A deeply moving first-hand account of the Gallipoli tragedy told in the voice of an ANZAC legend, No Better Death: The Great War diaries and letters of William G. Malone is a poignant
tale told through the letters and diary entries of Lieutenant Colonel
W.G. Malone, the commander who led the assault on Chunuk Bair in Gallipoli only to
be killed later that day in battle.The book is the acutely insightful first-hand account of a man whose honesty, wit, knowledge and courage were evident throughout his story.
Impressive and passion-laden the correspondence between the great commander and his family showcase the unbounded love that Malone had for those he left behind. A resource, which he constantly drew upon to help him through and overcome the fear of the life-threatening situations that he endured.
The writings also demonstrate Malone’s heroic leadership, humanity and overwhelming compassion he held for his men as he led them to battle.
Striking photography, most of which was taken by Malone himself, vividly illustrates the moving account of the tragedy, which we should never forget.
The story of his older sons, three of whom also served in the Great War, forms part of the narrative too. A story of family commitment and sacrifice which continues to 2012, when Malone’s great-great-grandson was sadly killed on active service in Afghanistan.
About the Editor: John Crawford is the New Zealand Defence Force Historian and has written on many aspects of the history of New Zealand Armed Forces and defence policy. In 2007 he edited, with Ian McGibbon, Exisle’s monumental book, New Zealand’s Great War, and in 2008 he edited The Devil’s Own War: The First World War Diary of Brigadier- General Herbert Hart. He is currently living in Wellington and writing a volume for the forthcoming First World War Centenary.
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