An Anzac's Story by Roy Kyle Hardcover

An Anzac's Story is a poignant memoir that provides a rare and valuable perspective on World War I through the eyes of an ordinary Australian soldier, Roy Kyle (1897-1996). Kyle, a fiercely patriotic youth, enlisted in the A.I.F. (Australian Imperial Force) in 1915 while still underage.

The book, which Kyle began writing at the age of 89 and nearly completed before his death, is notable for its authentic, unvarnished account of a typical Anzac's experiences. The narrative begins with Kyle's colourful Australian childhood in country New South Wales and Victoria, setting the stage for the eager young man who volunteered for war.

The heart of the memoir lies in his combat service. Kyle spent his eighteenth birthday in the terrible trenches of Gallipoli, and was one of the last soldiers to leave the peninsula. Following the Dardanelles campaign, he went on to serve on the Western Front in France, where he was severely wounded.

An Anzac's Story offers a powerful portrait of the famous "Anzac spirit"—the courage, mateship, and resilience forged in battle. The book gained wider recognition with an introduction written by acclaimed Australian novelist Bryce Courtenay, who championed the publication of Kyle's important personal record. It stands as a vital primary source, giving voice to the frontline experience of a generation that shaped the Australian national legend.