Author to talk about his Gallipoli book

A fascinating tale of World War I heroes sent on a "suicide mission" will be the focus of a presentation in Wollongong.

The Friends of Wollongong City Library will host "A Literary Lunch with Kit Cullen" on Thursday, April 23, at 11.30am on level 9 of the Wollongong City Council building in Burelli Street.

The Wollongong-based history researcher and English teacher will discuss his book, Jack's Journey.

Jack's Journey was published in 2013 and tells the story of an unheralded action that occurred on May 1-2, 1915 (during the Anzac campaign at Gallipoli).

Cullen spent about 10 years researching and writing the book, which tells the story of Jack Collyer from Mudgee, who was 23 when he joined the 4th Battalion in Sydney in September 1914. He died at Gallipoli from wounds a week after the Anzac landings.

Cullen traced Collyer's story using his three diaries and service record.

On May 1, Collyer and about 50 other members of No. 15 Platoon 4th Battalion were ordered to go to the aid of about 60 Royal Marines, who had been trapped for 2½ days in an isolated trench.

The Anzacs were ordered to resupply the Marines and to reinforce their line. To do so meant they had to run an exposed 50-metre long track.

As they braved the death trap, most were killed or wounded, including Collyer.

Tickets to the lunch are $25 members and $30 for visitors. They can be purchased from the council's cashier's office and Corrimal, Thirroul and Dapto libraries.

Information: 42259 223 or hwoodward12@bigpond.com