Landmark Publication – Man of Iron to Be Launched August 7

Landmark Publication – Man of Iron to Be Launched Friday 7 August by the Hon Jim Anderton at the Great War Exhibition in Wellington

MAN OF IRON

Jock Vennell

Published to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Chunuk Bair, Man of Iron is the first biography of this battle’s hero, Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone.

“The Gallipoli campaign of which Malone was so much a part is now part of the folk memory of this country.”

Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone is one of New Zealand's best-known First World War soldiers, having held off fierce Turkish counter-attacks for nearly two days before being killed by a shell from a British warship. The defence of Chunuk Bair has been described as one of New Zealand's finest hours. Malone and his men captured and held the heights of Chunuk Bair on the Gallipoli Peninsula in August 1915.

William Malone was not only an outstanding military leader, as commander of the Wellington Infantry Battalion, but also a successful farmer, lawyer and family man. His letters reveal a man unfulfilled by peacetime pursuits, and war offered him a liberation of spirit and a new sense of purpose. Leaving for the front, he wrote, 'I leave a lucrative practice, a happy home, a brave wife and children without any hesitation. I feel I am just beginning to live.'

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jock Vennell is a Wellington based writer and historian. He is the author of The Forgotten General.

JOCK VENNELL IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

Hon Jim Anderton worked to have Malone recognised as a hero during the 1990’s – he is available for interview on request

Dr Judy Malone available for interview on request

PUBLISHED: 8 August 2015

IMPRINT: Allen & Unwin

CATEGORY: Military Biography

NZRRP: $36.99

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