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Long before this letter can possibly reach you, great events which will stir the whole world and go down in history will have happened, to the eternal glory of Australia and all who have participated. - John Monash, 24 April 1915 These extraordinary, intimate letters from General Sir John Monash to his wife and daughter, record his experiences throughout World War I, from landing at Gallipoli to leading decisive battles on the Western Front. Monash describes with great candour the challenges of ordering the lives of tens of thousands of troops and meeting with various dignitaries, including King George. Regarded as the best allied commander of World War I, Monash writes with remarkable insight, providing one of the most moving personal accounts ever written of an Australian soldier at war. This edition, reprinted in full for the first time since 1935, contains newly discovered letters, including Monash's moving final missive to his wife before the Gallipoli landing. With an introduction and notes by historian A.K. Macdougall, and new photos, this volume provides unparalleled insight into the experience of Australians in World War I. 'In the eyes of many Monash was the greatest Allied Field Commander of World War I. His leadership of the Australian Army Corp in 1918 was exemplary.' - John Howard 'As a writer, Monash has a great eye.' - Les Carlyon 'His was the most brilliant leadership ever shown in any activity by an Australian.' - Bob Carr 'Monash wrote 75,000 letters and this war correspondence selection reflects a calm, rational mind and demonstrates succinct descriptive skills to rival any professional writer. He wrote in real-time without revision, sometimes during battles. This leaves us with a potted personal history of one of two biggest wars by the most outstanding and eloquent General of the conflict, who did more than anyone else to win and end it.' - Roland Perry