After early training at Broadmeadows, the 29th Battalion set sail for Egypt, where the troops spent some months on garrison duty at the Suez Canal prior to embarking for France. 'Black and Gold' vividly describes the confusion and bitterness that followed the battalion's first major action at Fromelles.
After a year of so in France, the 29th Battalion journeys north to Belgium, and gallantly participated in the struggle for Polygon Wood in September 1917. The final year of the war saw the 29th Battalion return to the Somme, and take part in the victorious advance against the German Hindenburg Line in August and September 1918.
The use of numerous photographs and maps, as well as many letters and diary excerpts assists the reader of 'Black and Gold' to better understand the terrible conditions under which these men fought during the Great War.
Contents:
Foreword
1. A Humble Beginning
2. The Fiery Furnace at Fromelles
3. Northern France
4. Sunray Trench
5. Beaumetz
6. Polygon Wood
7. Molenaarelsthoek
8. 42 Days in the Line
9. Morlancourt
10. Vauvillers
11. The Bitter End
Appendix 1. Battle Honours
Appendix 2. Honour Roll and Cemetery Locations: 29th Battalion
Appendix 3. Honours and Awards
Appendix 4. Nominal Roll: The Original 29th Battalion
Appendix 5. Nominal Roll: Reinforcements to the 29th Battalion
Appendix 6. In the Prison Camps of Germany
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index
List of Subscribers
