic and confronting stories of Tobruk, El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo.
The 9th Division gained renown as 'Rats of Tobruk' in 1941, were eulogised as 'that magnificent 9th' by General Montgomery after the battle of El Alamein in 1942 and drew praise from their formidable opponent, Field Marshal Rommel.
In 1943, the Division joined the war against Japan and served with distinction in New Guinea - undertaking the largest amphibious landing by Australian forces since Gallipoli - and in two controversial campaigns in Borneo.
These evocative photographs show the human face of war but also demonstrate the Australian digger's ability to find humour in the most unlikely circumstances.'