From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth

The NZ Division on the Western Front

A HISTORY AND GUIDE TO ITS BATTLEFIELDS

With the centennial of the start of World War I approaching, this is the successor to Colonel Hugh Stewarts Popular History of the Division, published 90 years ago.

The New Zealand Divisions campaign in France and Flanders was the birth of the modern New Zealand Army. At Armentieres, First Somme(with the first tanks in support), Messines, and Third Ypres it established a high reputation.

This was enhanced in its great encounter battle when it closed a gap in the British Line on the Ancre at Second Somme during the German Spring Offensive in March 1918. Following this, it was in the vanguard of the final Advance to Victory during the Last Hundred Days. This culminated in its heroic Relief of Le Quesnoy, in the Battle of the Sambre, at wars end.

Its story tells of national sacrifice. 13,467 New Zealanders died in its ranks in two and a half years; more than in all three Armed Services combined in the six years of World War II. Long in the shadow of the Gallipoli legend, the campaign in France and Belgian Flanders warrants equal prominence in New Zealands national consciousness. It is time to lighten that shadow.

This comprehensive military history is unique, as it also incorporates a detailed logistical guide to the battlefields (of great value to those planning a visit to where their fore-fathers fought) and a description of the contemporary Western Front. This is in the form of a 12- day pilgrimage diary.

135 wartime and contemporary illustrations and 41 maps enhance a moving narrative.

The Foreword is by Dr Christopher Pugsley, New Zealands pre-eminent authority on the Great War.

Click here for a preview of the book [2.2MB PDF]

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Update November 2016 - Sadly John H. Gray, author of 'From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth' passed away suddenly on the 23rd November 2016. He was 88 years old. He had recently had three weeks visiting the WW1 battle fields which went well and he greatly enjoyed it. We send our condolences to his wife, Olive, and his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

We have a limited number of copies of Uttermost signed by the author.  If you are interested in purchasing a signed copy please contact us at orders@willsonscott.biz

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