Hard Jacka: The Story of a Gallipoli Legend

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY World War I

‘With some historical figures, it is enough to know of their deeds, and to read a detached analysis of their character and emotions. Others, though, by their very humanity, cry out to breathe from the pages, to take on – in our imaginations – the flesh and blood of their famous lives. Albert Jacka, Australian warrior, is one of the latter.’ General Peter Cosgrove – AC, MC (Retd). Michael Lawriwsky’s insightful HARD JACKA breathes life into the real man behind the legend – ‘Jacka’ to his superiors, ‘Bert’ to his mates, ‘our Albert’ to his proud mother. His acts of selfless heroism at Gallipoli would win him a VC, and his bravery in the battlefields of France would win him the unswerving loyalty of his mates. Hard Jacka is a rich and fascinating story about Albert Jacka and the Great War, its heroes and anti-heroes, their sacrifice, determination and larrikin humour. It’s a compelling tale about the deep bonds that life in the trenches developed between men – the quintessential Aussie mateship.

• [x], 537 p., [16] p. of plates : ill., maps, ports. ; 20 cm.

040415/150524

• “Limited edition”–Cover.
• “Foreword by General Peter Cosgrove”–Cover.
• “This is a great read about a great Australian hero whose name deserves to be remembered – Anthony Staunton”–Cover.
• Includes bibliographical references.
• Jacka, Albert, 1893-1932
• Australia. Army — Biography
• World War, 1914-1918 — Australia — Biography
• Soldiers — Australia — Biography