The Whale Oil Guards: 53rd Australian Inf. Bn

An eccentric book by an eccentric author. His account is written in the style of a novel, about a unit which he does not specify but with characters who really existed and awards which really were made. The strange title of this book is attributed to the fact that the CO ordered his men to polish their steel helmets with whale oil so that they would shine!Despite the strange behaviour of their CO and their Chaplain, the men of the 53rd were much respected for their fine services at Peronne, Le Catelet, Bullecourt, Polygon Wood, and the breaking of the Hindenburg Line. These battles are all covered in this unusual book. Appendixes, Honours & Awards.