Hard Jacka - The Story of a Gallipoli Legend

Reviews

Sabretache

Journal of the Military Historical Society of Australia

Vol. XLVIII, No. 4 – December 2007, page 59

Review of ‘Hard Jacka: the story of a Gallipoli Legend, by Michael Lawriwsky

Hard Jacka is a novelised account of Captain Albert Jacka VC MC at war on Gallipoli and the Western Front. There have been two good Jacka biographies, the 1989 work, Jacka, VC: Australia’s finest fighting soldier by Ian Grant and last year Jacka VC: Australian hero by Robert Macklin. I thought both biographies were great although I did have some minor quibbles. Again, I have some minor quibbles but this novel works for me. I found it an easy read with plausible characters and since Michael Lawriwsky’s intention was to preserve the memory of an extraordinary Australian I was willing to give him a fair chance to get my attention which he succeeded quite quickly in capturing.

I agree with Ian Grant who names Jacka as Australia’s finest fighting soldier. I also agree that Jacka would have been a worthy recipient of a second VC. However, only one person, Noel Chavasse, a medical doctor was awarded successive Victoria Crosses in World War 1. The other recipient of a second award in World War 1, another medical officer, Arthur Martin-Leake, received his first Victoria Cross with the South African Constabulary in 1902. No infantry soldier or officer was awarded two Victoria Crosses in World War 1.Albert Jacka with three gallantry medals including the Victoria Cross was one of a select number awarded multiple decorations in World War 1.

The work is based on well-known and well respected sources including the official history of C E W Bean, Jacka’s Mob by Edgar Rule and the 14th Battalion history by Newton Wanliss, the father of Harold Wanliss who was killed at Polygon Wood. Harold is one of the main characters of the novel as well as 14th Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Charles Dare and 4th Brigade Commander Brigadier General Charles Brand. Jacka had little rapport with Dare and Brand and was constantly at loggerheads with both but I had more sympathy with these commanders than I think Lawriwsky was trying to convey. Sadly, Jacka did not have a Kippenberger as a mentor unlike New Zealander Charles Upham who was awarded two Victoria Crosses in World War 2.

Michael Lawriwsky is to be commended for the additional 50 pages of biographical sketches and historical commentaries. This is a great read about a great Australian hero whose name deserves to be remembered.

I recommend you treat yourself to a good read.

Dr Anthony Staunton
Editor