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Source: Wikipedia
Keith Murdoch Keith Murdoch i(A79786 works by) (a.k.a. Sir Keith Arthur Murdoch)
Born: Established: 12 Apr 1885 ; Died: Ceased: 4 Oct 1952 Frankston area, Melbourne South East, Melbourne, Victoria,
Gender: Male
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Works By

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1 About the Troops Keith Murdoch , 2013 extract correspondence (The Gallipoli Letter)
— Appears in: From the Trenches : The Best Anzac Writing from World War One 2013; (p. 95-102)
1 The Gallipoli Letter Keith Murdoch , 2012 extract correspondence (The Gallipoli Letter)
— Appears in: The Words That Made Australia : How a Nation Came to Know Itself 2012; (p. 22-26)
1 1 y separately published work icon The Gallipoli Letter Keith Murdoch , Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2010 Z1830106 2010 single work correspondence

'In September 1915, Keith Murdoch, then a young war journalist, wrote an 8000-word letter to the Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher. "The Gallipoli Letter", as it came to be known, changed the course of the Gallipoli campaign.

'The letter, protesting against the conduct of the campaign and describing conditions at the front, is both intimate and conversational: "I shall talk to you as if you were by my side." It is also at times angry, passionate, vivid and very moving: "Then in the early hours came the landing, when the life of man is at its lowest." At times, it is simply heartbreaking: "The heroic Fourth Brigade was reduced in three day's fighting to little more than 1000 strong. You will be glad to know that the men died well."

'The letter changed the course of the campaign: Hamilton, the general in charge of the campaign, was sent home, and the Allies were withdrawn in December of the same year.

'The Gallipoli Letter is an inspiring document. It speaks directly to us about war, our history and the indomitable Australian spirit. Accessible and compelling, it should be read by everyone - it is a vital part of our history and the enduring ANZAC legend.' (From the publisher's website.)

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