Author(s): John Ramsland

History

"A flash blinds me...We are lost in a chaos of flying mud...Smoke, filth,confusion, racket! I spit and splutter and swear...Oh Christ! I think I'm flamin' well dead." This is the compelling story of Lieutenant Joseph 'Darkie' Maxwell DCM, MC and Bar, VC - the second highest decorated Australian soldier of the First World War. Meticulously researched by historian John Ramsland, Maxwell's colourful life is traced from his childhood on the Hunter coalfields until his death at age 71 in a soldier's settlement home in Matraville Sydney.