LAST ITEM HELD MATCHING THIS TITLE STATED:

The author, NSW, 2006. Hard cover (laminated boards) dust wrapper large 8vo 454pp mainly b&w and some colour photos (nearly 400 photos and fifty maps). New book. Edition of 1000. Numbered, signed by author. . History of the battalion from its formation in Egypt in February 1916 until its disbandment in France in October 1918. The men of the 54th represented all areas of NSW, but most came from Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, and the central west around Bathurst and Dubbo. Late in June 1916, although still not properly trained, the battalion was sent to France. Three weeks later, without spending any time in the front line, the 54th was one of the Australian battalions sacrificed at Fromelles. In one night 2000 Australians troops were killed. The 54th Battalion lost 167 killed or died of wounds, 245 wounded and 136 captured. After this disastrous and premature beginning at Fromelles in July 1916, it did not lead another major attack until September 1918 at Peronne, where it achieved a conspicuous victory, and earned two Victoria Crosses. In between it endured the horrific rigours of trench warfare and the European winters, and fought in battles at notable locations such as Bullecourt, Polygon Wood and Villers-Bretonneux. St Claire has listed nearly 3000 men who served with the 54th during the Great War. This nominal roll includes details of occupation, various important dates, details of casualties and deaths and, where possible, portrait photos. Also as appendices, includes awards, reinforcement units and honour roll.