Ross McMullin's masterly work retrieves a significant Australian from undeserved obscurity. It also judiciously reassesses notable battles he influenced - including the Gallipoli Landing, Lone Pine, Fromelles, Polygon Wood, and Villers-Brettoneux - and illuminates numerous aspects of Australia's experiences during his lifetime, particularly the often-overlooked period of the aftermath to the Great War.
Pompey Elliott was a remarkable Australian. During the Great War he was a charismatic, controversial, and outstandingly successful military leader. An accomplished tactician and 'the bravest of the brave', he was renowned for never sending anyone anywhere he was not prepared to go himself. As a result, no Australian general was more revered by those he led or more famous outside his own command.
A man of unimpeachable integrity and unwavering commitment, he was also forthright and volatile. His tempestuousness generated a host ofanecdotes that amused his men and disconcerted his superiors.
Yet surprisingly little had been written about Elliott until the original edition of this book appeared in 2002. Now in a new format and with a foreword by Les Carlyon, this comprehensive, deeply researched biographytells Elliott'sfascinating story. It vividly examines Elliott's origins and youth, his peacetime careers as a lawyer and politician, and his achievements - as well as the controversies he aroused during his years as a soldier.
Ross McMullin's masterly work retrieves a significant Australian from undeserved obscurity. It also judiciously reassesses notable battles he influenced - including the Gallipoli Landing, Lone Pine, Fromelles, Polygon Wood, and Villers-Brettoneux - and illuminates numerous aspects of Australia's experiences during his lifetime, particularly the often-overlooked period of the aftermath to the Great War.
'Australian who don't read this book are short-changing themselves.'
Peter Ryan, The Australian
'A striking aspect of Ross McMullin's scrupulous biography is how little Elliott has been exaggerated by posterity . . . Pompey Elliott is a large book, and rightly.'
Gideon Haigh, The Age
'May be the best Australian military biography yet to appear.'
Stephen Loosley, Sunday Telegraph
