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POSTED: 16 APRIL 2010 Keith Murdoch, The Gallipoli Letter (with introduction by Michael McKernan, and foreword by Jack Thompson AM) (Allen & Unwin | hardback 112pp | $29.99) In 1915, Keith Murdoch, who would go on to become one of Australia’s leading newspapermen, was a young journalist. He also happened to be close friends with the Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher. Fisher at the time was anguishing over the fate of the thousands of Australian troops who had rallied to the defence of the Empire and were serving overseas — the problem being he knew next to nothing about how they were being used. He needed some eyes on the ground to advise him, and Murdoch was his choice. What followed was an 8000-word personal letter written to Fisher by Murdoch after he had travelled to Gallipoli and seen the conditions there for himself. This letter is claimed to have changed the course of the whole Gallipoli campaign, helping to lead to the famous retreat, and thus avoiding a total military disaster. It is staggering for us in this day and age to imagine that thousands of Australian troops could be committed to a campaign of which the Australian Government of the time knew next to nothing. What is more familiar is the idea of the lone journalist penetrating the “spin” put on the campaign by those with vested interests, and seeking to get the truth out — though in Murdoch’s case he was not concerned about getting a career-boosting byline. He just wanted to save the lives of the soldiers he saw. This is a timely publication by Allen & Unwin, making accessible a valuable piece of first-hand evidence from this important moment in Australia’s history. The volume includes Michael McKernon’s excellent explanation of the ‘back story’ to the letter, including a brief biography of Murdoch, how he came to be chosen for this role, and what the effects of the letter were. A reproduction of the actual type written letter itself is also included, which is a nice touch. A worthy addition to the available titles detailing the Gallipoli campaign. |
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